I ran across an interesting post today, discussing the recent decision of Thomas Nelson publishers to require all their writers to sign a contract stating that they agree with the Nicene Creed.
What do you guys think about this? The blog discussion (the first link above) is absolutely fascinating, though very long.
On the one hand, it seems discriminatory in the sense that (as one person argues at length), if a person can write a "Christian" novel without possessing personal Christian beliefs, why should he be barred from publishing it under a Christian publishing house? On the other hand, it is the prerogative of any publisher (religious or secular) to accept or dismiss whatever author they choose based on whatever biased or unbiased opinion they have. Publishing is not a "fair" game--nor is it an equal-opportunity one. Each publisher scraps what he or she doesn't like; that's the way it works. So if the publisher only wants adherents to the Nicene Creed, then who are we to interfere?
My position: I think Thomas Nelson's decision is short-sighted. I think a serious editor for a serious Christian publishing firm should be equipped with the ability to distinguish between books that are deeply rooted in Christian thought and books that contain merely trite Christian references. If a book doesn't possess the sort of "depth" that sells, then by all means, don't sign the author! Conversely, if the book is quality, the quality should shine through its pages; thus, an author's statement of faith shouldn't be necessary. I'll not even discuss the plethora of crappy Christian books that are published simply because the authors are condsidered "safe" in the creedal sense.
Thus, I think the responsibility lies with the acquisitions editors of the firm itself to judge the literary and theological merit of the book (or the appropriateness of its content in relation to the firm's stated guidelines).
Hmm. I think I just found another (potential) use for a seminary degree....
3 comments:
I am the CEO of Thomas Nelson. Contrary to the media reports, we are not requiring authors to sign a doctrinal statement. Nor have we included any doctrinal requirements in our contracts. You can read an unfiltered account of our editorial standards here.
Mr. Hyatt, thank you for taking the time to address your side of the issue here. I read your company's statement and am very much impressed with the level of professionalism with which it was delivered.
Please accept my sincere apologies for any offense caused by this post.
I very much agree with both your main points: (1) that a Christian publishing house should publish works that are written from a Christian worldview and (2) that there should be openness of dialogue in the Christian literary circle. I am encouraged that, contrary to previous reports, you are not requiring a writer to embrace the Nicene Creed as part of his or her contractual obligations--even though, personally, I accept the creed and give honor to those who worked so tirelessly to present the most accurate statement of Christian theology that they could put into words.
My concerns, therefore, are not so much directed at your firm but at the Christian publishing industry at large. I think there is much work yet to be done as publishers (and writers) work to produce literature that is both excellent in craft and sound in its theology/worldview.
Interesting and articulate discussion. Thanks, Jana, for addressing this.
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