I write fiction because it reflects life.
Jesus told parables. He knew that fictional stories can sneak up on the hearers (or readers) and touch their emotions. Two thousand years later, His fictional stories (especially the Good Samaritan, the Prodigal Son, and the Sower and the Seed) continue to impact lives. They are recognized by people throughout society, even if they are not followers of Christ.
The Bible has other examples of how stories changed people and lives:
- The prophet Nathan told David a fictional story that made David realize the sins he had committed in his relationship with Bathsheba.
- Joseph’s brothers made up a story about what happened to him after they sold him into slavery in Egypt. Although they lied and meant evil for him, God used Joseph many years later to save his family.
When readers or listeners relate to the characters in a fictional story, they care about what happens to those characters. The lessons the characters learn through experience can touch the hearts of readers and help them to learn the same lessons. The significance of the story moves from the heart to the head, and fiction becomes Truth in the heart and mind of the reader. I’ve seen it in my own reading experience, and I pray that my books will be compelling stories that reveal Truth in that way.
That’s why I write fiction.