Whether you’re looking for a book to restore your faith or a novel that aligns with your religious beliefs, these ten Christian fiction books should be on your 2023 reading list. Not only are they riveting reads, but they might be just the thing you need to reconnect with God.
1. The Shack by William Paul Young
The Shack is a theological mind-bender and faith-builder that tells the journey of a man after being struck by personal tragedy. After Mackenzie Phillips’ daughter gets abducted, his life spirals into a treacherously dark sadness. Amid his darkest hours, he receives a message from God to return to the shack where evidence was found of her murder. Against his gut instinct, Mack makes the trek into the Oregon wilderness. What he finds there, will change his life forever.
2. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
This iconic series of Christian Fiction books is perfect for parents looking to share Christian values with their children or for young adults who want a quick and entertaining, yet powerful read. The Chronicles of Narnia follows four children who are exploring a magical world. While the book is certainly fantasy, the morals, and practical lessons one can glean from this series are applicable to the real world.
3. The Winter Rose by Melanie Dobson
This gripping Christian-themed novel takes place during World War II, where Grace Tonquin, an American Quaker, works to rescue Jewish children from the Nazis. While Grace returns home to Oregon in one piece, echoes of her past and trauma from the Holocaust tear her and her family apart. More than 50 years later, Addie Hoult comes to find the Tonquin family, as a life or death matter emerges that only the elusive Tonquins can solve.
4. The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip
Talented and tenacious reporter, Aidyn Kelley is ready for more substantiative pieces than she’s being assigned at the Kansas City Star. Unfortunately, she pushes too hard and seemingly backsteps into being tasked with writing an obituary. But, the subject, Clara Kip, hasn’t passed away yet. In hospice care, Mrs. Kip is brimming with lively energy. Mrs. Kip also sees that God brought Aidyn into her life for a reason. Not only is she determined to give the young reporter a great story, but she’ll also teach her some life lessons. Christian fiction books like this one don’t come around too often, so make sure The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip is on your list!
5. Where the Road Bends by Rachel Fordham
This romantic Christian fiction novel explores faith, healing, and love. Faced with an unwinnable predicament, Norah King will do anything she can to hold on to her family’s land, even marrying a man she hardly knows. Just days before her wedding, Norah happens upon an injured man on her property. Instead of leaving the hurt and homeless man to fend for himself, she takes him in and nurses him back to health. But this good deed could jeopardize the very thing she’s been trying to save.
6. Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers
This historical romance novel tells the story of Angel, whose mother sells her into prostitution at the age of eight. She grows up hopeless and loveless and becomes emotionally detached from men, especially those who use her. One day, a man named Michael Hosea is called by God to marry Angel. It is his calling to show her the true meaning of love.
7. Left Behind by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins
This Christian apocalyptic series follows the events leading up to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. The series starts with the Rapture, where millions of people are taken up to heaven. Those still down on Earth must contend with a world of chaos, turmoil, and a sinister world leader. If you’re looking for a series that’ll keep you at the edge of your seat, you’ve found it with Left Behind.
8. The Undoing of Saint Silvanus by Beth Moore
Jillian Slater is estranged from her wealthy and dysfunctional family. When Jillian’s father dies, she is summoned back to New Orleans to attend his funeral and settle his estate. However, upon arriving, Jillian discovers that her father had been living in a dilapidated apartment building called Saint Silvanus and may have been murdered.
As Jillian begins to investigate her father’s death, she becomes embroiled in the lives of the building’s eccentric residents, including a reclusive artist, a troubled young woman, and a pastor with a mysterious past. Along the way, Jillian confronts her own painful past and learns to confront the secrets and lies that have kept her family apart.
9. With This Pledge by Tamera Alexander
The Christian book is set during the American Civil War and is a work of fiction. However, it’s inspired by the true story of the Carnton Plantation in Franklin, Tennessee.
The story follows the life of a young woman named Lizzie Clouston, who has recently lost her father and must take over managing the family’s plantation. When the Civil War breaks out, Lizzie is determined to do her part for the Confederate cause and begins to nurse wounded soldiers back to health in her home.
As Lizzie cares for the soldiers, she forms a connection with Captain Roland Jones, a Union soldier who was left for dead on the battlefield. Despite their political differences, Lizzie and Roland develop a deep and meaningful relationship as they work together to care for the wounded.
