Cover Reveal: Illuminary

 Time for a Cover Reveal!

 

We have finally reached the time where I can share with you the cover of the first book of my new fantasy trilogy:

Isn’t it beautiful? While this isn’t what I had initially envisioned for the cover, what Enclave (the publisher) and cover designer Emilie Haney came up with is quite eye-catching and captures the essence of the story. I especially love all the vibrant colors. And what is this story I keep talking about? Here’s the backcover copy: Glimpse the past, illuminate the future. Yosarai Patican dreams of becoming an illuminator in a country that values art above all else. A lofty goal that finally seems within reach when she earns a position at the prestigious Academy of the Seven Arts. Although Yosarai loathes to leave behind her quiet country life, she travels to the capital, determined to live up to her mother’s fame as one of Indel’s greatest artists. Prince Xander never planned to become king. Indeed, he never wanted to become king. But when his father dies suddenly, he is thrust into the middle of coronation preparations—and assassination attempts. With everyone around him in increasing danger, Xander decides to hide in neighboring Indel until the time for him to be crowned king arrives. Posing as an inventor struggling with aesthetics, Xander enlists Yosarai’s aid as part of his cover, but soon he suspects she knows more than she should. But when danger threatens and secrets are exposed, entering a competition reputed as cutthroat may be the only way for them to protect everything they hold dear. Now while the book will be releasing next spring, the hardcover is already up for pre-order. Just click the picture below.

Coming February 2020!

So things are  moving at a rapid clip for my new novel The Vault Between Spaces. I spent the first half of August working through the notes from my editor, and we also finalized a cover:

 Of course, if the cover catches your eye, the next question becomes, what is this story?

It is a fantasy for older teens and adults set in a pseudo-WWII/Cold War setting, rather than the traditional medieval landscape, and it tells the story of a young girl who intentionally gets herself arrested in order to escape from a prison camp reputed as inescapable.

Still interested? Here’s a long snapshot of the story:

Every legend must start somewhere…

No prisoner entering HopeWell ever leaves. Or so the stories go. But from the moment Oriel sets foot inside Anatroshka’s most formidable prison camp, the petite girl of fragile appearance rattles the long-held beliefs of commandant and prisoner alike.

With eyes that see beyond the surface and music that trails her everywhere, Oriel bows before neither threat nor punishment. The rebellious can be broken, the cowardly terrorized, the arrogant crushed. But what to do when defiance, fear, and arrogance are absent? Moreover, Oriel makes no attempt to hide her intention: to escape the inescapable HopeWell.

But when facades are stripped away and myths become clothed in flesh, what begins as a prison break soon morphs into a mission to prevent the invasion of evil itself.

Of course, that has snagged your attention, you can always preorder a copy now. The book will be releasing in February 2020 as a limited edition hardcover book.

You can order a copy of the book here.

That link is for Amazon. If you are looking to order an autographed copy, I hope to have a place up soon on my website soon where you can order directly from. So stay tuned for future updates!

Dreaming Bigger, Growing Deeper,

Chawna

The Bible and the Supernatural: An Introduction

The supernatural exists.

The supernatural intersects and interacts with the natural.

I fully believe both of these statements. Indeed, I must believe them, or my Christian faith would be nonsense. Moreover, as a reader and writer of fantasy, I frequently consider what the supernatural looks like and how it does interact with the natural. So I believe I can safely say that I’m no stranger to considering what the Bible says about the supernatural.

Nonetheless, my reading and life of this past year has revealed how much understanding I yet lack on this topic. This lack has challenged me to go deeper. So I have begun a study through the Bible, starting at Genesis. The intent of this study is to look at what God says about the supernatural in the order in which He says it, removing my own assumptions and presuppositions from the equation as much as I can. The result, I hope, will be a greater and more solid grasp of the biblical perspective on this topic.

Which brings me back to this blog. Writing often aligns my thoughts in a way nothing else can. Blogging gives me a disciplined approach to that writing. But even more, I have a hard time believing that I’m the only one who struggles with this topic and what God says about it. So as I learn, I hope to collect some of my thoughts and share them here in the coming weeks. 

