When in Doubt: The Overriding Principle

We have studied the biblical foundation for fiction. We’ve measured our maturity. We’ve explored personal limitations. We’ve built our guidelines and created checklists. We’re armed and ready to move boldly through the fictional realms.

Then we bump into the book or movie that defies it all.

It meets only half of the biblical guidelines. It borders the edges of our maturity and personal limitations. And the checklists? Forget it. Half the questions don’t even seem to apply anymore.

What to do now?

Thankfully, we’re not the first to encounter this problem. The Apostle Paul faced a similar complication in Romans 14. Yes, this passage talks about eating meat, but the same principles are relevant to fiction. (Replace “food” with “books and movies,” and equate veggies to Christian fiction and meat to secular works.) So what does Paul say about our uncertainty?

“But the man who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin. “ (Romans 14:23)

Sounds harsh, doesn’t it? But when you dig into the verse, you will find that this statement is for our protection. Consider a movie. Which images are easier to avoid—the ones you are trying to erase from your memory or the ones you’ve never seen at all? Like a man defending a castle, we can keep the enemy outside the walls of our mind at bay with less work than the one within our heart’s gates.

So when in doubt, face about!

Guideline Checklists: Biblical Foundation

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8

Is it true?
Does the story mirror reality?
Are historic events, people, settings accurately portrayed genre?
Are “based on true story” tales accurate within expectations of story structure?
Is the science reasonably accurate?
Does the story, no matter the genre, reflect moral law—those truths written into the universe?

Is it noble?
Are serious topics treated in a dignified manner?
Does humor retain respect for God and people, even as it ridicules ideas, vices or human folly?

Is it right?
Does the story conform to the standards of God (e.g. “do not steal”)?
To the will of God (e.g. “give thanks in all circumstances”)?
To the character of God (e.g. justice, grace, love, redemption, sacrifice)?

Is it pure?
Are the bad elements (those attitudes/actions that are sin if manifest in our lives) presented in a way that will not encourage implementation?
Is evil shown as evil, with the appropriate consequences (punishment)?
Is good shown as good, with appropriate consequences (reward)?

Is it lovely?
Are the writing, cinematography, word choices, and descriptions pleasing to the senses?
Does the story evoke a I Corinthians 13 love?

Is it admirable?
Does the story carry positive qualities that result in a good reputation?
Would your reputation be enhanced or tarnished if your name was connected with that work?

Is it excellent?
Is the craft of good quality, exceeding the average of the industry?

Is it praiseworthy?
Does the story’s content glorify God, explicitly or implicitly?

Philippians 4:8 Recap

“Finally, brothers, whatever it true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8, NIV

For over fifteen weeks we’ve chopped, minced, diced and spliced our way through the thirty simple words of Philippians 4:8. Now it’s time to mix everything back together and see what we have:

My fellow-Christians (brothers), since God’s peace places troops around our hearts and minds to protect us from enemy attacks (finally), let us separate the good from the bad and then make the good ours through continuous meditation (think), the good being (such things) anything—Christian or not (whatever)—which:

• Matches reality, whether scientific principles, historic facts, or moral law (true)
• Treats serious topics in a dignified manner (noble)
• Conforms to revealed truth—that is, the standards, character, and will of God (right)
• Will not stir up attitudes or thoughts that could contaminate—cause us to sin—should it manifest itself in our lives (pure)
• Pleases the senses, softens the heart, and evokes a I Corinthians 13 love (lovely)
• Carries positive qualities resulting in a good reputation (admirable)

—that is, we should dwell on those aspects that sets themselves over and above for their good quality in craft (excellent) or have content bringing glory to God (praiseworthy).

So much for thirty simple words. But then Mom always said I liked to make things complicated. I guess I’ve not outgrown that trait yet.

Excellent and Praiseworthy

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8 NIV

After weeks of study, Philippians 4:8 is finally complete. We’ve learned about the context of the verse, the recipient, the action to be taken, and six standards. Now today we’ve reached our last words—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—and within these five words we sum up the six previous qualities listed.

