What makes a book a Christian book? It’s obviously not the paper. It’s something else. People debate this topic, and there’s no clear consensus. Ask four authors, and you might get five opinions.

To help explore the answer to that question, we’re joined by James L. Rubart, author of many award-winning, best-selling Christian books. He’s recently released a new book.

Jim: Yeah, I did. It’s called The Pages of Her Life. It’s about a woman who’s always stood up for others but has never stood up for herself until now. I’m really excited about it. It’s the first time I’ve written a novel from a female perspective, and my wife helped make sure I got that right.

Thomas: It was a number-one new release on release day and is still highly ranked on Amazon.

You’ve been writing Christian books for a long time, so I thought you’d be a great person to talk to about this. One argument is that every book written by a Christian is a Christian book. So, does having a Christian author automatically make the book Christian?

Does a Christian Author Automatically Make a Book Christian?

Jim: I don’t think of myself as a Christian author or novelist in the usual sense. People say, “What do you mean? You write Christian fiction.” And I’d say, “No, I write fiction. And I’m definitely a Christian.” So yes, my worldview influences my stories.

Some people would say the Christianity in my novels is overt, and I’d agree. But I never set out to write a Christian story. I set out to write a great story. It was one I couldn’t stop thinking about until I got it on paper. I’m writing stories that happen to be heavily Christian-influenced.

Thomas: I think your stories are very Christian. Most of the characters are Christian. Their spiritual experiences are core to the plot. Most of the action is internal soul-searching, sometimes literally. In some ways, you’re the quintessential Christian fiction writer. If you take out the Christian thread, there’s no plot. The whole thing falls apart.

Jim: I agree with you. And I agree with Francine Rivers’ definition of Christian fiction: if removing the Christian thread unravels the plot, it’s Christian fiction.

By that definition, I’m writing Christian fiction, but I never set out to write Christian fiction. I set out to write an enthralling story that sets people free. That was my goal.

I’ve been reading more Christian fiction lately, and I’ve noticed that if you pull out the Christian elements, the story still works just fine. That makes me question whether it’s really a Christian.

They throw in a few prayers or mention the Lord helped them, and that’s it. I’d say that’s not a Christian story. It’s just a romantic suspense novel with a little Bible study and a prayer tacked on. That doesn’t fit my definition.

Is Clean Content Enough to Make a Book Christian?

Thomas: Think of a movie that plays normally, but then the gospel is suddenly presented in Act Two; it feels shoehorned in. Some readers don’t care about the Christian theme; they just want a book free from PG-13 or R-rated elements.

For those readers, “Christian” doesn’t mean the story has Jesus as a character or that people are interacting with Him. There’s a difference between being Christian and simply being spiritual. Saying “I’m a spiritual person” doesn’t make someone a Christian. Jesus is the difference.

Some readers only care that the book is clean, and that’s fine. What would you say to those readers?

Jim: I’d say, great. Ultimately, it’s the reader who defines whether a book is Christian, not the publisher or author.

So, a reader might say, “I want clean fiction. That’s Christian fiction.” And I’d respond, no, it’s just a clean read. It lacks elements you don’t want, so you label it Christian. By that standard, a lot of Jimmy Stewart’s movies are Christian movies with no swearing, no sex, and no violence.

Plenty of TV shows that fit that definition, but are they really Christian? They may be moral and support Judeo-Christian values, but that doesn’t make them Christian.

For me, simply being a “clean read” is a poor definition of a Christian book. But if a reader says, “That’s Christian to me,” then that’s their call. I’ve come to believe that true Christian fiction has that core thread, and if you pull that thread and the whole thing falls apart, it’s Christian. If it’s just clean, it doesn’t meet that standard.

Are Morals Enough, or Does Jesus Have to Be Present?

Thomas: So would you say It’s a Wonderful Life is not a Christian movie? It teaches good morals like loving your neighbor and being kind. However, the theology, like “every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings,” is wrong. That’s not biblical.

The spiritual elements are flawed, but the message is still good. That’s why many Christians watch it at Christmas. Just because something isn’t Christian doesn’t mean it can’t be good.

I really enjoyed Avengers: Endgame. It’s not a Christian movie, but it was fun. What makes something Christian, in my opinion, isn’t just the author. Christ has to be in it. You have to acknowledge Jesus and not just His general teachings. Others have echoed Jesus’ teachings over the years. That doesn’t make them Christian.

What Role Does the Publisher Play in Defining a Christian Book?

Thomas: Some readers want a gospel presentation. If there’s no gospel, they don’t consider it a Christian book. It’s not enough to include Jesus; it has to contain the gospel. They want it to be like a gospel tract with a salvation prayer at the end.

But in the industry, it’s more about the publisher. Some would say,  “If it’s published by a Christian publisher, then it’s a Christian book.” Same with music. What makes it Christian music? Is it a Christian label? What do you think of that definition?

