A prominent writer in the UK's television drama and publishing sectors, Matthew Hall, has shared his recent experience of openly expressing his Christian faith within an industry he perceives as often uneasy with the religion. Hall, who has worked for 30 years as a writer, noted a distinct 'queasiness' surrounding Christianity in his professional environment, describing it as a suspicion rather than overt hostility. This stands in contrast, he suggests, to the acceptance often afforded to other spiritual beliefs or practices.
Hall's decision to become more public about his faith was profoundly influenced by the death of his youngest son, Will, at the age of 23. Will, who possessed an 'instinctive faith' and had navigated significant illness with its support, inspired his father to be as 'brave and honest' as he was. Prior to this, Hall had largely kept his faith private within a small circle, despite being a church warden and regularly leading Bible study.
The writer began to openly share his faith at his son's funeral, addressing a congregation largely composed of agnostics and unbelievers. He later adopted tattoos mirroring his son's – a Christian fish and a favourite Bible verse – which often prompt conversations in professional settings, particularly during initial meetings with drama commissioners.
Contrary to his initial apprehension of being dismissed as 'odd' or 'bigoted', Hall has found these conversations to be 'invariably filled with warmth and curiosity'. He believes he is perceived more as a 'novelty' than a 'freak', providing an opportunity to explain his perspective of faith as a 'bottomless source of insight and inspiration' rather than a rigid set of rules.
Hall now openly identifies as a 'Christian writer', seeing himself not as an evangelist in the traditional sense, but as an 'explorer of the human condition navigating with a Christian compass'. He used this approach in his latest novel, 'Totem', an eco-thriller. He also expresses a conviction that the creative industries would benefit from re-engaging with metaphysical themes, arguing that stories become superficial when such elements are removed.
Source: Matthew Hall