Of course, that’s easy to say. But what does it mean?

Excellence refers to anything that sets its craft over and above others for its good quality. Quality reporting is accurate (true). Quality music is pleasing to the ear (lovely). Quality water is pure.

Likewise the praiseworthy causes praise to one who is worthy—that is, God. So when we treat serious topics in a respectful manner (noble), we bring praise to God. When we declare the truth of Scripture (right), we bring praise to God. When we gain a good reputation (admirable), we bring praise to God.

See how each of the previous standards—true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable—expand on these two final qualities?

So in short, we’ve returned to where we began this whole study: the material we read, the material we watch, the material we absorb into our lives should be good in craft/art (excellent) and content (praiseworthy).

“Whatever is Admirable”

“Finally, brother, whatever is true, whatever noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable…think about such things.” Philippians 4:8, NIV

Benedict Arnold. Mother Teresa. Las Vegas. Paris. Opera. Rap. Wrestling. Figure skating.

These all have one thing in common: they all have a reputation. Simply say their name, and instantly we associate certain characteristics and qualities with them, whether good or bad or somewhere in between. Mention Benedict Arnold, and betrayal comes to mind. And who doesn’t think of romance when Paris is uttered?

This concept of reputation is the root of admirable. A Greek adjective related to the noun “good reputation,” admirable carries the weight of the commendable qualities associated with a good reputation.

So how does this work with fiction?

A good reputation—and works of fiction do have reputations (think Stephen King books)—applies to the two basic arenas: content and craft. Of course, this means a split can occur. A piece can have a good reputation for the craft while having disreputable content and vice versa.

Of course, the ideal combines both. For example, the movies based on the Lord of the Rings have an overall excellent reputation. In content, they are known for solid Christian theology, sacrifice exemplified, and good defeating evil—all admirable qualities. In addition, the quality of their production and their attention to detail has won these movies the place as the measuring stick for fantasy film in many viewers’ minds.

And how can you tell if the qualities are admirable? Before you walk into that theater or buy that book, ask yourself: Would you want those qualities—whether sweet or graphic, horrifying or humorous—attached to your name?

“Whatever is Lovely” Part II

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely…think about such things.” Philippians 4:8 NIV

Last week we covered the qualities of “lovely.” While loveliness is partially in the eye of the beholder, we discover that there is an innate sense of beauty that God built into each of us, an ability to recognize what pleases the senses and spurs us toward love. But how does this affect the fiction we read and the movies we watch?

Perhaps the most obvious application is to film. Since we tend to think of loveliness first in the visual realms, it’s easy to see how we might expect a movie to be lovely—after all, movies are continuous strings of images which can please the eye. But books too strive to create pictures in the mind’s eye, and like a shot in a film, we can find those pictures pleasing or displeasing.

Loveliness, however, is not confined to the visible realm, as the previous example with books hints at. Part of what makes the image from the written word pleasing is the use of the language. Consider how “a quaint cottage with spring flowers sprouting everywhere” paints a more beautiful image than “a dilapidated house overrun with weeds” does, even though they may describe the same scene.

More than that, the combination of words can please the ear the way a picture please the eye. Look again at the descriptions above and notice how alliteration of the first (a quaint cottage with spring flowers sprouting everywhere) pleases the ear more than straightforward language of the second. But by simply changing a few words, that second description can also become more pleasing to the ear without eliminating the unpleasant image: “A dilapidated dwelling overshadowed by weeds.”

This auditory pleasure is one foundation of good writing. On it we build everything from vivid descriptions in books to patter songs in musicals to dialogue in fiction and film. It also comprises a large part of the art of poetry and is a primary reason why Shakespeare is classic today.

But loveliness is more than sensory pleasure. Loveliness should cause love, the kind that God intended. For like everything else, sin can twist words and images to induce sensuous, idolatrous, or erotic love. Instead, lovely stories seek to evoke the love of I Corinthians 13:

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” (I Corinthians 13:4-8a, NIV)

Now those are the marks of a truly beautiful story.

