Episode Details

207. Should We Get Mad When Christians Scorn Fantastical Fiction?

Published 2 years, 3 months ago

Description

If you’re a Christian fantastical fan, you’re gonna have a bad time. That’s because some critics accuse you of special sin by liking that “entertainment” stuff. So when that popular religious leader, or that random comment, or even your own trusted family member or pastor, warns you against popular culture and fantastical stories, how should you respond in wisdom?

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Concession stand

We’ve spent previous episodes biblically defending fantastical fiction.
And we explore the purpose of freedom for Christ’s and others’ sake.
Now for some practical solutions: what do we do with Christian critics?
Here’s a bigger disclaimer. Some of these criticisms can really hurt.
For those who found refuge and Christ reflected in stories, it gets worse.
The critic seems to be actively threatening a life raft Jesus threw to us.
But if you feel a God-given surplus of ability to engage, do so joyously!
We’ll refresh some of our rationale and offer tips on challenging them.
But we’ll also share experiences of sorting good-faith from bad actors.
Sometimes you must walk away from folks with different sorts of minds.
The best you can hope for is that they’ll not persist in false accusations.

1. Ask why the critic is bothered about your choices.

For example, pastors may be concerned about imagination’s real abuse.
Or someone you know might see real negative side effects to fandom.
All good things, even basic water and bread, can hurt us in some ways.
So, if you know the person, it’s worth asking if there’s any merit there.
Use your imagination. “If this person were right, what would it look like?”
Otherwise, if your defense isn’t falsifiable, you may be over-defensive.
In some cases, you may need simply to ignore the critic entirely.
That’s likely of internet randos, many of whom get “perverse incentives.”
They’re play-acting fantasies in their head of being imaginary “pastor.”
In that case, they’re the ones abusing fantasy/imagination; avoid them.
You won’t be able to crack the delusion that they’re Big Spiritual Boss.
Instead, take heed of their twisted use of imagination, and be warned!