Best of the ACW Archives - Book Reviews: The Christian Writer's Dilemma

by Narelle Atkins

Have you ever wondered why the majority of Christian fiction reviews are positive and tend to have 4 or 5 stars on review sites like Amazon or Goodreads? At first glance you might assume that all Christian fiction books must be excellent reads. Or, Christian reviewers are too ‘nice’ to write negative comments in their reviews. 

I think the real story is more complicated and obedience to God’s word plays an important role. I’m writing this post from the perspective of a writer and author. Iola Goulton is posting a series on book reviews starting next Monday, and she will cover the issues and challenges facing readers who write reviews. 

The Bible teaches that we need to love our neighbours as ourselves (Mark 12:31) and that we need to edify our brothers and sisters in Christ to build up the body of Christ. 

1 Thessalonians 5:11 says (NIV) ‘Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.’ And in Ephesians 4:29, the apostle Paul says ‘Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.’ 

If an author writes negative comments in a book review, are they acting in a manner contrary to the teachings in the Bible by saying something that may potentially hurt their brother or sister in Christ? 

Read more at the following link:

http://australasianchristianwriters.blogspot.com.au/2014/01/book-reviews-christian-writers-dilemma.html