Should Christians Read Fiction Books? With Dr. Marvin Newell

Why should Christians spend time reading fiction books?

In this episode of the Missions Podcast, Alex and Scott talk with Dr. Marvin Newell, an accomplished missiologist, author, and missionary as they explore Newell’s recent foray into fiction writing with his novel Taking You Under My Skin, a historically grounded narrative set during the Vietnam War. The story not only reflects a gripping tale of survival and love but also serves to awaken readers to the needs of unreached people groups, using fiction as a powerful tool for mobilization and imagination.

Dr. Newell explores the often-overlooked role of imagination in Christian discipleship and missions as well as emphasizing the importance of Bible translation and storytelling in making the gospel accessible.

Key Topics:

  • The value of fiction in mobilizing Christians for missions.
  • Summary of Taking You Under My Skin, Newell’s fiction novel set during the Vietnam War.
  • Use of redemptive analogies to communicate the gospel cross-culturally.
  • Fiction and Non-Fiction Book recommendations for missions-minded believers and missionaries.

Download the transcript for this episode.

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