Should Christians Read Fiction Books? With Dr. Marvin Newell

Why should Christians spend time reading fiction books?

https://youtu.be/ooSFUbT0C98

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.

The Missions Podcast exists to equip missionaries and mobilize the church. By supporting this ministry, you help goers think and thinkers go.

Alex Kocman & Scott Dunford

Alex Kocman is the Director of Communications and Engagement for ABWE. He serves as general editor for Message Magazine and co-hosts The Missions Podcast. After earning his M.A. in Communication and B.S. in Biblical Studies, he served as an online apologetics instructor with Liberty University and a youth pastor in Pennsylvania, where he now resides with his wife and four children. Read his blog or follow him on X.

Scott Dunford is the pastor of Western Hills Church in San Mateo, Calif. Previously, Scott served as Vice President of Mobilization and Communications for ABWE and as a missionary in East Asia. Scott graduated from Northland International University (B.A. in Pastoral Studies), earned his M.A. in biblical studies from Central Baptist Theological Seminary, his M.B.A. from Cornerstone University, and is currently enrolled in Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary’s D.Min. program with an emphasis on missions.