“Whatever is Lovely” Part I

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely…think about such things.” Philippians 4:8, NIV

“Whatever is lovely”—for me this is the most elusive quality in Philippians 4:8. How can anyone define what is lovely? Isn’t beauty in the eye of the beholder?

Yet maybe this old axiom is true only to a point, for there seems to be an innate sense of what’s beautiful in all of us. Otherwise why do some things commonly seem lovely to us all? Like mountains colored by sunset and the fragrance of flowers. Or the texture of a kitten’s fur and the sound of voices singing in harmony. And who can resist a child’s smile?

More than that, God created all these things and much more besides, which he himself declared beautiful (Genesis 1:31, 2:9). So if God has a sense of what’s lovely and we are created in his image, why wouldn’t we also have that sense?

Granted, our sense of beauty can be twisted and distorted. It is part of having a sin nature. But that doesn’t mean we can’t tell when something pleases our senses—whether touch, taste, sound, smell, or sight—and feel the softening of the heart when we meet such things.

And that heart-softening may be the true mark of what’s lovely. Even the Greek word Paul uses in Philippians is a combination of the preposition to and the word philos—love or tender affection. What is lovely moves us toward love and affection.

So perhaps beauty is not so much in the eye of the beholder as it's in the tenderness of the beholder's heart.

Whatever is Pure

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure…think about such things.” Philippians 4:8 NIV

Pure gold. Pure water. Pure…fiction?


That last one doesn’t seem to quite fit, does it? After all, the first two are compliments, often used to endorse the high quality of the gold or water. The third we usually use as an insult.

But all three exemplify what pure really means: Something is uncontaminated by foreign particles. Pure gold is 100% gold. Pure water contains only H2O molecules. Pure fiction lacks any facts.

Of course, that definition isn’t exactly the one I had in mind for the application of this fourth principle. What, then, is fiction that is pure?

Perhaps it would be easier to think of this in the negative: Pure fiction lacks contamination. What contaminates? Sin. How does sin contaminate fiction? By producing the same (sin) in us, for the actions and words that come from the heart of man is was makes him unclean, i.e. contaminated. (Matthew 15:18-19)

This demands we not only know how fiction squares with Scripture (compliance to “Whatever is right”), but also we be aware how movies and novels affect us personally.

For example, there is nothing wrong, per se, with a graphic sex scene between a husband and wife. Sex between a man and a woman within the bonds of marriage is proper and right, even sanctioned as holy within Scripture.

However, because of the sexual desires aroused by such a scene, fantasizing, lust, and other impure behavior could be evoke, especially in a single like me. For Matthew 5:28 states that “anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Fiction causing that kind of response can hardly be classified as pure.

Therefore, pure fiction does not stir up thoughts or attitudes that might cause contamination—sin—should it escape out of our hearts and into our lives.

“Whatever is Right,” Part II

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right…think about such things.” Philippians 4:8, NIV

Three weeks ago we covered the definition of this third standard of Philippians 4:8, right or righteous. We ultimately defined it as conformity to three things: God’s standards (e.g. the 10 Commandments), God’s will (e.g. giving thanks in all circumstances), and God’s character. (For further review, check out Part I.)

Now how this applies to living may seem obvious, even if it’s difficult to carry out, but what does “righteous” fiction look like?

In many ways, this expands on our first standard, “whatever is true.” But where that dealt with facts/laws—things written into the world or which we know innately (historical fact, scientific law, moral truth)—this third standard speaks to those truths specifically revealed in Scripture.

Maybe it’d be wise to define a couple terms. Moral truth/law, as I’ve been using it, is those spiritual truths written into the world much like scientific laws and which we know innately, whether we want to admit it or not. We drink poison and we will die—that’s scientific law. We sin; we will die—that’s moral law.

But the truth that the third standard refers to is Scriptural or revealed truth. We do not know this innately, so God reveals it to us through His word, the Bible. For example, Jesus is the son of God (Matthew 16:15-17).

