Should Christians Write Fantasy?

Aslan of Narnia

Is it wrong for Christians to write about magic, wizards and otherworldly beings?

Surprisingly, some people believe so.

Over a decade ago a fundamentalist church not far from my home made headlines by having a Harry Potter bonfire.  Christians from the surrounding area were invited to bring their Harry Potter books to a public burning.  The fact that this event conjured images of Nazi Germany didn’t deter the organizers, as they were determined to rid the world (or at least the greater Pittsburgh area) of the influence of J.K. Rowling and her supposed promotion of witchcraft.

Recently this question has arisen in our writing forums, and this has led to a thought-provoking discussion.  One of our members eloquently expressed the crux of the issue:

The Bible specifically prohibits magic; no if, and or buts. But because I create a character that uses magic, I am in no way trying to promote my reader to go out and practice sorcery! Look at C.S. Lewis; he was a devout Christian but used magic in his stories. But his stories were also a metaphor for Christ.

I feel somewhat conflicted about writing fantasy. I love mythology and fantasy and in all of my fantasy novels (nearly all of them) they are heavily involved with pantheons that I created and magic systems and lots of war and violence…

I have prayed hard about this for days. It is always on my mind. My stories have angels and demons and gods and divine figures and magic but in no way am I (intentionally) trying to denounce Jesus.

I’m really glad that we’re having this discussion.  You see, in my day job I’m a religious studies and philosophy professor. I’m Christian, and my faith plays an important role in my life.

As someone who has spent his life studying these questions, I can say with certainty that there’s no conflict between writing fantasy and being a Christian. Only an extreme misinterpretation of the scriptures could support such a conclusion. The Bible warns against involvement in the occult, but that is not the same thing as “magic,” let alone writing about magic in a fantasy setting.

I became interested in writing fantasy because of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. Both of these men were committed Christians whose deep faith inspired their writings. And I owe much of my faith to these two men, as their example and witness has inspired me since childhood.

Here’s the key point that must be remembered: fantasy is not real, nor is it meant to depict reality. Instead, fantasy literature derives it’s power from its ability to tap into the unconscious mind. The realm of fantasy is really the realm of dreams, where magic is symbolic of deeper human longings.

Author D.M. Andrews explains the power of symbols:

Fantasy is replete with symbols. This is perhaps the main reason why fantasy can engage our mind more than any other genre. Symbols are a powerful way of getting something into a reader’s heart, mind and soul. Fantasy uses symbols that have been around for a long, long time. Many of these symbols go back to deep ancestral beliefs; they go back into history, into legend, into mythology and into the very scripture of the Bible itself.

When well written, fantasy literature taps into layers of the human person that other forms of literature cannot reach. Magic, wizards and supernatural beings are all archetypal elements that are deeply rooted in the unconscious mind. We, as fantasy authors, explore these themes in order to craft stories of great resonance and power. And in doing so, we can help the reader to understand greater truths that would otherwise be inaccessible.

There’s nothing unchristian about that. In fact, If you are a skilled fantasy writer, you can actually be a force for good.

How do you feel about Christians writing fantasy?  Have you personally wrestled with this question?

131 thoughts on “Should Christians Write Fantasy?”

  1. All I have to do is think you for writing this article. I know it’s old as can be, but between the article and many of the comments I was pointed towards resources and thoughts that helped me wrestle some apprehension I was having towards something I want to write.

    Reply
  2. I’ve never heard of such a thing as Christians not writing fantasy. I’m not a religious person. I put my faith in myself and connect with the spirits of Earth. I believe in natural magic.

    It seems the men who wrote the Bible were only interested in denouncing Pegans, Druids and such who can feel the energy of magic. Giving humans such insight to power weakens the church’s hold on them. Yet, Christianity utilized some of their practices. Praying is only another form of wishing, yet it is believed wishing is connected with magic.

    It’s appalling in this day and age that anyone would think a book burning was an appropriate response to novels such as Harry Potter. A few years ago, when a local witch was being tormented by her neighbours and had to move to escape it, I thought, we are not as far from the dark ages as we think.

    At that time, with emotions running high, I warned my sister, who I had taught to make plantain ointment, to not be seen gathering the herb because some might mistake her for a witch. Isn’t that sad?

    Witches are not bad people in spite of what movies will have you think. They are natural healers and work one with nature. When I see a movie such as “The Last Witch Hunter”, I roll my eyes as the myth continues. I refuse to watch such movies because they are based on lies and hatred.

    This whole belief of Christians not writing fantasy only confirms my thoughts of some individuals still living with ideas from 500 years ago.

    The idea that there is no magic is horrid. We are surrounded by it. You need only to open your eyes and see it, but many choose to live blindly.

