The Transformative Power of the Gospel in Publishing
As Christians, we believe that God owns everything and that we are accountable to use our gifts to reflect His worth, truth, and beauty. This mindset has a profound impact on Christian publishing. When considering a project, the first question is not about sales potential or market trends, but about whether the book accurately and beautifully expresses the good news of the gospel.
The Centrality of the Gospel
In every publication meeting and review of a book proposal, the gospel is the central consideration. A book may have the potential to sell millions of copies, but if it doesn’t faithfully express the reality of the gospel, it’s not the right project. Sales are not irrelevant, but they should always be considered downstream from the centrality of the gospel.
The Importance of Theology
Some may say that theology divides, but this is a misconception. Theology is simply thinking carefully and deeply about what God has told us in Scripture. It’s the foundation on which we base our hearts and minds. Jesus says that true worshipers worship in “spirit and in truth.” This means that Christian readers must think truthfully about God, which requires doing theology.
The Thirst for Theologically Rooted Books
Despite the dominance of theologically shallow books on best-seller lists, there is a vibrant thirst for books that take the Bible seriously. The flourishing writing ministries of authors like John Piper, Jen Wilkin, and Kevin DeYoung signal a desire for theologically rooted books.
The Beauty of Truth
God is not just a God of truth but also of beauty. Christian books should not only say true things about God but also say them in a way that magnifies Christ’s loveliness and beauty. Literary skill matters in Christian publishing, as it helps to communicate truth in a beautiful and engaging way.
Debunking Myths about Christian Publishing
There are several myths surrounding Christian publishing. One myth is that a high amount of blog traffic or social media followers qualifies someone to write a book. However, what matters more is how well an author communicates, their qualifications to write on a topic, and how well their book meets a need.
The Unsubstitutable Bible
No book, no matter how helpful or well-written, can substitute for the Bible. The Bible is alive with the Holy Spirit, inerrant, and speaks for God. Even the best Christian books fall short of the truth, beauty, and transforming power of the Scriptures. There’s no substitute for daily time in the Bible.
Conclusion
The gospel transforms everything, including publishing. As Christians, we must prioritize the centrality of the gospel, the importance of theology, and the beauty of truth in our writing and publishing endeavors. By doing so, we can create books that not only inform but also transform and inspire readers.
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