I am Mad and Here's the Reason Why

Do not read this post if you don't like controversy.

As I browsed a Bible bookstore today, I was shocked, confused, and appalled. What is going on with so-called Christian publishing? The first book I picked up was the story of a teenager who overcame Everest-high odds to make her dream come true; the next was a biography of a famous coach who’d mentored many young men; the third was a tribute to a great athlete.


In only one of the three was the Bible even mentioned, and that was from a list given to the coach from his father. The acknowledgments pages in another went on forever, but nowhere did the author give any thanks to God.

This is scary, people.


I’m not naming names, but major Christian houses published these books, and they are nothing more than inspiring stories of good people. They do not promote the Kingdom of God or try to reach sinners with the Gospel, or call Christians to a higher walk with the Lord.

People die and go to hell every second. We have the answers to keep them out of there and give them abundant, eternal life, and we'd rather spend our money publishing stories of girls sailing boats and golfers who were polite?

There are millions of excellent writers trying to break into Christian publishing. They have written noteworthy accounts of God’s grace and miracle-working power to save, heal, and deliver, and the top Christian houses are offering us fine little stories with a Christian label slapped on them. What is wrong with this picture?

Are we afraid of the controversial Gospel of Jesus Christ? Are we worried that literature that gives God glory and calls us to deep commitment will offend someone, or worse yet, won’t sell a million copies? Yes, I know they are businesses and have to pay their bills. So did Jesus. But I don’t see Him watering down His message so the offerings would be bigger.

Have you noticed this in your Bible bookstore? What are your thoughts?