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Is It Wrong for a Christian to Read or Write Fantasy Novels?
If you read a book that has a witch in it, are you guilty of witchcraft?
The Bible says we are to avoid contact with “mediums” and “necromancers” (Leviticus 19:31) and that “sorcerers” will ultimately be sent to the “lake that burns with fire and sulfur” for all eternity (Revelation 21:8).
What does this mean for those Christians who enjoy reading — and perhaps writing — fantasy novels?
What does it mean for Christians like me?
I love fantasy and science fiction
As a kid, I was enamored with Superman, fascinated by Star Wars, practically addicted to Star Trek, and thoroughly enjoyed watching Buck Rogers and the 25th Century.
Of course, in full disclosure, Buck Rogers came out about the time I was going through puberty, and…well…a certain Colonel Deering, played by the beautiful Erin Gray, may have had something to do with my enjoyment of that show.
In my imagination, I wrestled with whether it would be better to command a starship or wield a lightsaber and dazzle people with psychokinetic Jedi powers. Finally, I decided I’d like to do both.
Not seriously, mind you.
I can see some Christians who will read what I just wrote and say: “Aha! Do you see? Watching Star Wars does lead people to witchcraft.”
So, let me clarify…
I never actually sought out telekinetic powers or abilities. I knew the Force was fiction, and I knew witchcraft was wrong.
I enjoyed reading about and dreaming about being a Jedi — or a starship captain. (No supernatural powers required with the latter — just a lot of science that’s not quite available yet.) But I never actually planned on either scenario coming to pass in reality.
Even as an adult, I continue to enjoy Star Wars (mainly the original trilogy, Rogue One, and The Mandalorian) and Star Trek, while also becoming a huge fan of Stargate SG-1, Stargate Atlantis, The Lord of the Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia, and more.
As an adult, though, I find books much more enjoyable than movies. While I mostly…
