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Christian literature is theliterary aspect ofChristian media, and it constitutes a huge body of extremely varied writing.
The Christian genre spans a variety ofmedia andart forms that highlight Christian beliefs, narratives, and moral teachings. At its core are the lessons ofJesus Christ, thegospel, and the mission of theGreat Commission. Common themes include virtues like love, faith, forgiveness, and hope, as well as the idea ofresurrection. Stories often center on the struggle between good and evil, showcasing personal transformation and salvation.
Christianity has long influenced artistic expression, withChristian art andarchitecture thriving during the medieval and Renaissance eras under church sponsorship. The historical link between patrons and artists reflects the faithful’s bond with God, seen in the tradition ofpatron saints.The rise ofmass media transformed the spread of Christian works, notably with theprinting press. TheGutenberg Bible, produced in the 1450s, was a pioneering printed book in Europe and a landmark in publishing history.[1] The Christian Bible is widely regarded as the best-selling book ever, with billions of copies circulated globally.[2]
Key works in this genre includeJohn Bunyan’sThe Pilgrim’s Progress (1678), an allegory of a Christian’s path to salvation. It inspired later writers likeC.S. Lewis, whoseThe Chronicles of Narnia echoes its themes,[3] and has been likened toJ.K. Rowling’sHarry Potter series.[4]Vincent van Gogh drew inspiration from Bunyan’s tale,[5] while classics likeDante’sDivine Comedy andJohn Milton’sParadise Lost appear in the stained glass ofPrinceton University Chapel.[6]
While falling within the strict definition of literature, theBible is not generally considered literature. However, the Bible has been treated and appreciated as literature; theKing James Version in particular has long been considered a masterpiece of English prose, whatever may be thought of its religious significance. Several retellings of the Bible, or parts of the Bible, have also been made with the aim of emphasising its literary qualities.
Devotionals are often used by Christians in order to help themselvesgrow closer in their relationship with God and learn how to put their faith into practice.
Letters, theological treatises and other instructive and devotional works have been produced by Christian authors since the times of Jesus. For early Christian times almost all writing would be non-fiction, including letters, biblical commentaries, doctrinal works andhagiography. SeePatristics.
Since the invention of the printing press non-fictional literature has been used for the dissemination of the Christian message, and also for disseminating different viewpoints within Christianity. Thetract (a small pamphlet containing an explanation of some point, or an appeal to the reader) was in use at the time of theReformation and continues to be used as a part ofproselytization.
Allegory is a style of literature having the form of a story, but using symbolic figures, actions, or representations to express truths—Christian truths, in the case of Christian allegory. Beginning with theparables of Jesus, there has been a long tradition of Christian allegory, includingDante Alighieri'sDivine Comedy,John Bunyan'sThe Pilgrim's Progress, andHannah Hurnard'sHinds' Feet on High Places.
Christian fiction is sometimes harder to define than Christian non-fiction. Christian themes are not always explicit. Some Christian fiction, such as that ofC. S. Lewis, draws on the allegorical writings of the past. There can also be argument as to whether the works of a Christian author are necessarily Christian fiction. For example, while there are undoubtedChristian themes withinJ. R. R. Tolkien'sThe Lord of the Rings,[7] they are always kept below the surface. Other possible examples of Christian fiction include the works ofG. K. Chesterton andGeorge Macdonald.
In the last few decades the existence of a Christian subculture, particularly in North America, has given rise to a specific genre ofChristian novel, written by and for Christians of a particular type (i.e., conservative Evangelical Protestants), and generally with explicit Christian themes. Unlike the works ofC.S. Lewis andJ.R.R. Tolkien, such novels are often marketed exclusively to Christians and sold in Christian bookshops. TheChristy Awards honour excellence in this genre.
In the late 20th century, with the rise of theChristian Right in American society, Christian-themed fiction has thrived. Examples include the works ofTim LaHaye,Jerry B. Jenkins,Frank Peretti,Ted Dekker,Tosca Lee,Randy Alcorn,Francine Rivers, Wayne Thomas Batson, andJanette Oke.
Within the field of Christian fiction smaller niche markets have emerged aimed at specific denominations, notablyCatholic fiction andLatter Day Saints Fiction. There are also Christian fiction that is aimed at wider mainstream audiences, such as the best sellingLeft Behind series.
Throughout the medieval period churches in Europe frequently performedmystery plays, retelling the stories of the Bible. These became widespread in Europe by the end of the fifteenth century. During the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries these developed into theMorality play, an allegorical play intended to exhort the audience to the virtuous life.
In the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries theatre was generally seen as wicked, and the church made attempts to suppress it.[citation needed] In the twentieth century churches, particularly evangelical churches, rediscovered the use of theatre as a form of outreach and as a valid art form.
Christianity & Literature is a peer-reviewed literary periodical, published quarterly, on literature's encounters with Christian thought and history. The journal presupposes no particular theological orientation but respects an orthodox understanding of Christianity as a historically defined faith. It is published by Sage and currently is edited by Mark Eaton, Matthew Smith, and Caleb Spencer, faculty at Azusa Pacific University.
Philosophy, plays, lyrical poetry, biography, narrative writings, novels included, most of the theological and hagiographical works are not included.
