Why Christians Should Embrace Reading Fiction
By Elizabeth Prata
I discuss reading fiction as a Christian. Despite the notion that some people have that “God’s word is enough” and that other reading isn’t required, I and others argue that fiction enriches our understanding of human experience and offers valuable leisure. I share insights from Leland Ryken and Tony Reinke, urging people to consider the importance of good literature in a busy life.
I recently posted a book review of a best-selling, popular fiction book. I decided that I did not enjoy the book, and lamented the seeming dearth of good fiction for a Christian to read.
I received a response from a reader that “God’s word is enough. Just read the Bible.” I receive the same kind of comment whenever I mention commentaries, too.
In one sense, the reader is right. God’s word is enough- for edification, growing in holiness, and training in righteousness. I agree.
But then again…God did raise up a John Bunyan to write Pilgrim’s Progress, and allegory of the Christian life that for centuries has been the number 1 best selling book after the Bible. And Valley of Vision, Editor Arthur Bennett’s compilation of Puritan prayers. And how many generations of children have been charmed by CS Lewis’ Narnia Chronicles?
In pursuit of holiness and intimacy with God, which we receive when we read the Bible, we still need inspiration, imagination, vocabulary. Fiction gives us ways to express ourselves, explore our common (and uncommon) human experiences. Fiction is a relaxing past-time and a good choice for leisure.
Leland Ryken and Tony Reinke are champions of fiction reading for the Christian. I know I sometimes feel a pang of guilt if I pick up a novel- asking myself, “Is this a wise use of time for the Lord?…Shouldn’t I be studying theology? …Does this activity advance my sanctification?… Am I just seeking an escape from responsibility?… It is worthwhile?” The answer is “Yes- it’s worthwhile.” Here are some quotes from the two articles I’ll share from Ryken and Reinke explaining their reasons why.
Reinke wrote in his piece, 4 Benefits of Reading Fiction,
“The best fictional authors spell out our common human experience in ways that prove elusive to other forms of writing”.
“God has gifted authors to focus our attention on things that we take for granted—like the sun-glistened water droplets on a leaf after a hard spring rain—and these images intensify our experience of the world we see around us.”
Trivia: One of RC Sproul’s favorite fiction books was Redburn: His First Voyage by Herman Melville. “Sproul’s frequent references to authors like Melville and his analysis of works like “Moby Dick” demonstrate his appreciation for literature and its ability to explore theological and philosophical questions.”
In his article In Defense of Fiction: Christian Love for Great Literature, Leland Ryken wrote,
“The overall umbrella under which I will defend the reading of fiction will surprise some of my readers. It is that of enlightened leisure. As I have written about work and leisure over the course of nearly half a century, a leading theme has been that leisure is just as much a Christian calling as work is. God expects and commands it.”
“Good fiction writers are careful observers of human experience, and additionally they are gifted at expressing what they observe. Fiction writer Flannery O’Connor famously said that writers should never be ashamed of staring, by which she meant staring at life. As readers of fiction, we are lured into a similar act of observing human experience.”
As I mulled over the reader’s comment, and thought about my mourning of good writing these days, I decided to turn it to a positive. I reached back into my spotty memory, lol, and mentally listed all the good books I have read in the last year or two. I don’t read as much as I used to. I am still working full-time and I’m tired when I arrive home. I do devote time to read theological books, so, splitting my limited time means I have less of it to devote to a good book. Which means I abandon a bad book more quickly. You might be in a season of life when reading seems out of reach given the energy level you have and the amount of time to give it. That’s OK.
I still think it’s important not to let reading good books totally go by the wayside. Reading is a skill, it’s good leisure, and it’s worthwhile to hold onto, even in the busy seasons. Reading good books to your kids is a great way to share good books! One of the most enjoyable things in my early life was reading The Hobbit to my little sister.
This young man had some wonderful thoughts about reading, tips too. Thoughts on Reading by Logan Joseph Ramsey.
Here are some books that I enjoyed recently:
These Is My Words: The Diary of Sarah Agnes Prine, 1881-1901, by Nancy E. Turner. Semi-autobiographical and partly novelized life of a pioneer woman out west.
The Berry Pickers, by Amanda Peters. Novel set in Maine, well written.
Some Danger Involved (A Barker and Llewelyn series, book 1) by Will Thomas. Detective and his assistant in Victorian London.
The Rain, Chris Skates. A novelization of Noah’s Flood.
John Grisham, just about any of his books. Legal/law stories.
Memoirs of a Geisha, by Arthur Golden. Historical fiction.
Water for Elephants, by Sara Gruen. Historical romance. (Note, I read this pre-salvation, so, be aware).
These are non-fiction but read like fiction. Highly readable, interesting, and worth checking out-
Hero of the Empire: The Boer War, a Daring Escape and the Making of Winston Churchill. Rollicking and amazing story.
The Art Thief, Michael Finkel, Totally absorbing and astounding story! Note: there are 2 books by the same name, be sure to get the Finkel one. The other one is boring as dirt.
A Night to Remember, Walter Lord. Titanic, best recounting I’ve read.
Saints and Sectaries: Anne Hutchinson and the Antinomian Controversy in the Massachusetts Bay Colony by Emery Battis. He has a sense of humor.
The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon, by David Grann. Explorer of the early NatGeo era who mysteriously disappeared.
Man Overboard!: The Story of Jonah by Sinclair Ferguson.
Happy (guilt-free) reading!
