Christian Readers discussion
Be alarmed but be aware!
It is so bad. I was at library couple days ago and the state of the books they had out there horrifies me. I protect my kids, but I think of those without any guidance. My heart breaks for the deception and lies for what is happening Proverbs 30 generation.
Thanks for posting this, Shawn. The really scary part about literature for the young today is that it's so emotionally engaging that it invites belief, pulling them into the promises of sexuality and power and celebrity status. Wendy looked after her brothers and the boys and tried to preserve learning and love of parents. Today's books destroy family relationships, deride adults, and say that sex is the only kind of "love" that matters. The obsession with the occult is terrifying.
Indeed, Mary. That is why in my ALLON series, I stress the unity of family, of purity and try to model the proper relationship between men and women. But I also show the devastating effects of sin and wrong choices on all family members.
These (what you mentioned)are the things young people need to learn. I'm not sure that article was right about simply catering to children's wishes and fantasies, but I know sharing mental illness experiences and waking nightmares of personal fears and "reality" shows are not "it."
In a way, there are catering to children's wishes and fantasies. It has become a vicious cycle, kids reading these books and wanting more and those pushing the envelop to make the kids crave more of these types of books.
When I visited public schools, some kids gave me their stories to read, like sharing a secret their parents don't know or wouldn't approve of. I was shocked! Some of their descriptions would put Stephen King to shame. But when speaking to parents, I get a different perspective. Non -Christian and Christian parents are tired of these books and feel powerless since the publishers aren't listening and their kids won't read anything else.
When I visited public schools, some kids gave me their stories to read, like sharing a secret their parents don't know or wouldn't approve of. I was shocked! Some of their descriptions would put Stephen King to shame. But when speaking to parents, I get a different perspective. Non -Christian and Christian parents are tired of these books and feel powerless since the publishers aren't listening and their kids won't read anything else.
Publishers are just part of the mainstream media. They want what sells, and bad news sells better than good news. Publishers have the machinery dangle their temptations through Scholastic and many school-related outlets and sell the lie that this is realistic and affirms kids' self-worth and personal values. Indie authors with good books have to "invade" the space of YA readers and make themselves known.
It is hard invading and going against the machine, and I was first traditional and now indie. Sad to say, Christian publishers are embracing some of the trends in young adult fiction - sanitized a bit, but some books in the stores include vampires, evil twins and cursed pirates.
You are so right, Shawn, both about it being hard and about how Christian publishers are compromising. I am trying to get our books "out there," finding ways to get noticed, and so many other authors are, too. I see parts of this site get clogged up with "introduce yourself" or "list your books," and I wonder how many readers are paying attention. Not that I want to be noticed for myself, but I also see long series of posts in the YA section indicating that they are self-absorbed and oblivious, not even there to talk about books, just themselves -- just another chat avenue.
I agree about Goodreads, but many sites are similar. I view social media as a way to connect and online sales as secondary. My primary venues are events - book fairs, home school conventions and local festivals - where I come in contact with people and we talk face-to-face. Nothing can beat word of mouth and the personal touch.
And we wonder why the world is filled with such violence? Look at the books, movies and video games available today. It's a mess!
Indeed, Dana. People who say books and movies don't influence behavior need to read the news more. The cops dread a new Twilight movie or vampire movie for with it, violence crimes - including murder - committed by people who claim to be vampires increases. Usually males between the ages of 18-22, but a few females.
The philosophy that life has no meaning, that there is no personal responsibility, no judgment for sin, is far more dangerous than violence itself. These young people have been immersed in selfishness and the quest for immortality until they are gods in their own minds.
This is true, Mary. And by criticizing and excluding absolute truth as a basis for curbing bad behavior, they have no fear of consequences.
But your missing the point of the books. If the your children, are brought into God and have faith and know the know the books can help, understand about faith, love, personal accountability, helping friends, love of family and doing everything they can to destroy evil, sacrifice and working towards the better good then your safe!Think of it this way.... remember when we were young? Dr. Dolittle, Pippi Longstockings, Escape from Witch Mountain, Bedknops and Brooksticks, Mary Poppins! None of them worshipped Christ but all of them taught the young... which was us by the way... to love animals, help our friends and so on and so forth. Talking to animals is a spooky witches idea. Familiars??? And which one of you wanted to be Doctor Dolittle? Who of you are Pippi Longstockings? I grew up on Spiderman and Dr. Strange and so one and so forth. I'n never grew up thinking I would be spiderman. LOL
We are filled with such violence because America worships greed. People kill for greed. Kids who play violent video games aren't killing people and the one or two instances... are from broken homes, neglected and probably abused.
