Christianity: Details about 'Christian Literature'
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Christian literature is writing that deals Christian themes. This constitutes a huge body of extremely varied writing.
ScriptureWhile falling within the strict definition of literature, The Bible is not generally considered literature. However the Bible has been treated and appreciated as literature; the King James Version in particular has long been considered a masterpiece of English prose, whatever may be thought of its religious significance. Several retellings of the Bible, or parts of the Bible, have also been made with the aim of emphasising its literary qualities. Christian non-fictionLetters, theological treatises and other instructive and devotional works have been produced by Christian authors since the times of Jesus. For early Christian times almost all writing would be non-fiction, including letters, biblical commentaries, doctrinal works and hagiography. Since the invention of the printing press non-fictional literature has been used for the dissemination of the Christian message, and also for disseminating different viewpoints within Christianity. The tract (a small pamphlet containing an explanation of some point, or an appeal to the reader) has been and continues to be used as a part of proselytization. Christian fictionChristian fiction is sometimes harder to define than Christian non-fiction. Christian themes are not always explicit. There is sometimes argument as to whether the works of a Christian author are necessarily Christian fiction. For example while there are undoubted Christian themes within The Lord of the Rings, many would not consider this to be a work of Christian fiction. For many centuries fiction has been written based on Christian ideas. Early examples include Paradise Lost, Dante's Inferno and The Pilgrim's Progress. More modern examples include the works of G.K. Chesterton, George Macdonald and C.S. Lewis. In the last few decades the existence of a Christian subculture, particularly in North America, has given rise to a specific genre of Christian novel, written by and for Christians and generally with explicit Christian themes. Such novels are often marketed exclusively to Christians and sold in Christian bookshops. The Christy Awards honour excellence in this genre. Christian Poetry
Christian Theatre
Throughout the medieval period churches in Europe frequently performed mystery plays, retelling the stories fo the Bible. In the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries theatre was generally seen as wicked, and the church made attempts to suppress it. in the twentieth century churches, particularly evangelical churches, rediscovered the use of theatre as a form of outreach and as a valid art form. See also
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