I’ve been writing a book for a while and I really like it. My book is so far fifty pages, it’s a dark comedy, and I feel like it’s one of those ‘once and a million ideas’. But i feel a bit conflicted. I want to be a Christian writer, but is my book idea not Christian? Does it make me a bad Christian/? Is it bad for me to write this?
This book follows a man named Kenji. He’s a famous food maker, with a passion for food. At the beginning of the book, he dies. He wakes up in Hell, and is told by a Demon that he is dead. The book is a dark comedy, following Kenji’s journey on bringing food to the souls in hell. I don’t idolize demons, making it clear that they are bad people, and i make it clear that i dont think that Hell is a good place. Satan is not really in the story, known as Lucifer, who briefly appears in chapter 5. I talk a bit about the people in hells wishes that they had been better people. But i wonder, is this ok to write about.
This story, of course, is a Dark comedy, and isn’t really serious. Kenji experiences several deaths as he tries to bring food to teh world, and he makes friends with a little furry monster known as Zella. Another major charecter, Bartimiz, is a human turned demon who really wants to get promoted. He is labeled as a bad person, kinda is friends with Kenji, and such. This is sort of a satire, and for that reason, God is not really mentioned, since I don’t want to be offensive in anyway. So I’ve been caught between this. I love writing this, and I dont mean in anyway to idolize murder or satan. Is there something i should change? Is this ok to write about?
I’ll be awaiting your response.
Hey Micah. In your question, are you asking if you’re still a Christian after having an idea like this, or if this book would fit into the “Christian” genre, which is a marketing label?
You’re a Christian writer if you believe that Jesus is your savior, your master, and the sole source of your salvation. It doesn’t matter if you write books that will be marketed towards Christian audiences or not. If you’re a Christian and you write, you’re a Christian writer.
There are some problems with your idea, many of which Hannah already articulated. As writers, we always have to be aware that someone might take us seriously. (Research L. Ron Hubbard if you don’t believe me.) While we can’t control every bizarre way someone might read our work, we can and should make sure that the core information is accurate.
I only disagree with Hannah on the idea of dark comedy. While I think it’s a good word of caution and we need to be 100% sure we’re rock solid in our faith first, I could see some dark comedy that exposes darkness and illuminates a path to faith.
It’s one thing if you’re creating a fantasy world, but since you’re talking about hell and demons, which are real things, you either need to talk about them in a Biblically accurate fashion or make sure it’s well-established that you’re creating a fantasy version (in which case, it had better serve a purpose).
But as to my original comment, if Jesus is our master and we’re fully surrendered to Him, we can invite Him into our work, and I think He’ll help us sort this out. A supportive in-person spiritual community can also be the difference maker as you discern His voice.
Micah, I really like Hannah’s response so won’t add anything from a faith or biblical perspective. Want to mention this sounds a lot like the series called, “Hell Boy” except for the fact that he is located in our world. They make jokes and references which makes it entertaining (though I watched less than about 3 minutes of a single episode and won’t watch again as to not support it.) Once in a million idea? It very well could be. Writing it does not take away your Christianity. One thought: If this gained world-wide popularity, is it something you want representing you and your faith?
Hey Micah! It’s true, your plot concept is certainly unique, it almost sounds like an upcoming series on Amazon Prime or some such platform.
This is my personal opinion as a writer and a Christian and I say this all as a sister in Christ, in love and concern! Whether a story or novel or movie is explicitly Christian or not, whether it would be termed sacred or secular, we as Jesus followers still need to make two things clear: Good is right and evil is wrong. Whether that be in fantasy, sci-fi, or realistic fiction, our readers should come away knowing there are laws God has set in place, and when we break them, there are consequences.
To create a story that centers on a Hell where people can dine on food crafted by a chef, and demons befriend humans, or even were humans, go against several important concepts in Scripture. Hell is real, and you mentioned you made sure your opinion to your readers is it’s a bad place, but the fact these things are happening in that world suggest it’s not quite as awful a spot as some would suggest. Demons never were humans, but fallen angels who joined Lucifer in rebellion. Again, you know all this, but as most authors do, you’re creating your own version of a long told story. Only this time, it’s a little more serious than a fairytale or legend.
You also mentioned you left God out to avoid being offensive. This in itself is commendable, but Hell only exists because God does. To craft a story of the final resting place of rebels without mentioning Who they rebelled against would also be tweaking the Gospel in a confusing way.
You said you’re writing dark comedy, which as a rule makes light of what one would normally consider morbid or frightening. This in my view is something the Bible wouldn’t condone or practice in its own narratives.
You’re not a bad Christian! In short, you’re a writer who’s hit on a fascinating plot. But what if you chose to create a satire or allegory in the same vein of The Screwtape Letters, or Pilgrim’s Progress? These books actively covered Satan and Hell, while still maintaining a Biblical approach to both and being unique about it.
I think if you’re wrestling with the ethics and morals of this current WIP, it would be wise to put it aside, even if you’re not fully convinced it’s wrong or inappropriate. Maybe ask for your pastor’s advice, or an older Christian’s? I’m a young adult, I haven’t been around the block so to speak, so maybe you would like to wait and hear from others.
At any rate, I didn’t mean to bore or annoy you with this long discourse of mine. I chanced upon this post and wanted to share my thoughts. Hoping and praying this was some help!
-Hannah
