My definition of edgy

[Rhonda McKnight]

When I think of edgy Christian fiction I think of Christian fiction that CBA publishers have not traditionally been willing to publish because of some taboo subject. I think some of that is beginning to change, but certainly not fast enough for me. I don't like a softer, gentler read (as some writers like to call it). I prefer a story that really addresses issues Christians struggle with.

[Charles Funderburg]

Michelle Sutton said: I am all for dealing with sin head-on. I think the reason so many Christians fall is because they can't be honest with other Christians about their struggles. It should NOT be that way. You should feel safer with fellow believers, not like someone who has to fake spirituality and holiness to be accepted.


I am sitting here stunned into silence when I hear Michelle say this. It has come up in many of the meetings I’ve had with other Christians and my wife and I.

I’ve decided I can’t deal with superficial Christians, who hide behind their ‘praise the Lord’s” and “It must be God’s will,” or the worst, “I don’t feel comfortable or find it appropriate to discuss that kind of topic.”

Well, last I checked, the world I live in is real, and it is fallen, and there are a lot of ugly things happening out there, and yes … to Christians. Most people don’t realize, for instance that the 50+% divorce rate happens among Christians as well, who probably, like Michelle said, feel they can’t be honest about their struggles. Why can’t we get real, and, to quote Quincy Jones, “ … get ourselves in hand, And admit to one another that we`re no good with out the other?” This, to me, is real Christianity, and what we need to practice more often. We surely aren’t fooling our Lord … He knows better. Sadly, I guess we like fooling/lying to ourselves.

[Kat Heckenbach]

Oh, you've hit something that really gets me going, Chas. When something bad happens and someone says, "Oh, it was God's will." Hm, last time I checked, the Bible didn't say anything about women being raped, or kids dying of cancer, or husbands being hit by drunk drivers part of "God's will." Those rotten things happen because our world is fallen, and it breaks God's heart!

What I DO believe is that God can take those situations and bring good from them. Yes, He wants us to trust Him, but I truly believe He doesn't want us hiding from the truth about it. How do you battle evil with a blindfold on?

[Charles Funderburg]

Amen, sister Kat! Preach the word!

:-)

[Bill Giovannetti]

I think the trick is dealing with sin head on, in a way that doesn't AROUSE more sin. That's where my struggle it. Our carnal side is a tricky thing...

[JC Lamont]

I definately didn't set out to write edgy fiction, but everyone who knows alittle bit about my book keeps telling me I am going to have problems with the CBA, that it is edgy, dark, etc. I don't know if that is just because it's fantasy, or if there is more too it. It is violent in parts, but I am not graphic (well, that depends on your view of graphic) -- it is done with taste, to show the horror of what happened, but mostly focuses on the reactions and emotions of the characters forced to witness.

Other than that, my characters drink wine, and the MC partakes especially when he is withdrawn (in a dark place emotionally). But wine has the same effect on him/them that it had on Legalos. "Oh no! It's affecting me. I feel a slight tingling in my fingers." And on the flip side, driking excessively is particularly spoken against.

The only other thing, is that one person one time says "D@mn you" completely in the King James context.

So, what is your opinion? Is this edgy? Is this acceptable? Or is it way over the top? Evil? Have I crossed a line?

[Rhonda Clark]

Look at it this way. If God has inspried and blessed you to write this story, it doesn't make a difference what any of us think. He has a plan for your work.

Our world is filled all kinds of evil. What we see is only the tip of the iceberg of what Satan really can do. People need to understand that Satan is real, and the only thing more powerful than him is God. Unfortunately, they will understand this when Satan takes over his 1,000 year reign. At that time your fiction will look like a Disney movie.

[Michael Scott]

Hey Rhonda,

Just a minor caveat... Satan doesn't get a 1,000 year reign. He gets imprisoned for a 1,000 years, while Christ reigns. Then he gets released again for a short while.

Having said that, I'm an amillennialist myself, but even for die-hard premillennial dispensationalists, the reign of the antichrist is only 7 years. And while we haven't seen the tip of the iceberg of Satan's power, we haven't seen the tip of the iceberg of God's power either. I think the special effects will be awesome, though!

Other than that, I completely agree with what you said.

[Rachel Marks]

Violence isn't frowned on in CBA. Neither is cussing (at least not like it used to be--some words are still off limits) if it's in context. And drinking? I had no idea that was a problem. I'm from L.A., though. LOL...

As long as your theology is good, then you should be alright, I'd think.

Besides, the truth is that editors are looking more at the writing and the story than anything else when they first pick up your work. They want to be wowed and refreshed. Just give them characters they can't pass up and a story to yank at their heart out, and you'll be golden. :)

[Diane Joy Baker]

Ho! I'm with you there. Frankly, I'd like to see something (either on line or in print) like LOCUS, with a Chrisitan slant. It would include good fiction that is not explicitlyChristian or CBA published, but whose authors we know have a Christ-honoring background---Gene Wolfe, for instance. A trade paper for those of us who love great fantasy and SF, ranging from Tolkien to Sharon Hinke.

Also, I'd also love to see a "lending group," for those who would like to read CBA , but can't get all of it. What thinkest thou?

[Michelle Sutton]

Lending group?

[Carol]

I so agree with you Rhonda. I know tons of wonderful Christians. Each one of them flawed, each one of them with quirks enough to drive the Pope crazy. They're real and troubled and wonderfully saved by grace. They're the people I love to read about because they face the same things I do and find the way out. They remind me Jesus loves me. They remind me I'm not in this alone.

[Ruth Ann Nordin]

"When I think of edgy Christian fiction I think of Christian fiction that CBA publishers have not traditionally been willing to publish because of some taboo subject. I think some of that is beginning to change, but certainly not fast enough for me. I don't like a softer, gentler read (as some writers like to call it). I prefer a story that really addresses issues Christians struggle with."

I think this definition fits. It reflects people as they are and events as they happen. The Bible doesn't cover up things that have happened, and thank goodness because it reassures me that if God can work through those people, He can work through me too. I like to think edgy Christian fiction should reflect that. I'm tired of reading about perfect people because I'll never be that good and can't relate to their struggles.