Why so many Christian books? - Page 3

Stitchawl · 07-31-2011, 06:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arrghus

I am just curious as to why there is such a deluge of free Christian-themed content (generally for Kindle, but sometimes for other devices).

To bring this back to the OP's original question... I believe it is because Kindle owners need more help.

Ok... maybe not. There is a VERY big market for Christian-themed lit, just as there is for things like Harlequin Romances. Two sides of the same marketing coin. It's very definitely a niche, but a broad one that perpetuates itself through word-of-mouth every Sunday after church.

We can find used book stores that specialize in Harlequin and book stores just for Christian books. Frankly, I've never seen a used Detective book store or a used Action book store, or a used Historical Fiction book store. Have you?

Stitchawl

HarryT · 07-31-2011, 06:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stitchawl

Frankly, I've never seen a used Detective book store or a used Action book store, or a used Historical Fiction book store. Have you?

It took me about 5 seconds to find one:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Murder...613406?sk=info

carpetmojo · 07-31-2011, 06:27 AM

And www.biblio.com will find any number of stores specializing in just about any category - quite a find, actually, I'd never heard of them, so thanks for sparking my interest to have a look !

Stitchawl · 07-31-2011, 07:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

It took me about 5 seconds to find one:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Murder...613406?sk=info

That's great, Harry! Thanks! Cuz' that's certainly the closest one to me. The next time I want to travel 6,000 miles to get to a used book store, I'll be sure to visit...

On the other hand, even here in a Buddhist country, there are Christian Book Stores in every city.

But I didn't ask if you could find one. I asked if you'd ever seen one. I can find the Hope Diamond in five seconds too, but I don't think they'll let me wear it.

Do you think it's possible that there may just be just a few more 'dedicated' Christian Book Stores than Detective Book Stores? Which would you find closer to your house?

Let's see what my 5 seconds shows...
"book stores specializing in christian stories" = 437,000,000 Google hits
"book stores specializing in detective stories" = 1,060,000 Google hits

Yep... just a few more. Of course, Yahoo might give different results.

Stitchawl

HarryT · 07-31-2011, 07:07 AM

I'm sure there are more, Stichawl. I was simply pointing out that they do exist

.

DiapDealer · 07-31-2011, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Do you think it's possible that there may just be just a few more 'dedicated' Christian Book Stores than Detective Book Stores? Which would you find closer to your house?

What's a book store?

Phogg · 07-31-2011, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DiapDealer

What's a book store?

I think its where you go to make illegal bets on horse races.

Stitchawl · 07-31-2011, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

I'm sure there are more, Stichawl. I was simply pointing out that they do exist

.

Well of course they exist. But have you ever seen one? I was simply pointing out that there are a heck of lot more Christian Book Stores, in keeping with the idea of the original poster and the question posed. I'm pretty sure we've all seen those. Personally, I've never seen a dedicated Detective book store. I'm sure that using the net I could find a dedicated Dinosaur Book Store too, though I've never seen one of those either.

Stitchawl

HarryT · 07-31-2011, 07:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stitchawl

Well of course they exist. But have you ever seen one? I was simply pointing out that there are a heck of lot more Christian Book Stores. I'm pretty sure we've all seen those.

I'm not sure that I have. The religious climate in the UK is very different to that of the US.

DiapDealer · 07-31-2011, 07:47 AM

We used to have a "religious" book store in my small town—over thirty-five years ago, but I can't remember the last time I saw or drove past a "Christian" book store. Perhaps they look just like regular book stores from the outside?

And before anyone gets upset with me, I've already pointed out that I think the amount of free "christian fiction" available is wonderful. I've read some great stuff that way—much of it I wasn't sure why there needed to be a distinction, at all—but I didn't worry about it too much.

Stitchawl · 07-31-2011, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

I'm not sure that I have. The religious climate in the UK is very different to that of the US.

Very true. Actually, I've seen far more Christian Book stores outside the US than in! Everywhere Christianity sent it's missionaries seemed to be fertile soil for sales.

Stitchawl

mldavis2 · 07-31-2011, 08:28 AM

Why so many? I'd guess it's because definitions differ among sources that claim the designation. Do you mean books sold by so-called "Christian" publishers? Or do you mean books that specifically preach a "Christian" message or theme? As pointed out, not all books from "Christian" publishers (or at least those that choose to so designate themselves in title or description) are 'preachy.' So are we talking about just 'clean' literature' that adheres to a self-imposed, Biblically-based level of morality or are we talking about the "Christian" message and/or theology, specifically?

Some publishers may see that label as a 'standard of excellence' according to their own guidelines. Others may just wish to appeal to buyers to support their claim of being a 'believer' or to advertise themselves as a member of the Christian community. It's not such a problem in the world of publishing because book titles are usually self-descriptive when combined with a decent summary. In the real world, claiming to be a 'Christian' business often seeks trusting customers and/or seeks to establish credibility by using the 'Christian' label as a self-designated, unvetted claim to legitimacy. Since the designation is free to any claims, it is often used 'on the street' as an entry for scam artists, especially to the elderly ... probably not a problem in publishing.