C'mon people.
NOW... I blame Facebook and Myspace and certain rap music to defile our youth. Slapping bitches and money money money, fame fortune and so on and so forth. YES... That I agree with. I have 3 stepkids... all glorified by fame, riches and envy and it is hearbreaking but it is the American way. It teaches us that everyone can be famous, money is all it's about and being goodlooking is worth mutilating yourself for.
My youngest stepchild, wanted to be a high fashion model and start beauty pageants. My wife... wanted her to follow her dream while praying it would crash and burn. If she told her, she couldn't... at this age... who are you to kill my dreams mommy! I told her no, my wife told her no but other family members encouraged it.
I didn't want her too cause it's like a dog and pony show except for humans where one wins and the rest feel like crap cause their either two ugly or not talented enough.
Needless to say, my wife let her do the modeling thing and the pageant and both failed. Luckily... the young one came to her senses and put her materialistic, fame machine on hold and is now in college.
It's not the books, it's society. I'm dealing with a stepkid right now... a boy who has been in and out of the court system, arrested for stealing cars and such, refuses to work and wants to be a gangster, murder, death, drug dealing and stealing. I'll be honest... rap music. Plain and simple. Have you listened to that at all?
I've never known or heard of ANY kid, wanting to be a wizard! Maybe fantasy at 5 years old but its done and over with at 6, especially with guidance from real parents. Now when the kids are 13 to 18 and emulating gangster rap... big problem...
My two cents because I am dealing with it. Fantasy novels are not teaching kids to worship the devil because those who do... just worship what they can get away with.
Oh... and don't tell me Wiccans who study wicca watched Harry Potter and that's why they do it. Wiccans are mostly women who have been abused when they are young and they turn to it because the religion pushes female power. That they can overcome the obstacle of abuse and be powerful again. With one out of every four women abused when they are young, we are lucky it's not a stampede of witches.
I know this because I know a lot of them in my life. It's one thing to blame the Devil for a book or a movie but it's another to blame the parent who can't raise a child and keep them or don't bother to watch what their kids do. That's our problem.
Stephen, I'm not going to get into a long argument, except to say, you're life experience and mine are different. Just because YOU don't know of any, doesn't mean it can't or hasn't happened. I grew up in an home where the occult was practiced. YES - the allure of power has a great influence on kids. The role of parents - good or bad - can suppress it to the point they don't know what the kids do in secret.
Also, there are police records and reports of violence escalating among kids whenever movies about vampires and witches are released.
But as I said, I'm NOT going to get into an argument. Our experiences and reality is different and I can tell we won't agree.
Also, there are police records and reports of violence escalating among kids whenever movies about vampires and witches are released.
But as I said, I'm NOT going to get into an argument. Our experiences and reality is different and I can tell we won't agree.
You both Have good points and it all come from the same spiritual enemy and he will do and use any thing to destroy.It is everywhere. Yes, everyone believes their own slant even though it all comes from the pit in one way or another to bring the Proverbs 30 generation in to head into the tribulation. My kids were taught truth. We did our best, but they hang on to stuff such as you both mentioned and my heart breaks. Praying. I know the power of this junk influenced my children ,even though we did our best, but that turned on us also-it was poor me- we did not let them have fun. They are upright citizens according to the world, but on the fence with God. and I do agree that all those "innocent" movies also had an agenda which has even influence my thinking to this day. Satan is the prince of the power of the air. He will use and do anything. I hate vampire and witch movies. Mary Poppins or not.they messed me up big time because I had no one telling me anything about it. Not all kids have the privilege of good christian upbringing either.They haven't got a clue of the snares laid.throw in homes without dads, acceptance of murder of babies, spaghetti monster god to mock the real God. it is all a way to take them down to the pit.Homo's shoving their sickness down our throats night and day and compound all this with driving media gods.
Karen, there certainly is an agenda. In fact, during the time when all those 'witch' t.v. shows such as "Charmed" and Sabrina, The Teenage Witch aired, a document was uncovered between N.O.W.(Nat'l Organization of Women), Wiccans on how they were going to promote empowering girls by means of witchcraft. It quickly ran the circuit and outraged parents protested and the shows slowly ended.
The same is happening at present with Hollywood and the gay and lesbian community in the way their lifestyle is presented, as normal and acceptable and to be modeled and inspired to by kids.