    Reply
    • Actually, witchcraft and placing other gods before the God of the universe is sin, and is denounces in the Bible. Due to the law of non-contraduction, the Bible is the only true source of righteousness and morality. Christ is the living word, which is why He could die for us.a perfect sacrifice.
      As for writing fantasy, as long as it isn’t venerating evil (demonology, witchcraft, etc), and leads people to the Lord somehow, or leads them to open up dialogue about Him, I don’t see anything wrong with it.

      Reply
  3. If I may say.

    In my stories I write about monsters (werewolves, vampires, ect) but the theme of the story is forgiveness mercy and compassion. (The monsters are the good guys)

    Most of the ‘magic’ is basic science (the mechanics of how a werewolf transforms) but the only people who have actual powers had those powers granted by God.

    Weresheep can heal for example.

    Two characters two even granted the wish to become an archangles because they wants to stop evil.

    I use lots of Christian references throughout the story.

    I never mean to offend but I like using my stories to show these aspects.

    Reply
  4. Recent comments brought me here, and since people are still reading I’ll throw my two cents in.

    Lewis and Tolkien are so well known, other Christian authors are almost never mentioned or remembered. Madeleine L’Engel wrote a wonderful book titled Walking on Water: Reflections on Faith and Art. She also wrote The Rock that is Higher: Stories as Truth. I have read and recommend the first book to any artist of any type who may have questions or doubts, or are maybe just curious. It’s a book based on an address she gave about Christian art and Christians as artists. I have not read the second book at all, but if it’s even half as good as the first…you should read it.

    M. L’Engel said something beautiful: “Jesus is God who told stories.” She also talks about fantasy as wonder more than as tied to magic. (At one point fantasy meant what we use Speculative Fiction to mean now.) Maybe thinking of it in those term, wonder vs. specifically involving magic, would be enough to settle the question for some people.

    For others, reading the nonfiction works of C.S. Lewis, Madeleine L’Engel, and G.K. Chesterton may help them decide the course for them. (Chesterton was a pastor who wrote fiction; the one story I’ve read so far I’d label as surrealist.) There is a HUGE amount of Christian fantasy/spec fiction if you know where to look. See if any of those authors wrote about their choice of genre and gives their thoughts on it. Frank Peretti, Ted Dekker, Bill Meyer, the author of the Seven Sleepers series, the author of the series where two children used a red stone to travel to another world, and when they traveled they saw each other as God saw them? He as a heroic knight, and she was a beautiful bride? (If you know this series, please please let me know the name! I want to say the red keystone series, but google says that’s not it). Etc. You may be surprised what you find.

    Personally I think this is completely a 1 Corinthians 10:23 thing and a food to idols case, right? Yes, Christians can write fantasy. But are YOU called to write fantasy? So always prayer first and seeking if you feel conflicted about it. 🙂

    Reply
    • I am a Christian fantasy writer and since I’ve gotten some flack about using magic in my story, I’ve been researching different views about it.

      In my novel, magic is an ability like any other–a gift given by God that can be used for good or evil. Likewise, God can enhance or remove that gift if He chooses. Also, Satan has the ability to enhance a person’s magical gift for evil purposes. However, if a person surrenders their life to God, God can work through them to overpower those who’ve given their lives over to Satan.

      My novel is a story of forgiveness, mercy, and justice, and includes many situations and relationships that people can identify with and learn from, but it does so in a way that non-Christians will not balk at. God is there, and truth is there, but according to one non-christian reader, religion in the story is 100% beleivable in the world I have created and she was satisfied with the One True God showing His power to conquer the enemy. In fact, she liked it so much, she wanted to read it again immediately after finishing it.

      I had another reader, a christian, point out several places where the novel impacted her heart for the better, especially the lessons about forgiveness.

      I agree that Christians should be writing fantasy novels. The world is not going to pick up a “religious” book and read it unless they are already purposely seeking God, but writing a novel that shows truth about God in a fantasy setting is non-threatening and inviting even.

      TO answer the question, what makes a good Christian fantasy story, I’d say, one that presents truth about God in a way that causes non-believers’ hearts to hunger for more truth. I am already being encouraged by both Christians and non to write a sequel (which I am in the process of doing).

      Reply
  5. This article was very comforting to me and it gave me a different point of view to look at the fantasy genre. I have been battling with myself about pursuing the genre but you gave me confirmation that I can use the genre to promote faith.

    Reply
  6. I have really been struggling with this question. I am a pastor and my wife and I recently married. The struggle we have been having is that our lives are totally wrapped up in Jesus, He truly is in every thought of ours.