Therefore, not only is fiction to conform to moral law, but also to revealed truth: If a novel or movie declares Jesus is merely a man, it defies the revealed truth of God’s character. If a theme promotes revenge over forgiveness, it violates the revealed truth of God’s will (Romans 12:17, 19-21). If a story shows that adultery okay, it disregards the revealed truth of God’s standards.

So does your reading line up with the Word of God?

Feet on the ground, head in the clouds,
Chawna Schroeder

“Whatever is Right” Part I

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right…think about such things.” Philippians 4:8, NIV

It’s easy to think we understand this third standard, and the temptation is to plunge on to the next word. But do we really understand?

Imagine a driver who is trying to navigate an unfamiliar part of town. Beside him sits a friend, trying to give him directions. The driver asks, “Which way should I go?”

“Right,” says the friend.

“That way?”

“Right.” The stop light turns red. “Watch out!”

Brakes screech. “Phew. That was close. Are you all right?”

Suddenly, the word right seems much more complex, doesn’t it?

It would be easier, perhaps, if the translators of the NIV would have used this Greek word's more common definition of “righteous.” Now there’s a hazy, theological concept we rarely use beyond the church walls!

In reality, though, righteous has a pretty simple definition, if any word of theology can be called “simple.” Righteous merely refers to the conformity (or that which conforms) to the standards, will, and character of God.

Still sound imposing? Think of keeping the Ten Commandments or the Golden Rule—that’s conformity to the standard of God. Or of giving thanks in all circumstances (I Thessalonians 5:18)—that’s conformity to the will of God. And conformity to the character of God? Loving each other as Christ loved us (John 15:12) for God is love (I John 4:16).

Now righteous isn’t such a hard word to understand, is it? Of course, living it is a whole different matter…

Feet on the ground, head in the clouds,
Chawna Schroeder

“Whatever is Noble”

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble…think about such things.” Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

“Whatever is noble”—this is our second standard for fiction. Noble. A fascinating word that conjures many images. A firefighter pulling a child from a burning building. A businessman standing up to corporate corruption. A person with a high brow, determined jaw, and eyes staring into the distance, as if seeing something no one else can see.

Somewhat surprisingly, these images might not be so far off from the concept Paul was trying to convey. The Greek word semnos is a complex word with no clear parallel in English. But Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary says that semnos combines the concepts of gravity and dignity, concluding with this quote: “ ‘The word points to seriousness of purpose and to self-respect in conduct’ (Moule).”

So what does “noble” fiction look like? Can fiction be serious and dignified?

Yes, literary novels immediately coming to mind with their serious examination of the world. Does that mean genre fiction, with its intention to entertain and even make laugh, can’t be noble too?

By no means! Many works of genre fiction deal with very serious topics in a dignified manner, even if it’s in a faster-paced or more humorous way.

Think of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Can there be a more serious topic than the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ? And at all times C. S. Lewis maintains the greatest respect—dignity—for Aslan the Great Lion and therefore for Jesus Christ, whom he represents. Yet The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is hardly a great “literary” novel, as we commonly think of it—this story is a fantasy written to entertain children!

And the same thing goes for modern fiction, because every book centers around a theme—that is, a serious topic: The Secret Life of Becky Miller by Sharon Hinck is a humorous mom-lit with serious themes about wanting to do big things for God. The Shadow and the Night by Chris Walley is a fast-paced futuristic novel about the depth of evil and God’s grace. Coral Moon by Brandilyn Collins is a high-tension suspense about the power of God. All genre fiction. All entertaining. All covering serious topics with respect.

Now those are the marks of a noble novel.

Feet on the ground, head in the clouds,
Chawna Schroeder

“Whatever is True,” Part II

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true…think about such things.” Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

Last week we looked at whether fiction can be “true”—that is, does it conform with reality? Our conclusion was yes, fiction of all genres can conform to reality, reflecting not only historical and scientific fact, but also the unchanging moral truth of Scripture (the depravity of man, evil leads to destructions, all actions carry consequences).

But since fiction of all types can be true, what is “untrue” fiction?

