7 Novels That Have Something To Teach Us About God
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So often we assume that in order to learn something new about God, we have to pick up a hefty theology book that could take years to get through – as if God can only be found in the complex, lofty, hard-to-reach places. But the greatest and most beautiful truths about the divine can be found within the context of a story, in the pages of a work of fiction. Jesus told captivating parables to audiences in order to teach deep, profound, life-changing truths about God.
We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite novels that can teach us something new about God – each one has something incredibly unique and beautiful to say about the divine.
Peace Like a River — by Leif Enger
Set in the 1960s in North Dakota, Peace Like a River centers around a single father who’s trying his best to take care of his family. Throughout the story, we see that his faith is the source of his incredible strength. Readers are taken on a heartrending, page-turning adventure, while asking what we believe to be true about miracles. Peace Like a River is a truly touching, moving story about what faith looks like in a difficult world.
Till We Have Faces — by C. S. Lewis
When it comes to fiction, C. S. Lewis is most well-known for The Chronicles of Naria, but despite being lesser-known, Till We Have Faces is another magnificent work of his that takes a deeper look at the ancient myth of Cupid and Psyche. The story cleverly explores failure, human nature, and redemption. Lewis is the ultimate master of metaphor, using it to show us beautiful truths about God.
Wise Blood — by Flannery O’Connor
This witty work centers around Hazel Motes, who, after being discharged from service during WWII, settles in Tennessee and soon begins preaching for the Church Without Christ. One of only two novels O’Connor ever wrote, Wise Blood explores themes of free will, living and dying, and redemption.
The Crucible — by Arthur Miller
Alright, this technically isn’t a novel, but a play. Still, The Crucible, set in the midst of the Salem witch trials in the 1690s, is brimming with elements of faith, judgment, justice, and goodness — asking readers the questions: what is true goodness? Are looking good and being good at all the same? This incredible tale is sure to stay with you long after you’ve read it.
A Tale of Two Cities — by Charles Dickens
Dickens, easily considered one of the greatest writers of all time, weaves a tale set against the backdrop of the French Revolution, following the lives of those caught in the disaster and upheaval. Along with this, this classic story is filled to the brim with beautiful, significant themes like sacrifice and resurrection, bringing faith to the forefront.
Gilead — by Marilynne Robinson
Set in 1956, Gilead focuses on Reverend John Ames, towards his final days, as he writes a letter to his son. In it, he details his many memories and of the difficult relationship his father and grandfather shared, both of whom were ministers with incredibly different outlooks on life. Gilead brings God to life within its pages remarkably well, offering readers an understanding of the beauty of faith.
Wuthering Heights — by Emily Brontë
Brontë’s classic tale centers around the turbulence and inner workings of relationships, the passion and devastation of heartbreak, and the dark twistedness of a romance. Though certainly not a cheery read, Wuthering Heights still has something to say on the subject of faith. While the novel doesn’t center around religion, faith is still woven into its bones. We see characters being affected, both positively and negatively, by their beliefs and understanding of the divine.