What are the characteristics of the good catholic novel?

One characteristic is the presence of religious symbols and imagery. You'll often find references to the cross, saints, and the Virgin Mary. Also, Catholic fiction usually emphasizes the importance of community within the Church. Stories might show how characters support each other in their faith journey. It can also explore the relationship between the individual and God, with characters having spiritual revelations or moments of doubt.

They usually deal with spiritual and religious themes. Characters in catholic novels may be on a journey of faith, either struggling with their beliefs or growing stronger in them. Like in 'The Diary of a Country Priest' by Georges Bernanos, the priest is constantly facing challenges that test his faith. The novel shows his internal battles and his attempts to uphold his religious duties.

Another characteristic is the exploration of the afterlife and the concept of salvation. Catholic novels following orthodoxy may depict characters' journeys towards salvation, either through repentance of sins or through living a life full of good deeds. They may also touch on the idea of heaven and hell, and how one's actions in life determine one's eternal destination.

New catholic fiction usually contains elements that are deeply rooted in Catholic theology and culture. It might tell stories of saints or martyrs, or it could be about the daily life of a Catholic community. The narrative may emphasize the power of prayer, the significance of sacraments, and the idea of grace. These fictions can also serve as a means of evangelization, spreading the teachings of the Catholic Church through engaging stories. They may also address contemporary issues from a Catholic perspective, like social justice, family values, and the relationship between science and faith.

They often involve strong elements of faith. For example, in many Catholic love stories, the characters' love for God influences their relationships with others. Their love is selfless, like the love saints show to the poor and needy.

Often, they feature religious themes and stories from the catholic faith, such as the life of Jesus or the saints. For example, in many of them, the illustrations are used to depict important religious events in a visually appealing way.

These novels may also incorporate Catholic symbols and rituals. For instance, the use of the crucifix, confession, and the Mass can be important elements in the plot. They add depth and a sense of the sacred to the mystery, making it more than just a secular detective story. The religious elements often guide the characters' actions and decisions as they work through the mystery.

Classic catholic novels often have strong moral and ethical teachings. They usually center around the concepts of sin, redemption, and the relationship between man and God. For example, in 'The Divine Comedy', Dante shows the consequences of different sins in Hell and the path of purification in Purgatory.

Catholic romance novels often have strong moral and ethical themes. The characters' faith plays a significant role in their decision - making, especially in matters of love and relationships. For example, they may struggle with the teachings of the Church regarding premarital sex or divorce.

Catholic fiction novels often feature strong moral themes. They tend to explore concepts like sin, redemption, and the struggle between good and evil. For example, in 'The Power and the Glory', the main character, the priest, is constantly battling his own weaknesses and sins while also trying to uphold his faith. Another characteristic is the presence of religious symbolism. In 'The Chronicles of Narnia', the character of Aslan is a clear symbol of Jesus. Catholic fiction novels also usually have a sense of the spiritual journey, whether it's the journey of an individual towards a closer relationship with God or a community's spiritual evolution.