Christian Readers discussion

Have a question that falls into the the moral/ethical category (I think). Let's say you have a favorite author that you like to read, you've read a lot of that author and still have a lot to read from him or her. Then while poking around the internet you discover that this author is either an atheist or agnostic. Would you continue to read books by that author?

They are a couple perspectives on this. Some Christians only read Christian books and avoid the dilemma altogether. Then there others that see how Paul used the knowledge and familiarity of the culture(s) he was in to be able to better reach out.

All authors are trying to get a message across in their writing. They all have something they want the reader to "get" -- and it may not seem obvious at first. I wouldn't worry usually. Most of the time the messages have to do with eternal truths like good conquering evil or something like that.

However, most authors who don't believe in God don't make mention of it in their bio unless they ... feel it is a kind of cause. It has to be very important to this author(s) for them to make the point. That's the kind of thing that might bleed through into their writing in subtle ways that might be better to avoid. Also, if they feel it's so important to make that point, do you really want to support them with your money and ratings?

Hmmm...that is a really good question. My first thought was "Well, no." But then I started thinking. What is the difference of "knowing" an author is an atheist or reading books that you "know" the author isn't a Christian.

I read mostly only Christian books. I know what I'm getting when I read it. But I have read books, that were great too, from authors that aren't Christians.

In the end I think as long as it's nothing that is going to compromise your walk with God. Such as witchcraft, etc. It's your own decision.

I agree with Margaret...that usually I wouldn't worry but as well there are times things can come through their writing subtly that you don't realize! I think it's a personal decision.


Mine comes down to buying and supporting financially. I don't usually buy my books but again I would buy the book "The Help"...I usually get my books from the library...Not sure if getting it from the library makes any difference as far as ratings??? Good food for thought!!!

I asked a similar question about a year ago and got divided responses almost 1/2 for and against. I agree with not putting money in there pocket and getting them at libraries. I still really do not have an answer.

Rob wrote: "Have a question that falls into the the moral/ethical category (I think). Let's say you have a favorite author that you like to read, you've read a lot of that author and still have a ..."

I've read many books by non-Christians. My faith seems sufficient to keep me on track.

As to the question of enriching them? They're not your enemy. They're lost. Go ahead, be honest (shame Satan) and pay for the books you want to read. These people are to be pitied if they're not actively trying to abolish Christianity. They may be nice people in spite of their refusal to follow where you have gone. This is the only reward they'll get, since their future is not pleasant at all.

Al wrote: "Rob wrote: "Have a question that falls into the the moral/ethical category (I think). Let's say you have a favorite author that you like to read, you've read a lot of that author and still have a ..."

Different perspective, but true on their future.

Remember, when you do something while claiming to be a Christian, you're TEACHING. Will your actions teach something good about Christianity or something bad?

If we try to swindle someone because they're not "one of us", we're no better than any other thief (not referring to going to the library, by the way, but rather to those who are tempted to take a copyrighted freebee from something like a torrent site, "because the author's not a Christian anyway"). Jesus said "render unto Caesar ...". Can we do less for a misguided sole?

Al wrote: "Remember, when you do something while claiming to be a Christian, you're TEACHING. Will your actions teach something good about Christianity or something bad?

If we try to swindle someone because ..."

Read more carefully, Al. Nobody was talking about trying to swindle someone just because they weren't Christian. He wasn't going to shame the enemy by giving money to buy books.

As far as your faith being strong enough, maybe it is. Maybe what you read doesn't influence you in any way. The truth is that making sweeping judgements about it being wrong or right for everyone isn't a good idea.

In the first place - not everyone is in the same place spiritually or has the same weaknesses. This is like my friend who can eat anything and stays a size four. I look at cheesecake and gain five pounds. We can't all have the same ... "list" for lack of a better word. We have to look to God and see what He thinks is best for us.

The Bible even speaks to this. Just because some of us may be able to ... read certain books, drink, or whatever else may be questionable -- we're supposed to never act in any way that may have the appearance of evil or bring about problems for a newer believer who is watching us to see: "Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things." Philippians 4:7-9

Having said all that, I've read non-Christian authors. I'd still say more than 90% of my books are Christian.

I think it's good to read books that encourage us to glorify God. However, there are good, fairly clean books out there that are secular -- even being written by Christians.

The only warning bell was what I pointed out already -- that these people aren't just not Christians, they are making a point of letting everyone know how very opposite their viewpoint is.

Here's something else to consider. Too often we rely on other people to form an opinion. I think if he's questioning whether or not it's a good idea, then maybe God has already spoken to his heart about what he should do. He's just seeking confirmation one way or the other.

Margaret wrote: "Al wrote: "Remember, when you do something while claiming to be a Christian, you're TEACHING. Will your actions teach something good about Christianity or something bad?

