In my last post, I explored the benefits of fiction. Today, I wanted to dive specifically into fantasy books. There’s quite a bit of controversy around fantasy, and I love diving headfirst into controversial topics!
What Is Fantasy?
According to the Cambridge Dictionary, fantasy is a genre of literature that takes place in imaginary worlds. Some telltale signs of a fantasy novel include:
- Fictional worlds/settings
- Magical or mythical people and animals
- Magical or supernatural powers
Here are some examples of popular fantasy books:
- Lord of the Rings
- Harry Potter
- The Chronicles of Narnia
People often confuse sci-fi or even dystopian novels with fantasy because both deal with settings different than the real world. The primary difference is that both genres are possible, even improbable. Dystopia deals with fictional future worlds, whereas Sci-fi explores systems and abilities that have a scientific, albeit very vague, explanations.
On the other hand, fantasy is impossible because it deals with magic systems that don’t exist and will never exist.
Why Are Christians Against Fantasy Books?
Because of fantasy’s heavy reliance on magical systems and creatures, it has gained a negative reputation among Christians.
Yet, not all Christians are against fantasy. C. S. Lewis wrote The Chronicles of Narnia using a fantasy setting and creatures. Many Christians also read or watched The Lord of the Rings, which many consider as one of the fathers of fantasy novels.
Do Fantasy Books Have Any Benefits?
There are two very fascinating essays written on this topic:
- “On Fairy Stories” by J. R. R. Tolkien
- “Sometimes Fairy Stories May Say Best What’s to be Said” by C. S. Lewis
Let’s explore some of the highlights from these essays for why fantasy books and Christianity aren’t mutually exclusive.
1. Allows for Deeper Allegories
C. S. Lewis’s essay discussed the process of writing his fantasy novels. He explained that fantasy settings are often the most effective means for conveying a truth or idea.
Fantasy novels give writers more freedom than the confines of science and the world. That freedom allows writers to visualize and discuss deeper topics.
For example, just think of the powerful image the orcs paint of evil versus the innocence of the hobbits traveling through Middle Earth.
2. Inspires Creativity
Fantasy and fairy tales improves the reader’s creativity. They aren’t restricted to what’s possible, but can see endless possibilities.
This increased creativity improves peoples lives. They’re more likely to find out-of-the-box solutions to issues. They also lead the world with inventions no one ever thought of. Every inventor that ever lived began with the idea of something once thought impossible and studied how to make it possible.
3. Builds on Reality
Fantasy stories, while impossible, aren’t illogical (at least, the well-written stories). A good fantasy novel makes sense. If it doesn’t, readers will tear it apart on fan pages and Reddit.
For example, a reader will be willing to believe a character has magical powers. But, that magic has to have rules and an order, otherwise the author will quickly lose the reader’s attention and trust.
So, reading fantasy can still build a person’s mind through well-thought out ideas and complex world-buildling. It boosts the imagination and strengthens the mind, helping readers to then use those abilities when analyzing the real world.
Should Christians Also Read Fantasy Books?
Fantasy as a genre isn’t anti-Christian. Fantasy novels come from the author’s mind and each novel has a unique world and system separate from our own.
However, fantasy books can become anti-Christian depending on the underlying themes and settings. For example, novels that glorify dark magic, violence, and other actions contrary to Christian belief are entering dangerous territory. It’s not about what devices a novel uses, but what it teaches that readers should consider when deciding what fantasy stories they want to read.
Do I believe there’s a black and white line fantasy novels shouldn’t cross? No. Each reader is responsible for their individual choices.
I do hope that these thoughts I shared will help you evaluate your novels and make more informed decisions.
Happy reading!
If you want to see me dive into other genres or topics, feel free to send me a message!