I love to read. And I really enjoy trying out Christian authors that I’ve never read before. However, I’ve discovered that not all “Christian” authors have the same view on things and unfortunately sometimes my rating drops because of those things.

But what are the top 5 things that will lower a Christian book’s rating for me?

1.

Swearing. When Christian authors add swearing into their stories my rating of that book will drop. I know some people claim “it’s real life” but so are many other things that are not right. Does that mean we should add them to our books? Also, if you are reading the book aloud you either have to skip the swear words or use them, and if you are listening to the book, you have to listen to the swearing.

2.

Historical Inaccuracies. I might overlook something small, but if the author just didn’t do their research, I will lower my rating. Some people might not even notice things, but I have a tendency to notice certain things and it just bugs me.

3.

Graphic Violence. I don’t mind some fighting or things like that but when a story gets graphic, I will not enjoy it as much and my rating drops. If it’s just a very short scene I will probably keep reading, but if it happens often I will most likely stop reading and my rating will not be good.

4.

Descriptions or broad hints of sexual attraction or actions. This is just a no. Most of the time if something like this comes up and it goes beyond just thinking about the other person being attractive, I will stop reading. I do not need ideas put in my mind.

5.

Treating divorce as a light thing. I know that divorce happens. It doesn’t mean it’s right. I have lowered my rating for books that I otherwise liked because the characters were divorced and no one seemed to think it was a problem.

Are there things that will lower a book’s rating for you? I’d love to know what they are. Do you rate or review books that you read?