Christians writing erotica/romance… Are we condemned?

Several times over the past two year, many have asked me about my views on Christians writing erotic and romance novels. The more my audience grew, the more I learned to keep my opinions to myself. Why, you ask? Well, because no one’s opinion about me or my heart matters. There is only one lawyer, one judge, and He is the only one who knows my heart.

The Bible clearly states that EVERYONE is guilty of sin. *Gasps* Yes, it’s true. Romans 3; 23 (NLTV) states, “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standards.”

Wait, what’s that? Oh, another gasp? I AM A SINNER! But, guess what? So are YOU. So is everyone else around you. Want to know something else? It’s okay! Some may ask, ‘What? How can you say such a thing?’

Are you ready for another jaw-dropping answer? It’s simple, really… JESUS! Jesus, my Lord and Savior. Jesus, the man who shed his blood for me—for you—so that we can be forgiven for our sins. Because, like it or not, you’re a sinner. Say you’re not, and you’re calling God a liar. And, well, I’m pretty sure that’s a sin too.

Another question I’ve been asked is, “You say you’re a Christian, that you love God, but how can you write about sex, especially between unmarried couples?”

I’ll let y’all in on a little secret. Are you ready?

God is the creator of sex! It’s true, He is…

Know what He isn’t the creator of? Sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires… Don’t believe me? Feel free to pick up a Bible, turn to the book of Colossians chapter 3, and read verses 5 and 6. It’s there, I promise. I don’t know about you, but when I read, it’s for entertainment. Reading doesn’t effect the way I have sex with my husband, it doesn’t cause my heart to become lustful, and it doesn’t make me want to have painful intercourse or drink my husband’s blood…

God created sex for our pleasure. Sex is NOT a sin, yet, sex outside of marriage is. So, why do I write about characters having sex outside of marriage? Because people do it. If you’ve read any of my novels, mostly my Shaken series, you’ll see the effect of sin. The wages of sin is death. Well, my characters experience some pretty intense heartache and trials. Why? Because they’re living outside of God’s will. There are consequences for having pre-marital sex, fornication, etc. There’s a price to pay for having multiple partners. And, no, this isn’t me judging anyone. It’s simply me stating my beliefs and God’s word. If you’re offended by the last few sentences, that’s between you and Him.

On to something else… Judgement. Judgmental Christians. These are the Christians you see who walk around with their noses in the air, walking with a stick up their butt, and pointing out everyone’s flaws but their own.

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye,” Matthew 7; 1-5

Did your mouth drop? If so, pick it up and get ready for another round of His WORD that tells us not to judge another. I’ll give you a few seconds…

Ready? Here we go!

“Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven;” Luke 6; 37

“There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?” James 4; 12

“Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things. Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God?” Romans 2; 1-3

Need I continue? I’m sure you get the jest that judging is an actual sin. And, I’m almost positive that my writing is NOT the one thing that will condemn me to an everlasting, fiery pit in Hell. You see, my books are a small part of who I am.

For so many years, I’ve let what everyone else thought of me affect my attitude. I was ashamed of what I’d written. Not because I felt God was upset or ashamed of me, but because I faced judgment from those at my church and even in my family. I let their judgment on my heart affect my writing. But then, I heard God say, “Beloved, only I know your heart.” Yes, God! Yes, you are the one and ONLY.

You see, I pray about each book before I write it. Each of my stories serve a purpose. I wasn’t made to fit in, but to stand out. I was made to be salt and light to the world, not to sit in the corner and let others tell me what I should or shouldn’t do based on “their” standards.

I’ve reached thousands of people, from all around the world. God has worked through me to help those who battle depression, question their self-worth, and were on the verge of committing suicide. One thing many seem to forget about Jesus is, he loved the sinners. He ate dinner with them, showed them love. What point would it serve if I only tried to reach those who are saved, have been delivered and redeemed?

NONE.

I am here to spread God’s love, because he is love.

Want to know who I am, the real me?

I am not Jewel Nicole, author of the steamy romance novels that make up the Shaken series.

I am not Jewel Nicole, the erotic author.

I am, however, the 9 fruits of the Holy Spirit.

He has given me love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Though, the last one seems to be a bit more challenging than the others.

All in all, don’t let anyone quench the fire within your heart, because they aren’t who set it. If you have dreams, and you have His approval, chase and capture them. Make those dreams a reality. Be kind, don’t have evil desires. Don’t let your writing affect your Faith. God is, and always should be, first. And, always remember, no one can see your heart. No matter who your friends and family are, who your pastor is, how many times you change churches… someone will always judge you. Don’t question yourself or who you are based off what others think of you. Instead, put a smile across your face and bless them.

That is all. I hope this helps someone as much as it has helped me. Much love to you all!