Jim: That’s a curious one. If we’re relying on the publisher, then what about a book like Gilead? Is it Christian? It won a Pulitzer. What about Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ? That wasn’t published by a Christian publisher because the category didn’t really exist yet.

So, are those Christian books? I’m not sure we can land on a definitive answer here, but I’d say the publisher isn’t what defines it.

There are also movies clearly not made by Christians that still carry a powerful Christian message. One of the most debated examples is The Matrix. Viewed through a Christian lens, it might be the best postmodern depiction of the gospel on film.

But the writers, directors, and producers aren’t coming from a Christian worldview. Is it a Christian movie or not?

Some websites make strong arguments that it reflects the gospel. So it’s a moving target. Personally, I find it pretty nebulous.

Is a Christian Book Merely a Marketing Category?

Thomas: In many ways, The Matrix resembles a Gnostic gospel, which feels closer to the true gospel than something not attempting to be a gospel at all. A Christian book, in some sense, is just a genre or a category on Amazon.

The industry often defines a book as Christian if it’s labeled “Christian Living” on the back. Amazon’s stance is simple: if a book claims to be Christian, it’s a Christian book. Authors can place their book in the Christian category on Amazon, and it’s considered Christian without any vetting. Amazon doesn’t evaluate theology or question whether the content aligns with Christian doctrine.

In contrast, a traditional Christian bookstore assumes everything on its shelves is a Christian book, but that’s not always true, especially in the children’s section. You’ll find books about trucks that aren’t “Christian trucks”; they’re just children’s books. A show about vegetables that references the Bible might have spiritual themes, making it arguably more Christian than the truck book.

Historically, LifeWay, the largest Christian bookstore chain run by the Southern Baptist Convention, enforced strict theological standards. They vetted not only the books but also the authors. If an author faced a scandal or held views deemed unacceptable, LifeWay wouldn’t stock their book, regardless of its content. A book could be sold one day, but if the author fell out of favor the next, LifeWay would pull it from the shelves and return it to the publisher. This created fear among authors, keeping them within theological and behavioral “fences” set by LifeWay.

Now, LifeWay is gone, and its role has shifted to secular retailers like Barnes & Noble and Amazon, the two largest Christian booksellers today. Major Christian publishers like Zondervan and Thomas Nelson are owned by secular companies, such as HarperCollins, which publishes everything from New Age to Buddhist books. Thomas Nelson is just HarperCollins’ Christian imprint. As a result, the definitions of a Christian bookstore or publisher are becoming less distinct. With the Southern Baptist Convention’s influence waning, is the definition of a Christian book shifting as power disperses across a broader market?

Is the Definition of a Christian Book Shifting?

Jim: Absolutely, the definition is shifting.

I believe Jesus is the greatest fiction writer of all time. His parables were fictional stories. Often, they didn’t mention God, the kingdom of heaven, or salvation. Roughly two-thirds of them focused on other themes. So, was Jesus a Christian author?

Could we define Christian fiction by its fruit, as Jesus asked, “What is the fruit?” Some stories don’t fit neatly into theological boxes, and LifeWay might have rejected them for not aligning with their beliefs or because the author sinned. Can we evaluate a book by its fruit or its impact rather than its label?

Should We Judge a Book by Its Author’s Reputation?

Thomas: And what about the fruit of the author? If an author faces a scandal, should their work be dismissed entirely? Many opponents of my book lost influence in the Christian world due to scandals. They stopped engaging me intellectually and faded from relevance.

If we judge a book by its fruit, we might ask whether readers are drawn closer to Jesus or pushed away by it. This definition is broad. A secular nonfiction book about self-improvement could unexpectedly convict someone of sin, leading to repentance and a closer walk with God. But does that make it a Christian book?

God spoke through Caiaphas, a donkey, and Nebuchadnezzar, none of whom were righteous. Just because God uses a book to draw one person closer to Him doesn’t mean it’s universally effective or inherently good.

How Did Evangelicals Shape the Christian Book Market?

Thomas: It’s fascinating how evangelical Christians have emphasized the distinction between Christian and non-Christian books. The divide is less pronounced in non-evangelical circles. Most Christian publishers and bookstores are distinctly evangelical.

C.S. Lewis wasn’t published by a Christian publisher. He engaged directly with the culture of his time—the secular 1950s United Kingdom—without separating himself from it.

In the 1960s, and particularly the 1970s and 1980s, evangelicals carved out a distinct subculture. They attended different schools, shopped at different bookstores, wore distinct clothing if they were very conservative, and listened to different music. Christian publishing thrived in this environment. Books emerged to guide the “Jesus people” on how to follow Christ. As these individuals aged, they sought Christian products for their children, including books, movies, and music.

I grew up in this context. My parents were baby boomers who came to Christ as Jesus people. They wanted to shield me from secular influences. We were homeschooled and shopped at LifeWay. To me, a Christian book was anything sold at LifeWay, and no further definition was needed.