The same is happening at present with Hollywood and the gay and lesbian community in the way their lifestyle is presented, as normal and acceptable and to be modeled and inspired to by kids.
Yes, I agree. It is coming at us full force from every side. the wicked walk on every side when the vilest men are exalted. I see those books and it is just getting worse and worse in everything.
Concerning Stephen's post, I didn't read Dr. Doolittle, but thought it was weird. Mary Poppins always disturbed me, and though I thought Pippi Longstocking was fun, The overpowering trend of children's books to cut them off from adult counsel or give them only silly, magical, fanciful adults has always disturbed me. Our culture is definitely built to separate children from truly wise adults. I have a blog post on analyzing what you read for these elements. And the evil spiritual power argument is so valid. Girls and Women who feel powerless are deceived. Women have always had power to influence men for good or evil, but they have been taught so wrongly. I keep working on a book that explores a woman's true power for good through God versus the evil power of a woman who manipulated men for gain. Can't get it out, though.
Shawn wrote: "Karen, there certainly is an agenda. In fact, during the time when all those 'witch' t.v. shows such as "Charmed" and Sabrina, The Teenage Witch aired, a document was uncovered between N.O.W.(Nat'l..." The sad thing is that homosexuals can't get help because what they are doing is "normal". And you are a "bigot" if you disagree. How long can America stand when the people celebrate two lesbians being homecoming king and queen? They are just kids.
Pat, if one studies history, the last sign of a society on the verge of collapse is homosexuality among women. For with them, goes the last bastion and heart of the home as God designed. Romans 1:18-32
Shawn, you are so right. The "empowerment," empty sexualization, and "liberation" of females is the death knell of society. They have been robbed of their real power, to love and support their husbands, to teach their children, to strengthen morality and right relationships throughout society.
Due to all you said, Mary, I make a point not to fall into that trap as a writer. Rather portray relationships in the proper light with my protagonists. This doesn't mean the females are wimpy or cowards or always take a back seat. It means I strike a balance. We can be independent in certain areas, but not rebellious.
As for your book, that is a great contrast, despite the difficulty. Just look a Scripture to find the examples God included: Jezebel vs. Ester or Deliha vs. Ruth.
As for your book, that is a great contrast, despite the difficulty. Just look a Scripture to find the examples God included: Jezebel vs. Ester or Deliha vs. Ruth.
Very good points, Shawn. I have female characters who are strong because they have a right sense of how to support their husbands and other men for good. And they are foils to the evil women in an antagonist role, or to the role they played if they were unconverted in the beginning.
I just want all your books. That is what I know. I am always learning the balance of strong but being Godly.also thanks Pat.
I just read through this thread, and I must say how impressed I am with the conversation. How refreshing to see that God has given his people such discerning spirits, that they can see through the smoke and mirrors that the evil one uses to manipulate and corrupt humanity. I have never supported my children watching Harry Potter or Twilight type movies, that romanticize the supernatural. While I imagine the authors meant no harm, I feel certain their impact on children gives them something other than Christ to emulate. I think as Christians, we must keep in mind that the world has always been corrupt since the fall, and will remain so until the Lord's return. That said, again I'm so encouraged to see His people speaking out against the corrupting influences of this world, and trying to make the world a better place. We may not be able to change things, but He certainly can!
Boy am I ever late for this. I have not looked at YA books, but I have noticed these vampires type books are taking over at an alarming rate. My books are going great with the church youth around here, but most don't even like reading. Based on GR and amazon sales, its killing me. I dont do Paranormal and fantasy books so its affecting my internet sales in a big way. Its sad, but not shocking. Nothing we an do, just dont change your style, we dont need to sell out. God will bless us.
Wrote a loot but decided to delete it all. I alreeady took over another thread and I don't want to again, since so many of you don't follow Christ but just say it in lip service. Why??? Here's why...1. You are now judging Homosexuels and you do NOT know their friendship, believing or prayers to God. Every gay person, I've ever knows, has hated themselves. Do any of you think that is a choice anyone wants to do... hate yourselves?
Ah... to Jeff... The Evil one does more damage by having you listen to people who are lieing to you and you, taking it as truth. Are you a good enough parent to let your kids read C.S. Lewis, Witch and the Wardrobe? Wizards in that one... Orges, fauns and such. Lord of the rings? Don't worry, some of those on here believe in wrist band colors and lipstick parties and even worse... Oprah said it and it has to be real.
