Episode Details

Freedom! We all say we believe in this. No one’s out there saying “down with that sort of thing.” But how does the Bible define freedom and how do Christian fantasy fans find this virtue reflected and challenged in our favorite fictions? With cohost Zack Russell taking to the free roads this July, Stephen takes over the studio, launching for a solo show about Galatians 5:13 and one truth all heroes must follow: with great freedom, comes great responsibility.

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Episode sponsors

1. The Wonderland Trials by Sara Ella from Enclave Publishing
2. Realm Makers 2022 conference (July 21–23, live and online)
3. P. S. Patton’s The Withering (releasing July 26)

Prologue: Why explore freedom and fiction?

• Some of us think about freedom after July 4.
• But some want to define “freedom” a bit wrongly.
• What notions do we accidentally smuggle into “freedom”?
• How can we use “freedom” rightly to enjoy fantastic imagination?
• How can we misuse “freedom” to justify irresponsibility or even plain sin?

Concession stand (with burgers, hot dogs, sausages, salads)

• Given that I’m solo-running the show, this one will likely feel more personal.
• This isn’t systematic theology or counseling. I’m just making observations.
• Part of me wants to engage secular philosophy about liberty, justice, et. al.
• I know a little about this on background, but won’t go into all of that here.
• I do assume parallels between biblical “feasting” and gifts like imagination.
• To sum up: God creates good gifts, like food and creativity, for his glory.
• You can’t have one without the other (or without seeing sin corrupting both).
• Yes, I apply this theme to imagination, yet this has broader applications.
• Finally, this may feel like “meddling”! I am challenging us all, including myself.

Our key verse: Galatians 5:13

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

—Galatians 5:13 (ESV)

1. Let’s not ask about stories, ‘Why shouldn’t I enjoy this?’

• This is where this gets the most personal. Because I see a lot of this thought.
• I’ll start with myself. There was a time when I sinfully read Harry Potter books.
• I may have sinned more than usual. I don’t want to be too unkind/kind to myself.
• Did I read them because of eva