Supporting Asian Christian Authors and Publishers: LittASIA 2024

In April 2024, I attended LittASIA in Bangkok, Thailand. Organised by the regional arm of Media Associates International, the conference brought together ninety-nine established and aspiring authors and publishing staff from twenty-two countries in the Asia-Pacific.

The conference aimed to bring together Christian authors, publishers, and content creators from across Asia to discuss the future of writing and publishing in the region and nurture Christian writing and publishing in Asia. I was pleased to have the opportunity to present two keynote sessions on how Christians might respond to disinformation and misinformation in established Asian media outlets and social media platforms. I also presented a workshop on developing podcasting ministries to complement book authorship and met with many emerging Christian writers to coach them in their craft.

I found it truly inspiring to journey with emerging Asian Christian writers and publishers, many of whom are writing in settings with minimal resources and under persecution and discrimination. It served as a powerful reminder of the courage, determination, and passion of our Asian neighbours, as they strive to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ through writing and publishing, in extraordinarily dangerous and difficult circumstances. Their unwavering commitment and joy in serving God in this way is truly remarkable.

Dr Miriam Adeney was one of the presenters. An Associate Professor of World Christian Studies Emerita at Seattle Pacific University, Miriam has served extensively on the World Evangelical Alliance mission commission, the Lausanne Movement diaspora task force, and the Board of Christianity Today. Dr Adeney presented on “Helping to form a Christian worldview and lifestyle” (including creation care, politics, racism, and other social justice issues). “I love words . . . but how do we write stories of justice, stories of beauty, stories of lasting relationships in a world with the disasters around us?” Dr Adeney helped us reflect on the role of Christian writing in this environment.

Dr Adeney also led a workshop providing comprehensive guidelines on writing for publication, emphasising the need for engaging content that resonates with readers through style, structure, and substance. Elements such as action, dialogue, sensory details, and local colour are essential to captivating writing that draws readers into the narrative. Effective articles should start with a compelling beginning and end on a memorable note, potentially leading to further discussion or reflection. Dr Adeney outlined different frameworks for writing articles, books, and biographies, stressing the importance of a coherent structure that guides the reader through the narrative or argument. She also highlighted the critical role of understanding one’s audience—considering their concerns, values, and the broader context of their lives to ensure the content is relevant and impactful. In terms of practical advice, Dr Adeney suggested methods to enhance biblical richness in Christian writing, encouraging authors to integrate theological insights seamlessly into various topics, thereby enriching the reader’s spiritual and theological experience. Finally, she discussed maintaining a consistent writing habit and overcoming writer’s block, providing a holistic view of the challenges and solutions in a writer’s life.

Dr Joas Adiprasetya, Professor of Theology at Jakarta Theological Seminary, led a reflection on spiritual and mental health for Christian creatives and authors. Unpacking his own struggles with depression, he helped the writers consider how God can transform their struggles and, thereby, enrich their writing and spirituality.

Dr Melba Padilla Maggay, a Filipino writer, social anthropologist, and social activist, helped us consider our role as Christian authors, leaders, and publishers in troubled times. Today’s world grapples with escalating geopolitical tensions, severe economic disparities, and the profound cultural and technological shifts that redefine human community. The concentration of immense wealth in the hands of a few contrasts starkly with the poverty engulfing half the global population. Meanwhile, the rapid evolution of technologies like social media and artificial intelligence poses existential questions about the essence of human connections and identities.

Dr Maggay also described how the Global South (and the broader Majority World) has emerged as a new epicenter of Christianity, witnessing a surge in Christian faith and witness, but also tensions with religious fundamentalism in the region. This era also challenges us to address the complex interplay of cultures amidst increasing migration, pushing the boundaries of our societal frameworks and democratic ideals. The pressing issue of misinformation further complicates the public discourse, necessitating a renewed commitment from writers and publishers to uphold the truth. The enduring relevance of traditional religious practices amidst these transformations highlights a paradox; while the core messages of faith adapt to modern contexts, the structures embodying them grow increasingly outdated. This dynamic landscape invites a critical reassessment of how societies can navigate the tensions between global integration and cultural identity, economic interdependence, and the resurgence of nationalistic sentiments. As cultures clash and technologies reshape our perceptions and interactions, the challenge remains: how do we foster a truly inclusive, global community that respects deep-seated cultural values while embracing the potential of modernity and innovation?

LittASIA 2024 was a testament to the vibrant intersection of faith and writing, shining a spotlight on the robust spirit of Asian Christian authors amid adversity. Their commitment to shaping a narrative that intertwines deep-seated cultural values with the transformative power of the gospel is paving the way for a resilient, inclusive Christian literary community. This collective effort instills a sense of hope and optimism for the future of Christian writing and publishing in Asia.

Rev Dr Graham Joseph Hill
Mission Catalyst – Church Planting and Missional Renewal