So much judgement and lies being spoken as truth. I'm so sorry for a lot of you. I suggest your read Jesus' words and not get too caught up in the old Testement.
As for Vampires??? Anne Rice... was and is the leading author of vampire books. She became Christian and then wrote Christian books. She's slowing down on them due to the judgement, neglect and self rightousness that so many Christians spout at her. Isn't that another shame.
Judge people when not knowing their relationship with God. No matter what they are doing. We all come short of the glory of God.
That's all... keep judging and keep trying to make yourself feel better by putting down others, whose life you don't know anything about.
May the Lord forgive you.
Stephen , I agree with you and your passion for the love of Jesus and the hearts of the lost is so evident. It frustrates me too when I see judment and predudice driving people further from God . I didn't know Anne Rice became a christian , praise God for that. She is a good author.
I do disagree that those who judge are not real followers of Christ. I can say this cos I used to be the same and my zeal and love for God were strong, I had just not understood His Grace. It is hard to love our Christian family at times , harder when they are so different to us, but Christ died for all of us, whatever our attitude to others .
God bless you and keep up the good work you're doing
Stephen, you are into drug, horror, hell and ungodly films listed on your http://www.unearthedfilms.com Do not presume to speak about things concern God.
Elaine, visit his website, then see if you agree with his stance.
Elaine, visit his website, then see if you agree with his stance.
Jeff wrote: "I just read through this thread, and I must say how impressed I am with the conversation. How refreshing to see that God has given his people such discerning spirits, that they can see through the ..."Amen Jeff. I hate that trash.
David wrote: "Boy am I ever late for this. I have not looked at YA books, but I have noticed these vampires type books are taking over at an alarming rate. My books are going great with the church youth around h..."Amen, so many people do not know of the slippery slope of the asps talons pulling you under with this stuff.
I am glad you are taking a stand and not giving in.
Elaine wrote: "Stephen , I agree with you and your passion for the love of Jesus and the hearts of the lost is so evident. It frustrates me too when I see judment and predudice driving people further from God . ..."
I am going to look at this site Shawn.Fine line between Liberty and Satan's subtle twisted way to get you into a stronghold being built up. I see it everyday with one's I love because the Word is not obeyed.
Stephen wrote: "Wrote a loot but decided to delete it all. I alreeady took over another thread and I don't want to again, since so many of you don't follow Christ but just say it in lip service. Why??? Here's why...."I agree with you some Stephen, but also Ann rice has slipped from what I hear. Caused me to stumble just hearing this.Must have lost money or something. God says they turned from idols to serve the living and true God. I agree homo's are hurting, but sin is sin. I have loved ones wrest and make excuses fro it all the time. I hate "shacking up" as much as homo. Sexual sins destroy. no matter what. I have told my kid's to their face. (older ones) I haste sin no matter if it is mine , my families or anyone elses .period.
Pat W. wrote: "Shawn wrote: "Karen, there certainly is an agenda. In fact, during the time when all those 'witch' t.v. shows such as "Charmed" and Sabrina, The Teenage Witch aired, a document was uncovered betwee..."Amen Pat. God is judging this country for their blood shed, going after occult and whore domes.
I went to christian bookstore yesterday and bought this:Well the book I bought is not on here. This is how bad our country is. It is called StrongMan's His Name What's His Game? Spiritual Warfare. ( I looked for your book's there Shawn and Mary's None) any way it shows trees with beginning sins which lead to perverse endings at tree top. such as spirit of infirmity, spirit of fear spirit of divination, every strongman found in bible and how to pray. Spiritual warfare. I want to do anything through Christ to break the bondage in my family. And others through Jesus and his power alone. All this is just more seduction. and we will all answer for what we put to our neighbors lips as alcohol. Even in the name of ministry. There is a fine line and God knows the motivation. It still must be done His way.
Stephen wrote: "Wrote a loot but decided to delete it all. I alreeady took over another thread and I don't want to again, since so many of you don't follow Christ but just say it in lip service. Why??? Here's why...."O h really can you give me the verses for your stand. and if you give me "Judge not." I want the whole context. Perhaps you have not read it the complete context. Cowards- if even saved- are not trusted by God in His army.
Shawn wrote: "Stephen, you are into drug, horror, hell and ungodly films listed on your http://www.unearthedfilms.com Do not presume to speak about things concern God.Elaine, visit his website, then see if you..."
