298. Should Christian Authors Post About Politics? Part 1

Happy Groundhog Day.[1. Photo by Marino Linic on Unsplash.] Maybe in these last weeks you’ve seen this same story repeat: Your favorite Christian author usually posts about whimsical life updates, pet photos, or upcoming release dates. But now she or he is suddenly and very fervently posting about politics. Words get heated. Light dims. And unwise statements share disastrous brushfires instead of book delights. What a reader to do? Call for a ban on all such topics? Block the blighter? Or maybe seek deeper wisdom?

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Chapter 1: A personal concession stand

• The best time might have been during a cooler period (if existent).
• But the next best time is now. Many fans are already considering it.
• This topic is broader, focusing on Christian authors in all genres.
• And too big a topic for one episode. We’re splitting this into two.
• Sure, some authors may listen and take note, or maybe get upset.
• But I’m speaking as a fan, and I know many fans who agree.
• We grieve this inflammatory rhetoric among Christian fantasy fans.
• And we don’t want to see relationships broken by nasty slanders.
• Background: I’ve kept up with politics since before I could vote.
• I’ve retconned my first election as Nov. 2000 (before I was 18).
• Campus newspaper columns, a little overt activism here and there.
• Anti-fans made a “Stephen would probably hate me” FB group.
• Today I stay atop news, and more importantly the deeper issues.
• And I do post about politics, so don’t hear me saying “don’t do it.”
• But here at Lorehaven we are not first about politics. Morality first.

A positive note: Stephen’s developing post rules

• Personally, I post about certain topics that are, I hope, limited.
• My rules: biblical conviction, topically focused, open engagement.
• Example: my Jan. 30 post on activist Don Lemon being arrested.
• To me this one’s easy. The man joined a mob to invade a church.
• I like the church. I don’t like bullies. And this topic relates to ACE.
• Besides, I don’t like when professing Christians abuse the Bible.
• That includes people who impulsively see other believers a