Fantasy: Heart Hole

Since the fantasy genre centers on the supernatural, it probably shouldn’t be surprising that the heart hole also is tied to our craving for the supernatural.

Because we were created for God, to serve and worship Him. But when Adam and Eve sinned, God was dethroned. This left a vacuum within the human heart so large that nothing else in the world is sufficient to fill it. Fantasy acknowledges this desire for something greater than ourselves. So the heart hole that fantasy taps into is our need to worship.

So fantasy become important to our reading diet because this genre reminds of our need to worship--specifically our need to worship the Lord and serve Him only, for He is greater than all other gods (Matthew 4:10, Exodus 18:11).

Fantasy: Advantages

Yes, dangers exist with the fantasy genre. But dangers exist with every genre, and indeed, with everything which exists in this world. This doesn't mean we shouldn't read fantasy. Indeed, there are many benefits we can reap from the fantasy genre when we enjoy it with discernment. For example:

• Fantasy teaches us about heroism and sacrifice.
• Fantasy stretches our imagination.
• Fantasy reminds us of what God can do—that He is able to do more than we can even imagine. And since all fantasies are product of the imagination, God is able to do even more and greater things than what we see portrayed in these stories.
• It provides us a fresh perspective, allowing us to see Christianity, as C.S. Lewis put it, without the stained glass. That is, by placing the familiar in an unfamiliar setting, we see these things with fresh eyes and a greater appreciation for the truth.

 

Fantasy: Drawback

The fantasy genre, opposed to its sci-fi counterpart, focuses on the supernatural. As a result, one of the strongest drawbacks of the fantasy genre is the potential obsession with the supernatural.

Now most people assume this means an interest in the Occult and real-world witchcraft. In the extreme, this certainly can be the case. However, this obsession with the supernatural can also manifest itself in more acceptable forms, such as in an unhealthy obsession with angels, the supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit, and even with scriptural prophecy.

In addition, because many fantasies deal with the overthrow of great evil in the form of bad government, this genre can foster an attitude of rebellion and the lack of submission to authority. Finally, the alternate realities of the fantasy genre can cause the reader to lose touch with reality.

Fantasy: Characteristics

Science fiction and fantasy are often lumped together as a single genre, and to a certain extent, this makes sense as they they both deal with things beyond our current realm of experience. However, in practicality, the science-fiction genre and the fantasy genre are on opposite ends of the spectrum.

So whereas science fiction is the genre of ethics and morality, being focused on technology and the physical realm, fantasy is the genre of religion, focusing on all things supernatural and otherworldly. Therefore, the fantasy genre frequently includes the characteristics of 

• an alternate world setting.
• non-human characters, like angels, fairies, elves, and fauns.
• a plot about an epic battle of good vs. evil.
• a specially gifted or prophesied protagonist, who leads the good side. 

Fantasy: Definition & Examples

The fantasy genre is defined as a story, often set in an alternate reality, which features the use of the supernatural.  
 
Examples of the fantasy genre in film & television:

• The Lord of the Rings
• The Wizard of Oz
• Pinocchio
• The Princess Bride

Examples of the fantasy genre in literature:

• C.S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia
• J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit 
• Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
• The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald.  

A Cast of Stones: Natural Talent or Supernatural Gift?

A Cast of Stones is a phenomenal book with some amazing character development, complex worldbuilding, and solid pacing. It is a book which draws you in, a book which offers an enjoyable adventure. Yet for me, that enjoyment was interrupted by a niggling disquiet which slowly morphed into troubled concern as I delved further into the practice of casting of lots.

Yes, casting of lots was an ancient practice used by the Israelites during biblical times and even by the apostles themselves (Acts 1). Setting aside the arguments that the Holy Spirit makes such practices now unnecessary, the casting of lots was an acceptable biblical practice, used for making a wide variety of decisions as well as locating a particular person (e.g. Achan in Joshua or Matthais in Acts).
 

But the practice found in A Cast of Stones, though called by the same name, has taken on a different form. In this novel, the practice of lots is not merely throwing a lot. Rather, it involved the creation of two or more spheres, which appear identical to all but a “reader.” The reader, who created the lots, can “see” a word written within that sphere, which provides one of the answers to a question being asked by the reader as he makes the lots. As a result, lots can be made at any time to answer any question—both the biblical decision-making questions as well as those about the future—as long as the reader has sufficient information to ask the right question.

