Christian books, a segment of Christian media which typically communicate the core elements of the Christian faith to non-believers, or publishes books to help develop and inform the beliefs of adherents. Examples includeGospel Light, whose focus is on Children's Christian Education, Plough Publishing,[1]Concordia Publishing House andDavid C. Cook. Some traditional Christian publishers are converting toonline publishing. Asevangelical traditions do not have a central authority, publishers and bookstores arede facto gatekeepers of theology.[2]
Christian literature is a vast and diverse body of writing that includes various genres and forms. While the Bible itself is not typically considered literature, it is highly regarded for its literary qualities, especially in theKing James Version. Christian devotional literature focuses on helping individuals strengthen their faith and relationship with God.
Christian non-fiction includes theological works, letters, and biblical commentaries, with a long history dating back to early Christian times. Allegory has been a prominent literary form, using symbolic stories to convey Christian truths, seen in works likeThe Divine Comedy andThe Pilgrim's Progress.
Christian fiction, which may not always have explicit Christian themes, became more distinct in recent decades, especially within a conservative Evangelical subculture. It is often marketed to Christians and includes works by authors likeTim LaHaye,Frank Peretti, andFrancine Rivers. The genre has also diversified into niche markets, such asCatholic fiction,Mormon fiction, andMennonite literature.
Christian poetry and theatre, including medieval mystery plays and modern evangelical theatre, also contribute to the literary tradition. Additionally, Christianity & Literature is a scholarly journal that explores the relationship between literature and Christian thought.
Notable Christian literary works span from ancient texts like theBible to modern writings such asThe Chronicles of Narnia andThe Last Temptation of Christ. Many of these works, such asParadise Lost byJohn Milton andThe Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan, have had a lasting impact on literature and culture.
Christian film is afilm genre. Many forms of Christian films are now widespread, from full length, feature films to short and discussion orientated clips. Modern streaming services such asNetflix andAmazon Prime Video have productions in the format, and some likeGreat American Pure Flix focus on it in particular.[3][4]
Christian video games are generally released by independent Christian developers, though sometimes a major company develops a game targeted at this audience.
Christian newspapers, a small segment of Christian media which typically communicates news to members of the denomination or group which publishes the paper. Such newspapers often published weekly, rarely more frequently and often less frequently (bi-weekly, monthly). Examples include theMethodist Church of Great Britain'sMethodist Recorder and theSouthern Baptist Convention, whose various state conventions often publish weekly or bi-weekly newspapers, alsoChristian Examiner andThe Christian Post. Sometimes individual congregations will publish newspapers; one example isSoutheast Christian Church, amegachurch inLouisville, Kentucky which publishes a weekly newspaper distributed throughout the metro area. Independent publishers have also produced Christian newspapers, often aimed at a specific group such asRoman Catholics. TheSecond Vatican Council'sDecree on the Media of Social Communications (1963) sought to establish and promote "a truly Catholic press" with "the clear purpose of forming, supporting and advancingpublic opinion in accord withnatural law andCatholic teaching and precepts". The decree noted that the Catholic "ecclesiastical authorities" could have a role in directing its development; alternatively, Catholic lay-people could take this role. In either case, the decree also sought to encourage people to inform their judgment by reading Catholic publications.[22] For much the same reasons as commercialnewspapers such as the high cost of production and distribution, some Christian newspapers are converting to online publishing.[citation needed]
Christian magazines are one of many special-interest groups within themagazine publishing industry. Christian magazines often focus on groups within Christianity, such as men or women, youth, or certain denominations. Many Christian magazines are published by denominations and independent ministries as an outreach to the unchurched or to the organization's supporters, frequently at no cost to the reader. One of the most well known is "Guideposts" magazine, published byGuideposts non-profit since 1945. Examples of denominational magazines includeHouse to House Heart to Heart. Other Christian magazines are published commercially for a profit, and sold by subscription or by single copies through bookstores and other retailers. Examples includeChristianity Today,Charisma, andRelevant.