10. The Faith of Fire
In support of Next Chapter’s publication of The Faith of Fire, we included our first crowdsourced religious fiction novel. The Faith of Fire is a tale about discovering faith after a family faces tragedy through a chance accident and their own approach to Eden. The novel is now available on Amazon in ebook or paperback and is soon to be found at Barnes & Noble.
What are some of the most popular religious fiction books?
Religious fiction books span a variety of genres, from historical fiction to sci-fi, and can have both a spiritual or moral message. Some of the most popular religious fiction books include C.S. Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia, J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy, and Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code. Other popular religious fiction books include J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight Saga, and Orson Scott Card’s Ender’s Game. These books range from contemporary novels to classic literature, but all explore themes of faith, morality, and spirituality in different ways.
What are some of the themes typically explored in religious fiction?
Religious fiction typically explores themes of faith, spiritual struggle, and overcoming adversity. Many religious fiction stories follow a believer’s journey of finding and strengthening their faith, while others may focus on the moral and ethical dilemmas that arise from religious differences. Other common themes in religious fiction include questions of identity and destiny, sacrifice and love, and the power of belief. With its exploration of spiritual themes, religious fiction can be an inspiring and uplifting read.
Are there any classic religious fiction works that are still widely read today?
Yes, there are several classic religious fiction works that are still widely read today. One example is John Bunyan’s “The Pilgrim’s Progress” from 1678. This classic allegory is a story of a man named Christian, who is on a journey toward the Celestial City. Along the way, he meets a variety of characters who provide guidance and help him fight off the temptations of the world. The book has been translated into more than 200 languages and remains a classic of Christian literature. Another example is Leo Tolstoy’s “The Kingdom of God is Within You,” first published in 1894. This book is a philosophical exploration of Jesus’ teachings and a call for nonviolent resistance to oppression. It has been recognized as one of the most influential Christian books of the 20th century.
Are there any Christian fiction books geared toward younger readers?
Yes, there are plenty of religious fiction books that are geared toward younger readers. These books often provide an entertaining and engaging way to learn about different faith-based topics, while also exploring themes related to morality, spiritual journeys, and more. Examples of religious fiction books for younger readers include The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis, The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett, and The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter.
What is the difference between religious fiction and spiritual fiction?
Religious fiction typically uses elements of religion, sin, and faith to tell a story. It focuses on characters who adhere to particular religious beliefs, and the story explores how they live and practice those beliefs. On the other hand, spiritual fiction looks at spirituality from a broader perspective, exploring spiritual themes and journeys in a more hidden, biblical sense. It is often less specific than religious fiction, instead examining spiritual paths, growth, church, and evolution. Both genres can be used to explore the same topics, although religious fiction does so from a more specific point of view.
Are there any Christian Fiction Books that have been made into films?
Yes, there are many religious fiction books that have been adapted into films. Some popular theological examples include The Chronicles of Narnia, The Da Vinci Code, Nicholas Sparks’ The Choice, The Book of Eli, Left Behind, and Heaven Is for Real. All of these films were based on books with religious themes, and some were even adapted from parables and stories throughout the Bible.
Do any religious fiction books focus on non-Christian religions?
Yes, there are many religious fiction books that focus on non-Christian religions. From Hinduism to Islam to Buddhism, the genre of religious fiction has expanded to include a wide variety of faiths. For example, the novel The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini is set in Afghanistan and tells the story of a young boy struggling with his Muslim faith. Other examples include The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom, which is based on a Buddhist-inspired afterlife, and The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri, which follows the life of an Indian-American family steeped in Hindu traditions. In any case, religious fiction can provide insight into practices and beliefs from around the world.
In conclusion, religious fiction and spiritual fiction are genres that can be used to explore themes related to religion, faith, and spiritual growth. These genres are unique in their approach and perspective and can be used to tell stories about a wide variety of faiths and practices. Whether you’re looking for literature that dives deep into a particular set of beliefs, or books that look at spirituality from a broader perspective, religious fiction, and spiritual fiction are sure to have something for everyone.
Write Your Own Christian Fiction Book
If you love Christian Fiction Books, why not write one? Next Chapters is a crowdsourced writing and publishing platform that helps people navigate through every stage of the writing process. The writers who join our community receive content from other writers, and editing help, and they make royalties off of any book that they’ve contributed to! If you’d like to learn more, sign up today!