Sanctifying Myth

For any lover of Christian fantasy, the book Sanctifying Myth: Understanding Middle-earth (by Bradley Birzer, pub. ISI Books) ought to be required reading. Even more so, those who fail to see the value of Christian fantasy ought to be compelled to read it.

Just as in the 60s and 70s, when Tolkien’s novels reached a peak of popularity among hippies and anti-conformists, non-Christians today will claim there is no Christian story within The Lord of the Rings. To our shame, many Christians say the same.

Yet Tolkien himself, in various writings, has shed light on the Christian themes and symbolisms in his work, and these are brought out in Sanctifying Myth. According to Birzer, Tolkien believed that “to enter faerie is to open oneself to the gradual discovery of beauty, truth, and excellence.” And “the truths that can be found within faerie are greater than those that can be obtained through mere human understanding; and one finds within faerie that even the greatest works of man are as nothing compared with the majesty of creation.” (Birzer, p. xix)

Our beloved C.S. Lewis agreed, saying, “The story of Christ is simply a true myth. Pagan stories are God expressing Himself through the minds of poets, using such images as He found there.” (The Letters of C.S. Lewis to Arthur Greeves)

What is the value, then, of Christian fantasy to non-Christians? Like in the true story Peace Child, a culture’s own myths are but glimpses of heavenly truths placed by the Creator into the minds of the people, to help them recognize the True Myth when it is presented to them.

What is the value, then, of Christian fantasy to Christians? I believe it is to touch us at a level deeper than intellectual understanding. Others have described it more gracefully than I could:

“Fairy stories give us a new sense of wonder about things we have taken for granted or which have become commonplace. Fairy stories and fantasy allow one to see ‘things as we are meant to see them.’” (Birzer, p. 38)

“The romancer, who invents a whole world, is worshipping God more effectively than the mere realist.” (C.S. Lewis, quoted by Birzer, p. 39)

In fantasy, one gains a “fleeting glimpse of Joy, Joy beyond the walls of the world.” (Tolkien, On Fairy Stories)

“The ultimate fairy story, or true myth, then, is the incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection of Christ.” (Birzer, p. 39)

“The heart of Christianity is a myth which is also a fact. The old myth of the Dying God, without ceasing to be myth, comes down from the heaven of legend and imagination to the earth of history.” (C.S. Lewis, “Myth Became Fact,” in God in the Dock: Essays on Theology and Ethics)

Remember, we battle not against flesh and blood, but we battle nonetheless. “For the monsters do not depart, whether the gods go or come. A Christian is still, like his forefathers, a mortal hemmed in a hostile world.” (Tolkien, The Monsters and the Critics)

Just as in high fantasy, we Christians shall remain at battle throughout time until our True Myth returns and slays our enemies. Our battle may not be against dragons and orcs, but it is against the “powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12).

Battle on, all ye warriors of the Word.

The Value of Christian Fantasy

Typically, when one hears the word "fantasy," images of dragons, wizards, and magic are conjured. But fantasy doesn't have to include these elements. A fantasy story can merely take place in an imagined world, even if that world holds to the same physical laws as our own. Take, for example, the excellent children's stories in the Bracken Trilogy by Jeri Massi ("The Bridge," "Crown and Jewel," and "The Two Collars"). When my children were little, they (OK, we) loved these stories that take place in an imaginary world. There were no dragons, no wizards, no magic—just an imaginary setting where we could learn some dynamic Christian truths.

Even some Biblical stories, while true, have a feel of fantasy to them. These include the stories of Esther, of Jonah, of Noah, and many others. For example, the world that Noah lived in was far different from the world I live in, yet by reading his story I can learn about faith, steadfastness, righteousness, and the supernatural intervention of God. When I read the story of Esther, I can learn how to stand strong against opposition despite inner feelings of inadequacy and fear. In the same way, when I read Jeri Massi's books to my children, I used the stories to teach them about forgiveness, courage, and steadfastness.

What's the value of placing Christian truths in a fantasy setting? I believe fantasy can be used in much the same way that Jesus used parables. Jesus asked the question, "What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it?" (Mark 4:30). The passage goes on to say: "With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. He did not say anything to them without using a parable" (Mark 4:33,34). The Son of God himself reached into our imaginations to help us understand something outside the realm of human experience.

By placing a Christian truth in a story, people will gather around to listen (or to read). They will learn the connection between the physical world and the kingdom of heaven (which will be a truly fantastical place indeed). They will learn that they can bind demons and loose the power of angels. And ultimately, they will learn that God loves them and sent His Son to die for them that they might be forgiven.

I am currently working on a series of novels called "The Alliance." Like the Bracken Trilogy, this series takes place in an imaginary world that holds to the same laws and lifestyles of our own world. The stories will teach about faith, forgiveness, and righteousness in a world filled with doubt, selfishness, and evil. Fantasy? I suppose that's the category these stories fall in. But is it fantasy to learn to forgive your greatest enemy? I should hope not!

Watch this blog for news on the release of "The Alliance."

Phoenix: The Rebirth of Christian Fantasy

Are you a lover of Christian fantasy? Having difficulty in finding good Christian fantasy in the bookstores? Do you find yourself standing before the secular fantasy section after failing to locate any Christian fantasy books? You're not alone!

In the past, Christian fantasy has been the black sheep of the Christian fiction world. Despite the well-laid foundation for Christian fantasy—its cornerstone set by authors such as Lewis, Tolkien, and MacDonald and built upon by authors like Peretti and Lawhead—this creative venue has experienced a shunning within the Christian publishing community.

Yet there are scores of authors delving into this field, and many thousands of fans both within the Christian community and without. Due to the hard work and dedication of Christian fantasy lovers, I believe we will soon be seeing a rebirth of the genre. A debt of gratitude is owed especially to Jeff Gerke, who has developed what I think is the best Christian fantasy website in existence. You will find his site at the place Where the Map Ends.

I believe that in time, fantasy will prove to be the phoenix of the Christian fiction world.

Welcome!

Welcome to all you brave souls who have entered this site. I say "brave" because you have no idea what you'll find here, and yet you have entered. I feel the same as you! I'm so new to this blogging thing that I have no idea what I'll find here in my own spot.

There's not much here yet, as I'm just learning the ropes, but I hope you'll come back now and then for a quick visit. I trust it will be worth your while.