The term classic has been defined in various ways. It will draw the reader into the work, compelling him to interact with the ideas of the author. The Bible is the best example of a classic in this regard because it is story par excellence - it is the prototype of all stories precisely because it is true and the theme is gripping. The works we consider classics, from the perspective of theme, are good stories to the degree that they approach reality in the ultimate sense. Good fiction might have happened.
Bad fiction is too unrealistic to be credible.
Jesus parables are good fiction, stories with points that hit home and force us to think. Nathan told King David a fictional story to very good effect. Many Christians wonder whether it is possible for anyone besides Christians to write good fiction. It is true that Christians ought to be writing the best fiction, but since all men are made in the image of God, and since all men are forced to live in a real world of God s making, there is a certain degree to which all men must admit the obvious in the world around them. A good reporter reports what he sees, objectively, not what he believes about what he sees.