Goodreads Authors/Readers discussion

As the gal who runs/ran the Christian Guide to Fantasy (http://www.christianfantasy.net) I've had more than my share of the question: "How can you be a Christian and still write fantasy?" Or variations thereof.

The question recently popped up on Goodreads, and I answered it here: http://emilycasnyder.blogspot.com/201.... Steve Greydanus wrote a very thoughtful (and lengthy) article on the various uses of magic in fantasy fiction here: http://www.christianfantasy.net/sdg1.....

My question to you is, how do you deal - not necessarily with magic in fiction - but with the question from well-meaning Christan friends and parents?

For myself, in very brief (for those who don't like linking!), I'd say that:

1) Fiction and reality are separate beasts for a reason. If one is concerned about a reader mistaking the two and falling into real-life demonic traps, discussions - not rants - are key.
2) It's a different world in fantasy, hence what is "magic" to them is part of the natural make-up of that world (see #1).
3) Ultimately, though, magic is just an easy way to differentiate a fantasy world from our own. The real crux of fantasy writing is the worldbuilding, not the magical creatures. Fantasy is full of the impossible in all its many shapes and forms.

What do you think?

I think that C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien are the best examples to follow. They used magic in fantastical worlds, Narnia and Middle Earth, which clearly took place outside our world.

To expose my bias: I am a bible teacher, work for a large conservative Christian university, and currently working on my Masters of Divinity.

That being said, both of my released books have magic in them. The Bible itself has magic in it, so I do not see a problem with it. When it is used for evil we call it sorcery, when its used for good we call it a miracle. In the end its the same thing, the use of a super natural power to effect things going on. Wether its making an ax head float, or calling fire down from heaven does not matter. IMO what matters is the motive behind the use.

We today used electricity, light, ion power and many other forms of energy to do things that would have once been though magical. How is it different?