Some of the difference between these two practices can be ascribed to the fact that this novel is set in a fantasy world. It is not our world, the real world, but one separate from us, one in which the supernatural plays a much stronger role. However, the setting of A Cast of Stones also closely parallels our world (human characters, the presence of the church), which would indicate that most of the rules which apply to our world would also apply to A Cast of Stones.

Which leads me to a conundrum.

From my studies of the nature of the supernatural as portrayed in Scripture, a principle emerged that the supernatural powers and gifts from God cannot be wielded on whim. Instead, using the supernatural on whim, which permits it to be used for profit, is a mark of the demonic. (For more on the standards of supernatural power, see my essay, “Magical Mayhem.”)

Yet this gift of casting lots can be very much done on whim, and the church within the novel condones the use of it. Yes, the church also prohibits the use of lots for profit and divination. Does this void the fact, though, that this gift can be used on whim, for profit and divination? What difference would there be between that and the church sanctioning the use of tarot cards to make church decisions, forbidding its use for divination and profit? Merely restricting a practice does not make the practice right.

Adding to the confusion were some of the phrases in the book, which describes this ability as gift. The protagonist, Errol Stone, is said to “have the talent” (page 104). Another place states, “Some are born with the ability” (page 103). There are also frequent references to teaching, studying, and learning the art of casting lots.

All these point to something not supernatural at all, but rather a natural talent. It is a valid possibility, for when we deal with fantasy, some of the rules change. What is supernatural for us may very well be “natural” for the characters in the book. What difference does that make? A natural talent is neutral ground, much like technology. It has been freely given to be used by the receiver when and how he wishes. As a result, a talent can be used for good. It can also be used for evil. And just because a talent can be misused doesn’t make the talent itself is evil; only the misapplication would be considered wrong. Under these boundaries, many of the concerns over the casting of lots would vanish.

So is Errol Stone’s gift natural or supernatural? There lies the crux of the problem, leading us to a second question: What makes a gift natural versus supernatural?

First, natural talents are often tied to the genetic. This is why natural talents often run in families. Genetics can play a role. One example of this might be the flexibility of someone who is double-jointed. That is a trait determined by one’s DNA. Unfortunately, the case with A Cast of Stones is muddy at best. The statement, “Some are born with the ability,” could point to genetics—or it may simply point to the fact that God endows some talents at the time of birth. It’s not clear, and at the moment, there is nothing else in the book that makes a case for genetic inheritance.

Second, many talents are based on accessible skills. While a musical talent may make learning to play the piano easier or faster or more enjoyable, almost anyone can learn to play with enough time and effort. However, in A Cast of Stones, it appears you either have the gift or you don’t, and there is no way to acquire the gift unless you have said gift.

Therefore, natural talents still require practice. A natural talent allows us to reach a higher level of skill faster. However, the best in any field admits that talents can only take us so far. In the end, you still must study, practice, and learn. Based on this, being a reader in A Cast of Stones appears to be a natural talent: there is much talk in the novel about the need to refine one’s ability.

However, on the flip side, supernatural gifts are perfect and instant. You do not practice prophecy or learn how to work miracles. The gift is there or not. If it does exist, then it exists fully. This is why true prophecy is one-hundred percent accurate, and healing is instantaneous. For A Cast of Stones, this means the casting of lots is not a supernatural practice: Lots must be drawn again and again to verify accuracy.

In addition, a supernatural gift must be linked to a supernatural source. This may sound obvious, but humans aren’t supernatural beings. Therefore, supernatural gifts must come from an outside source, either from God or from the demonic. A supernatural gift from God can only occur if there is a direct link between the Giver and the recipient. (I say a “direct link” for all good gifts, natural and supernatural, originate from God.) Is Errol’s gift directly from God, based on a relationship with Him? Again, it is unclear, yet seems doubtful. For Errol appears to have little knowledge of God and is it at odds with the church for most of the book. Yet on the other hand, he is said to be “touched by Aurae” (this world’s equivalent to the Holy Spirit) and that God’s hand is upon him (page 128).

