Writing a novel based on the ideologies of Christianity doesn’t mean the characters or events in the story must be overt in the faith. Think C.S. Lewis or J.R.R. Tolkien. Their novels are filled with wizards and monstrous beings, other worlds and epic battles. Reading the inside cover synopses of their stories wouldn’t necessarily clue in a reader that they were about to encounter Christian themes throughout the book.
Both Lewis and Tolkien, as well as several other best-selling fiction authors, use symbolism like a needle to thread Christian themes into the fabric of their novels. Some authors might want to write an overtly “Christian” story. Jan Karon, author of the popular “Mitford” series is an example. Her 14-book series tells the story of an Episcopal priest, Father Tim Kavanagh, and the adventures and challenges that unfold throughout his career in ministry and, later, his retirement. Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings” or Lewis’s “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” compel readers to discover Christian themes by reading between the lines.
What are the main Christian themes in this type of fiction?
Reading a novel with covert Christian themes is like a treasure hunt. Readers encounter the main themes of Christianity, such as redemption, forgiveness, quest for truth, love and more, through symbolism. As the chapters unfold, so do the messages and comparisons that liken the characters and events to Jesus and to His teachings. In Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings” series, you might notice these Christian representations:
- Both Frodo and Gandalf are Christ-like figures, one who is willing to sacrifice himself for others and the other, who performs miracles and returns from the dead.
- The ring symbolizes temptation and sin, as well as the corruption and devastation that often occur when people become obsessed with power and greed.
- The Shire is often seen as symbolic to The Garden of Eden.
- Mount Doom, to where Frodo must travel to destroy the ring, symbolizes Golgotha, the place where Jesus lay down his life to bring Salvation to the world.
The main Biblical theme in “The Lord of the Rings” is good versus evil, with good being triumphant. Virtues, such as faith, trust, humility and perseverance are also prevalent throughout the story.
Symbolism is fine, provided you don’t confuse readers
Using covert Christian themes to tell a story is a legitimate option for authors who want to write in the Christian space but may not want to tell a specifically “Christian” story like Jan Karon’s “Mitford” books. For such novels to be successful, the lines of distinction must be clear so that readers can easily identify and pick-up on the themes at hand. For instance, it wouldn’t make sense to write a novel based on Biblical truths and have evil triumph over good. The goal is to entertain your readers while staying true to the core values of Christianity.
