Sunday, November 20, 2005

Zane as Church Lesson?

So I'm perusing the Miami Herald this weekend and my jaw drops when I read an article titled:MIAMI BOOK FAIR:Explosion in erotic literature BY NICOLE WHITE.
That conflict is even playing out on the bestseller list at Essence[Magazine.] Christian fiction authors and erotica authors routinely compete for the number one spot on the list. ''It's almost a battle between saints and sinners,'' Bass said.

Nevertheless, there is some mild acknowledgement of the genre's acceptance among young Christian adults. Zane said one of her most fulfilling appearances was a book signing for a women's group at a church brunch.

Steven Caldwell, 39, the pastor for young adults at Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church in Richmond Heights, admitted he has penned many lessons based on material gleaned from Zane's books.

''I don't tell them not to read it,'' Caldwell said. ``I have no problem with them reading it. In fact, I've read many of her books.''

Adding a caveat, the pastor noted: 'I use the characters' flaws and weaknesses to teach a broader lesson. I believe that the power of God's word is stronger than the power of a fictional character.''

Now, The Word states to not speak against our ministers, so I won't do that. But I am disheartened that he believes that its okay for his young adults to read erotica. Soft porn is a demon in black churches. Kirk Franklin confessed his own thorns over the issue and his new mission to prevent it within the young adult community.

Lately, we've talked at the faith*in*fiction board about the availability of sex scenes in christian fiction and the notion of Christian erotica. But we've all agreed that context and content is the dividing line here, not recreating a sexual act or inciting a reader's carnal emotions. It is clear line that within any case does not allow room for the types of works that Zane produces.

I thought about speaking to Zane about doing an interview here at Christian Fiction, as she is a Christian writer, but not a christian fiction writer. We belong to the same bookclub. However, I am spiritually not prepared to open that can of worms and I'm sure neither is she. So I ask you, is their a spiritual precedence allowing soft porn in young adult christian's minds? Is it okay for them to read erotica, as a bible study accompaniment? And if so, should christian fiction writer's be the one's writing these books?

A Conscience Chick

 

Chick Lit With A Conscience

Authors craft characters who enjoy shopping and margaritas but love God even more. 

 
Jessica Hill at Columbia News Service highlights Anne Dayton, May Vanderbilt,Kristin Billerbeck, Laura Jensen Walker, and Judy Baer. The most jaw-dropping thing about the article was the letter writing campaign to ban the books from Christian bookstores back in 1999, because of bikini shopping. Now these books sit on the same shelves as the other girlie fiction books in Target and Walmart. Mission accomplished.
Now I must confess. I adore great writing. And I love a great story even more. And sometimes, especially during the holidays I want a book that makes me laugh. I hadn't checked out any of these books. But I'm about to read Mary Griffith's Pink and her Steeple Hill Cafe chicklitty- Made of Honor next month. And I'm going to see Pride & Prejudice at the movies week after next. Have any of you read any girlie christian fiction? Did you like it? Do you think these chicks have a conscience or are they chasing the bling bling?
 
Dee
 
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Conference Call: EMACW

 EAST METRO ATLANTA CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCE

December 2 & 3, 2005

 

“Write the vision, and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it.”

Habakkuk 2:2

 

Register today and experience a  welcome, supportive environment for all writers –beginners and seasoned.

 
Conference Information

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Call 404.444.7414
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or EMail

conference@emacw.org

 

 

 

  • 14 Sessions

  • Professional training with six faculty

  • Complimentary Refreshments

  • Catered lunch Friday/Saturday

  • Awards Banquet/Dinner

  • Free 15 minute private consultations with faculty will be offered on a limited first-come, first-serve basis. You may sign up at the registration table at the beginning of the conference.

  • Lighthouse Christian Bookstore on-site

  • Hospitality on the historical Covington Square, with horse-carriage rides, hot apple cider and book signings

  • Early Bird Registration

 
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