Covert Messaging
Covert messaging in storytelling is — in both the Christian and secular worlds — far too often overlooked. It is often considered weak, cowardly, or unwilling to express its overtly for some improper way. In the Christian realm, stories with covert messaging are often looked down upon and considered “not Christian enough” (which is so often a form of legalism and expression of works-based faith). If a story does not shout “Jesus” from the highest rooftops, it is thrown into a secular-untouchable box. Interestingly enough, this same kind of anti-covert messaging philosophy is raring its ugly head in the secular world as well; stories are called out for cowardice if they do not have enough of whatever the year’s highlight worldly virtue is. Stories with subtle messaging are under cultural attack and often struggle to find a market that will fully accept them.
This philosophy of I can’t see the message directly, so it must not exist is — with respect to those who hold it as fellow human beings — incredibly flawed. Just because oxygen can’t be seen directly, doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist and influence the lives of every living creature every single day. The whole of the Bible points to Jesus…but a significant portion of it doesn’t actually mention Him by name. Sometimes the Bible highlights our need for Him (describing all the evil and sin in the world), sometimes it describes the rules and laws we needed to follow without Him, sometimes it foretells His nature and return. In essence, the Bible, is always talking about Jesus, but doesn’t necessarily preach on Him until the New Testament.
Stories with covert messages have unique strengths and weaknesses not found in overt messaging. First and foremost they are able to far more easily get under the nose of a wary audience. They can wiggle into the subconscious of an audience that is unwilling to accept a story with an overt message, softening them up to ideals they would outright reject. They provide an airgap between the audience and the story’s message, preventing raised guards and making the message easier to take, like a chocolate-covered pill.
Secondly, a story with a covert message can be more universal. It can be beloved by the secular and the Christian audiences, it can be accepted across denominations, church traditions, and personal faiths. Often times, covert messaging carries with it ideals that most everyone can agree on in their heart of hearts; virtue, honor, kindness, mercy, love, steadfastness. Elements of God, really, that His image bearers on this broken earth crave, whether or not they have accepted Him. These are things that Christians should be encouraging in every element of society and bringing to every person, regardless of whether or not they have professed Christ as their savior. Sometimes hearts are won with a firework, sometimes they are won with a cup of tea.
In a world that is holding its hands over its ears to anything labelled “Christian”, spreading Biblical ideals in more subtle ways might just be the ticket to preparing the field for the Gospel. The subtle approach is a more than valid psychological trick for conveying a message that might initially be rejected. And, in the Christian realm, sometimes it is nice to take a break from the more direct messages, while still worshipping and glorifying God.
Now, this is not to say that covert messages are flawless. As with overt messaging, the more subtle approach in the Christian realm comes with its own set of pitfalls and ditches to avoid swerving off into.
It can’t be done out of cowardice. If God is calling you to tell an overtly Christian story, you must do it. If you are telling covertly Christian stories because you are afraid of backlash or judgement from others, you must repent of that fear (which does not necessarily mean switch to overt messaging, but it does involve a change in heart posture).
Symbology can be a tricky thing to wield. Make no mistake: it can be an extraordinary amount of fun to develop and work. Like hiding a bunch of tiny, plastic cats all over someone’s office, using symbology or metaphor in a story adds an extra layer of delight to a story. However, it is possible to distort a message so far from its original meaning that it begins to make an entirely different point. Holding tight to the original meaning and learning different storytellers’ strategies to symbology and metaphor are key to keeping the message.
The message does still need to be there. As stated in previous articles, every story has a message. One of the primary responsibilities of Christian storytellers is to make sure that message is Godly and intentional. Whether that message is a billboard detailing Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross or it is a subplot of fatherly affection for a wayward child, the message of the story needs to be intentional and present.
Covert messaging is not an inherent evil in Christian storytelling, nor is it the perfect solution. Some stories need an overt faith element to carry their message across, and some can get away with a far more subtle understanding of God’s good nature and will. Both are necessary for a healthy body of Christian media.