    My wife has it on her heart to write high fantasy and cannot seem to reconcile the fact that if there are people or humanoids (pixies, elves, dwarves, etc.) who all have different lifespans, they would need to be able to have personalities, if they have personalities, they would need to have a conscience, and also have been created. The one who created them needs to be good and one cannot write of another God who is good, it is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob who is good. If the world is not our world, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob wouldn’t have existed and there would need to be another history, but Jesus would still have to redeem the world because sin is in the humanoids otherwise there would not be any bad in the world that is not overtly demon. I could go on and describe every implication but these are obvious.

    What are the implications of writing a different gospel if God made the humanoids in his image? What would Jesus be born as? We thought about making everyone different races but this would mean that lifespans cannot vary, please help!

    Reply
    • Perhaps these beings reside in a different world, where the Son of God manifests (and sacrifices) himself as something other than a human being?

      That’s what C.S. Lewis did in the Chronicles of Narnia, and it works.

      Reply
    • I think, at that point, you would be talking about allegory, which is fine. Look at Max Lucado’s children’s book, ‘You Are Loved’, where the townspeople are toys and God is a woodsman/toy maker. Totally works, and it ministered to me! If you align things with His word, but use fantasy actors to act out its themes, it is not ‘another gospel’, it is just allegory. Hope this helps!

      Reply
  7. Great read! I am a Pentecostal pastor who also was inspired by the works of Tolkien and Lewis. The Lord laid a five book series upon my heart years ago set in a fantasy setting. This article is greatly appreciated as I myself had to come to these conclusions. I see fantasy as a way to reach another audience of people. We should use the gifts God has given us for the sake of the Kingdom.

    Reply
  8. i see..im a christian and ive wanted to write fantasy fanfic where some people have dragon wings and tails and use magic but im in no way denouncing God Jesus or Christianity. so that whole magic thing was a misunderstanding and it was really talking about occults?

    Reply
  9. As a Christian, I have no issue writing for the fantasy genre. However, I do question how dark (violence, amount of demonic influence, if any) I should make my story, since it will be for young adults, both Christians and non. I have characters who are not religious in any sense. I want to make them realistic and flawed. Thoughts?

    Reply
    • This is one of the things I do with my stories. The magic and occult in the Bible is basically rejecting the sovereignty of God, choosing instead to trust in the Enemy. Satan. In essence, witchcraft is using power not from God for God’s will, but from the enemy of God and going against God’s will. In my stories, I tend to go two routes. For some magic, like alchemy and such, it is presented as closer to a science (and for once those Chemistry classes in school have use), while others are seen as gifts of God. In my stories, magicians aren’t people who brokered power with a dark force. They’re “talented” akin to someone with freakish drawing abilities.

      And as for dark themes, it depends on how they are used. Characters NEED to have flaws to make them realistic. They don’t have to be “bad,” but they have to impede the character’s path. Struggling with indecision is innocuous enough, but can provide plenty of conflicts with. And usually, when I use violence in writing, it is to either a) showcase the fallen world, or b) give contrast between good and evil.

      Reply
    • Well… I’m probably not who you should be listening to (even though I am Christian;) but, as far as I would think, by all means make your baddies real, flawed individuals – it makes your good guys look better by comparison. And go ahead and give your good guys some flaws, too; that’s just good character development. Powers don’t have to be ‘realistic’ (if you’re really worried about how to portray dark stuff, give yourself a skim crash course reading up on the ‘real’ analog of what you were thinking of using and change/edit your own away from it accordingly to a degree. I’ve done this.) Rating considerations, intended audience and personal levels of discomfort will definitely help. It _does_ have to make you a little uncomfortable, though; these are the bad guys…

      Reply
  10. I’m so happy I ran across this website. I’m also a christian and love the entire speculative fiction genre. Like you, Lewis and Tolkien inspired me. Yet, I carry such a mantle of guilt when I run across sites that tell how fantasy is frivolous, pointless and bordering on the occult. This post has alleviated some of that guilt and I feel like a great weight has been lifted. Thanks so much.

    Reply
  11. So I’m aware that this article is old, but I wanted to point out that the only Christian fantasy writers people keep mentioning are J.R.R. Tolkein and C.S. Lewis. Hasn’t anybody been inspired by more recent Christian fantasy? I know most aren’t as good as the “Masters,” but other CF and CSci-fi writers do exist.

    Frank Peretti wrote a shiver-worthy book called “Oath” about sin personified. He’s also written about angels and demons in books such as “This Present Darkness.” And there’s a Paladin series with dragons and other races, as well as the Guardian-King series where believers gain the Creator’s light and some magic when they “take the shield.” Though I’m not a fan of either, both are allegorical, like Narnia, and both deal with either magic or magical items.

    Madeleine L’Engle, most famous for “A Wrinkle in Time,” is my favorite Christian fantasy/sci-fi author. She wrote a wonderful book called “Walking on Water” that discusses art and Christianity. For any struggling Christian, prayer, “Walking on Water,” and Romans chapter 14 are good places to go and examine whether God is convicting you or inspiring you.

