Episode Details

Did you know that this week hosts a major competitive American sporting event?[Photo by Matt Benson on Unsplash.] Instead of XP, they have “scores.” Instead of combo moves and puzzle-solving, they have “plays.” Instead of dying and respawning, they have “losing,” and instead of save points, they have “yard lines.” How can Christians who love fantasy show love and respect to other kinds of fans who enjoy sports?

Episode sponsors

1. Enclave Publishing: Mortal Queens
2. Return of the Lost Ones by David Liberto
3. Realm Makers: 2024 writers conference

Mission update

• New reviews every Friday, including for Secret of the Lost Dragons
• And this Friday, more dragons: The Fox and the Dragon
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Concession stand

• Stephen is not a sports fan, though part of him wishes he could be.
• Sports bring up strong feelings in people, often for, sometimes against.
• Our point here is to avoid cheerleading either, but look to Scripture.

1. The pros: Why do many fans totally love sports?

• Emphasis on physical training and competition that builds character.
• Wholesome abilities to show natural love for one’s city, state, or country.
• Friendly rivalry that simulates “war” with others but for simple joy’s sake.
• Christian author Randy Alcorn reminds us that sports are good
• See his big book Heaven, pages 410–411
• Sports in Heaven?, Eternal Perspective Ministries, June 10, 2014
• And of course, many sports stars overtly glorify Jesus and the gospel

2. The cons: How do fantasy fans feel about sports?

• Uniform expectations for body types, physical athleticism, and sex roles.
• Regional patriotism twisted into idolatry for favorites, hatred for others.
• Obsession with statistics, players, and idols that excludes other reality.
• Many fantasy fans testify to bullying, even at home, over sports culture.
• Parents, relatives, and church folks can get really into this fandom.
• It may help to compare this with “toxic fans” of our own favorites.

3. How can fantastical sports connect us together?

• Stephen finally unlocked a bridge between fantasy and sports fandoms.
• Quidditch certainly helped. So did an anime’s “wizards compete” story.
• All the same values (and possible idols) can “translate” this way.
• Applications for as soon as this Sunday, day of the annual “Big Game.”
• Stephen is trying to avoid even gentle mockery about “sportsball.”
• He’ll actively ask about others’ fandoms, and make human connections.

Com station

Top question for listeners

• Do you speak “sports fandom” as well as “fantasy fandom”?