Issues Raised in AND THE BEAT GOES ON

Last Wednesday I discussed some issues raised in my book MY MOTHER THE MAN-EATER. These include prostitution, pornography, sexual abuse ... all things one might not expect to find in 'Christian' fiction. I also focused on the use of mild swearing in current Christian fiction and why some authors feel it is acceptable. I'm continuing in this vein as I take a look at my first book, AND THE BEAT GOES ON.

From the moment you open the prologue, there is no doubt that this book lives on the 'edge' of what might be acceptable norms for Christian fiction. The prologue actually takes place in ancient pre-flood times, as a depraved monarch watches a sacrificial orgy in honor of his coronation. It has caused a few raised eyebrows as well as murmurs of, "Oh my!" However, once readers get into the book, I believe they realize the reasons for such a strong and sensual opening. I wanted to highlight just how low man had fallen. It must have been bad in order for God to destroy it all.

Sometimes we must come face to face with the naked truth in order to truly understand God's amazing redemptive power. This is one reason why I tend to write in a more 'realistic' (what some would term 'edgy') fashion. In this book, my main character, Mark Graham, is not a believer, although he was raised in a Christian home. He has decided to turn his back on his family's beliefs in favor of Science. As an archeologist, he relies on empirical evidence alone. but when he discovers 'proof' of  Noah's flood, he has trouble denying it. Thus the story is set as he is hurled into a web of cover-ups, deceit and lies, all designed to keep the truth hidden.

Because Mark is not a believer at the beginning of the book, it made sense to me that he also behave like most non-Christians in today's society. He has sex with his girlfriend, consumes the odd bottle of alcohol, and curses occasionally. I try not to become too explicit in any of these areas, but seriously ... if I hope to convince readers that he is a real person, he needs to act like one. In the end, I hope the message of redemption, as well as the creation vs. evolution debate, outweighs any alarm that some of the 'edgy' content may cause.

In my view, it is pretty mild stuff, but then again, I've been known to be more 'tolerant' of such things than many others. To some, the word 'tolerance' is a bit of a cop-out. They feel it is an excuse for lowering God's standards. I don't see it that way. I like to look to Jesus' own example, where He hung out with the tax collectors and prostitutes instead of the religious ruling class. Just a thought.

In any case, I try not to make judgments on either side. I understand some people's desire to protect their minds from things they don't want to read (or their children's minds, for that matter.) This makes sense to me and I get it. I also understand the need for fiction that doesn't gloss over the realities of a dying world. It's this kind of stronger medicine that some people need. Then there are people like me who just prefer their fiction with a twist of edginess. I don't think this makes me a 'bad' person. Like most things - music, colors, food - everyone has different tastes. It's what makes the world interesting and I sincerely believe there is room for all

There I go, being tolerant again ...