For the past 5 years, the writings of Walter Wangerin, Jr. have been a tremendous blessing to me. I first fell in love with The Book of God, Wangerin’s re-telling of the Story of God in the form of a novel. Now, I’m not typically a big fan of the Christian fiction genre. Call me amillenial, but the Left Behind Series just doesn’t do it for me. (I even tried to read the first one…and I wanted to like it, but the writing was just bad.) But Wangerin’s writings are atypical. The Biblical story came alive to me through his gift for words & details as he recounted the ancient narrative in gripping fashion. I’ve loaned out several copies over the years and given away even more as gifts to friends; if you’ve not read The Book of God, I highly recommend it.
His next work was another classic: Paul: A Novel. Using his same gift of description, Wangerin immerses his readers in the first century world of a young Pharisee named Saul and his life-altering encounter with the Risen Christ. Each chapter is told from the perspective of someone in Paul’s life, be it Barnabas, Prisca, Luke, Timothy, etc. For someone who’s heard the story of Paul his entire life, Wangerin’s narrative gave me a fresh appreciation for the man’s mission and ministry.
After reading Paul, I was able to catch up on some of Wangerin’s earlier writings. His Whole Prayer was fantastic and I devoured it quickly, along with Ragman & Other Cries of Faith, Little Lamb, Who Made Thee?, and Miz Lil and the Chronicles of Grace, all of which would be well deserving a place on your bookshelf. (I hear his Reliving the Passion is excellent, too…I just haven’t made the time to read it.)
But now, Wangerin has composed perhaps his most amibitious work to date: Jesus: A Novel hit bookstores a few weeks ago and I eagerly picked up my copy on the day of it’s release. Now, I know many of you who take the time to read my blog have given me some excellent texts that I’ve put on my reading list (I haven’t forgotten about the Chronicles of Narnia, Lucy!) and with two grad classes, my leisure reading time has been almost completely eradicated, but I started reading Jesus before bed a few nights ago…and I couldn’t put it down. I’d read 70 pages before I even realized it. So far, it’s living up to my expectations.
If you’re looking for a good read, I recommend anything by Wangerin. I can only hope his gifts would be the blessing to you that they’ve been to me.
already & not yet 
Thanks for the tip. I read Paul: A Novel and loved it. I love this time of year with my birthday and Christmas so close together; the answer to “what to get for Mike?” is only a short drive away at B&N!I’m curious as to what you think about Christian historical fiction and it’s potential role in evangelism, possibly reaching some who might not otherwise read the Bible or visit a church. Useful or not?
Mike,That’s an interesting question. As you can tell, I’m not a big fan of Christian fiction in general. I find that a lot of that dreck is the perfect marriage of bad theology and bad writing. But hey, if the Left Behind Series causes some schmo to re-evaluate his life and make a commitment to Jesus, I’ll take it.But your question was about Christian historical fiction. Obviously you’re familiar with Wangerin and I’ve also read your comments re: the new Anne Rice book (have you read it?). I would think that such texts could serve some evangelistic purposes. It seems in the emergent generation, there’s a rejection of authority structures, such as the church, coupled with a hunger for authenticity, especially in regard to matters of faith. I’m sure these texts could serve as a springboard to spiritually meaningful conversation with our “unchurched” friends. Your thoughts?
I don’t have the Anne Rice book yet, but the powers-that-be (God, my wife and Santa Claus) have been informed of my interest in that little tome, so I’m hoping it will show up soon.Yes, it would seem that many from the emergent generation might be more open to a new and more colorful rendition of the “tried and true” (sorta of like a new bright and fuzzy lure for the fishing pole?). Frankly, ancient literature was not designed necessarily to grab attention and entertain, and for better or worse, today’s millenials desire color and, as you said, “expect authenticity” and something that relates to their present situation.But I believe that Christian historical fiction can help the over-40 set as well if they would be open to it. For us, the old stories sometimes become dry and routine. A new and interesting retelling may be enough to get the pot stirred and the old fires burning again. For many, they may find that when they go back and read the Bible it seems more alive and true. Some may be reluctant to give that a try, afraid perhaps that the “pure message” would be somehow tainted after reading fiction. There might be some risk there I guess, but I would remind objectors that God would probably want us to use whatever means were at our disposal to increase our faith and that discernment is always there for the asking.
