When It Comes to Christian Fiction, What Approach Do You Feel Is Best: the More Literal Style of C.S. Lewis or the More Vague Style of J.R.R. Tolkien?

By Randy Alcorn

April 13, 2011

I like both Lewis and Tolkien, but I do think that the more explicit approach—if not over the top—is more effective in terms of touching people with the gospel. The gospel is sufficiently clear in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe that a person could come to faith in Christ through it, and some have. Coming to Christ through Lord of the Rings would be a stretch. Now, of course, a book can be good without drawing someone to Christ, but I am in favor of very good books that also have some impact on people's spiritual lives and show them their need for the Lord.

Randy Alcorn (@randyalcorn) is the author of over sixty books and the founder and director of Eternal Perspective Ministries.

Topics

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