Christianity is a pretty new religion. Yet, today it has the largest number of followers worldwide. There are over 2.2 billion Christians all over the world. The early Christians must have worked really hard to spread God’s Word. One of the best ways to propagate the message of any religion is through stories. The Christians have been using the art of storytelling for a long time. The stories within the Bible have been giving people hope and showing them the way of life for millions of years. It is no wonder that even today it is the bestselling book of all time.
In addition to the Bible, there are many books that can help you be familiar with Jesus’ teachings. We have various fictions and nonfictions that beautifully portray the message of God. If you are in the mood for some light reading, you can always pick up a good Christian-themed novel. During the cold days of winter, you can easily curl up with a cup of hot chocolate and an enticing Christian novel to warm you up.
Let us look at some heart-warming Christian fiction books.
Book: Pilgrim’s Progress
Author: John Bunyan
Pilgrim’s Progress is an allegorical tale penned by John Bunyan in 1678. The book is highly influential and one of the most-read treatises in the world. Set in a dream sequence, the book follows Christian as he journeys toward the Celestial City. In his path filled with trials and tribulations, he acquires a compatriot named Faithful. Christian’s quest symbolizes the struggles that a true Christian has to go through. John Bunyan wrote Pilgrim’s Progress while he was in prison. He was put behind bars as he remained Puritan and refused to convert to Anglicanism. Translated into over 200 languages, the book has been a major inspiration to a plethora of talented authors including Nathaniel Hawthorne, Charles Dickens, C.S. Lewis, George Bernard Shaw, Mark Twain, Charlotte Bronte, Louisa May Alcott, and Enid Blyton among many others.
Book: Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ
Author: Lew Wallace
Lew Wallace’s Ben-Hur: A Tale of Christ is one of the bestselling novels of the 19th century. Published on November 12, 1882, the novel was the first-ever book blessed by Pope Leo XIII. The story follows a Jewish Prince named Judah Ben-Hur. After being captured by the Romans, he became a Christian charioteer. Parallel to Judah’s tale, we also get to see Jesus’ story who lived in the same region at the same time. Heavily based on the New Testament, the book upholds the intrinsic Christian value of redemption and faith. Ben-Hur: A Tale of Christ has turned into a number of plays and films. The 1959 film of the same name went on to attain cult status. It won 11 Academy Awards and was watched by millions of people. Even today, Lew Wallace’s book remains iconic.
Book: The Story of the Other Wise Man
Author: Henry van Dyke
The Story of the Other Wise Man is a miraculous novella penned by Henry van Dyke. Published in 1895, the book recounts the story of the fourth Magus. Yes, you heard it right. Artaban was a priest of Magi. When he gets to know about Jesus Christ’s birth, he rushes to join the other three Magi. On the way, he comes across a dying man. In his bid to help him, Artaban falls behind. So, he starts his own lonely pilgrimage. Little does he anticipate the trials that await him. It is the story of one man and his quest to seek God. The book is movingly magical. The Story of the Other Wise Man is a great read, especially during the Christmas season.
Book: The Shepherd of the Hills
Author: Harold Bell Wright
Harold Bell Wright’s 1907 novel, The Shepherd of the Hills, takes you on an enthralling journey of faith to the mountains of Ozark in Missouri. The book revolves around Grant Matthews and Dad Howitt. Howitt was a mysterious old man that left the tragedies and materialism of city life to settle in the quiet Mutton Hollow. Howitt came to be known as The Shepherd of The Hills. It is indeed intriguing to uncover his true connection with the mountain people. Harold Bell Wright weaves a tale of forgiveness and redemption. His characters are multi-faceted and believers in god. Translated into 7 languages, The Shepherd of the Hills is an engaging read that is very popular with the readers.
Book: The Ball and the Cross
Author: G.K. Chesterton
The Ball and the Cross is a witty yet deep treatise written by G.K. Chesterton. It was first released as a book in 1909. The book follows two Scotsmen. One, an ardent Roman Catholic, and another, a staunch atheist. Two almost cone to the verge of a dual due to their opposing beliefs. Their misadventures explore the debate between theism and atheism on allegorical levels. Here, the ball refers to a rationalistic worldview while the cross represents Christianity.
Chesterton’s novel is adventurous, surreal, and profoundly philosophical. It makes you think.
Book: Agatha’s Unknown Way
Author: Isabella MacDonald Alden
Isabella MacDonald Alden is known for penning quaint stories that teach us some valuable lessons. Agatha’s Unknown Way is such a novel. It follows a young lady named Agatha Hunter. She has a goal of attending a church missionary meeting. For that, she is willing to face the dangers of the big city. Agatha hopes to meet other young ladies like her who are devout Christians. However, her hopes are dashed when the ladies she meets are more interested in housekeeping than religion. Through her book, Isabella MacDonald Alden depicts the wonders God can perform if He has willing followers.
Conclusion
Christian fiction novels can make a great addition to your collection of books. They not only give you a respite from the humdrum of real life but also instills some valuable life lessons within you. Christian novels are great means to ingrain religious values in children and young adults as well.
Do comment and let me know which novel from the list incites your interest.
Note: All images on our site are in the public domain or are used with WordPress permission, unless stated otherwise.
The World's Best 
If there’s ever a time to read Christian novels, Christmas is it. Even if one’s not particularly religious, Christianity is a crucial part of Western culture and, as such, is important to understand it. Plus, there’s something rather cozy about such uplifting reads.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Praise the Lord, as a Christian I will say that everything that glorify God is belongs to Kingdom of God. Our priority is spread his messages to all over the world and win souls for his kingdom. Thanks for recommending me to read these books!
LikeLiked by 2 people