Sales of religious books have consistently grown since 2017. The year 2022 marked the peak of religious book sales, which resulted in a staggering $757.7 million.

This is good news for both avid Christian readers and aspiring authors. So, here’s a look at some of the most influential and beloved Christian authors in various genres—and what writing can earn them.

Who are some Christian Authors?

Some Christian authors are C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, Corrie ten Boom, Joni Eareckson, or Beverly Lewis.

Christian Authors: Authors Who Are Christian

You may recognize C.S. Lewis, Lee Strobel, and Joni Eareckson as some of the most famous authors who are Christian. These writers are famous for investigating and discussing big questions and issues within spirituality. But constantly prodding the realm of the existential is not everybody’s cup of tea all the time. 

Sometimes, reading is more about catching a break and enjoying free time. Though it can be hard to find great entertainment that is also consciously Christian (just look at the outrageous books out there right now). This is why, in this article, we’re listing Christian authors who have made a profound impact across popular literary genres, from fantasy and romance to thrillers and non-fiction.

Who Are Some Good Fantasy Authors?

Two of the most iconic fantasy authors of the 20th century are C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. It can be surprising to realize that your favorite childhood classics were actually imbued with religious allegories, but these two authors were actually devout Christians whose beliefs deeply influenced their storytelling.

C.S. Lewis is best known for The Chronicles of Narnia. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe may be his most popular fantasy Christian allegory. It is a very magical story, but also one that takes on themes such as sacrifice and resurrection. Additionally, Lewis also wrote other non-fantasy theological works, like Mere Christianity and The Problem of Pain.

J.R.R. Tolkien, a close friend of Lewis, is another well-known author. He was a lifelong Roman Catholic. Although he insisted that The Lord of the Rings was not a religious allegory, he admitted it was “a fundamentally religious and Catholic work.” Themes like redemption, good versus evil, and providence are important allusions that reveal his faith in this epic narrative. It’s the perfect excuse to convince your partner to stick to a Lord of the Rings marathon with you. 

Who Are Some Good Romance Authors?

For bookworms who need a little love and a little faith, Janette Oke and Beverly Lewis are excellent choices.

Janette Oke is a famous Christian romance author. She captured millions of women’s hearts with her beloved Love Comes Softly series. Oke tends to set her stories in the pioneer era, featuring strong women leads who navigate life and relationships through Christian values, faith, and perseverance. Her books became so popular that a sequence of movies followed. 

Beverly Lewis is another popular Christian romance writer. She is best known for her Amish romance novels, including The Shunning and The Heritage of Lancaster County trilogy. Her books offer a glimpse into Amish life, themes of identity, faith, and forgiveness. 

Who Are Some Good Thriller Authors?

Frank E. Peretti and Hope Bolinger are two authors with great skill for keeping you on the edge of your seat. Their Christian thrillers offer action-packed plots without sacrificing spiritual depth. 

Frank E. Peretti masterfully merged Christian fiction with supernatural thriller to create highly successful novels. For example, his This Present Darkness became a Christian Booksellers Association best-seller. Peretti uses horror to talk about spiritual warfare and battles between good and evil.

Hope Bolinger is also known for blending thriller and faith elements in her works. Best known for her Blaze trilogy, loosely based on the Bible’s book of Daniel, her stories often appeal to younger readers with their high school setting and biblical themes.

Who Are Some Good Non-Fiction Authors?

For readers seeking real-life stories of faith, Corrie ten Boom and Lee Strobel are compelling non-fiction authors.

Corrie ten Boom, recounts her family’s efforts to hide Jews during WWII and her survival in a Nazi concentration camp in her book The Hiding Place. This memoir is a tribute to forgiveness and God’s providence. She was a Dutch watchmaker, and it is estimated that she saved 800 lives with her efforts and her faith.

Lee Strobel is another well-known non-fiction Christian author, who comes from a surprising background. He used to be an atheist and a journalist, but after investigating the biblical claims about Jesus Christ after his wife's conversion, he became a Christian at age 29. He wrote The Case for Christ and The Case for Faith, in which he investigates Christianity using his legal and journalistic skills. He has since strengthened the faith of millions with his work, also appearing in God’s Not Dead 2, one of the most important Christian films of today.

How Much Do Christian Authors Make?

Christian authors can earn vastly different amounts, depending on how successful they are and what adaptations their books receive based on licensing projects. By writing a book, Christian authors earn money through advances and royalties. A first-time author might, for example, receive an advance between $1,000 and $10,000, with royalties ranging from 5% to 18% depending on their publishing model.

On the other end of the spectrum, top-tier authors can earn significantly more. For example, according to Forbes, the Tolkien Estate earned around $500 million from selling the rights to The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Now, new authors can't expect to hit the jackpot like Tolkien, but it goes to show the immense potential (and success!) of Christian-themed works.

Christian literature inspires, entertains, and uplifts our faith, regardless of whether you’re a reader, a writer, or both.