Christ’s Parables and Christian Fantasy

Christ’s Parables Validate Christian Fantasy

Christ’s Parables a Seed Source

At heart Christ’s parables are the seed source of my Christian fantasy. All of my stories to one degree or another have a parabolic quality.

The word parable is used 47 times in the gospels in relation to Christ’s interaction with people. The Greek word for parable is defined as ‎a similitude; a fictitious narrative conveying a moral. Christ’s parables were generally allegorical short stories with a moral.

The root word from which the word parable comes from has the meaning of “to cast alongside.” The idea is casting a fictitious story alongside the realities of life in a reflective sense. In other words, the fictitious story reflects common life. That was the nature of Christ’s parables. He told stories to apply truth to life. On that basis Christ’s parables validate good Christian fantasy fiction.

Good Christian Fantasy Fiction

I suppose the problem is that not all Christian fantasy is good Christian fantasy. My concept of good Christian fantasy is story that stays true to core biblical truth, to the character and teaching of Christ. Good Christian fantasy is not preachy. It is story informed by the realities of life while grounded in a solid Christian worldview. That is what I strive for when I write a story.

Reader Response

I will highlight two of my books that of course are different from Christ’s parables, but on the other hand capture the essence of story grounded in Christ’s character and teaching without preaching: The Helot (1st book in the Accidental Heroes series), and Once Upon a Knight (several stories that form one larger story). I have not solicited reviews or purchased reviews (yes, some authors actually do purchase reviews). The following are unedited reviews (other than a couple of typos) posted at Amazon of the two books mentioned.

Review of The Helot posted by Fire Dad ^6 on February 21, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase – Fire Dad gave The Helot 4 Stars

The Helot is book one of a series of Christian Fantasy/Adventure books. The main character, Tor, is interesting. He is a miffit, which the author described as something like a cross between an elf and a dwarf. Thinking back to Lord of the Rings, this brought an interesting conflict between the races to mind for me. Tor is a likable character that is stronger than he knows and is a good uncommon hero that you can root for and be glad that you did.

The world is well described and easy to follow along. There are some interesting creatures and people that Tor meets throughout the book as well that make it an enjoyable read. There is a fair amount of tension in this book that not only keeps you guessing, but it did a good job of engaging me to the point that I felt invested in the story.

It is well written and an enjoyable read. I’m looking forward to reading more books in the series and seeing what adventures Tor will go on next. If you’re a fan of fantasy, or if you are looking for something fun and different to read, then this is a great book for you, I really enjoyed it and would recommend it.

A fun fantasy novel with a lovable main character. You will enjoy going on the journey with him.

Review of Once Upon a Knight by B. Ann on November 18, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition – B. Ann gave Once Upon a Knight 5 Stars

A fairy tale-type fantasy, the story will appeal to young people as well as adults who love a good adventure story about overcoming odds and finding the abundance of God’s goodness in the most unexpected places!

Aphendle, or “Ash” as he is commonly known, the story’s protagonist, is believable and extremely likeable. He is the hero we all want at times in our life……one who is able, through his total dependence on Adonel (God), intelligence and his gift of extraordinary logic to solve problems that no one else could solve. The story does not preach Christianity, but it certainly incorporates its principles….what a refreshing change of pace for the reader in this post-modern world of corrupted morals!

His adventures take you to mystical realms of fantasy creatures and places, to imaginary worlds where anything is possible! The story intrigued me, page after page, and left me wanting a sequel to Ash’s life exploits.

I see elements of C.S. Lewis’ creative genius in every one of John Edgell’s stories, which we rarely see in works of fantasy these days.

Your Response

Engage with me. What are your thoughts with regard to the relationship of Christ’s parables and the writing of good Christian fantasy fiction? Do you see any correlation? How would you define good Christian fantasy? Which Christian authors would you personally recommend?