Writing with a Purpose: How to Infuse Your Christian Faith into Your Manuscript
Writing with a Purpose: How to Infuse Your Christian Faith into Your Manuscript
No matter the genre you choose to write, follow these 8 tips to ensure authenticity in your work.
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Deciding to write a book infused with your Christian faith is not merely an artistic choice; it’s a reflection of your deepest values and beliefs. For many Christian writers, this process can be both a privilege and a challenge. Your goal is to create a book that is engaging and truthful, but also rooted in your faith. Today, I want to help guide you through how to weave your Christian perspective into your writing with intention and authenticity.
1. Define Your Book’s Purpose
Before you sit down to write, I want you to clarify why you want to incorporate your faith. Ask yourself: Am I aiming to educate, inspire, or entertain readers from a faith perspective? Understanding the primary purpose you have to weave in your faith will shape how you choose to integrate those beliefs into your book.
If your goal is to inspire, you might focus on themes of redemption, hope, and love, drawing from biblical stories or teachings.
If you’re aiming to educate, you might incorporate theological insights or moral lessons in a way that’s accessible and relevant to your readers. Having a clear purpose ensures that your faith-driven message is both consistent and impactful.
If you are aiming to entertain readers (often done with fiction) with a faith perspective, you might do so by incorporating uplifting and morally centered narratives into your storytelling.
2. Choose the Right Genre
The genre you decide to write your book in offers unique opportunities for integrating Christian themes. Whether you’re writing fiction, nonfiction, or poetry, the genre you choose will influence how you incorporate your faith.
Fiction: If you choose to write a novel, aim to weave Christian values into characters' actions, conversations, and plot developments. For example, a character could experience a spiritual transformation, or your narrative could explore themes of forgiveness and grace.
Nonfiction: For devotionals, self-help guides, or theological works, you can directly address biblical principles and how they apply to readers’ everyday lives. This approach will allow you to provide readers with practical advice that is grounded in scripture.
Poetry: If you’re a poet, you’ll be able to take a more nuanced exploration of faith through your work. Think about how you can use metaphor, imagery, or symbolism to express spiritual truths and emotional experiences in your poetry.
3. Develop Authentic Characters
One thing I see Christian fiction writers struggle with is authenticity in their characters. Often, writers will create characters that embody perfect Christian values who do no wrong and have zero flaws. But let’s be honest—that’s not realistic. I need you to avoid creating one-dimensional “perfect” Christian characters.
In fiction, even Christian fiction, characters should be complex and authentic. They should have flaws and be imperfect. They should struggle with doubts, face moral dilemmas, and grow in their faith. Work up a full character development sheet for each of your characters to ensure you’ve created authentic and genuine characters your readers can identify with.
When you write authentic characters, your story can embody the real-life journey of faith, including its challenges and triumphs.
4. Weave in Biblical Themes and Lessons
Incorporating biblical themes doesn’t mean you should use the pages of your book as your personal pulpit. Instead, I want you to think about allowing scriptural truths to naturally inform your writing. Themes like redemption, grace, and sacrifice can be embedded in the storyline, character arcs, or even the setting without the preachy feeling that can often make readers feel as if you’re talking down to them.
Let’s look at an example. Say you want to write a story about overcoming adversity. You might subtly incorporate the theme of God’s providence and strength found in Philippians 4:13, but the key is to integrate these themes in a way that feels organic to the narrative.
5. Show, Don’t Just Tell
Another common flaw I see in faith-based writing is when writers tell about faith instead of showing faith through actions and choices. I want you to show how your characters live out their beliefs through their decisions, conversations, and responses to life’s challenges. This approach makes your faith-based message more engaging and relatable.
Here’s an example. Instead of directly stating a character’s faith, you might show them praying when they find themselves in trouble, offering help to someone in need, or grappling with moral choices that reflect their values.
6. Use Faith-Inspired Symbolism and Imagery
Symbolism and imagery are powerful tools you can use to share Christian themes without overtly stating them to your readers. Symbols, such as light, darkness, or journeys can reflect spiritual concepts.
Here’s an example. Your protagonist could experience a hurricane, which could symbolize their struggle and eventual triumph over personal or spiritual challenges.
Symbolism and imagery you draw from scripture can enhance the depth of your writing. Think about how you can reference biblical stories or symbols that resonate with readers on a deeper level.
7. Maintain Respectful and Inclusive Language
Your book will naturally be infused with Christian values, but it’s important to recognize that readers may come from diverse backgrounds. Be respectful of this. Avoid language or portrayals that might alienate or offend those who hold different beliefs.
Aim to present your faith in a way that invites reflection and discussion rather than division. Focus on the goal of offering a perspective that is enlightening and thought-provoking, rather than exclusionary.
8. Seek Feedback from Faith-Based Beta Readers
Before sending your manuscript for a professional edit, seek out faith-based beta readers who can provide feedback on how effectively you’ve integrated your faith. Beta readers can offer perspectives on whether your message is clear and authentic.
I also want you to find beta readers who may not share the exact beliefs you, but can appreciate the values you’ve conveyed. Having a diverse group of readers can help you refine your approach and ensure that your message is both compelling and respectful.
Final Thoughts
Infusing your faith into your manuscript requires intention, authenticity, and creativity. Writing with purpose not only honors your faith but also has the potential to inspire and uplift those who encounter your work.
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