How I Answered a Christian Who Felt Guilty for Watching Asterix

When believers are buried in legalism and fear

Does this look like Asterix to you? MidJourney thought so!

A few days ago, I received an email from a Christian in Germany. He shared his struggle with guilt and fear over something that might sound small to many of us — watching the animated adventures of Asterix with his family.

This dad wrote that he used to love the Asterix stories as a child, but now worries that because the series includes a druid who brews a “magic potion,” he might be sinning if he enjoys them. He didn’t want to dishonor God, so he was torn.

If you’re a Christian, you may have wrestled with similar questions — whether it’s Harry Potter, The Chronicles of Narnia, Lord of the Rings, or a fantasy game —or you may know someone who has.

If you’re not a Christian, this may not make any sense to you, or it may be yet another reason you add to your “why I’m glad I’m not a Christian” list. But, if you do that, please understand that most Bible-believing Christians are sincere in their hearts. I would ask that you not mock them, but rather try to understand them — especially if you choose to read on.

The Spirit of Legalism

What this Christian dad is struggling with is the spirit of legalism. Strictly speaking…