They say there's nothing new under the sun, and the Christian fiction industry certainly didn't spring full blown with the advent of the Left Behindseries in 1996. Remember Christyby Catherine Marshall? Published in 1967, its inspiration was the life of Marshall's mother - and the Christy Award, presented annually since 1999 to recognize novelists and novels in several categories of Christian fiction, was named after it. What makes Christian fiction? There are several givens, despite the subgenres- the Christian worldview must be woven throughout both the book's plot and its character development. But must it put proselytizing before telling a good story? How much sex - if any! - is okay in a Christian romance? Is it all right to approach edgy subjects in a Christian mystery? Is it possible to seamlessly integrate a Christian message in a crackling good yarn? In The Complete Idiot's Guide to Writing Christian FictionRon Benrey - himself the author of successful Christian fiction - offers readers chapter and verse of writing Christian women's, romance, thrillers and mysteries, warfare, historical, biblical, speculative, and young adult fiction that deliver strong, inspirational messages and sell!

Why do worldviews matter? What characterizes a Christian worldview? Part of being a thoughtful Christian means being able to understand and express the Christian worldview as well as developing an awareness of the variety of worldviews. Well organized, clearly written, and featuring aids for learning, this is the essential text for either the classroom or for self-study.

Presents a compilation of writings that explore the variety of Christian belief, practice, and faith in modern society, with contributions from a wide range of Christian authors.

A bold and unique hybrid among resources for Christian educators, students, and pastoral staff, this enterprising book blends the voices of a single author and ten contributing experts into a global conversation on Christian formation and nurture. It effortlessly transcends all ages and all cultures, as it positions Christianity vibrantly alive from cradle to grave.This introductory text on Christian education-formation includes extensive graphical illustrations and accompanying online appendixes, providing a wealth of resources not only to be used in the classroom but to be lived out in the life of the church in the world.

Craft Compelling, Salable Romances With a Christian Worldview &break;&break;Every novel needs believable characters, strong plot lines, and universal themes–and Christian romance is no exception. This unmatched resource by award-winning novelist Gail Gaymer Martin will help you master basic fiction writing skills, while ensuring your story meets and exceeds the standards of the Christian market. It comprehensively covers the special techniques and elements of the Christian romance novel, as well as how to sell your finished product to a publisher. Through detailed step-by-step instruction, examples from successful Christian romances, and practical exercises, you'll discover how to: &break;&break; develop a story that includes personal, romantic, and spiritual growth&break; incorporate prayer and spirituality into your story&break; use introspection to fully develop characters' relationship with God&break; discuss issues of sin and forgiveness in believable ways&break; present sexuality realistically, but from a Christian viewpoint &break;&break;Martin's exercises will help you apply what you've learned so that you are actively becoming a better writer and can work toward your goal of a finished romance. She'll also teach you the different options for romance publishing–a single title or a category romance–and help you decide what you want to write and who to market it to. Because it covers so much, Writing the Christian Romance will help you create a beautiful romance made even more meaningful because of its openness to God's love.

Introducing Christian Ethics 2e, now thoroughly revised and updated, offers an unparalleled introduction to the study of Christian Ethics, mapping and exploring all the major ethical approaches, and offering thoughtful insights into the complex moral challenges facing people today. This highly successful text has been thoughtfully updated, based on considerable feedback, to include increased material on Catholic perspectives, further case studies and the augmented use of introductions and summaries Uniquely redefines the field of Christian ethics along three strands: universal (ethics for anyone), subversive (ethics for the excluded), and ecclesial (ethics for the church) Encompasses Christian ethics in its entirety, offering students a substantial overview by re-mapping the field and exploring the differences in various ethical approaches Provides a successful balance between description, analysis, and critique Structured so that it can be used alongside a companion volume, Christian Ethics: An Introductory Reader, which further illustrates and amplifies the diversity of material and arguments explored here

Inspiring and immensely readable, Craft, Cost & Call offers hands-on help to people of faith who want to write well and understand what it takes to be published. For writers yearning to grow in their craft or hoping to launch a writing career, this unique guidebook provides a clear path forward filled with the hard-won wisdom of long-time and widely-published Christian writers. From the beauty of the call to write and insights on how to be published, the authors take their readers on a journey both practical and personal. Readers will find clear direction on writing with excellence and beauty, and “Try this” challenges that will move any aspiring writer out of their armchair and into their writing chair. Far from a manual, Craft, Cost & Call reads as a heartfelt conversation between writers, guiding, encouraging, and cheering others on to success.