Letters to My Friend -

Thoughts On Reading Fiction

By Mary E. Stephens

Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

I have read a lot of old books. Primarily ones that were written before, oh, let's say about 1930. That's a guess because I don't pay that much attention, but the books that have cars in them usually have old style cars, so I figure that's a somewhat accurate date. I'm not overly interested in the World Wars, so the '40s are mostly not there for me, and also during that time frame and forward even the more gentle fiction tended to become jaded or grubby. This is not to say that the older books are all wholesome and fine. Far from it. One still has to be quite picky. But, there is, I think, more to choose from in fiction written prior to 1930. There are also still a lot of options after that date as well.

I am not writing this to tell you what to read, though. That is a choice each one makes for themselves, hopefully with reference to a good conscience before God.

Hebrews 13:18 Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.

And speaking of that, perhaps I should touch on the issue of whether fiction is a good choice of reading for Christians. I know there are some people who say it is not. Sometimes their reason is simply that they prefer non-fiction themselves, so they translate this to mean that everyone should feel the same way they do about it. Others tend more towards the idea that fiction is untrue (lies, essentially in their interpretation) and therefore it is, at best, a waste of time, at worst, a sin to read it. Some hold a viewpoint that is a combination of these two.

To the first we might answer that tastes vary, and imposing one's personal preferences upon others simply because it makes sense to you isn't how we come to solid conclusions about life and living. Your opinion is not invalid. However, if you have no better reason than your own preferences to tell us we should only read non-fiction, well, that is rather self-important of you, isn't it? Because who gave you the to right to say that everyone should bow to your personal likes and dislikes and do exactly as you do? I'm just asking for your own consideration. If you actually believe you serve such a role in this world or among your close associates, please do not write and tell me so. I may be tempted to tell you things about yourself that I probably ought not and I'm sure you would not want to hear. But, I digress.

As to the accusation that fiction is "lies" or untrue and therefore not worthy of our time, this is a puzzle that did bother me for awhile. I have always read fiction since I learned to read. I have also enjoyed some books that were based on true stories but written in a  fictionalized format, such as the Little House on the Prairie books by Laura Ingalls Wilder and the Jungle Doctor books by Paul White.

Once I started writing for other readers, I never considered writing fiction because I had been taught to think that it was a questionable endeavor for a Christian because it is, after all, writing untruths. This conflicted with the fact that I have read some excellent Christian fiction by authors like Christmas Carol Kauffman and Paul Hutchison, but I didn't see that point for a long time because I never even considered to venture in that direction with my writing. I had squelched my inborn ability to invent stories as something sinful and unworthy because in my younger years I couldn't control it. I failed to understand that it was actually something that could be used by God, if submitted to His control. But, the whole issue came to head a few years ago when I was challenged by the Lord through a friend to rethink both the idea of fiction as a waste of time to write and even my own abilities in that area. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that fiction can and should be used as a teaching platform by Christians. Not everyone will read an article (such as I usually write), but they may be quite happy to read a fictional story. Perhaps the thing that struck me the most is that Jesus Himself told parables, which are in essence what we would call "fiction," to teach important truths.

Matthew 13:34-35 All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.

One of the great dilemmas of life is understanding exactly what constitutes a lie and what God thinks about it. I understand that we are commanded to speak the truth to one another (Ephesians 4:25) and to speak truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). But, I'm not convinced that the lines are always drawn as clearly and strictly as some people will absolutely assure us. From the very common courtesy of saying we're "fine" when we actually are not, to the most monstrous of lies meant to cover wickedness and protect the vile is a huge spectrum in terms of lies. I am not suggesting that it's ok to be untruthful or to lie. But, sometimes I think we forget that God Himself is the only One who can be completely truthful. Romans 3:4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

I think the thing that first brought this question to startling and uncomfortable life in my mind is the story of the Hebrew mid-wives in Exodus. It appears they clearly lied to Phaoroh about the Hebrew women, and yet God blessed them, even rewarded them, for what they did in saving lives through their lies. Yes, that's probably not something you're going to hear taught in most Bible preaching churches next Sunday. I still don't have a completely satisfactory answer to that one myself, but it is clearly there for our learning. (Romans 15:4)

But, coming back to reading fiction.

One thing that has been learned in recent times is that people seem to learn empathy better from fiction. This is especially interesting in light of the fact that Jesus Christ Himself used a "fiction" story to teach about what it means to love your neighbor. Think of the story of the "Good Samaritan." The whole point is to show who was hard hearted and self-righteous and who had empathy and compassion and did something about it. So, it should have come as no surprise to Christians that fiction helps people learn empathy better. We had the example of God the Son to show us that centuries before man "discovered" it.

The question, then, has to come down to this: Does it fit with Philippians 4:8? I know that the first criteria is "whatsoever things are true..." How does that sit peacefully with what Jesus did when He was using parables? I think the answer is that His parables illustrated the truths of God and His Kingdom. Stories, whether they be true or fictitious, that deny God's truths and His Kingdom would then fall into the untruthful and dishonest category.