All this brings me back to—

Supernatural gifts from God are uncontrollable. But a reader’s gift is very controllable.

So what conclusions can we draw from this?

Not much, it seems. For the casting of lots, the gift of sight, and the ability of the reader don’t seem based on genetics or an accessible skill, while the ability to “see” is instant and accurate. All this points to a supernatural gift.

However, there is also a constant emphasis on “learning” the reader’s job and on the inaccuracy of casting, which requires the throwing of multiple lots. In addition, these lots can be cast and read on whim. These qualities point to a natural talent.

The result is a gray-shaded territory overshadowed by ambiguity.

Readers, tread with caution and discernment, and may future books soon clarify the issue!

Fantasy Summary

Fantasy is a genre that stretches.

It stretches perspectives. It stretches our hope and will to endure. It stretches the boundaries of the physical realms. It stretches the possibilities.

Such stretching is necessary and good. It dares us to dream and reminds us of God’s bigness. And though it may not be comfortable at the time, stretching helps us to grow.

However, fantasy can stretch itself right over boundaries that should not be crossed. This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t enjoy fantasy. Many things we enjoy can be improperly employed, like food leading to gluttony. Rather, we must deploy discernment, being aware of the genre’s dangers and our own personal limitations.

So know the boundaries, rev up your discernment, and prepare to have yourself stretched!

The Boundaries of Supernatural Power

Good supernatural power exists. So does evil supernatural power. Each has similar qualities, but their employment and outcomes are completely opposite. 

 

Yet telling them apart in fiction can be challenging. Yes, many Christian fantasies don’t mention magic, and they associate witch with evil and prophet with good, just like in the Bible. A good example of this is C.S. Lewis’s White Witch: in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe she is described as “a perfectly terrible person” and “bad all through.” That conforms to the biblical idea of witches, i.e. they are evil. 

 

However, you will eventually run into the problem of semantics; words can take you only so far in a language that’s always changing. Secular fantasy has twisted words like seer and prophet. Christians struggle to find ways to describe supernatural power, often falling back on back on the collective lingo of fantasy. Therefore we must dig deeper.

 

First, in the Bible we find many non-human beings wielding abilities far beyond human capacity with no condemnation (e.g. angels). Likewise, fantasy births many non-humans able to perform supernatural acts. Now if it isn’t wrong for angels to wield supernatural power, why would it be for fairies and elves and other such characters? 

 

Again consider the White Witch: C. S. Lewis writes, “She’s no daughter of Eve…there isn’t a drop of real human blood in the Witch.” She isn’t human. Nor is Aslan. The humans in the story—Lucy, Edmund, Susan, and Peter—have no “magical” power. You see the same in The Lord of the Rings. The ones who have supernatural powers—elves and wizards—aren’t human, while the humans Aragorn and Boromir have no special abilities beyond normal giftedness (e.g. Aragorn’s healing ability, which isn’t instant nor guaranteed like supernatural healing).

 

But what about humans with supernatural abilities? They also exist in real and fantastical worlds. And like in the real world, we must be discerning, comparing the characteristics and uses of those supernatural abilities to the biblical equivalent. Is the power of the good characters greater than that of evil? Do their powers heal or destroy, bring life or death? To whom or what do they credit their power? Can the character summon the magic on whim?

 

In short, perhaps John White’s character Mab the Seer sums it up best in The Sword Bearer:

“Sorcerers, wizards, magicians—they chose to serve themselves. They want their own power. They want magic…It is true I have power…but it is [God’s] power…It is to be used in his service. Magic is stolen power.”

The Good & Bad of Supernatural Power

As we have looked at the positives and negatives of fantasy, one particular issue keeps popping up: the use of supernatural power. While this is not the only factor worth considering whether a book is worth reading, the application of the supernatural often becomes one of the major dividing lines.

For we cannot throw out anything just because it contains the supernatural. We would have to throw out the Bible if we did.

Nor can we require that all supernatural elements be portrayed in a negative light. If we did, the Bible would again fail to meet that standard: God Himself is supernatural—He wouldn’t be God if He didn’t exceed the bounds of the natural. Also the pages of Scripture contain good angels, prophets who heal instantaneously and raise the dead, and objects that appear to have supernatural aspects, like the Ark of the Covenant.

