Question: How can you write fiction when the Bible instructs us to only think on what's true?

December 1, 2018

TBC Staff

Question: Dave, a good Berean knows that we are only to think upon those things which are true (Philippians:4:8). How then can you be involved in writing and promoting fiction (fantasy)? [From our archives]

Response: Philippians:4:8 says, “Whatsoever things are true...honest...just...pure...lovely...of good report; if there be any virtue and praise, think [meditate] on these things.” We are being told what to meditate upon. I wouldn’t suggest that you meditate upon the fiction I write, but you can learn from it. Jesus told fictional stories. His parables weren’t true, but they were true to life and illustrated truth. My novels are also true to life and illustrate truth. But truth is not the only criterion in Philippians:4:8. If you applied the rest of the verse as you apply “true,” then you couldn’t be a judge or lawyer, for much that they must deal with is anything but “honest, just, pure.” Nor could the elders confront sin in a church, for that is certainly not of “good report” nor of “virtue or praise.” I believe fiction is a legitimate means of communicating God’s truth. If not, then no preacher may use an illustration, and Jesus should not have used parables.

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