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@daeus This is a tricky question to answer because, for me, as a writer, I’ve just come up with cool story ideas and I’m not writing for a specific purpose or to a certain set of readers, only for myself. But I want to begin to consider such things as I get better at writing and such. So here’s my thoughts.

I feel like the power of a story lies in its ability to inspire and to draw people’s gaze above the everyday for a short time. I feel like it’s in that moment when people think, “Wow, yes, that’s so true” or “I want to be like that” that they are more open to God’s influence on their lives.

So to me, God is alive in a story when the story points people beyond the surface and leaves them thoughtful and wondering. Even if God is not specifically mentioned—or the characters aren’t “Christian,” per se, but just characters in a world of my own making—I think our stories can have a godly influence and open the door to further understanding of God.

In fact, I feel like doors are a really good metaphor here. The process of people coming to God is a series of doors opening, and each time they learn a little more and wonder a little more and begin to see Him clearer. For most people, you can’t just say “You should become a Christian.” They won’t listen. You have to guide them, gently, slowly, listening to them and understanding their mindset and working with that. And eventually they’ll come to the Door that leads to salvation. 🙂

I guess in summary, I feel like stories are a way to witness to the world. (It’s one of the reasons I want to become an actor as well as a writer.)