Rather, we must discriminate between the power of God and the power which Satan and his minions wield. So what differentiates these two?

First, their power differs in how they can use it. The people serving God may be able to do miraculous things, but they can only use their power as God wills (compare Acts 14:8-10 with Philippians 2:25-27). But witches, sorcerers, and magicians use their power when they wish to fulfill their own desires. That’s why they can employ their powers for pay (e.g. Acts 16:16).

As a side note, whether people employ satanic power for good or bad doesn’t matter. Their desire to control through supernatural power shows a lack of submission to God, a distrust of His sovereignty, and an attempt to wrest power from Him. This is why there is no such thing as white magic; pride is the finite claiming superiority to the infinite. Therefore, God always condemns any power apart from Himself, whether obtained or consulted (Leviticus 20:27; Deuteronomy 18:10-12; Acts 13:6-11; Revelation 21:8).

Second, God’s power is superior. In Exodus 7:10-8:19 we read of a confrontation between Moses and Pharaoh’s magicians. While the magicians could duplicate three of the miracles (but only three), they couldn’t reverse God’s work. Instead they contributed to the death and destruction.

And ultimately, that is the main difference: Satanic power enslaves and destroys, while God’s power brings life. Prophets and apostles heal (e.g. Peter and the crippled man, Acts 3:1-10), but demons cause illness and handicaps (e.g. the demon-possessed blind-mute, Matthew 12:22). Similarly the false prophets make predictions, which lead to destruction (Jeremiah 23:30-40), while God’s prophets call for life-giving repentance (e.g. Ezekiel 18:30-32).

Fantasy's Benefits

About now you may be asking,

“Why bother to read fantasy at all?”

Because fantasy, like every other genre out there, addresses specific heart needs and expands our understanding. So what good does fantasy bring to our lives?

It removes veneers. Though the worlds of fantasy may be wild and weird, the stories rarely tackle complex theology. Rather, they place familiar truths—forgiveness, redemption, sacrifice, sovereignty—in such bizarre settings that we can’t miss them. As Christian novelist John Olson has said, “Story gives us a glimpse of the reality we can’t see because we’re so distracted by the fantasy of our lives.” 

It gives us heroes. We long for people we can look up to and imitate—role models who can show us how to live, why we should do right, and what’s worth dying for. Such “heroes,” however, have become few and far in between. Fantasy attempts to give us a few heroes back.

It acknowledges our need for the supernatural. God created us for Him. So when we sinned and became separated from Him, a huge hole was left behind—a supernatural void. Therefore, science is not enough, can never be enough. Fantasy, in our technological age, validates that.

It offers hope in a dark world. Read the headlines. Watch the news. Evil is strong, evil is pervasive. Everything in us rebels against the thought of evil winning, but in the light of such evidence, we start to despair. Fantasy, mimicking the great story ever told, affirms that in the end, good wins.

But perhaps most of all, fantasy expands our concept of God. After all, He is “able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20, NIV). Fantasy pushes our imaginations into the realms of the “impossible” and then declares God is still bigger! Now that is a God worth worshiping.

Additional Danger Points of Fantasy

Fantasy is not a safe genre. 

 

It challenges our perceptions of reality. It asserts the existence of the supernatural. It shakes the foundations of everything man thinks he knows. We would do well not to tread this genre carelessly.

 

Rather, let us recognize the dangers that we might deal with them. Four major zones stand out to me in fantasy as an overall genre:

 

Escapism: A yearning for a better world—for heaven—is a healthy pull . . . until it so dominates our desires that we withdraw from this world and become of no earthly good. So with fantasy. It can inspire us to greater acts of courage—or so sour us to this world that we retreat into the fictitious to avoid dealing with the real. 

 

Rebellion: Classic fantasy pitches good against evil, often in David-and-Goliath proportions. This can be good. Such impossible-odds stories gives us hope for our lives. However, a reader can also easily transfer his identification with the protagonist into the real world, turning himself into a victim while villainizing anything or anyone who stands in his way. In light of “such evil,” the reader can then justify acts of rebellion and avoid learning the need to stand firm, persevere, and submit. 