Even slasher film links. I think all that stuff aught to be against even government law. Fools make a mock at sin and this is evil.I was sick just going on there. Romans 14 to you.All that is against God.He hates death. He is life. Yes Elaine you better check this out and choose life. this is why God destroyed the whole groups of people in the O. T. and the lost think he was so mean. He had to destroy because they were full of evil such as this.Even unto the animals.
There is a kind of pride in thinking you can reach those whom "lesser" Christians are avoiding, that you are not in the sewer with them, somehow, but Stephen, I have followed your posts here and there and notice your long speeches and your carelessness about even the basics of spelling and grammar, the shallowness of your Christian knowledge and experience. Yet you will dismiss all the protests of the godly voices here and say you have a ministry. I did mention your "horror ministry," elsewhere, but when you put something it quotes it means your're questioning whether it's valid. Alice Cooper said he still did his shock rock after his supposed conversion because he wanted to remind people there's a Grim Reaper. I don't think that's valid, and after reading your statements over the last several days I don't think your claims are either. I read most of the Harry Potter books to be educated about them, but I've avoided most of the occult books aimed at the young, and I have seen very few horror works. What I have seen and read I find debilitating, desensitizing, and that they make you lust for more. If no one realized it before, they can see it in your self-justification about how you might reach a few because you stay in it when you admit you only occasionally shock people by admitting that you are a "Christian." We can pity the consequences and pray for the sinner. But you must never justify the sin, and you need to stop saying that it prevents greater sin. God alone can change hearts, through His Word, not through our efforts.
BTW Karen, my books are not available in print. They are only e-books. Check Amazon, Smashwords, Barnes and Noble, iBook Store. We wanted our books to be affordable, and could not produce print books that were.
Mary wrote: "There is a kind of pride in thinking you can reach those "lesser" Christians are avoiding, that you are not in the sewer with them, somehow, but Stephen, I have followed your posts here and there a..."Amen
Mary wrote: "BTW Karen, my books are not available in print. They are only e-books. Check Amazon, Smashwords, Barnes and Noble, iBook Store. We wanted our books to be affordable, and could not produce print boo..."Thanks. I need a reader bad.
Karen, thanks for looking. My first book can be found in some brick and mortar stores since it was traditionally published. The others are self-published and don't fit in the 'return without question' category, so no, you won't find them in a store. But the store can order them for any customer in paperback. They are all available on Amazon and B&N in either paperback or e-book. With the exception of Allon Book 1 - my publisher won't do an e-book.
Thanks Shawn. Since I do not have my own job now, cash is my only option. But I do earn reward cards. Am trying to let them build up so I can get on amazon. and I do need a reader also.I have wanted one for awhile. I am out in no shopping land in boonies. Hard on us all. I spent $100 at christian store yesterday.The people like you I want to support, I am hindered at this time.I can spend the gift cards I am saving up on Kindle, but also want the books. Quandary. I will eventually get it all. just takes time.
Karen, yes, thanks for looking! You can get free readers for e-books on your computer, though I know e-readers are a lot easier to snuggle up with. The mobipocket reader reads Kindle format, and the Adobe Digital Editions reads epub, which is most of the others. Amazon also has a free reader. Just do a search to find them. You make a good point that even "Christian" Brick and Mortar stores seem to encourage the shallow, sensual, occult-leaning so-called Christian books to make sales and don't bother to carry others.
Karen, Mary is right, you don't necessarily need an e-reader. I have Free Kindle app for my Mac and read on my computer. There are also apps available for PCs. Kindle and Nooks pads are just more portable.
The Christian store can order all my books. If you request Allon Book 1, they may start carrying it. There are so many books their buyers attend conventions where publishers convince them on which titles to stock, but they have access to the total database of books available.
And hint - I'll be having a sale very soon on The Huguenot Sword on Kindle. :)
The Christian store can order all my books. If you request Allon Book 1, they may start carrying it. There are so many books their buyers attend conventions where publishers convince them on which titles to stock, but they have access to the total database of books available.
And hint - I'll be having a sale very soon on The Huguenot Sword on Kindle. :)
I have the e reader, but mainly read in bed or out walking and daughter really wants to read these and has no computer. Plus I take flack as it is for being on computer. I will check the other readers.I could ask for the store to order.(it is small store also) I just live way out from anywhere.So it is few and far between I even get to the store. Hence when I had an opportunity really splurged yesterday. It is a long story.
No problem. I already appreciate your support and encouragement online. :)
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