Now, with LifeWay gone, discernment is more critical. The average reader may not distinguish between publishers like Zondervan, Thomas Nelson, or Harvest House, especially on an Amazon page. This makes it easier for misleading books to appear Christian and rank in Christian categories on Amazon yet promote a different gospel.

Can Christian Readers Agree on What Qualifies as Christian?

Jim: That’s a tough issue. Some readers would enter a LifeWay store, pick up a book, and say, “I can’t believe this is here! This isn’t Christian!” Others would look at the same book and insist, “Of course it is!” Our theological perspectives vary widely. Evangelicals often try to fit everything into a tidy box, but readers of Christian fiction and nonfiction approach books from diverse angles.

We crave a clear definition, but I don’t think it’s possible. Jesus didn’t live in such a rigid framework, and neither can we, despite our desire for control.

Has Influence Shifted from Publishers to Pastors?

Thomas: A trend I’ve discussed before is the decline of publishers like LifeWay and their theological gatekeeping. That influence is shifting to pastors. For many conservative evangelicals, a Christian book, especially nonfiction, like Christian living titles, is trustworthy only if their pastor endorses it or if it’s sold in their church bookstore.

This shift challenges Christian publishers. Most churches are small, with 80 to 150 members, though megachurches do exist. Reaching numerous small churches is logistically harder than dealing with a single bookstore chain that once controlled 25% of the market.

Publishers and authors must now focus on connecting with pastors. In 2025, nonfiction authors with strong pastoral networks will have a significant advantage over those in 2005, when such connections were valuable but less critical.

Can a Business Book Be a Christian Book?

Thomas: Let’s shift gears. What about nonfiction? A theological book on systematic theology clearly fits the Christian category. But can a business book be a Christian book? If so, what makes a business or marketing book Christian?

Jim: Titles like Jesus is My CEO explicitly apply Christian principles, such as Old Testament teachings, to business practices. These books clearly qualify as Christian nonfiction.

But what about books rooted in a Judeo-Christian worldview that promotes integrity, excellence, and hard work, which are values tied to Colossians 3:23, “Work as for the Lord”? I’d argue those also qualify as Christian nonfiction.

Is Platform by Michael Hyatt a Christian Book?

Thomas: Let’s test this with an example: Platform by Michael Hyatt is a well-known marketing book. Hyatt is a Christian author. The book was published by Thomas Nelson (a Christian publisher), and it was sold at LifeWay. Yet, from my recollection, Platform contains no explicitly Christian content. There are no references to God. There’s nothing anti-Christian, either. It’s just technical marketing advice. It’s compatible with Christianity but not overtly Christian. You’d only know it’s “Christian” if you recognize Thomas Nelson as a Christian publisher. So, is Platform a Christian book? It checks three boxes in that it’s written by a Christian, published by a Christian publisher, and sold in a Christian bookstore. What do you think, Jim?

Jim: No, it’s not a Christian book.

Thomas: So, a technical book by a Christian isn’t Christian unless it explicitly connects to Christian content?

Jim: Exactly. But let me argue the other side.

Take a Christian musician who releases an instrumental album with no lyrics, like Phil Keaggy’s The Master and the Musician from the late 1970s. I loved that album as a teenager, but some said, “It’s not Christian because it doesn’t mention Jesus.” Yet Keaggy is deeply devoted to Christ. Music can stir the spirit more powerfully than books, so I’d argue it’s a Christian album. But for Hyatt’s Platform, which offers technical advice, I stick with no; it’s not a Christian book. It’s written by a Christian who avoids content contrary to his faith, but it doesn’t qualify as Christian.

Can There Be a Clear Definition of a Christian Book?

Thomas: This episode aims to spark discussion, not provide definitive answers. As you can see, we’re debating ourselves, exploring the complexity of defining a Christian book. Each publishing house has its own criteria. Some, tied to specific denominations, require adherence to denominational distinctives or endorsements from their leaders. One denominational publisher told me, “If one of our 12 leaders doesn’t approve your book, we won’t consider it.” That’s unique to them.

Having a literary agent will help you navigate these nuances, especially in Protestant Christianity, which is so diverse.

Christianity’s diversity is theological and cultural. Many seek a church experience reflecting their cultural heritage. There’s no American Orthodox Church; you have Romanian, Greek, or Russian Orthodox churches. A Greek Orthodox church in Greece becomes a Greek Orthodox church in New York, then moves to California and retains its cultural identity. Church differences often stem from cultural backgrounds, not just theology.

My ancestors worshiped differently than yours, but we’re all worshiping the same God.

The kingdom’s vision includes every tribe and tongue worshiping God in their own languages and ways yet united in devotion to the one true God.

What’s your take? Do you agree with Jim that Platform isn’t a Christian book? Do you have a different definition of a Christian book? Share your thoughts in the comments.

• James Rubart’s Website
• The Pages of Her Life (Affiliate Link)

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