Personally, I tend to avoid such publishers because they tend to publish either theological works, the best of which can be found at any large publishing house by 'name' writers, or they tend to be outlets for religiously-inspired amateurs who need an outlet for their enthusiasm and want to help convert others to their insights and beliefs, turning out reams of worn-out text for free as a personal exercise in good intentions. I would think, in the publishing world, that self-labeling would diminish more interest that it would inspire. But read what you like and like what you read ... and where you obtain it.

WillysJeepMan · 07-31-2011, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by queentess

There was one book where gratuitous sex really became obvious to me: Replay by Ken Grimwood. Loved the book. There was a large section where the two main characters are exploring a life filled with casual sex and recreational drugs. But that made sense to the story, and it was incredibly interesting.

But were those sex scenes truly gratuitous?

Vic333 · 07-31-2011, 10:51 AM

From a cultural viewpoint it could be chalked up to a sense of tribalism, as well. Some people just feel more at ease when they don't deal with people outside of their perceived social group. Buy food from a Christian market, get books from a Christian publisher. Very few people actually read any theology, but markets gears right to them from members of their own group can be emotionally comforting to some.

Catlady · 07-31-2011, 11:45 AM

I wonder if some of the popularity of Christian romances is a reaction to how graphic and explicit some of the mainstream romances have become. If you want to read a simple love story, not something bordering on soft-core porn, where do you turn? Even YA books can be graphic these days.

07-31-2011, 06:27 AM	#33
carpetmojo Wizard Posts: 3,117 Karma: 9269999 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: UK Device: Sony- T3, PRS650, 350, T1/2/3, Paperwhite, Fire 8.9,Samsung Tab S 10.5	And........... And www.biblio.com will find any number of stores specializing in just about any category - quite a find, actually, I'd never heard of them, so thanks for sparking my interest to have a look !

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07-31-2011, 07:07 AM	#35
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,560 Karma: 93980341 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	I'm sure there are more, Stichawl. I was simply pointing out that they do exist .

07-31-2011, 07:47 AM	#40
DiapDealer Grand Sorcerer Posts: 28,880 Karma: 207000000 Join Date: Jan 2010 Device: Nexus 7, Kindle Fire HD	We used to have a "religious" book store in my small town—over thirty-five years ago, but I can't remember the last time I saw or drove past a "Christian" book store. Perhaps they look just like regular book stores from the outside? And before anyone gets upset with me, I've already pointed out that I think the amount of free "christian fiction" available is wonderful. I've read some great stuff that way—much of it I wasn't sure why there needed to be a distinction, at all—but I didn't worry about it too much.

07-31-2011, 08:28 AM	#42
mldavis2 Coffee Nut Posts: 410 Karma: 298350 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Missouri Device: Kindle 3; K4PC; Calibre	Why so many? I'd guess it's because definitions differ among sources that claim the designation. Do you mean books sold by so-called "Christian" publishers? Or do you mean books that specifically preach a "Christian" message or theme? As pointed out, not all books from "Christian" publishers (or at least those that choose to so designate themselves in title or description) are 'preachy.' So are we talking about just 'clean' literature' that adheres to a self-imposed, Biblically-based level of morality or are we talking about the "Christian" message and/or theology, specifically? Some publishers may see that label as a 'standard of excellence' according to their own guidelines. Others may just wish to appeal to buyers to support their claim of being a 'believer' or to advertise themselves as a member of the Christian community. It's not such a problem in the world of publishing because book titles are usually self-descriptive when combined with a decent summary. In the real world, claiming to be a 'Christian' business often seeks trusting customers and/or seeks to establish credibility by using the 'Christian' label as a self-designated, unvetted claim to legitimacy. Since the designation is free to any claims, it is often used 'on the street' as an entry for scam artists, especially to the elderly ... probably not a problem in publishing. Personally, I tend to avoid such publishers because they tend to publish either theological works, the best of which can be found at any large publishing house by 'name' writers, or they tend to be outlets for religiously-inspired amateurs who need an outlet for their enthusiasm and want to help convert others to their insights and beliefs, turning out reams of worn-out text for free as a personal exercise in good intentions. I would think, in the publishing world, that self-labeling would diminish more interest that it would inspire. But read what you like and like what you read ... and where you obtain it.

07-31-2011, 10:51 AM	#44
Vic333 Connoisseur Posts: 57 Karma: 500240 Join Date: Jan 2011 Device: Kindle Paperwhite	From a cultural viewpoint it could be chalked up to a sense of tribalism, as well. Some people just feel more at ease when they don't deal with people outside of their perceived social group. Buy food from a Christian market, get books from a Christian publisher. Very few people actually read any theology, but markets gears right to them from members of their own group can be emotionally comforting to some.

07-31-2011, 11:45 AM	#45
Catlady Grand Sorcerer Posts: 7,423 Karma: 52734361 Join Date: Oct 2010 Device: Kindle Fire, Kindle Paperwhite, AGPTek Bluetooth Clip	I wonder if some of the popularity of Christian romances is a reaction to how graphic and explicit some of the mainstream romances have become. If you want to read a simple love story, not something bordering on soft-core porn, where do you turn? Even YA books can be graphic these days.