    I’m sure prayer and “Walking on Water” would help struggling authors of other religions as well. I understand that as a Christian I may be biased, but Mrs. L’Engle is not preachy so I believe many fantasy writers could gain some insight from her without being offended by her faith.

    Reply
  12. I’m an Eastern Orthodox Christian. I write fantasy and horror. Yes, I’ve struggled with the questions surrounding exactly what I write about and where the boundaries should lie. I tell stories about the triumph of good over evil. To do so, I have to show evil putting up a strong, believable fight. That doesn’t mean I’m endorsing evil or its methods.

    Reply
  13. In my *personal* opinion, I think it comes down to the foundation and purpose of the writing. When creating my world(s), I often keep the rules of a higher power the same as that of God Almighty. It helps me keep my head as I get very drawn into my world(s) when writing and can actually become emotionally affected. But that’s just me.
    Everything I’ve ever written has depicted – at some point or throughout – a battle of good and evil, whether through actual war with weapons and violence, or the battles within the mind/emotions in life.
    I think if your story has a good moral/point to it, then it’s fine to have fantasy in it…or be all fantasy but there’s so much more to say there than I think I can manage to explain this late at night and with such little mental strength lol

    Reply
  14. Im a Christian that enjoys fantasy but I dont try to justify it. One can not say “its ok as long as it doesnt cause anyone to go  astray”. There is no way you can tell what effects your action has in another part of the nation or world. I do say this however, can a Chritian write a sex novel? Sex is real, the couples can even be married! Why should his artistic talents be blocked by an “irrational fear”?

    Reply
  15. I’m not a Christian, but I was raised by extremely religious parents. (I’ve read the bible a few times too.) If you are a Christian writing fantasy and telling people that magic is real and they should practice witchcraft/wizardry…obviously that conflicts with Christian belief. On the other hand, writing about witches in a fantasy book actually promotes the belief that witches/magic is not real.

    Reply
  16. I’m a christian and believe wholeheartedly in Christ Jesus and what he did and does for mankind. I feel as long as my writings don’t persuade others to believe any differently, and the word of God is not degraded or changed, then its alright. My novels (Sci/fi/Fantasy Action Adventure)are imaginative and inspired by an imagination that was given to me by God and can be used for His purposes, which are to bring all who will, to the wonders found while seeking his truths in the Bible.

    Reply
  17. It’s not that Christian shouldn’t write fantasy. It’s that most of them should put their faith past them. From my experience, there’s nothing blocking creativity more than an irrational fear of a certain topic caused by your religion or otherwise an ideology. If you can’t look past the prohibition of imaginary practice (I think we can all agree, magic is not real) because of a rule written over 2,000 years ago, then I’m sorry, but you probably shouldn’t be a speculative fiction writer.

    Reply
  18. I am a Christian, and this has been a serious problem for me. I’ve always loved fantasy and wanted to write fantasy, but my family was very conservative and always tried to get me to write something different. When I tried saying I would write “Christian fantasy” like C.S. Lewis, my grandmother looked at me like I had just cussed at her.Now, my stories have developed to where many Christian publishing houses wouldn’t touch it, but it still includes major themes from my faith. It’s violent, full of sorcerous cannibals, and replete with demons who claim to be gods. These are things that many Christians would absolutely hate in a story, but I feel do not compromise the greater themes of redemption and divine intention for life.Essentially, the question Christians need to ask is “Why am I writing fantasy, and what kind of magic needs is included?” I am personally opposed to necromancy as used by protagonists, but I understand that some may disagree. The kind of magic that is condemned in the Bible is divination and necromancy. Divination, seeking to contravene the power of God by  seeking out mystical truths, open us to demonic forces, and necromancy, speaking to the dead, does the same. It all depends on how the fantasy world is set up, and that’s the wonderful part of writing fantasy. If we’re writing about a world with a pantheon of gods, well, some may be able to do that. It all depends on how it is done and what is the point of the story.

    Reply
  19. As an atheist thinking hypothetically, i simply cannot understand why a decent loving god would have a problem with this, especially as (if he did create the universe) he seems to have created the universe without any real magic in it. so any mention of such things in the bible is just due to the superstitions of the time, and any magic in books cannot be compared to anything in real life, other than metaphorically.

    Reply
    • The occult, new age, etc. if they use practices that are “magical” that is what the Bible condemns, the magic to which it refers is not powers or something like Harry Potter that is what does not exist. A loving God does not mean that he will allow the whole concept of “loving” the Christian God is not “permissive”.

