"In recent years the writer has noted from time to time the recurrence on best seller lists of titles that could be called, because of the setting, characterization, and problems, religious fiction. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the titles of religious fiction for the period 1900-1953 with view to determining how many such novels achieved best seller status; of ascertaining what types have been widely read; and with view of determining what in the minds of authors and reviewers was the need served and the reason for their popularity. No attempt will be made to show that these books ought to be read, that they are outstanding literature, or that they will necessarily live--the aim is to show that the religious novel is a force that cannot be ignored in the study of fiction and current trends in writing"--Introduction. / Typescript. / "May, 1955." / "Submitted to the Graduate Council of Florida State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts." / Advisor: Robert G. Clapp, Professor Directing Paper. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 48-50).