The Pilgrim’s Progress is the most well-known story in the Christian faith. If you were part of the church when young, you’ll have been told to study this novel.
If you’re new to the faith, then this story should be your first fictional adventure into Christian tales. Originally written in the 1600s, millions of people have read John Bunyan’s story.
Bunyan is just like any Christian pilgrim. He travels from a place of burden and searches for release through the action of religion. Bunyan carries his sins with him through memory and guilt, he keeps his bible close searching for hope.
Pros
Available in Modern English and Original Text
Contains poetry
Creates an emotional response
Cons
Modern readers may find the story superficial or boring
Written in 1997, this historical romance is set in 1850. The Californian landscape is filled with prostitution and greed. The main character Angel is told to marry Michael Hosea, and in obeying God agrees to love him unconditionally.
Angel battles moral dilemmas as she attempts to keep God in her heart. Although this novel is a romance book, the real themes surround faith and redemption as our main character realizes her own unworthiness.
Pros
Heart-wrenching romance
Gripping story
Enlightening inspiration
Cons
Not a “clean” storyline, so may be offensive to some readers
Sunburst is the second novel in the Sky King Ranch series. The first is Sunrise. Technically you don’t need to read Sunrise to understand and appreciate Sunburst, but you may get a deeper appreciation for the story if read in order.
Sunburst follows Ranger Kingston, a former Navy Seal on a rescue mission. Brother Cole has been kidnapped by Nigerian terrorists. Among the kidnapped is an old family friend.
The two of them have to work together to get out of Nigeria safely. This action-packed novel has suspense, mystery, and romance all wrapped into one.
Written by William Paul Young, this inspirational story follows the disappearance of a young girl called Missy. She had been abducted during their family vacation, and for four years the family has been in torment.
All was lost until Mack, Missy’s father was sent a message from God. This is a story of loss, mystery, confusion, and faith.
A Lineage of Grace is another historical fiction by Francine Rivers. However, this story is set in biblical times. Five women, all chosen by God, face extraordinary challenges.
Through their stories, we see how their choices and actions help create the lineage of Jesus Christ. The novel is split into five parts, describing the challenges and trials of each woman in Jesus Christ’s family tree.
Pros
A wonderful display of how God touches us all
Quick read
A beautiful balance of deep shame and deep love
Cons
Depictions are closer to Modern Western concepts than Historical Jewish culture
Among The Innocent is a detective story. Leah Miller’s Amish family was murdered, and the culprit took his own life, leaving Leah with no answers and no family.
She left the Amish community and became a police officer only to find another Amish woman dead in the same gruesome manner.
Leah has to dig up the past and work with the police to figure out what happened, if the original murderer was actually innocent, and why these murders keep happening.
The Love Comes Softly series is a historical romance based in the Wild West of America. Written in 1979, we follow Marty and her struggle with family life alongside a man she doesn’t know.
Marty was originally married to a wonderful husband, but while pregnant with his child an accident took Clem’s life.
Marty, being poor, with no home and a baby on the way couldn’t refuse when Clark Davis asked for her hand in marriage during Clem’s funeral. Marty didn’t want this marriage, but her trust in God would change her mind.
The Chronicles of Narnia is a seven-book fantasy series. The most well-known is The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe which has been turned into a major Hollywood movie. Because of its popularity, many people don’t realize the strong Christian parallels.
The Magician’s Nephew describes Creation, The Lion The Witch And The Wardrobe describes crucifixion and resurrection and Prince Caspian describes true religion being restored after corruption. As the stories continue, each novel touches on another Christian view.
Dr. Chesterfield is a workaholic. As a neurosurgeon, he needs a clear mind to work well, and yet his obsessive mind doesn’t allow rest. Eventually, the Royal London Hospital forced Chesterfield on vacation to Maui.
Attempting to relax, Peter’s holiday is uprooted when he finds a dying woman in the water. With her last breath, she whispers “honu”. The only clue to her story. This award-winning Christian novel is filled with suspense, adventure, and mystery.
Fame is a five-book romance series based around a successful actor and a theater director. Karen Kingsbury, the author, shows the audience the dangers of power, money, and fame.
How greed can corrupt you, and even with God by your side, you can make the wrong decisions.
Multiple times in the story our main character, Katy recognizes God’s warning but carries on with her bad choices anyway because she’s caught up in the moment. Kingsbury teaches us life lessons about real decisions in life.
They should offer hope to the reader, and allow the characters to reach a holy resolution. Books that question Christian faith, and those that doubt or struggle aren’t automatically bad.
It’s these novels which help us in our own dismay. These stories should help us find God again and stay within His light. Secondly, you should consider the cleanliness of the book.
If there is profanity or inappropriate romantic behavior, you may become uncomfortable with the story. Of course, some of us can look past these issues, but if you don’t enjoy these descriptions look through the reviews to help avoid them.
Conclusion
There is a wide range of Christian fiction from romance to historical, suspense to fantasy. Each of the stories above keeps God at the forefront of the story while exploring how faith or creation is understood.
The novels above range in their overt faith, but each of them has moments of clarity and spirituality that both entertain and enlighten their readers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Okay To Read Fantasy Books As A Christian?
Yes, as long as the tale is based on Christianity. The Bible describes magic as an act against God, but this concept is normally around control or necromancy.
If the main characters are good and keep Godly values, then they are still Christian.
What Is Edgy Christian Fiction?
Edgy Christian fiction is stories that push the boundaries. They don’t need to include foul language or actions, instead, they show a connection to God and faith through unexpected paths.
Can Christians Read Harry Potter?
The Vatican has approved of Harry Potter as they say it consists of Christian morals, but they warn readers of “new age” spiritual beliefs.
Is J.K Rowling Religious?
J.K. Rowling describes herself as a Christian, which is why her Harry Potter series contains multiple Christian references.
What Are The Biblical Themes In Harry Potter?
The Biblical themes in Harry Potter are moral judgment, sacrifice, and resurrection.
Why Should You Read Christian Fiction?
When you live a safe life, it can be easy to forget the moral issues others face. Christian fiction can allow you to experience the darkness of another life from a safe distance.
From this secondhand experience, you can enhance your own beliefs and become enlightened from afar.
Noah Burton works as a Librarian full time, and is a blogger in his spare time. His goal is to write compelling recommendations for all of the most popular books he can find, from science fiction to romance.
With a passion for books, a drive to find new reads to get stuck into, and a love for sharing book recommendations with others, Noah can help you find the next novel for your bucket list.
