Episode Details

For generations, politics have been taking over imaginations. This seems especially true in the United States this election year. But is this really true? In fact, we all have little imaginations, experiences and pictures hidden deep in our minds, that influence our views on politics and public policies.

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Concession stand

• Obviously, we won’t talk about who to vote for in any elections.
• We’ll also try to make this topic more “evergreen,” not locked in place/time.
• However, we will talk about some public policy, at least on the way.
• We do assume that “voting” is a Christian’s civic responsibility.
• We also assume that religious freedom is real and worth fighting for.
• At the same time, Christians don’t run society like a local church. We often debate what this means.
• Another assumption: we’re not like an Old Testament society. Leaders are not kings or even Caesars.
• We prefer irreverent humor about politics, to prevent it from becoming too much of an idol.

Now, how can fantasy help better shape our views on politics, public policy, and perceptions of elected leaders?

1. Stories help us explore how messy our world is, with hard choices.

• Shallow stories often pretend the world is simple, with easy choices.
• Good guys versus bad guys, no antiheroes, no villains with complex stories.
• Bible heroes are not always the good guys, and “sinners” aren’t always the bad guys.
• Historical figures and early church leaders aren’t always good, compared to bad guys.
• Reality isn’t like that. The best stories remind us of this uncomfortable fact.
• Darth Vader and other horrible villains might have a good heart deep down.
• Christians can behave abusively, while God works good in secular authorities.
• Oh, and you might have to vote for a bad guy, to prevent a worse bad guy.

2. Stories help us see reality apart from modern labels and stigmas.

• Not long ago we talked about C. S. Lewis’s “watchful dragons.”
• Lewis didn’t just make pictures for fun. He thought about their practical use.
• Similarly, a modern creator may start with images, but also think as citizens.
• This is why I think it’s good for stories to engage with public policy issues.
• This isn’t about specific political parties. It’s about the deeper beliefs we h