A guest post by D. T. Powell
Last June, my novel, With Mercy’s Eyes published. Since then, it’s won four awards, including two Silver Selahs. With Mercy’s Eyes deals with homosexuality and same-sex attraction from a Biblical perspective. Often when I tell people that, I get a half second (or more) of silence while they process what I’ve said.
In today’s world, any LGBTQ related topic can be touchy—for both Christians and non-Christians. There are such varied views on every front, and it’s hard to know what another person’s response will be when topics like this get mentioned.
After disclosing what my novel is about, some people’s faces light up just before they say, “I’ve been looking for something like that!” Others frown thoughtfully and say, “I have a friend/relative who’s gay, and I don’t know what to do.” Some are less than thrilled with my book, and a couple have had rather heated words for me. I can’t control others’ responses. Thankfully I’m not responsible for them. I’m only responsible to do what God has made clear I’m supposed to.
If you’ve considered addressing homosexuality and/or same-sex attraction in your fiction, here are a few things that have been helpful for me.
- Avoid extreme responses.
There are two popular views of homosexuality within the church as a whole. Many individual churches have chosen to accept homosexuality and same-sex attraction and consider it blessed by God. Which is unbiblical for multiple reasons. Other churches choose to never speak of LGBTQ issues at all and condemn anyone who even tries to bring it up or seek council. This is equally unbiblical and extremely damaging.
The Bible does not hide from difficult subjects, and Christians shouldn’t either. That includes homosexuality and same-sex attraction (SSA). Not everyone struggles with SSA. Some struggle with addiction, lying, anger, or a host of other things. But being tempted is not sin. Giving in to that temptation is.
People are made in the image of God and ought to be treated in a way that reflects their eternal value. That ought to be true both in our lives and in the fiction we write. - Be honest but not explicit
Same-sex relationships use God’s gift of sex and intimacy in a way that goes against what He created. Depicting that on page in an involved way is unproductive for readers and risks glorifying something God forbids.
Instead of focusing on same-sex physical intimacy, consider looking at what that relationship means and how it affects the ones in it. Yes, there will be emotional connection and dependence on one another. There may also be abuse or other negative elements in that relationship
When writing about people in same-sex relationships, take time to look at what day-to-day life is and how a relationship with a faulty foundation might crack. Take time to look at what the people in that relationship value and listen to. At its core, a same-sex relationship involves two people who have chosen to value how they feel above what God says. And that flawed value set has consequences that will be visible on page in ways that don’t involve romance or physical intimacy. - Hold forth the Word of Life
Sin destroys. Christ restores.
If you’re writing fiction that involves a same-sex relationship, presenting Biblical truth doesn’t have to mean the people in that same-sex relationship decide not to be together anymore. It doesn’t even have to mean they come to Christ (if they’re unsaved).
But it does mean showing Biblical truth. Sin has consequences. Sometimes those consequences are small and build up over time. A person who chooses to follow and find identity in how they feel will face the results of selfish choices, even if those results manifest slowly or subtly. Following what God asks of us has rewards. Sometimes those rewards aren’t loud or big. They may be as small as peace in a difficult situation.
Whatever the circumstances surrounding your depiction of a same-sex relationship, be true to God’s Truth. Let God hold your hands as you step into the grit of life and depend on Him for wisdom as you depict it on the page.
Philippians 2:15-16 (KJV)
“That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.”
More about D. T.
D. T. Powell, author of the critically acclaimed, award-winning novel With Mercy’s Eyes, has delved into difficult subjects through fiction for over a decade. Her work in both fanfiction and original fiction showcases how God’s persistent light shines even through the darkest of moments. Her original short fiction has appeared in Writer’s Digest and various short story collections from small presses. Also, her many top-quality book reviews publish quarterly in Clean Fiction Magazine. She enjoys reading, playing pickleball, and the occasional video game. You can find her online as dtill359. Her favorite verse is Psalm 126:5, “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.”
Websites: https://www.dtpowellwrites.com
https://www.withmercyseyes.com
Instagram @dtill359
Facebook @D. T. Powell, Author
Goodreads @D.T. Powell
Amazon @D. T. Powell
