Evil: How to Portray Sin In Your Writing (or should you?)

With all good intentions, some Christian writers (and readers) are tempted to stick with the old adage, "See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil." There's a problem with this posture to writing and reading, however. A big problem. The Bible doesn't read that way. Clearly the authors of the books of the Bible did not think evil is never to be shown in books, and neither does the Holy Spirit, the Divine author.

One reader wrote this to me: "I am a huge fan of your books, and have enjoyed reading them with my younger brother very much. While reading your books I found that some of them use strong language. I would never want my brother to repeat such words. I do not know why you decided to use strong language. I know that the way we speak is powerful, and very important to God. It is my hope that you will prayerfully consider writing without such words in future books. Once again, I am a huge fan of your books, especially your historical fiction, and am looking forward to your next book."

Today on the Scriptorium I will give my reply.

Another reader wrote this to me two days ago: "I appreciate your response, but especially your approach as an author. Having read aloud seventeen of your books with our seven oldest (Sofia was born in March) children at every age and stage of childhood, we have never once had to skip a word, and there has never been a question about a word that did not lead to fruitful discussion. What a treasure to have so much literature that keeps them at rapt attention, while never coming close to being scandalous or puerile. In fact, I'm grateful for your publicizing your response, because of the opportunity to attest to this. Grateful to God for you, brother,"