      Reply
  20. There’s a big difference between magic and promoting of witchcraft; the Bible never condemns magic per se. The Prophet Daniel was referred to as the Master of the Magicians in Babylon, for example. Indeed, the very definition of magic is the attempt to influence events by mysterious or supernatural means. By this definition, magic includes technology that isn’t understood by those who witness it, or prayer. I suspect some of the Christians who has a problem with HP were more bothered by its presentation of witchcraft and sorcery as being good things, whereas the Bible expressly describes them as abomination… So I get where they’re coming from. I wouldn’t write them off as idiots or crazy, though they’d probably denounce my fantasy writing, too 😉

    Reply
    • ‘the Bible never condemns magic’ — This is not true.

      Galations 5:19-21

      Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

      Isaiah 19:3

      And the spirit of the Egyptians within them will be emptied out, and I will confound their counsel; and they will inquire of the idols and the sorcerers, and the mediums and the necromancers;

      Reply
  21. Why shouldn’t we be able to? And who’s really going to stop us. If someone doesn’t think a Christian shouldn’t write/read fantasy, then they won’t buy our books. But yet they still sell. I consider myself very solid in my belief in God. I’ve loved C.S. Lewis since I was a kid and have torn through so many fantasy (and sci-fi books, the social engineering and indoctrination in some of those could almost be viewed as more threatening than magic and dragons) books since then I stopped buying hard copies cause I’d need a room just for a library. No kidding. we’re talking walls of books here. My pastor asked me once when I was a teenage why I read what I did (I think I was in a Harry Potter phase at the time and the whole church had it out for me). I told him it wasn’t real and as long as I remembered that, I was good. He didn’t know what to make of that…Anyways, God gave us imaginations and individual gifts. If that means I want to turn the dream of an elephant that fell a apart like a sponge into a story, so be it. If I want to work a Christian message in there and Christians want to ban it, it’s their loss. I’m more interested in reaching out to the unsaved anyways.

    Reply
  22. I believe this…since it is not for us to judge others…then why not? Nothing is impossible with God and we are all here to experience, to help other souls learn. So why can’t Christians write fantasy?

    Reply
  23. I believe that most literature is tinged with some amount of bias, whether religious or otherwise. As human beings, we can’t help but add in these inclinations to our writing because they mean something. It is not wrong for Christians to write fantasy so long as it is categorized and marketed based on the content. 

    Reply
  24. At the risk of offending, I think the very definition of ‘magic’ is open to question. What about Jesus’ miracles? What about the miracles that are attributed to some of the disciples? What about the contest between Moses and the Egyptian magicians? Who is to say which ‘magic’ comes from God and which from an evil source? (If, in fact, anything in creation can exist without the the agency of God) Surely it is simply down to how the ability is used – as ever, God allows us free will in the exercise of whatever talents we have or in the use of the resources we have to hand.And however divinely inspired the Bible may be, it bears the stamp of its times. I was shocked to realise that the 5,000 who were fed were all men (‘they were five thousand, and women and children’ it says). So, in such a patriarchally-inclined society, who is to say that if the ‘Son’ of God had been a woman and performed the miracles that Jesus did, that she might not have been burned as a witch…? So, similarly, perhaps the perception of what power comes from God and what is ‘sorcery’ may be culturally biased, and little to do with the truth. With ‘magic’ and with writing, God gives the gift, and it’s good – the rest depends on the user.Thomas More said that God created man (apologies to the ladies) to ‘serve him wittily, in the tangle of his mind’ – I’m quite sure that includes a few dragons and unicorns.(I am not a Christian, by the way, and use the term ‘God’ for convenience.)

    Reply
    • @Tim Well, most dictionaries define it as the attempt to influence events by mysterious or supernatural means, so technically, technology not understood by those who witness it, or even prayer would fit that definition… I’m a Christian, and I write fantasy, though I won’t present witchcraft, sorcery, etc as good things…

      Reply
  25. The way I see it, if you build a shrine to Voldemort or Dumbledore and start genuinely worshiping their deceased spirit, then maybe you’ve gone a bit too far. If you enjoy the books and the movies and you got a t-shirt at the theme park, there’s nothing wrong with that. I’m a Christian and I love to read and to write fantasy. It’s called fantasy for a reason–i.e. it’s fantastical, not real. God gave us imaginations–I think He’s pleased when we use our imaginations for something that brings delight to others.

    Reply
  26. Utterly ridiculous. Although I’m not a Christian myself, and perhaps that’s why I don’t see it as a problem, if Christians couldn’t write fantasy, we’d be bereft of the visions of two of literature’s great fantasists—J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis.

    Reply
  27. I think that it’s a personal decision, not a hard and fast rule. Christians should allow the Spirit to guide them. If you idolize fantasy, the occult and other practices that may glorify evil, perhaps you should reconsider writing about them. This is the same as drinking alcohol, smoking or gambling. The reason they are frowned upon in the Bible is because they can lure the faithful away from God, who cares for people’s souls. Apart from Christian fiction, I write paranormal, that is, Time Travel, and sci-fi. It’s the message behind the story that’s important to me and I feel comfortable doing  it.

