EPISODE · Jun 8, 2025 · 29 MIN
Should Christians Read Fiction Books? With Dr. Marvin Newell
from The Missions Show · host Alex Kocman & Scott Dunford
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. Download the transcript for this episode. Do you love The Missions Show? Have you been blessed by the show? Then become a Premium Subscriber! Premium Subscribers get access to: Exclusive bonus content A community Signal thread with other listeners and the hosts Invite-only webinars A free gift! Support The Missions Show and sign up to be a Premium Subscriber at missionsshow.com/premium The Missions Show is powered by ABWE. Learn more and take your next step in the Great Commission at abwe.org. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email [email protected].
What this episode covers
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. Download the transcript for this episode. Do you love The Missions Show? Have you been blessed by the show? Then become a Premium Subscriber! Premium Subscribers get access to: Exclusive bonus content A community Signal thread with other listeners and the hosts Invite-only webinars A free gift! Support The Missions Show and sign up to be a Premium Subscriber at missionsshow.com/premium The Missions Show is powered by ABWE. Learn more and take your next step in the Great Commission at abwe.org. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email [email protected].
NOW PLAYING
Should Christians Read Fiction Books? With Dr. Marvin Newell
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
Mar 26, 2026 ·1m
Mar 19, 2026 ·34m
Feb 18, 2026 ·11m
Feb 11, 2026 ·45m