good Christian fantasy

Christian Fantasy Fiction and Biblical Truth

April 6, 2018 By Author John Leave a Comment

Christian Fantasy that Gives Life to Truth

Christ Used Fantasy to Teach Truth

To some people Christian fantasy fiction and biblical truth are incongruous in concept, contradictory in nature. Actually, Jesus used fantasy to teach truth. We do not think of it as such, but he did. In John 15 Jesus speaks of himself as the vine, believers as branches and his Father as the vine dresser. He was using fantasy to illustrate truth.

When Jesus talked about believers as being sheep, false teachers as being wolves, and himself as being “the door” to the sheepfold as well as being the Shepherd, he was using fantasy to teach truth. In his teaching he often used fantastic ideas to illustrate truth, to bring truth to life for the listeners.

True, he did not tell long fantasy stories, but nevertheless, he did indeed use fantasy. The real problem is not the use of fantasy, but the misuse. And I will grant that it is easily misused. But as the saying goes, let’s not throw out the baby with the wash. Good Christian fantasy fiction can bring truth to life. Preachers and teachers use their words and various illustrations to help their “sheep” understand biblical truth. Fantasy fiction can do the same. It can help people understand the application of truth to life.

A Biblical Truth I’ve Been Contemplating

A question I have been contemplating lately is, if “salvation works” or results in fruit, what does that mean? Does that mean every Christian will bear fruit? Does it mean if one is truly saved they will be submitting to Your lordship?

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Guiding Kids Toward a Love for Books

January 17, 2018 By Author John Leave a Comment

Engaging Kids via Christian Fantasy

Some Helps for Giving Guidance

I have heard parents and grandparents alike decrying the fact that their kids or grandkids have their nose stuck in their smart phones hour after hour and have no interest in reading. Sadly, for those kids it may be a little late to develop a love for reading. But, hey, you can try. Here are a couple of ideas for developing a love for reading. One for developing it in kids who are in fourth and possibly up through seventh or eighth grades (a number of factors involved relative to the latter), and a second for those below fourth grade.

A Love for Books: Idea One

When it comes to the older group mentioned above, developing a love for books depends a lot depends on family bedtime parameters. If there is no set bedtime, my idea has no merit. I used the idea when my sons were young (so it can work with boys as well as girls) and one of my sons has used the same concept. OK, so what is this “magical” concept? Well, it is not actually magical, but it does work with some kids. I do not guarantee it will work with all kids.

Here is the concept. If a kid’s normal bedtime is 8:30, offer to allow them a reading time beyond 8:30, say another 15 to 30 minutes (It is worth the extra time elements if it gets them reading). Also, offer the option of several good book for them to choose from and not just any old book. Good Christian fantasy will capture their imagination and as they get into it, it will give them a love for books and for reading.

Another option might be to offer an incentive to encourage reading. “Choose one of these book options, read it and give me a good verbal report on it and…” offer some incentive that will motivate them: financial, a movie, a special item they want from the store, etc. This option should be considered especially by those who have no set bedtime.

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