Queen of the Damned Gets Saved: Anne Rice Sinks Her Teeth Into Jesus

Read an interesting article today on Anne Rice - most known for her fictional works involving the occult and a ten-book vampire series (which included "Interview With the Vampire"). Apparently, not much has been heard from Anne in the past 2 years since her last book was published (which broke her pace of 25 books in 25 years). Her next novel is quite a departure from the fangoria of past; it will be a story told in first person narrative, by Jesus, about his childhood and life.

"Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt" will be a fictional account of Jesus' childhood, and will draw on on accounts in a variety of sources - ranging from Scripture to the apocrypha to other fictional accoutns of his life. In a recent interview, Anne calls Jesus the "ultimate supernatural hero...the ultimate immortal of them all" and states unequivocally that her work may not be of interest to past fans given the change of content, stating, "I promised that from now on I would only write things for the Lord."

In all honesty, I know nothing about Anne Rice's books. I've never read one, I many never still, but I was really intrigued by the article. I guess two things struck me the most. First, it's obvious that only a real encounter with God would make Anne, a woman with a well-established career in fiction, really change her subject of expertise so dramatically at the risk of serious rejection in her field. Second, altough I am totally glad that she has evidently come into a real genuine faith in God, I almost found myself cringing to think that she might become a sort of "poster hero" in Christian circles.

There is a tendency for celebrities that are Christians to be, well, unfairly pressured to use their influence to "spread the gospel." Don't get me wrong on this; I rejoice for and with Anne. And Mel. And even that Baldwin brother (I think). But when I hear a statement like, "I promised to only write things for the Lord," my reaction is: well, why not just live for Him period. Do everything for the Lord, but realize that any life lived in relationship with him is extraordinary, regardless of what that looks like. Live authentically in your profession as a follwer of Christ. I don't expect Anne to become the "savior" of the industry, and I don't want her to - unless that's really what He has for her. I don't assume it is. Write whatever the heck you want to, and do it as worship to Him. Don't get caught in the trap of "now that I'm a Christian, I should only write books about Jesus." If that's what you want, then great - but as I was reading the article, I could almost feel the cringe of Christendom saying, "Now you must convert all those you lead astray with your vampire nonsense!"

Frankly, if I had to call it right now, this book stands a good chance of flopping - because it is not a canonical account of Jesus life (which will cause a stink in Christian circles) and will be such a departure from the usual goth-thriller that former fans will pass it up. Although I'll be happy if the book is a success, I hope that regardless of its reviews, Anne can simply be herself in the joy she has found, and that the book will remain a true expression of her worship and faith. I can celebrate with her in that - and frankly, I can celebrate with her regardless of future books or bestsellers.

Heck, maybe Anne hasn't been so far off in the past anyway; blood that brings eternal life. If it worked in her books about vampires, maybe it'll be a hit in her books about Jesus.

(Sidenote)The Federal Vampire and Zombie Angecy has brought to my attention that the Christian religion has really misrepresented vampires in the past. Maybe Anne can make amends for that in her future works.