I recently reviewed a book of fiction about a young woman who, after losing her brother and facing the possible loss of her mother, realizes that Christ is the only one who can make whole her broken heart. At least, that's what the story claimed to be. As I was reading, I saw teen romance heavily outweigh redemption. But I was assured that the romance was a key part of this story, and that I needed to leave off the assumptions I make because I grew up in a Christian home. It's important to not be preachy.
I suddenly felt something sink. I've heard it all again and again.
My negativity towards "don't be preachy" has grown steadily. At first I thought it harmless, simply a reminder that pulpit-pounding, red-faced delivery is unnecessary and not very friendly. But then I heard more of it. It seems that "don't be preachy" actually means don't preach at all. It goes along with thoughts like these: don't overwhelm people in your blog or you won't have any followers, don't be too negative, don't be too overbearing, throw a verse or two out there but don't step on anyone's toes.
Now, I can understand a few things about this. I can understand that if I run up to someone on the street and say "You're a sinner and you're going to hell" then I will most likely get a punch in the face. I can understand the importance of positivity (and that there is a balance between positive and negative). But "don't be preachy" seems to me to be a way to play down things that should be played up, to hide things that should be shouted from the rooftops, to conform instead of transform.
I love that the Bible uses the phrase "preach Jesus" (See Acts 5:42, Acts 8:35). In Acts the church began spreading the Good News that the Messiah had come and that the world could be saved. I wonder what the men and women of the first church would have said if someone came to them with the message "don't be preachy." I wonder if they would have laughed and continued to preach Jesus to the broken and needy.
I'll never stop preaching the truth. I'll never lighten the words of Jesus so that those listening will feel comfortable. Reading Jesus' words, you and I should be uncomfortable. We should acknowledge our wrong and cling to the saving power of Jesus. Then we should go out and preach Jesus to others, so that they can find the same hope that we have found.
"Don't be preachy"? Don't stop preaching.
Luke 19:40
I think the author wasn't referring to "don't be preachy" in our lives. Of course, that's why we're living. To spread the gospel. But "don't be preachy" is what Christian fiction writers are reminded over and over, simply because readers - especially non-believers - want to read a story, not a sermon. And it is important that Christian writers stay clear of being too preachy. If you read Christian fiction reviews, you'll find over and over people complaining that the book was "too preachy" or that the spiritual element was too heavy. If an author's sole purpose of writing a book is to get people saved, then yes, that person will most likely come across as "too preachy" in his/her book. And usually, this turns people away rather than attracts them to God. I wrote a post about this a while ago if you'd like to check it out: http://christiswrite.blogspot.com/2010/03/are-you-writer-or-preacher.html
ReplyDeleteHowever, it also bothers me when Christian fiction authors don't preach enough. I wrote a blog post on this a while ago as well: http://christiswrite.blogspot.com/2011/01/if-you-love-reading-or-writing.html
Anyways, I hope you understand more of what I think the author was trying to say. By the way, when was that book published? I've never heard of it before.
God bless<3
Hey, awesome post! I totally agree. I think so many Christians (myself included) shy away from things like evangelism and standing for your beliefs because they feel like "being preachy" will turn people off to Jesus.
ReplyDeleteBut do we ever consider that Jesus Himself often tried to convince people not to follow Him? Look at all the times He asked his followers to do something that turned them off to him. There was the time where the rich young ruler came to Jesus and practically bragged about how perfect he was, but when Jesus told him that in order to be His disciple, he had to sell his possessions and give the money to the poor, the young man turned his back on Jesus because his greed was great. And there's also the time Jesus preached a really hard sermon, and "On hearing it, many of His disciples said, 'This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?'... From this time many of His disciples turned back and no longer followed Him" (John 6:60, 66). And Luke 9:57-62 records Jesus essentially turning three different potential disciples away. He told them how hard the road would be, knowing it might scare them away.
Isn't that the exact OPPOSITE of what we do today? I mean, if that rich young ruler walked up to you and told you how he had followed all ten commandments, wouldn't you praise him and pat him on the back? Jesus didn't. He told him to do one final thing, but Jesus knew the young man's greed was stronger than his love for Christ.
All that to say, I don't think we as Christians should be scared of saying something that might turn someone off to Christ. Now yeah, it's stupid to run around yelling, "Turn or burn!!!!" And most people don't need to be told how sinful they are. However, most people need to know how great the love of Christ is, and we should never shy away from Him. Tim Tebow is a great example of this.
Thank you both for your thoughts!
ReplyDeleteTessa, I understand what you are saying, and I definitely take it into consideration. I suppose I often wonder in the writing world if not being preachy simply equates to more book sales. But I love your posts and love what you say about honoring God through your writing. I suppose in many respects the "preachiness" issue is based on a person's own experience with preaching/Christianity.
Logan, I love what you said. I hadn't thought of that in particular, but it does speak volumes. I've always thought it fascinating that Jesus took that approach, but it definitely coincides with His teaching to be hot or cold, not lukewarm.
I find that there is balance in everything. Whenever Jesus had people following Him, He pretty much did a lot in the way of saying things that would make them go away(in the spirit of seeing who was actually hardcore enough to follow Him through to the end). And all but twelve did!
ReplyDeleteBut, at the same time, He said very attractive things like, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." This is definitely something that is nice to hear.
But, I believe in the end, it all comes down to being led by the Spirit to say what you will. Different people are called to different preaching styles, but the important thing is that, when we know we should frankly be honest about Jesus' uncomfortable teachings, that we do so boldly and unashamed.
Very true.
DeleteThis is why I read your blog.
ReplyDelete:) Thanks.
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