Why I'm a Christian who Doesn't write christian

"The world doesn't need more Christian literature. The world needs more Christians writing good literature." ~C.S. Lewis For years I struggled with my decision to write "general" fiction rather than Christian fiction. After all, as a believer doesn't the fact that I eschew writing faith-based fiction mean that I'm not using my talents for good? Doesn't it indicate that I'm ashamed of my faith or trying to hide my religious leanings? 

Actually, no. 

A writing friend once told me that I can't not write from my Christian perspective. Everything that I see/experience/write is filtered through that. She also pointed out (when I worried that my books were too violent, gritty, messy) that there is nothing in my books that didn't happen in the Bible. Human nature is human nature, no matter the timeline. 

Here's the simple truth as I see it today: I was called to be a writer as my career. And I was called to be light in a dark world because of my faith. If I chose to write Christian fiction for other believers my light would be doing what exactly? Making their light brighter? But if someone who isn't a Christian reads one of my books and sees hope, that's fantastic. If they read it and toss it aside with a "Meh, that was pretty entertaining," and don't get anything else out of it, then that's fine too. 

The quote above by C.S. Lewis is one that is hanging over my desk right now. Because what the world needs IS more Christians writing what they are passionate about and what they're meant to write. Not what they think they "should" write or what their pastor or parent or friend encourages them to write. 

The deeper exploration into human nature and spiritual issues is something that fascinates me. And I think from reading many of my books reviews , others feel the same way.

The fact is that we're all flawed. We're all broken in some way. And finding people who look and talk and act like us on the page (bad habits, stupid choices and all) means that an author is doing his or her job correctly. Even if it's ugly. Even if it's uncomfortable at times. The important part is remembering that no matter how dark the situation, hope shines through.