Think about the books that you’ve read and complained didn’t ring “true.” More than likely, you were complaining that story violated this principle of reality. Maybe the historical setting was inaccurate. Maybe the portrayal of a job didn’t reflect what that work is really like. Or perhaps the science was simply implausible.

So as long as writers do their research, they everything will be fine—right?

Not quite. We also have a built-in sense of moral truth (Romans 2:14-15) and consciously or unconsciously, we expect fiction to conform to that truth: We crave good to win over the end (just like in Revelation), and if it doesn’t, there had better be a very good reason why. We long for characters to change—but gradually and not overnight, unless there is a dramatic reason why. We expect most heroes to have flaws and most villains to have virtues—just like real people.

And that—even more than historical or scientific fact—is what makes a good story ring true.

Feet on the ground, head in the clouds,
Chawna Schroeder

"Whatever is True" Part I

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true…think about such things.” Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

Our first standard for fiction guidelines is to think about whatever is true. But how can fiction be “true”? It’s not factual. It’s not real. By its very definition, fiction is a fabrication, making up most of the people, places, and events found within its frame. It is, you might say, founded on “untruth.”

But the word true means more than facts. It refers to things “conforming to reality.” (Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary)

So does fiction conform to reality?

Some types of fiction are a clear yes. Contemporary novels conform to present reality. Historical novels conform to the facts of history. Many storyworlds of other genres—thrillers, romances, even some time travel novels—conform to facts because their settings are Biblical, historical, or contemporary.

What about the fiction that are set in worlds that don’t conform to these constraints—alternate reality, fantasy, some science-fiction?

On the other hand, must what is “true” be confined to what has been documented (history)? Or are the only “real” things what can be measured, analyzed, and observed by the five senses (science)?

After all, the Bible makes it clear that much goes on beyond a physical realm—just read Daniel, Ezekiel, and Revelation or do a study of angels, demons, and the spirit/soul. So who's to say that the fantastical might not reflect reality more than we know?

But more than that, the Bible also has statements of reality that don’t belong to history or science. For example, in Romans 3:23 says “all have sinned.” That is not a scientific fact. Nor is it historical fact, although history can be used to verify it. It is a statement about life that transcends time, people, and place—as a quick survey of history and the world around us will show. Therefore, since these moral truths transcend boundaries, it is possible for fiction to create a realm nothing like our own and still conform to reality.

So can fiction be "true"? I'd say most definitely yes, no matter what the genre.

Feet on the ground, head in the clouds,
Chawna Schroeder

Philippians 4:8—“Whatever”

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8

Thus far in our study, we’ve established this verse’s context, audience, and the application of the qualities listed in the middle. Now we turn to the good stuff sandwiched in the middle, starting with the “condiment” that seeps through and ties everything together.

Whatever: How much does whatever include? Only the things we like? Only that which makes us feel good? Only that produced by vocal Christians?It’s more inclusive than that, isn’t it? If anything—Christian or not—falls within these categories, Paul instructs us to think about, meditate on, absorb such things.

That’s why we can enjoy films and books of the gray areas: Guarded by the peace of God, we find what conforms to this verse’s standards and dwell on those aspects, discarding the rest from our mind.

What does that mean for us? If a book or movie—Christian or non-Christian—causes us to dwell on that which does not conform to these guidelines or causes fantasizing about what’s declared evil in the Bible, we should avoid it. No matter if there’s good in it; it’ll hurt more than help.

And therein we have our first rule of thumb for fiction.

Feet on the ground, head in the clouds,
Chawna Schroeder

Philippians 4:8—“Think about such things”

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8

To effectively build guidelines, we need to lay a firm Biblical foundation. Philippians 4:8 can provide such a foundation, but first we must take it apart word by word.

Last week, we considered the opening—“Finally, brothers”—which provides the verse’s context and readership. This week I want to look at the last words to bookend the list in the middle.

Think about such things: Simple enough command to interpret, right? After all, it’s not like thinking is uncommon or hard to do. We do it all the time.

But not all thinking is alike.