    Reply
  28. As a Christian, I’ve never struggled with the magical aspects of my fantasy, or even with the fantasy gods I’ve used.  But I’ve struggled with the moral implications of the violence in some of my writing.  I do my best, however, to portray that violence with the emotional overtones that are right for the moment, the emotions that most readers would normally want to feel about the events being portrayed, and not to bring my readers to glorify a character’s horrible actions.

    Reply
  29. Depends on the particular interpretation of “Christian” and “Fantasy.” both of these terms are fairly widely and variously interpreted.

    Reply
  30. CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien were two of the major influences that prepared me to be a Christian. Tolkien believed we are little makers made in the image of The Maker. He called fantasy writing “Sub-creation”. Both he and Lewis felt fantasy was a means of helping people gain a truer vision of what “reality” is actually about. The magic warned about in the Bible is nothing like the magic in most fantasy stories. The Bible forbids consorting with demons, calling on familiar spirits, speaking with the dead, and trying to divine the future. There’s a reason Tolkien chose “The Necromancer” as a nickname for Sauron.

    Reply
    • @aimeelaine I found it interesting as well. I grew up on Tolkien & Lewis, so I’m a firm YES believer. Post that blog. I wanna read it!

      Reply
  31. @TerriRochenski That’s a really great post. I’ve actually had a draft of ‘Should Christians write romance with all the spicy stuff….’ 1/2

    Reply
    • @aimeelaine That would be a hot topic, especially if you are talking about novels filled with gratuitous sex or S & M or bondage…none of which are promoted in a Christian setting.  Sex is between married couples and should never involve ‘harm’ to the other partner.  I’d like to see your post on this.

      Reply
      • @jkellerford Erotica and Erotic Romance are separate genres in of themselves, hence they should be marketed as such. As for who should write them, I am of the opinion that the religion of the writer doesn’t matter so long as they don’t participate in abusive behavior themselves. And from my understanding of the subject, some (not all) S&M or bondage is a form of roleplaying, which makes the subject even more tricky.If you want to get into the nitty-gritty of it, the old and new testaments was quite a different world from our own. The view of a woman and a man’s role within society was quite distant from our own. There were common practices of slavery, concubines, polygamy, etc…even in Jewish communities, stuff that many modern western societies find difficult at best to identify with. I try to avoid the mindset that just because it happened in the bible, that it is moral or right.

  32. I’d also like to add that I find it a bit insulting and belittling when people refer to my beliefs as “magic and fantasy”. Come on guys, let’s not be condescending, you don’t have to believe, but you also don’t have to be a jerk about it.

    Reply
  33. Many christians have reservations about writing fantasy because the Bible makes it clear that christians are to steer clear of magic, soothsayers, pagan gods anything along those lines. It’s not a matter of CAN christians, it’s SHOULD they? Is writing fantasy endorsing/promoting/being involved in magic and things that the Bible tells us we shouldn’t? That’s the question many christians find themselves asking. It may be difficult with someone with dissimilar beliefs(or who believes the Bible is just magic and fairy tales anyway) to rationalize but I would put it akin to say a person taking a role in a movie that was derogatory to their race/gender/sexuality. CAN they do it? Yes, of course. But is it in the best interest of the group you represent? Can you just chalk it up to entertainment and not worry about it, or is it more serious than that? That my friends is the dilemma.

    Reply
    • @Kris Dzr I believe this is also an issue of world-building. If you create a fantasy setting that uses a magic system based around getting demons to do stuff for the spellcaster, then they would obviously have a different role in a story than someone that calls upon the assistance of angels in pursuit of divinely-charged objectives such as tearing down a dark temple. These ideas can be used as tools for a story, but aren’t the only element to rely on. Writers also draw upon real world problems such as racism and negative politics, which can also be integrated into world-building factions. Every little thing adds up and flavors your world setting. 

      Reply
      • Or, as my novels have it, magic is a gift from God, and possessing the gift is akin to possessing perfect pitch or incredible drawing talent.

  34. It’s not the religion that is important. It is the stories they are writing and the worlds that inhabit them that is important. A writer is a writer, first. When I choose a book, I choose the stories and the worlds that inhabit the writer. It is a great privilege to be part of this offering. Choosing a book isn’t about choosing a religion. It is about accepting the worlds within the writer.
    A writer write to live in the worlds that are living within him/herself. He/She’s giving a life and a voice to them. Writers are creators, and freeing those stories and those worlds (sometimes secrets one) asks both courage and peace from the writer.
    Writing stories is universal. Which mean, univers-all ! The writer’s living in the paradigm of creator/creature.
    Writing is a very personal thing. Just like religion. If one shares stories, one shares what is within the Self.