If we try to swindle someo..."

I agree with everything you said. I wasn't castigating anyone in this thread about stealing, just using it as an example since so much of that is going on now (in some cases, as much as 20 times as many books stolen as paid for). It's a big deal these days because of the hot debate over the SOPA laws being proposed.

As for strong faith, I was speaking strictly for myself. I realize that there are people in all phases of their walk with God. And, no, I'm not the ultimate Christian. I know many people who's faith makes mine look lame in comparison. Mine just seems to be strong enough to allow me to do my job (book editor) without falling away or embracing Satan. Our "social" time is usually spent with our brothers and sisters from our church, which helps to keep my wife and me centered. Were I a "Lone Ranger" Christian, it would be harder.

:o)

I read Christian books, but I have read books that aren’t from Christian and still gained from them, while in school I was taught so many courses by non- Christians but they still added value to me, increased my knowledge in that area, but Like Margaret most authors that aren’t Christian don’t include that aspect in their books, so it all depends on you and what you are actually seeking to gain from the book

Jesus is my salvation, not my religion. I write Christian faith-based romantic suspense, but I want my readers to be entertained, and I don't put in a specific religion and try to convert my readers. LAST RESORT and SOUTHERN SUPERSTITIONS B. J. Robinson

Margaret wrote: "They are a couple perspectives on this. Some Christians only read Christian books and avoid the dilemma altogether. Then there others that see how Paul used the knowledge and familiarity of the cul..."

Not to mention that the language and images in non-Christian books may be offensive even if they are innocent in that they don't understand the offense. We need to be careful of what goes into our heads. I know some images I didn't want seem to be stuck with superglue.

Karen wrote: "I asked a similar question about a year ago and got divided responses almost 1/2 for and against. I agree with not putting money in there pocket and getting them at libraries. I still really do not..." Libraries buy your books. It's great exposure and sometimes leads to sales. But you're not cheating the author when you get a book from the library.

Pat W. wrote: "Karen wrote: "I asked a similar question about a year ago and got divided responses almost 1/2 for and against. I agree with not putting money in there pocket and getting them at libraries. I still..."

You are probably more knowledgeable than me on how this works.I know the Steven James book I have been reading are sold through christian bookstores and the guy is supposedly a christian, but they are more violent then some secular I have read. pretty confusing.

Karen wrote: "Pat W. wrote: "Karen wrote: "I asked a similar question about a year ago and got divided responses almost 1/2 for and against. I agree with not putting money in there pocket and getting them at lib..."

That's why I said use your discernment. There are some types of books I won't read (even by Christian authors) because they creep me out. lol I do read some secular books - lots of classics - and then some like Georgette Heyer that are clean and just fun - or there was a mystery series based on Jane Austen ... There's nothing inherently wrong with it. I don't think you can make a hard and fast rule about it.

There are also "Christian" books that have totally false theology in them and lead people astray. You aren't "safe" just because it's sold by a Christian publisher or on the shelves in a Christian bookstore. You always have to listen for that ... "check" in your spirit that says, "Maybe this isn't such a good thing ..." and stay plugged into the Bible so you can recognize when something doesn't line up with the truth.

Margaret wrote: "Karen wrote: "Pat W. wrote: "Karen wrote: "I asked a similar question about a year ago and got divided responses almost 1/2 for and against. I agree with not putting money in there pocket and getti..."
so agree with this also. i have had christian books and tried to read and thought:"This is totally wrong. Much better reading Agatha Christi or Ellery Queen which I love both.

You can sample mine for free at Amazon.com and I've had preacher's wives read them and even review them and recommend them both. Blessings, BJ

I'm not trying to swindle anyone. That's why you can read free samples, reviews, and excerpts. You find good and bad in both secular and Christian books.

My answer is no, I probably wouldn't continue to read books by them. (To answer your question at the top :))

Another five-star review on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.com. Dr. Rita Garcia says, "B J Robinson lent a voice of a... uthenticity to the southern way of speaking within the pages of Southern Superstitions. "Last one in is a rotten egg." "Well, she'll just have to learn which side her bread is buttered on." The author's message is softly folded into the storyline creating a natural flow that points us to Christ." Full review may be read at Amazon for Southern Superstitions.

Whether an author is a Christian or not is less important than the philosophy he/she teaches. Christians can have tacked on, shallow or even dangerously unbiblical messages in their books. The unsaved can teach honor, courage, and great values. Or vice-versa. Judge righteous judgment as you read. You may even be justified in reading what is not edifying for the purpose of knowing the enemy and teaching others what to avoid.

Mary wrote: "Whether an author is a Christian or not is less important than the philosophy he/she teaches. Christians can have tacked on, shallow or even dangerously unbiblical messages in their books. The unsa..."

totally. need discernment.

