One of the books with most profound influence on my faith was published as fiction. Can that be true?
Here’s the truth: Both non-fiction and fiction books have been vital to my faith journey so far.
(Before I explain, let me say, the Bible is the #1 book in my faith. I’m talking here about books that aren’t part of Scripture.)
Several non-fiction books have had very important roles in my faith.
And yet…
One of the books with the most profound influence on my faith… was published as fiction.
Can there really be that much truth in a fictional story?
God the Father thought so.
I have also spoken to the prophets,
And I provided many visions,
And through the prophets I spoke in parables.
Hosea 12:10 (NASB), emphasis added
Jesus thought so, and Jesus is the truth. (John 14:6)
All these things Jesus spoke to the multitude in parables; and without a parable he did not speak to them….
Matthew 13:34 (NKJV)
(See a similar statement in Mark 4:34.)
And Jesus’ parables are included in the Scriptures, all of which are inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16).
The Ring of Truth
If you’ve ever read a fiction book that felt different somehow, that seemed to have the ring of truth to it, you already know firsthand how truth can be woven into a fictional story. In the large number of parables Jesus spoke during his incarnate ministry, we can see how he embedded truth into these stories.
My Story
At different times in my life, I’ve been drawn to different types of reading.
There are times when I voraciously read non-fiction, as I’m searching out a particular idea.
I’ve also found truth in a fiction book that stretched my faith in life-changing ways that it needed to be stretched.
I’ve found life and refreshing in fiction books. And I’ve also found life and refreshing in non-fiction books.
As an author, both non-fiction and fiction books are part of my list of published titles. You’ll find truth woven throughout both.
This content and more appeared in the September 2026 email newsletter. You’re invited to subscribe at amylu-riley.com/subscribe.
Scripture quotations marked NASB taken from the New American Standard Bible® (NASB), Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. www.lockman.org
Scripture marked NKJV taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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