The follwoing novels are of the progressive Christian variety:

Gilead by Marilynne Robinson, a luminecent little novel about a Congregationalist minister--mid 20th century. It won a Pulitzer prize. I loved this book.

Home to Harmoney by Philip Gulley, as well as a number of other books in the same series. These are humourous, folksy, and warm-hearted. Gulley is definitely a progressive.

Testament: A Novel by Nino Ricci. Tells the story of Christ's ministry, through the eyes of four different Biblical characters. I read this book twice, and found it facinating. Author's Note: This is a work of fiction. While it takes its inspiration from the figure who has come down to us as Jesus Christ, it does not purport to be an accurate historical representation of that figure. At the same time, I have made every effort to work within the bounds of historical plausibility, based on what is known to us of the time and place in which Jesus lived. In my research I have drawn on many sources, including the work of the Jesus Seminar and of other contemporary scholars who have tried to arrive at an understanding of the historical Jesus.

Frederick Buechner has written some novels. I tried reading one but couldn't get into it. Maybe it is too literary and sophisticated for my plebian tastes (see "My First Christmas in Heaven" thread for more about that). But I found Buechner's memoirs to be very readable.

Susan Howitch has written a series of novels involving the Church of England. She wrote these novels after converting to Christianity herself. I read them years ago, in the late '80's or early '90's, when the books first were published. I was an atheist back then. I remember they are compelling books and very easy to read. The first in the series is called Glittering Images..."It is 1937 and beneath the smooth surface of an episcopal palace lurks the sordid breath of scandal. Charles Ashworth, a Canon to the Archbishop of Canterbury is sent to untangle the web of corruption, only to become involved himself. " Maybe I will go back and reread them again, now that I am a Christian myself.

Then there are some recent books about biblical characters.
The Red Tent by Anita Diamant
Sarah by Marek Halter

I can't think of any more at present. I am very interested to see what other titles will be posted on this thread.

AHyde,

Hi,

You asked:

Petra is to U2, as the Left Behind Series is to _______________.

Ummm Harlequin Romance?

Good Christian Literature?

I'm partial to Roger Elwood. He is the author of Angelwalk and a host of other books. Get's a little syrupy in places. Unless you prefer your pancakes or waffles dry that isn't such a bad thing.

Was floored by Gene Edwards' stuff. He wrote The Divine Romance and then on a brianwave broke that into five separate books, reworked some material and called it The Chronicles of the Door.

Have also read Stephen Lawhead and Frank Peretti but didn't find them willing to get deep enough.

Then there is C.S. Lewis's Narnia Collection and his Space Trilogy and a collection of Short Stories called The Dark Tower.

Tolkien has stuff beyond the Hobbit and LOTR.

GK Chesterton has some brilliant stuff.

Grace and peace to you.

John

And, of course, Lamb, The Gospel According to Biff

"Chrtistian Fiction". You mean like Bill Schnoebelen, Rebecca Brown, Mike Warnke, et al?

I think the distinction is a false one. The challenge is to look for the spiritual in secular literature. It is too easy (and kind of clubby) to read only in Christian literature as if we might be tainted by the secular. When our comfort level, as Christians, is challenged by the secular, that is when the "kingdom" is close and we need to be paying attention to what Harvey Cox called the "creative conflict". For example last year I read Penelope by Mary Gaitskill. Almost every page offended me and I knew there was something I had to find out that I didn't know, like how is it possible for a person enmeshed in the fashion industry and damned by it to find redemption? What role could the church play in that process?

Here's a couple I like:

Frank Peretti - Monster, The Oath, The Prophet etc..

Ted Dekker - The Black, Red and White trilogy is fantastic. Blink. Blessed Child and the follow up A man called Blessed. Thunder of Heaven. Showdown.Three... to list a few. He also co-authored House with Frank.

Larry Burkett is not bad either.

Ahyde "Holy Orders " is a splendid book about a pastor who preaches against the evil of alcohol. by Marie Corelli

I don't know whether these are classified as Christian fiction but any of the books by Janette Oke have a background of a person's faith in God and how it helps get them through the rough times.

Another author I like is Lori Wick

I love books by Beverley Lewis but they are mostly about the Amish - stories are interesting and enjoyable

It is hard to find good ones I agree

smimik. Sweet picks bro.

Enjoyed the "The Spiral Garden" by Anne Hines

There are so many amazing christian authors out there! I would definetly recommend melody carlson, for both women and teen girls. Karen kingsbury is another, i usually buy all of my books at blessings...there are many stores around canada...visit blessings.com ...thre are so many other authors, im have a mindblock! but definetly check out the site and see what you can find!