Pat W. and Margaret, you have both added a lot of wisdom and discernment to this discussion! Thank you!

Margaret wrote: "Karen wrote: "Pat W. wrote: "Karen wrote: "I asked a similar question about a year ago and got divided responses almost 1/2 for and against. I agree with not putting money in there pocket and getti..."

I agree with you totally margaret

Mary wrote: "Pat W. and Margaret, you have both added a lot of wisdom and discernment to this discussion! Thank you!"Thank you.

Margaret wrote: "Karen wrote: "Pat W. wrote: "Karen wrote: "I asked a similar question about a year ago and got divided responses almost 1/2 for and against. I agree with not putting money in there pocket and getti..." True. I reviewed a book a while back that I gave a three just because of the violence quotient. Otherwise I might have given it a five. I don't know why I finished it. It was awful. And, it was Christian. Another Christian book, I didn't review at all after reading it because it was so offensive to me. On the other hand, I had favorite books as a child, such as Heidi and Girl of the Limberlost, that anyone could read. I don't know if the authors were Christian or not. Even children's books might be a little iffy now. Some authors have to have their gay character, etc, and they love their wizards--innocent seeming, but witchcraft in any form isn't something our children should admire.

Pat W. wrote: "Margaret wrote: "Karen wrote: "Pat W. wrote: "Karen wrote: "I asked a similar question about a year ago and got divided responses almost 1/2 for and against. I agree with not putting money in there..."

True, I started ab book secular by a guy whose last book was decent and without a bunch of junk.I saw another at his at the library and since I was impressed by his last one I bought while waiting somewhere. I though I was going to get a clean mystery and this on already has "the so called- alternative "life style" thrown in.Since most of my books I grab at library really hard to know until you get into them and then you like the plot.

Karen wrote: "Pat W. wrote: "Margaret wrote: "Karen wrote: "Pat W. wrote: "Karen wrote: "I asked a similar question about a year ago and got divided responses almost 1/2 for and against. I agree with not putting..." Sad but true.

I posed this question awhile back concerning violent content in books. I'm not sure I really got an answer then so I will pose it again. Pat W. said she was upset by the amount of violence in a certain book and could not finish it, and said, "and it was Christian." I write books that contain a fair amount of violence. I rarely go into a lot of detail, I don't go on about spurting blood or other lurid details, but I write historical fiction in wartime, with torture and fighting against evil. What is the definition of too much violence? How many Christians stay with the Heidi and Girl of the Limberlost kind of books as adults, as lovely as they are?

Mary wrote: "I posed this question awhile back concerning violent content in books. I'm not sure I really got an answer then so I will pose it again. Pat W. said she was upset by the amount of violence in a cer..."

Read Steven James books and let me know what you think. Especially The Knight. Tell me if it is too much. I like them, but always wonder.

My book budget is going to have to grow bigger first. Sorry. :-)

The book I am reading right now describes a scene where a Roman soldier massacres Jewish people and it says hundreds of people were killed but only actually describes him killing one person in very brief terms, talks about him being covered in blood, mostly the emotional shock value of the event. I think it is handles very well but it certainly is violence.

Mary wrote: "My book budget is going to have to grow bigger first. Sorry. :-)"

I get almost all my books through library, but have bought his. Just any input, but they are at least clean. But violence is strong. I do not know. I have had others say it isn't. This is the one thing I struggle with towards God. so big deal to me. It is what God thought before the flood and Philippians 4:8 Where to draw the line. there is violence in the bible so for reality and study of HIStory you will have some, but as I said when is it crossing line? and I am very all or nothing. Example: I can give up sugar completely much easier than eat just so much. Any thing I do will be with all my might. Ugh. I do not know if this makes any sense. I am done. lol Just me.

No libraries with truck parking. :-) I might get his short story e-book but I have a pretty big reading list and some reviews I am supposed to do first. There is violence in the Bible and also sexual references but they are rarely graphic and usually brief. The author has to be clear about his purpose in what he includes,and his philosophy has to be right.

Mary wrote: "No libraries with truck parking. :-) I might get his short story e-book but I have a pretty big reading list and some reviews I am supposed to do first. There is violence in the Bible and also sexu..."

Yes, I understand about the money and time thing. I am not wanting to put anything on you. You hear me about the time matter also. But if you come here-this place is funny, the way the libraries are situated, you could park a truck. lol.
I do love the character of the protagonist in the books I am talking about.that Is what I like and also I learn a major new fact when I read like trivia and I am really trivia fact loving. So?
Our problem is too many books, never enough time. I guess that is the problem to have. Could be worse. If I am annoying just send me a smile. I can be.

