A Christian Theology of Writing

I.    Prayer for Those Who Influence Public Opinion (Book of Common Prayer) 

Almighty God, you proclaim your truth in every age by many voices: Direct, in our time, we pray, those who speak where many listen and write what many read; that they may do their part in making the heart of this people wise, its mind sound, and its will righteous; to the honor of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

II.    The Meaning of Logos for Writers (John 1:1-3)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.

III.    Writing with Integrity

A.    Luke 1:1-4

B.    Ecclesiastes 12:9-10

IV.    Risking Failure in Writing

Ecclesiastes 11:1-6

V.    The Craft of Writing Well

A.    Need God’s wisdom (James 1:5)

B.    Don’t add unnecessary words (Ecclesiastes 6:11)

C.    The need for good editors

D.    A pleasing style (Philippians 4:8)

E.    Be clear (1 Corinthians 14:7-9)

F.    Using one’s imagination to write lively prose (Dorothy Sayers, “The Dogma is the Drama”)

Official Christianity, of late years, has been having what is known as “a bad press.” We are constantly assured that the churches are empty because preachers insist too much upon doctrine—“dull dogma,” as people call it. The fact is the precise opposite. It is the neglect of dogma that makes for dullness. The Christian faith is the most exciting drama that ever staggered the imagination of man—and the dogma is the drama. 

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