Christian Publishing - Just Business?
Posted: Tuesday, June 09, 2009
by Jean Purcell
OpineBooks.com
At the Christian Book Expo's "Be Transformed" convention, atheist Christopher Hitchens was an invited guest.
He could help sales for his book, "God is not Great," while being a guinea pig for a team of Christian apologists.
Who would win a debate between one atheist and a group of Christian apologists? On what footing would Mr. Hitchens leave the convention?
The ability to discuss Christian publishing and marketing in this way is relatively new. Yet, for over 20 years the publishing of Christian books has, for many, moved away from the church.
It became business-for-profit for many such publishing houses. It became worldly, except for a few.
Not every Christian publisher would use a proud atheist to draw a crowd. Not all want to help draw attention to atheistic books.
And I cannot help wondering what someone like Mr. Hitchens makes of all of this, when it does happen.
He may say, "These people are just like everybody else," and to the extent that he is right, there lies the problem.
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Top-level comments on this article: (3 total)How can any amount of darkness dispel the Light?Dear friend, so right! God love ye! Jane
Great writing and thanks for bringing it to light.Hi, Steve -Thank you for reading and letting me know your reaction. Best wishes to you, Jane
I think inviting Hitchens is good. We should all be up on what's going on on the other side. The nice thing about atheists is it helps up sharpen our beliefs and make better arguements for Christian values to the agnostic. Good Writing!Hello, J, - Thanks for commenting. I do not agree w/using an atheist for sharpening or learning. Our hope is to help turn the atheist toward God and salvation. I can see this might happen in a private or relationship situation, or through outstanding published Christian apologetics, but not in an intentional public display where meaningful dialog would be surprising. Hitchens knows the arguments and comes armed against them w/a fixed mind. However, God is always surprising us, thanks be to Him!
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