Every artistic work deserves a home; not to be discarded like an orphan. Where though, do we place Christian writing? If it's written by a Ugandan, does it fall under 'Self help books by Africans ?' Or rather, in order to be politically correct, do we place it under religious creative non-fiction, just next to the bibles?'
During the #Babishai2016 poetry festival, we held a session on Christian writing, with Paul Kisakye, author of Prodigal Love and Roxanna Aliba Kazibwe, author of My Love is Not Afraid.
What comes to mind when we speak of Christian writing? Paul Kisakye says that Joyce Meyer and Creflo Dollar's inspirational material are popular. Furthermore, Christian literature illuminates Christian values and beliefs. It's a type of writing that voices Christianity.
Paul Kisakye's book, Prodigal Love, is sold mainly to the Christian market and for him, he would never produce art for art's sake.
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| Courtesy photo |
Roxanna Kazibwe's poetry collection, My Love is Not Afraid, evokes a feeling of restoration and hope and through that, she's certain to have received the purpose of being a Christian writer.
A Christian book emits certain values. Another great example, Roxanna says, is Chronicles of Narnia.
Roxanna at the 2015 Storymoja Festival
The Chronicles of Narnia, fantasy book, heightens the Christian experience by engaging values like forgiveness, loyalty, prayer and faith.
The Da Vinci Code, on the other hand, tackles the church and religion but because it's not a portrayal of Christian values, is not categorised as such.
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During the conversation, audience members suggested that Christian writing is just a label used in order to gain an edge over other literary markets.
The #Babishai2017 poetry festival is scheduled for 4-6 August, beginning with a trek across Mabira Forest; Poetry@Mabira.
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