When you daydream, your thinking flit here and there and back again, scampering down rabbit trails and making large leaps of logic, the topics of thought lacking any cohesiveness.

But try to plan a party the way you daydream. You’d be liable to have an August wedding with birthday cake, presents wrapped in Christmas paper, and Thanksgiving turkeys decorating the reception hall—if you remember the decorations at all!

No, when you plan, your thinking is orderly and on one topic, full of lists (cake, present, decorations, invitations) and time sequencing (bake the cake, hang decorations, cool the cake, wrap presents, ice the cake). Random thoughts may occur during this process, but they are quickly discarded.

Now consider when you memorize math facts, Bible verses, and grocery lists. Totally different, isn’t it? Here your thinking is neither random nor progressive; it’s repetitive.

That’s only three types of thinking—and the Greek has fifteen different verbs for “to think”! So what kind of thinking did Paul have in mind when he penned Philippians 4:8?

This think (the Greek verb logizomai) “primarily signifies ‘to reckon,’ whether by calculation or imputation” and thus it also means to make something the subject of your thoughtful consideration or “to think upon a matter by way of taking account of its character.” (Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary)

In short, Paul has in mind a separation of wheat and chaff—the good and the bad—by consideration of character. Then when we have the wheat separated, we are to ingest it like a cud-chewing cow—to make the good ours through continuous meditation.

And what are “such things” we are to ingest? That’s where the list sandwiched between comes in.

Feet on the ground, head in the clouds,
Chawna Schroeder

Philippians 4:8—“Finally, Brothers”

Building guidelines for fiction can be extremely tricky. Fiction, by its very nature, has extensive variety, much of which doesn’t fit perfectly into a box, and this creates innumerable variables that can play havoc with our structure. Therefore, a firm foundation is a must or everything could collapse upon us. What better foundation can there be than the infallible words of God?

So today we lay the first stones by studying the beginning words of Philippians 4:8. (For why Philippians 4:8, check out last week's post, "Philippians 4:8.")

Finally: Don’t start rolling your eyes yet. This is a very important word, perhaps the most important one in the verse because it’s a conjunction.

No, I’m not trying to show off my grammar prowess. Conjunctions are important: they demonstrate the relationship between two sets of words.

What then does finally show us, since it’s the first word of verse 8? That verse 8 is related to verse 7: “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (How’s that for the obvious?)

So God has promised to guard (a military word meaning to place troops around for protection) the heart and mind. What does that have to do with the instructions for verse 8? The Greek word for finally also means “from now on, henceforth, still, beyond that, in addition.” These instructions teach us how to mine treasures worth guarding: Since God’s peace places troops around our hearts and minds to protect us from enemy attacks, let us from now on fill our hearts and minds with treasure worth guarding.

Brothers: To whom do these principles apply? To Paul’s siblings? No, Paul writes to his fellow-Christians—and that includes us today.

Therefore, God’s peace guards every Christian’s heart, and so all of us should be intent on seeking the greatest treasure.

“Finally, brothers…” Two simple words packed with so much meaning—and we haven’t even hit the meat of this verse. Ever get the feeling this could take awhile?

Feet on the ground, head in the clouds,
Chawna Schroeder

Philippians 4:8

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8 NIV)

Thirty simple words. Easy to read, easy for the eye to glance over. But within those thirty words is compressed the eight-quality measuring stick of fiction.

Why do I believe so firmly that this verse applies to fiction? Because what we place in our hearts we think about, and what we think about embeds itself in our hearts over and over until it comes out in word and deed. So stories, which slip past our normal defenses and lodge in our hearts, also get caught up in this cycle until they impact our lives.

So not only do I believe that Philippians 4:8 applies to fiction—I also believe it’s the clearest, most detailed verse in Scripture illuminating what kind of stories we ought to fill our hearts and minds with. Therefore, in the coming weeks, I plan to unpack this verse word by word.

Let’s just hope we can dig our way out again when we’re through.

Feet on the ground, head in the clouds,
Chawna Schroeder