I recently saw an article shared on Facebook that got me thinking about the value of Christian romance. More specifically, is there any value in reading books about fictional Christian characters who fall in love? I would say, yes, definitely, and for sure! Here are 3 reasons why I believe there’s value in reading (and writing) Christian romance:
1) Hope. In a world that’s full of broken people and relationships, Christian romance reminds us there is hope in Christ. I especially like reading books about Christians who have made mistakes and strayed from their faith and are trying to find their way back to God. Reading about fictional characters who struggle through their challenges helps us know we’re not alone in ours. Christian romance also gives us examples of how Biblical truths play out in realistic situations.
2) Heart. Romance is all about the heart, AKA. the warm fuzzies, AKA. the feels. I personally love reading romance so I can feel the wonders of a new/renewed relationship, as well as the angst that comes from misunderstandings or conflicts. Sometimes a book can make me laugh and sometimes it can make me cry—the best stories do both!—but either way, reading can be a cathartic experience. Christian romance, in particular, offers us glimpses of the most wonderful kind of emotion—God’s unconditional love.
3) Wholesome Entertainment. When you read Christian romance, you can rest assured that you’ll be getting clean and wholesome entertainment. This genre has been steadily gaining popularity over the years, which means readers are looking for stories with depth and meaning. It’s so important that Christian romance is available as an option for those who like reading romance.
I’d love to hear your thoughts about the value of Christian romance. Please comment below and let me know!
Giveaway: I’d like to give away a digital copy of a book from my backlist, boxed sets excluded. Two winners will be randomly chosen from the comments below. The giveaway will remain open until midnight on Friday, November 1st.
A chauffeur and referee by day (AKA a stay at home mom of two), Liwen Y. Ho writes inspirational and sweet romance infused with heart, humor, and a taste of home (her Asian roots).
Hi Liwen, this subject is quite dear to me-I’ve shared before how lots of people around me see no value in reading fiction, especially romance fiction. I think Christian romance (Christian fiction in general) helps me understand the people around me- I gain insights into how people might be thinking, how people might react to different situations and how I can respond. I think it also helps me work through ‘what if’ situations in an effort to avoid making certain mistakes in real life. I also love the reminder that Christ is love and that real love is sacrificial, not selfish. Thank you for your contributions to my reading library and growth journey.
Blessings:)
Hi Liwen! Reading Inspirational Romance is what the term implies – many stories inspire me, as Wemble stated to live a better Christian life and learn from yes “fictional” characters mistakes in love and in life. As a retired pastor’s wife and speaking with parishioners who are disappointed in the modern church – I am amazed at the spiritual insight of so many Christian authors. You are correct – heart and wholesome entertainment (which even the Hallmark channel provides), but Christian romance provides the Hope in Jesus. Thanks to you and all the wonderful Inspy Romance authors. Best wishes. Enjoy your week.
I agree with you and the other two comments that they help me try to be more understanding of what others are going through
I love Christian dictionaries a well written, clean story. I frequently learn something from the story too, as well as insights on different Bible verses.
I’ve loved Christian romance since I first discovered it with Al Lacy and Jeanette Oke, and Eugenia Price and Grace Livingston Hill. Also, Jane Peart. I had so many books of hers and others by that publishing house! I donated them to a church when I had to make room for more books! It was a church my friend went to, and didn’t have a big library, but they wanted to add to it, so I gave them to her. I think your reasons are correct; I know they’re the reason I read Christian fiction!! I love to read, so I can only imagine what I might read if there wasn’t Christian fiction. I get uncomfortable reading some of the sweet/clean, so maybe I wouldn’t even be reading!
Oh but you hit it right on the head. These have got to be the top three reasons I read Christian Fiction. There was a period where I read, well it could only be termed as “smut” And then I realized that I was expecting my husband to be like these men. Uhhh really? My husband tries to be a godly man. How could I treat him like that? So I mentioned it to a really good friend and she gave me a few books by Francine Rivers and Janet Oke. Oh my goodness. I could see the difference and I couldnt stop reading CF. Today 36 years later, that is all I read.
Hi Wemble, what great thoughts. I totally agree with the “what if” situations; it’s much easier and less painful to learn from others’ mistakes than your own. Thanks for reading and chiming in!
Hi Renate, you’re so right—it’s all in the term inspirational. Inspiring readers is definitely at the heart of what Christian authors hope to do. Thanks so much for reading and sharing your thoughts!
Hi Brenda, yes, it really helps to be able to get into the head of a character and understand where they’re coming from. Thanks for reading and commenting!
Hi Diana, yes, it’s cool how Christian fiction can be both entertaining and insightful. Thanks so much for reading and commenting!
Hi Trudy, how wonderful that you were able to bless your friend’s church with Christian romance books! It sounds like you have quite a growing collection. Thanks so much for reading and sharing your thoughts.
Hi Lori, you make such a valid point that what we read can influence our expectations. I’m so glad you found Christian Fiction. Thanks for reading and sharing your experiences!
I love Christian romance for the exact reasons you listed here! Heartfelt, deep emotional connections between the couple, hope in the midst of trails, finding scriptural truths in the pages, struggling characters with real life issues but clinging to hope in Christ, and I NEVER have to look over my shoulders to make sure someones not looking at what I’m reading. Like I’ve seen somewhere; if you can’t watch that movie or read that book with Christ sitting next to you, then you shouldn’t be watching/reading those things!
I can comfortably read a Christian romance with my husband sitting next to me and him not get jealous or offended :-)
Hi Trixi, I couldn’t have said it better myself! I especially like your last line about not getting your husband jealous or offended. Thanks so much for reading and commenting!
So true! I think Christian romance can inspire us and teach us at the same time. It’s comforting to read about characters going through similar situations and seeing how they find their way back to God.
Hi Megan! For sure. It’s like a touch of reality that’s entertaining, too. Thanks so much for reading and commenting!
I totally agree with what you said. Thanks.
Hi Mary! Thanks so much for reading and letting me know you agree. :)
Great post. It is refreshing to read a well written defense of this often unjustly disparaged genre.
Hi Kathleen! Aww, thanks for supporting Christian Romance. :) I appreciate you taking the time to read and comment.
I completely agree with you on all of the reasons for Christian Romance! It isn’t far the majority of what I read, but everything I read these days is definitely Christian!
Hi Paula! I know you read a lot, so it’s great that you’ve found enough Christian Romance to fill up your TBR pile. :) Thanks for reading and commenting!
Oh my, that was supposed to say It is by far the majority of what I read…fat thumbs and autocorrect
I got what you were saying! ;)
Hi, Liwen!
I agree 100% with everything you said! I love Christian romance so much! It makes up 99% of what I read. Growing up I loved to read but always struggled to find books I really loved, and when I did I’d reread them over and over again, I now never have to search for my next read as I have a never ending TBR list of Christian romance books that I know I’ll love! Also, I just wanted to say that the Christian fiction world is such a special place made up of so many amazing authors and readers, it’s a joy and an honor to be part of such a fabulous community! 😍
Hi Caitlyn! Aww, it’s a joy and an honor for us authors to have your support. :) Isn’t it great that we have so many good Christian romance books to choose from nowadays? Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts!