Christian Fiction’s “Mature Content” Experiment

Leave it to Christian publishing’s trailblazer Jeff Gerke (founder of Christian spec-fic imprint Marcher Lord Press) to begin another imprint. But this one is sure to twist a few knickers.

From Christian Retailing’s Marcher Press Launches “More Mature” Christian Imprint:

“The core MLP readership is conservative and Christian, but many who need Christ will never read one of our regular novels,” said Jeff Gerke, MLP publisher. “A Throne of Bones, which we’re pitching as the Christian answer to George R.R. Martin [author of Game of Thrones, now an HBO series], we can engage fans of secular epic fantasy and introduce them to the gospel.”

So how does Gerke intend to “engage fans of secular epic fantasy and introduce them to the gospel”? By scrapping some of the most recognizable elements of Christian fiction — its G / PG-rating.

Which is why, on MLP’s Hinterlands Page, there is a Mature Content Warning:

Hinterlands books may contain vulgarity, profanity, nudity, and/or sexual content, but never for gratuitous purposes. Hinterlands allows us to pursue crossover publishing that will put the word of the gospel before people who would never otherwise pick up a Christian novel. It also allows us to examine mature themes in a realistic manner that some Christians will appreciate. We know that not everyone will want to read these books, so we have set them apart into the Hinterlands imprint.

I totally applaud Gerke in this. But let’s call it for what it is — an experiment. If the objectives of the Hinterlands imprint is to “put the word of the gospel before people who would never otherwise pick up a Christian novel,” is that accomplished simply by allowing “vulgarity, profanity, nudity, and/or sexual content”? I doubt it. Nevertheless, more edgy content, especially as it relates to fans of epic fantasy and spec-fic who are used to edgy content, is a step in the right direction.

However, it would seem to me that the goal of a “cross-over” imprint is addressed mainly through  marketing. Advertizing on secular venues and completely stripping the Mature Content Warnings, as well as any references to Christian fiction at all, would be essential. Let’s face it, someone who’s a fan of the HBO “Game of Thrones” adaptation who has to be warned about a few cuss words and some minor skin, would probably laugh. And be tipped off as to how big an issue this is for us Christians. If the marketing strategy is word of mouth, then winning over the conservative Christian demographic will be the issue.

And that’s where Gerke is swimming upstream.

For example, when Christian Retailing posted a link to their article on Hinterlands, one reader commented thus:

Can I just ask you to please be careful about all of this? I can sort of see your point, but also remember the verses in Philippians 4-8 and 9-would Jesus or Paul really go there? Will it be causing someone to stumble? Just something to think about…

And then there’s this one-star review of “A Throne of Bones” over at Amazon:

I read an article from the author on another website about this book. He spoke of the need for better literature than what had been offered lately, such as 50 Shades of Grey, and the Twilight series. I heartily agreed, and knowing that Mr. Day was a Christian, and he compared his work to JRR Tolkein and CS Lewis, I was looking forward to reading it. I was sorely disappointed to find profanity, and vulgarity and a few other things I found objectionable. If you are into Christian fiction, this is not the book for you. (emphasis mine)

Excuse me while I throw up.

This reader tells me nothing about the story, the writing, the plot, the execution — NOTHING. Only what she “found objectionable.” And how those “objections” exclude this book from being good “Christian fiction.” Sadly, this reviewer is representative of the vocal majority who continues to exercise massive sway in the shape of contemporary Christian fiction.

I plan on purchasing “A Throne of Bones” and supporting Hinterlands. But the project faces some important hurdles. The main one being the conservative Christian culture that keeps such “experiments” forever in check. Huge props to Jeff Gerke for taking this step. Godspeed to his endeavors.

Now, if only he can find “mature” Christians to go along with him…