    Reply
    • @Yuki Kiriyuu I find that a good hero is larger than life and their morals aren’t limited by the confines of how some people understand those of their own religion. Any writer that uses their fiction for promoting their own religion (morals do not come into this) or preaching, then it should be categorized under a Religious Fiction sub-category. But yes, a writer should stay true to their story first.

      Reply
  35. I’m a Christian and I thoroghly enjoy fantasy. There’s nothing wrong with being entertained. Just don’t think of it as reality. To me, the Bible is reality. To others it might not be. I can’t force anyone to believe it, nor will I insult them if they don’t.

    Reply
  36. Once again, please refrain from insulting people’s religious beliefs. We’ve had to remove several more offensive comments. Even if you disagree with a religious tradition, it is rude and uncivil to publicly deride those who practice it.

    Reply
  37. Christians DO write Fantasy. And many do a damn fine job of it. What did you call CS Lewis, a Buddist?? Many of our classic fantasy stories were written by Christians. And I saw that as an avid Pagan, mind

    Reply
  38. On that note, for the sake of inclusivity, it should be noted that both Judaism and Islam also explicitly ban witchcraft. So, more correctly, the title of this article should be “Should followers of Abrahamic religions write fantasy?”

    Reply
  39. While I’m not Christian myself (I’m a religious Jew) I don’t see why this should be a problem for anyone. After all, in the end a writer isn’t practicing witchcraft or whatever, they’re just writing it. It is called fiction after all. 

    Reply
  40. Good points. I think it’s great to use fantasy tropes as a metaphor for Christian ideals. Depending on your theological viewpoint, many of the Christian stories are themselves a part of mythology (and therefore fantasy) so there are definitely parallels that could be drawn upon.

    Reply
  41. Why would writing Fantasy be anti Christian? I write fantasy, and am Christian. Magic, wands, spells, monsters are not “Anti Christian”… Be secure in your faith… Do not hide behind it.

    Reply
  42. I began a blog to discuss the myths behind Christian writing and that writing is a ministry.We as writers for God are considered scribes who divinely inspired to edify the saints and reach the lost.Check it out on ezrascrollofscribes.wordpress.com.I will be giving away my book on Goodreads for free in the next day or two.Writing to me is a ministry so I look for the intangible rewards of people reading my book than book sales.

    Reply
  43. Brandon sanderson is a mormon, and Robert Jordan was also christian.  Lots of christian themes in Robert Jordan’s novels. I havent read much of BS’s own stuff.

    Reply
  44. Thank you to everyone who has contributed respectful, intelligent comments that further the conversation.  Unfortunately, some people have been leaving hateful or insulting remarks.  Even if you disagree with someone’s beliefs, please treat them with respect.  I have removed all hateful comments.

    Reply
  45. God anoints gifted writers to write in various genres for different audiences based on the gifts He deposited in each us.Unlike how the world has used the art of writing as a form of entertainment rather than a ministry,true writing from God is not just inspirational or devotional in nature and you aren’t a sinner going to hell if your books are written in a different genre.God anoints writers to write in different ways to spread the gospel and reach the lost.The Lord of Rings had so much spiritual and scriptural meanings behind the story that it inspired to write Christian fantasy.My books come from the dreams I have and God will tell me to write on a story sometimes giving me the table of contents first.

    Reply
  46. What is sad is the people posting here who feel the need to belittle the Christians.  If you don’t believe in Christianity, or you don’t like Christians – can’t you just not comment?  Or if you feel you must comment, do you really need to make childish snide remarks? Do you have to be an asshat and be rude to others?  I’m not even Christian and I think your behavior is appalling. Shame on you.

    Reply
  47. as Christians we are free to think and be leave what we want we are open to all caultures and no where does it say that magic aint real

    Reply
  48. Just because a person has a strong sense of Faith doesnt mean they cannot write an entertaining tale…why does everything always have to revolve around “Giod”? I am sure God is not offended by a writer spinning a tale about a fantasy world. I’m tired of so called Believers thinking Everything has to have Faith involved. I believe in God, and thank God for my creativity and talent, but my stories do not have to Preach to be a “good Believer.”

    Reply
  49. I dont think anybody with a little culture would wonder this; this is a question for fundamentalists. Lord of the Rings and Narnia were both written by christians, and have christian undertones. I think if anybody asked this to Tolkien during his lifetime he would have look at them as if they were delirious.

    Reply
  50. Should a satanist or an atheist write fantasy? You have the story and then you have the storyteller. If the story is good, nothing else matters.