Great point, Mike. I don’t claim to be that old, but I have been in church since I was a tiny little tot and I’ll admit, keeping the story fresh and engaging can be challenging when you feel you’ve heard it 3 times a week (or more) for nearly 30 years. I’ve found that the Christian fiction works we’re talking about have given me a new love and a deeper appreciation for the text. It says something about God that He chose to communicate His eternal truth through narrative; at the heart, we’re all just looking for a good story and anything that reinvigorates The Story is a good thing!I read a comment Yancey made in this month’s Christianity Today that is relevant to our discussion. Yancey quoted a friend, a young seeker, who made the following comment re: Christian literature in general. This young man asked Yancey for some recommended reading by some heavyweights (C.S. Lewis, etc.) because “a lot of the Christian literature I’ve read seems to be written for people who already believe.” I think his sentiment is probably indicative of the attitude of many . I’m sure some of the Christian fiction we’re talking about would be quite helpful to individuals who are curious about the Story of God but are afraid to ask, for fear that we’ll make them feel stupid.
I’ve started a two year series at my congregation that is paying great dividends. We focus on one book a week encouraging our members to read that week’s book. We started in Genesis and are now up to 1 Kings. In our Sunday morning classes we do an overview of that week’s book: key themes, doctrines, characters, thoughts, story outline, etc.My Sunday morning sermon series is entitled, “The Scarlet Thread” and it makes the connection in each book to the promised Messiah.On Sunday nights we have a discussion/Q&A session about things and stories that have come up in class or readings. It gives us an opportunity to go deeper into the text.On Wednesday night I am doing a series that takes a story from the coming week’s book and make practical applications to 21st century living.What is coming out in this approach is that our people are discovering that we have had a highly reductionistic at best, completely dismissive at worst to OT narrative. We have taught some nice quaint stories without a look to the cohesive unit that is Scripture. Historical Christian Non-Fiction is pretty gripping too.
The reason that your congregation is finding historical non-fiction gripping and recognizing the cohesiveness of scripture is that you are taking the time to present it to them in an integrated, systematic way. That requires time and thought, and for that you are to be commended.That approach is much more preferable than simply ordering the latest Willow Creek or Saddleback “Theme Pack” and then pigeon-holing scripture into it and hoping that some of it “sticks.”There, that ought to stir the pot a little! đ
Mike,I pitched a devotional book idea to Zondervan the other day, but I’m not sure they bought it. It’s entitled “Chicken Soup for the Purpose Driven Left Behind Soul.” I’ve also been kicking around a devotional book for women, “The Prayer of Abishag” to no avail.
Great point Mike. Since it is a congregational task we are able to methodically see the big picture emerge. So much of the canned bible study material that is out there rhymes with pap.Ohh, Abishag. If only the man had not kept her and Adonijah apart.
Jason–ROFL! I can’t understand why they wouldn’t like your idea!Scott–I like your systemic approach-it shows a great deal of respect for scripture and what it was intended to do. I’ve also enjoyed at times being part of congregations (yes, even C of C) who have uses the Revised Common Lectionary. Lectionary is sort of an anchor that can keep everybody honest and prevent us from becoming enamored with the latest and greatest evangelical trend which comes skipping down the pike.I had to look up Abishag. I think her prayer may have gone something like this: “Dear God, please keep the old geezer sleeping just a little longer so I can get some peace and quiet. Thank you and amen.”
Mike, you’re stealing my punch man! How’m I gonna get people to shell out $20 if you’re pulling the curtain back for free over here!And I can’t figure out what ROFL means. Wasn’t he the dog on the Muppets?
I’ve thought several times about preaching through the lectionary. Still might. The trick is telling people that is what I am doing.I could just do an Osteen and show how every book in the Bible tells you how to be rich. Write up The Prayer of Osteen, Jason.
ROFL means “Rolling on the Floor Laughing.”I realize now that must sound so 1995. I’ll try to do better.
I thought it was “Right Out of Left Field”, which would’ve also been appropriate.