Rhianna, that is the right way to look at things. We often don't know if a writer is a Christian or not, but we can judge whether a book has a good or bad philosophy. We may even find that there are some things we object to, but the good outweighs the bad. Sometimes we can learn good lessons even from an unsaved person.

Rob wrote: "Have a question that falls into the the moral/ethical category (I think). Let's say you have a favorite author that you like to read, you've read a lot of that author and still have a lot to read ..."

2 Timothy 1:7 says "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." I think if you enjoy the author you should continue reading their books. They have been unsuccessful in undermining your faith up to this point, so you should be fine as long as the scripture is your foundation. I don't think you have anything to be afraid of.

Eric wrote: "Rob wrote: "Have a question that falls into the the moral/ethical category (I think). Let's say you have a favorite author that you like to read, you've read a lot of that author and still have a ..."

Except maybe God?

Eric wrote: "Rob wrote: "Have a question that falls into the the moral/ethical category (I think). Let's say you have a favorite author that you like to read, you've read a lot of that author and still have a ..."

Eric, I don't think Karen or any of these people are afraid. I think it's a matter of trying to honor God. I've already gone on record as saying I don't think the books are necessarily off limits - but it's not just a matter of what we enjoy. Some people may enjoy bad things. That doesn't mean they should indulge. Sometimes we have to use self control.

The Bible also says, "Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things." Philippians 4:8

The keys are balance and seeking God and His will. We can learn a lot from what we read. We are also influenced by it - for better or worse. As long as we realize that and make wise choices, I don't think there's anything to worry about. Just keep yourself open to God's voice. I think He'll let you know if you've taken a wrong turn.

Excellent, Margaret!

Mary wrote: "Excellent, Margaret!"

I 2nd the motion.

Karen wrote: "Mary wrote: "I posed this question awhile back concerning violent content in books. I'm not sure I really got an answer then so I will pose it again. Pat W. said she was upset by the amount of viol..."

I just tried to start the first book, The Pawn and put it down after skimming over the prologue. I couldn't handle it! It hit close to home with a family suicide and I was just shocked it was a "Christian" author. I had read an excerpt from his blog about why his books are not fully "Christian" but wonder why if you have that kind of platform why you wouldn't use your writing to help lead people to Jesus in some way!?

Karen wrote: "I know the Steven James book I have been reading are sold through christian bookstores and the guy is supposedly a christian, but they are more violent then some secular I have read. pretty confusing. "

Do his books get any better through out the book? As far as details and reading their thoughts? I can handle some violence, especially when it's historic about war, etc. I know Francine Rivers wrote her Mark of the Lion series and there was some violence but it's so light you don't even think of them as a violent storyline. Or even other books about someone dying, being murdered, mysteries, etc. But his book, at least the 5 pages I read just made my stomach upset and totally bothered me. Maybe it's just my personal experience?

Mary wrote: "Excellent, Margaret!" Mary: I'm changing the subject here a little but you are so knowledgeable I have a question. I recently reviewed Spirit Rising which I believe is a life-changing book. It didn't bring in the cover. I didn't know at that point that Amazon and Goodreads are at odds. This book needs a cover. How can I bring the cover in from Barnes and Noble or even my blog?

Not just Mary. Anyone with an answer.

Thank you.

Pat W. wrote: "Mary wrote: "Excellent, Margaret!" Mary: I'm changing the subject here a little but you are so knowledgeable I have a question. I recently reviewed Spirit Rising which I believe is a life-changing ..."

She is good at covers, I can attest to that one.

You can bring in a cover by going to the Goodreads entry for the book. It will ask various questions about it, and among those it will give you the option of uploading a cover image from your hard drive or from another source. Let me check and see if I can do that for you.

Pat W., I left your blog cover link with the "real" librarians and the book now has its cover. Glad to help. :-)

Mary wrote: "Pat W., I left your blog cover link with the "real" librarians and the book now has its cover. Glad to help. :-)" THANK YOU. Don't mean to shout.

Mary wrote: "Pat W., I left your blog cover link with the "real" librarians and the book now has its cover. Glad to help. :-)" Now a lot of my other covers are missing. Is that because they were originally connected with Amazon? What's going on with Amazon? They seem to be trying to make enemies of everyone.

Pat W. wrote: "Mary wrote: "Pat W., I left your blog cover link with the "real" librarians and the book now has its cover. Glad to help. :-)" Now a lot of my other covers are missing. Is that because they were or..."

I read they were cutting off any books I had connected to them. These are just on my shelves. I would be so frustrated as an author. Not effecting me much I can just re read add to shelves. Must have searched through Amazon to add them or something. I hate when this kind of stuff happens though. frustrating. I feel for those more affected.

Lots and lots of authors have had their covers disappear. The Librarians must be getting tired of me. :-)