    Reply
  51. I was raised to be and am a Catholic, and have written many stories that conflict with the beliefs of my religion. Bottom line, unless your setting out to write a religious piece, a writer’s beliefs should not conflict with those of their characters. You should not limit the scope of your creative abilities based on your religion.

    Reply
  52. I believe that Christians deserve to write fantasy as well as anyone else. In fact, my favorite author was a very devoted Christian: JRR Tolkien.

    Reply
  53. @scifiwritermom @mythicscribes “Should Christians Write Fantasy?” Umm, ever heard of Tolkien or C.S. Lewis? I vote “yes” 🙂

    Reply
  54. My question is this – what would Jesus himself say about it? I suspect he would be far more worried about the real evils in the world than any fiction if he were here now. It seems to me (as an atheist) that there are far too many ‘Christians’ out there who fail to act in a Christ-like way…

    Reply
    • There are Christians act too holier than thou and place too many judgements on other people.You right on people not acting like Christ but more AntiChristlike.

      Reply
  55. The only question is: do you love to write? If the answer is yes, then welcome to the club. Any other question is superfluous. Unless we are discussing which question sounds the silliest. I’ve got one: should a polygamist write non-fiction?

    Reply
  56. I love this article and it’s something I’ve debated as well. Personally, I don’t feel I am promoting or endorsing witchcraft or the occult by writing fantasy, or going against my religion. In a fictional world with fictional characters, you don’t have to follow the rules of this realm. I do, however, like to create good heroes, that even though they may be flawed, promote values and characteristics universal to every realm and religion: ethics, morals, determination, rising to face challenges and overcoming evil. Fantasy is a wonderful channel for these ideals for christians and non-christians alike, even if it is filled with wizards and axe wielding minotaurs. To my fellow christians, I say, “Don’t limit yourself; tell your story.”

    Reply
  57. As a Christian myself, I’m not entirely sure why some are so against the idea of fantasy. I am very aware how far fetched most of the Bible sounds. But religious fantasy or not, fantasy has a way of showing and giving greater understanding that couldn’t be understood just as well if it was explained any other way.

    Reply
  58. Christians have their own mythology, like all the religions before it. They call it Mysticism. Why should the parting of the Red Sea be any more believable than, say, a dragon? Especially when there’s more proof of dragons (Pteradactyls -sp- for example)?

    Reply
  59. What’s religion got to do with writing fantasy? I’m a Christian and write it as well as read all kinds of fantasy!

    Reply
  60. Interesting posting. I read The Chronicles of Narnia as a child without having any idea there were Christian themes involved (I was not raised in a religious household). To be honest I was a bit disappointed in the films–there was so much made of the fact that it was “good” as opposed to the LOTR films that had no Christian elements, thus “bad.” In the end, there are so many Christian denominations with so many differing interpretations of scripture and dogma that there’s bound to be a lot of differing opinion on whether “Christians” should or should not write Fantasy. Of course for those who burn books, those who write them aren’t Christian. Don’t know how many times I’ve come across that sentiment. Sadly, second-guessing another’s faith is an all-too-common practice these days. We could use a little less of that.

    Reply
  61. I think there is a rather large difference between having a character who is a witch and encouraging a reader to practice witchcraft. That’s not to say no book ever encourages the latter. I have read a great deal of fantasy work written by and for miscellaneous pagan sects, usually less “Raven Blackwood”, pseudo-wicca vein and more in the “worshipping Zeus or Thor” branch of paganism, and yes, the fact that the author is a polytheist who burns incense and believes in horoscopes is definitely noticeable in the language and tone. Even the sort of protagonist often changes. A lot of high fantasy has the swordsman as the protagonist, but the mage tends to be the protagonist in pagan-headed fantasy. Just as an observation.With that said, I think we all write with our personal biases – many of which come from our religious beliefs/nonbeliefs. A Christian is simply more likely to write a story with Christian morality. I don’t think they’d be capable of writing a story that promotes witchcraft, or any un-Christian behaviour, if, deep in their hearts, they’re against it. Even without the presence of Christ in some pseudo-Middle Earth, an author’s beliefs affect how we write our characters. Sometimes that leads to some questionable worldbuilding choices – after all, why would a pseudo-Japanese, polytheistic world still view a Christ figure as the paragon of virtue? – but I think most Christians are aware enough of their biases to avoid such mistakes.Of course, I’m an atheist. So this comes purely from an objective, theological perspective from many years of reading fantasy written primarily by theists.

    Reply
  62. You’re my new favorite person here. 🙂 I’m christian with a B.A. in Philosophy who loves (and is currently writing) fantasy. I think its awesome that discussions like this are had here at Mythic Scribes. Keep up the good work!

    Reply

Leave a Reply to Michael53 Cancel reply

Please log in to your forum account to comment