The distributor?
The words?
The attitude of the artist's heart and his or her faith?
Was DC Talk Christian and Bruce Cockburn not?
Now I ask the same thing of Christian comics. What makes them Christian?
Is it that they're advertised and marketed as such?
Is it that they're published by Christian publishers?
Is it that they're blatantly evangelistic?
Or can mainstream comics written by Christians like Chuck Dixon and Roland Mann be included?
It is the attitude of the writer and/or artist's heart and faith?
I figure that this group, if any, would be able to help hammer this out.
Personally, I'm a bit more liberal in my definition. (I must be to write for the Gene Simmons line at IDW, right, and particularly to write a book called Gene Simmons Dominatrix, or to be hard at work on so many horror-tinged books at the moment.)
But I feel that almost any story, no matter the language or content (to a large degree) can be a story of redemption. Taking my cues from the Bible, it seems that almost no subject is taboo, from revenge, bloody wars, genocide, sex, incest, you name it. It's all in there, and I'm hoping that gives us earthly creators a grace-filled free reign to tackle almost any subject redemptively. I guess that's my definition at the heart. If it's a genuine redemptive story, it can be called a Christian one, because that's what Christ came to do, redeem.
But feel free to differ.
Comments
As a writer, I agree with what I've seen. That facts that we follow Jesus and want to honor him in our work would make that work Christian, whether that work is comics, the great American novel or mowing the lawn. To me, if either one of those facts are not true, the work is not Christian. In other words, if we follow Jesus and choose not to honor him in our work, that work is no longer Christian.
HOWEVER, some creators think if the work honors Jesus, no matter how the world is depicted in the work, they should be able to find it in a Christian bookstore. That is not necessarily true. if you choose to show the world at its worst in your work, don't expect to find it in a Christian bookstore. Yes, that is a separate discussion, but it has an impact on this one.
In short, as you produce your work, you will realize to whom your comic will appeal. That will help you make your finished product as good as it can be, as well as determine how and where to market and promote your work.
I wish i got on this more sooner.
Well here goes...
At the BAP we hold to the fact that Christ died for us! So what is our reasonable service to honor Him for it.
Well let me think...
1. Aren't we called to, "Go out into the world and proclaim the Gospel!".
2. That we would be given power to do this?
3. That Render the things that are Ceaser's to Ceaser's and what is God's to God.
4. To not compromise!
5. To be in the world and not of it!
6. To know that Christ died for the unGodly.
Are we truly setting ourselves apart, meaning do people know what we stand for. That we are believers in Christ and his saving power or is it a after thought. Are we hidding from people knowing who we are as christians.
I just wanted to say a few words but i am running out of time gotta take kids to school. BAP out!!!
"I will become all things to all people that by all means, some might be saved."
What this means to me is that as Christians, we should attempt to insert our influence into every area of the world, be it music, comic books, movies, etc. Maybe we can't make Christian comics anymore than we can make Christian furniture, but we can express our values and beliefs through our work and pray that what we do honors God and advances the kingdom.
I make good Comics, and do my best to make them with Christian values.
this is a topic, that i believe christians themselves have kind of messed up EVERYTHING. (my opinion) for example. a christian radio station. if we are talking about raw talent, writing, and musical ability, half of the stuff on those stations would be out the window. a youth leader once said to me, that the worst thing christians did was make their own stations, and stores. i know of plenty of secular people that accept "christian" music, when it is GOOD MUSIC. good story. same with art. i can show you an image. its up to you to deside what it does for you. it can neither be "a follower of christ/ or of the world" that is not possible.
i think christians should be IN THE MIDDLE OF IT ALL.
thats what we are called to be, warriors.
not huddled in our own little corner called a christian book store cause thats the only place that will sell our books.
if you want to reach the masses. write something good enough that not only will that christian book store carry, but the rest of the world will want to know what it is about!!
For those who care to look, a few helpful verses:
Hebrews 11:6; Amos 3:3; 1 Corinthians 1:29; Hebrews 12:14; 2 Corinthians 6:17; 2 Corinthians 10:5b.
There's a lot that we as Christian have done which, in the end, will only prove to have been wood, hay, and stubble (1 Corinthians 3:12,13). Let's not waste HIS time, for we are not our own; we are bought with a price (1 Cor. 6:19,20).
Best regards,
Alec
(1 Peter 4: 7-11): 7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
This verse speaks to the freedom we have as believers. It says the end is near and we will be accountable.
Despite all the different strains of argument crisscrossing in this blog, we need to keep one thing clear:
WE ARE FREE. WE ARE ACCOUNTABLE.
That is all there is to say. Use your freedom as you were commanded: to be slaves, in love, of the God who died to save you.
If this is true in your life, and your work as an artist, you are a Christian and your work is an extension of it.
-
1
-
2
-
3
of 3 Next