Last month we looked at writing fictitious, sentient creatures within our own universe. In summary, God has a plan for them, but that plan may or may not be similar to the one he has for us. But what if your fictitious world, whether a Christian fantasy novel or a sci-fi one, is governed by completely different fundamental principles?
No, I’m looking at something more fundamental than physics – God.
What if a different God rules your world …
First of all, this doesn’t make you a heretic. It could certainly present some challenges, but if done well, Christians are willing to suspend their disbelief. Plus, non-Christians may be willing to read about worshippers of a fictitious deity even if they’ve been wounded by God’s representatives in this world.
This is especially true of C.S. Lewis’s Narnia series. If you didn’t know (surprisingly, some don’t), Aslan represents our God in Lewis’s fantasy world. However, there is no Bible in the land of Narnia, and the talking animals interact with their creator is differently than us. Most of what we discussed last month still holds true –God had a purpose for his sentient animals, and they never fell from grace so a pathway to redemption wasn’t necessary. Evil does enter the world, but in a different manner and is thus dealt with according to the rules of that world.
Some allegorical books like Hannah Hunard’s Hinds Feet on High Places or John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress use different names to represent our God, but the difference is in name only – in all other respects, God is very recognizable. Generally speaking, if God is in your book under a penname, this is safe and comfortable for the Christian fantasy and sci-fi audience. And just like historical Christian fiction or any other Christian fiction, the key is representing Him correctly.
What if no God exists in your world …
Can you create a godless reality and still honor God with it?
Yes and no.
Stories communicate ideas, and even a story without religious overtones can share virtues and theological notions. R.A. Salvatore’s Icewind Dale trilogy has a character named Drizzt who overcomes prejudice against his dark elven heritage. This noble figure even risks his life to protect those who would like to see him dead. Sound like Jesus? I’m not saying Salvatore is a Christian (I don’t know either way), but if a Christian wrote a similar novel expressing righteousness, he should be proud, even if a god figure isn’t explicit.
Even a story without religious overtones can share virtues and theological notions #storyworld #fantasy Share on XSimilarly, everyone familiar with Timothy Zahn’s Star Wars trilogy (Heir to the Empire etc.) knows of Mara Jade and her conversion experience. This resonates with Christians and non-Christians alike, but only followers of Jesus understand why.
Of course, the most well-known example of Christian fantasy is J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. Even though the God we know is not present, there are countless metaphors for Christianity contained in the series, and entire books have been written to unpack them. But fans enjoy the series as a fantastic romp in a richly detailed world whether or not they recognize some of Tolkien’s deeper truths.
However, there is a caveat. Since ethics without divine authority are only a matter of opinion, a truly godless reality has no ultimate source of morality. And a world without any morality will be a very, very dark one. I immensely enjoyed reading George R.R. Martin’s Song of Ice and Fire and I highly recommend it to any budding fantasy writers, Christian or not (I promise it isn’t as graphic as HBO’s Game of Thrones). But I wouldn’t want to live south of the Wall, or even visit. Martin excels at portraying the complete and utter depravity of mankind, but without any source of hope, his world’s inhabitants face a bleak existence. A Christian writer should be careful not to delve too far into the dark without any guiding light.
A Christian writer should be careful not to delve too far into the dark without any guiding light #amwriting #redemption Share on XIn summary, if you are a Christian fantasy or science fiction writer, your novel will have allusions to your faith, because it is a part of who you are. This can take the form of an alternately-named version of our own God or by delivering biblical concepts and ideas in the form of righteous characters.
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3 Comments
Very enlightening post. Thank you. I am considering writing within the ‘Christian Fantasy’ genre. Your post helps me to continually clarify and define for myself the parameters of what ‘may’ constitute this genre. In regards to Games of Throne, for me, regardless of whether or not later in the series ‘goodness’ and therefore ‘God’ is reflected, watching the first episode caused me to believe that there is ‘NO’ redeeming feature (message) within this story. Possibly the book is different than the film series? I look forward to reading your work.
Thanks for the feedback, Mary. I hope my posts will continue to provide input for your Christian fantasy novel. Is there anything specific I can help with? I’m always racking my brain for new A3 topics.
I have not seen the Game of Thrones TV show, but I’ve heard enough to know to stay away from it. However, I read the first book in the GoT series before it became a popular TV phenomenon and it was likely the best book I’ve read in a long time. I loved its deep point of view, intriguing mystery, and the fascinating coming-of-age story for the Stark children, especially the oldest son. Plus each of the four kids had a massive pet dire wolf. How awesome is that? Anyway, the old axiom holds true once again – the book was better.
Hi A.D. I just discovered your response. I am fairly new to learning how to use ‘google’ and other ‘social media venues’. I thank you for asking if there is a topic you can write about that would help me. I am on a very interesting journey. I have no idea where it may lead me but I am looking forward to ‘this particular ride’. I am an educator (counselor) and coach approaching thirty years of providing services. Throughout these years I have written what is considered the format of academic, professional, serious, thought and meaning provoking articles; in addition I have co-authored a self-published self-help publication. The lectures and courses I have offered over the years have been similar in nature. I was also the founder of a 501( c) 3 non-profit through which many of our local cats (including pregnant moms, kittens) and dogs were rescued from abusive situations and from ‘kill shelters’. The term ‘Kill Shelter’ is used all the time yet is indeed an example of an oxymoron.
During these 62yrs I have lived by two core beliefs and values; that all living entities have value regardless of behavior, ability to give, or ability to contribute and that God is ‘pure love and champion’ for ALL.
I have often thought of writing fiction, but never got beyond fleeting thoughts. Over the last year and a half I have been on somewhat of a quest, reading books of all genres working to come to better clarity as to which genre I am most ‘at home with’ and most interested and excited about the prospect of writing. Up until I learned about Christian Fiction which interestingly is the last genre I studied and read books of, I had decided on ‘high fantasy’. Now however since I am becoming more and more interested in Christian Fiction while I continue to lean toward fantasy I am finding myself becoming interested in all genres within the world (the context) of Christian Fiction.
My priority in life at present is creating, nurturing and sustaining a world for my husband whom I am caring for that is rich in offering the highest quality and enjoyment of life possible. My next priority is caring for our two dogs that have a myriad of medical issues. Third is assisting people through my education (counseling) and coaching private practice and fourth is preparing to write. The thought and delivery of services involved within all four endeavors (missions) are driven and integrated by the active presence of God. He is my partner in all things. I recently joined ACFW and look forward to becoming familiar with the members.
Thanks for the input regarding Thrones. Yes the pet wolves were ‘special’. I will read the first book and see- ‘Song of Ice and Fire’.
I look forward to reading your posts. My best. Mary