One of the things I have noticed about the older fiction is that the better writers offer some interesting insights into human nature. The older books were written before Freud and his ilk introduced all the putrefying influences in modern psychology. I don't deny that there is a psychological aspect to humans. I believe there is a basic truth in the soul-ish aspect of it, and it is observable in the older books where writers give interesting observations and insights into human nature. But, I think that the modern concept of psychology is heavily influenced by lies and misunderstandings, many of which came to us through the work of Sigmund Freud and others since then. Every truly powerful lie requires a necessary fiction in order to deceive.

At the risk of being accused of over-simplification, I will say this: I find it refreshing and fascinating to read books that were written before modern thought took over because they do not assume that every human urge or oddity is the direct result of sex or childhood misfortune. While I don't pretend to have all that much knowledge about Freudian thought, this lack of it is probably one of the main reasons I enjoy old fiction so much sometimes. Either there is no heavy implication of deep psychological motives at all, or things are explained and defined in a way that is quite different than what we see under the influences of modern psychology. Somehow this is quite thought provoking.

How Do You Choose?

Because fiction is in fact not true, I tend to be harder on fiction writers than I am with non-fiction. After all, the author has control of the story and where it is going (regardless of claims to the contrary - unless a ruthless publisher is involved, but that's another whole issue). So, when they include something that is objectionable or clearly obscene, I hold them accountable and make my own judgments accordingly. This can happen with non-fiction if the author includes things that are really inappropriate or if the subject material turns out to lead in that direction. But, I find it more intolerable with fiction because it simply didn't need to be there. They could also leave out the profanity quite easily, much as does the scripture (see Mark 14:71).

I have read fiction where delicate and disgusting subjects were touched upon and dealt with because the writer was dealing with the ugliness of life and how a Christian should respond to that. The good writers, the ones who are faithful to the truths of God's word, do so in a way that doesn't leave you feeling smutty. They will manage it so that it is respectful and discrete. It can be done, but it takes effort. Again, we see this in the scriptures as well.

And that brings us to an important point. It is necessary as Christians to make prudent choices about the fiction that we read. Is it clean? Is it true to real life? Is it of good report? Does it make you think - in a good way? Does it tempt you to sin? Does it help you value right things, or does it encourage you to justify the wicked? Does it give you empathy for others in ways that you should have empathy, or does it encourage you to excuse sin? Are the heroes evildoers, or are they trying to do right? Do the wicked get the just recompense of their reward? Does the story answer any of the great questions of life? Does it give you insight into the workings of human nature in a practical way that will help you in your dealings with others? And quite importantly: Can you give God thanks for it? Colossians 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

There are a lot of questions we could ask. This is just a sampling. But, the point is, it is important what fiction you choose to read because it will effect you for better or worse. Like friends, the books we choose to read influence what we become.

In addition to the content, we simply have the influence of the author or their style of writing. For my own part, there are times when I notice that I am becoming impatient or having dark thoughts or some other issue, and I realize that it is likely connected to the book I'm reading. This is the time to stop reading it, or at least step away for a bit and see if it is actually that book that is affecting me. Occasionally it doesn't really make sense to me why a particular book is a problem, but I still have a clear impression that it is. In such instances I conclude that there is a problem with the author in some way.

A friend of mine told of reading a non-fiction book on the very dark subject of war. It tended to be too graphic, and she became depressed as she was reading it, so she stopped. She later learned that the author had committed suicide after writing that book. Somehow the influence of that evil situation had reached into her soul and affected her in ways that lead her down the path of self-destruction. I'm thankful my friend listened to the Holy Spirit's urging to stop reading that book. Be warned - it's important what you choose to read.

Is Reading Fiction An Escape?

Some people will try to make reading fiction sound like a weak or questionable thing because it is "just an escape." Well, in case you hadn't noticed, one of the things God sometimes does for His own is to offer them an escape. Think of Noah and his family in the ark. Think of Elijah by the brook Cherith. Think of Moses keeping sheep in the wilderness for 40 years. Think of Joseph getting out of prison and finally fully escaping the machinations of Potiphar's wife. Think of the Jews who were able to escape Nazi Germany. Think of the Christians who were able to escape Communist regimes in various places.

Escapes are not evil if they are appropriate. Sometimes they are needful. In fact, it has been said by more than one person that the only people who don't like escapes are jailors. Ironically people who view any type of "escape reading" as ungodly are often either morbid or they have an agenda for needing to control what others are reading.

Our greatest and first "escape" should always and ever be to the word of God. But, there is nothing wrong with reading fiction (or non-fiction!) as an escape from the temporary discomforts of this life - pain, grief, boredom, monotony, etc. In fact, if we choose the right books we may be encouraged, edified, reminded that we are not alone in our struggles, given tools to deal with our difficulties, or maybe we'll go to sleep and get some much needed rest. It has happened.

As a final thought, let's remember the words of Solomon: And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh. Ecclesiastes 12:12  We don't have the time or energy in this life to read every book we would like to read, especially with the massive abundance available. Using discretion and good judgment in choosing what we read is something we need to strive for continually.

background and graphics by Mary E. Stephens
vintage graphic: unknown source