 

Power Obsession: Our world is chaotic. Humans are control freaks. The supernatural offers control, whether directly or indirectly. Need I say more?

 

Supernatural Distraction: God gave humanity curiosity. We want to know, desire to understand. However, since fantasy often traffics in what-ifs based on the obscure, it can drive us to dwell on the minor and to seek answers in less than healthy ways.

Topical Gray Areas of Fantasy

In addition to the personal limitations already listed, often readers have questions concerning specific content issues of a genre. So here are some of the most common areas with how frequently these elements occur in fantasy:

Language: Low 

Because of the alternate reality of fantasy, our world’s swearing, cussing, and other offensive language doesn’t fit in. So unless the story involves characters from our world, the language issues are limited, often being in a foreign style or different language if they exist at all.

Violence: High

Warfare and hand-to-hand combat dominate the fantasy landscape. Evil often manifest itself in very physical ways. As a result, violence is interwoven with this genre so that death is not an uncommon topic or blood an unusual sight.

Sexuality: Moderately Low

Love stories in fantasy tend to be a subplot which add dimension to the story but are of secondary importance. Therefore, sexuality is often limited to some kissing, hand-holding, emotional attraction, and in the edgier secular works, a couple skippable sex scenes. (Exception: romantic subgenres like paranormal romance.)

Magic/Supernatural: High

Fantasy specializes in the supernatural. This can take many forms, from objects with unexplained powers to full races capable of superhuman feats. However, it wouldn’t be true fantasy if it didn’t at least touch the realms beyond the natural.

False Religions & the Occult: Moderate to Moderately High

Due to fantasy’s reliance on the supernatural, it also relies heavily on religion to explain those supernatural elements. So even in Christian fiction, false religions show up in coordination with evil while secular fiction often pulls from mythology, mysticism, and the Occult for their explanations.

The Personal Limitations of Fantasy

Fantasy may fit well into the biblical realm, depending on how the supernatural element is used. However, just because it’s permissible doesn’t mean it’s beneficial. Since we are each unique with individual quirks, we also must take into account personal factors.

 

Here are six arenas to consider (this list is not exhaustive):

 

Spiritual Maturity

(stages of growth spiritually; does not pertain directly to age)

 

Unless the supernatural elements are exceptionally clear-cut, infant (brand-new) Christians should probably avoid this genre until they have a basic grasp of what distinguishes God’s power from Satan’s.

Child Christians probably will handle fantasy well as long as the supernatural is handled properly, and they may even benefit from it as fantasy often provides the heroic heroes who are worth imitating.

Adolescent Christians must tread somewhat carefully as they are at a stage where they see all that could be. Thus they could become obsessed with supernatural power itself, which could become spiritually unhealthy and dangerous, even if the power portrayed is “of God.”

Adult (mature) Christians should be able to approach the genre freely and, like young Christians, may benefit from the fresh takes on familiar topics that this perspective-bending genre specializes in.

Experiences
(things you’ve gone through in the past that may affect the present)

Because of the supernatural, someone who has dealt with the Occult should probably avoid this genre. Past drug habits, war experiences, and addictions to escapist activities may also prove problematic.

Marital Status

As most fantasy tends to be of life-and-death situations, romance and sexual elements tend to be fewer and less stressed, making the genre accessible to anyone, no matter their marital status.

Mentorships

(close connections with minors or immature Christians)

Reading/watching fantasy is probably not a problem as long as you avoid the borderline stories and take time to discuss the genre (e.g. why not all fantasy is of the Occult) with the mentee. In fact, fantasy can be a great teaching tool because of its otherness. 

Culture

(the atmosphere of where you work and live)

If your area has strong leanings toward the Occult, eastern religions/mysticism, or pagan rituals, it may be best to avoid anything that looks like these things, including fantasy.

Occupation

(what you do for a living/spend majority of time doing)

Tread carefully if your occupation places you on the frontline of spiritual warfare, consistently deals with alternate worlds (e.g. computer gaming), has current or historic ties to paganism/eastern mysticism/the Occult, or requires you to work with/around people with strong leanings to such.

A Biblical Perspective of Fantasy: Philippians 4:8

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8 NIV)

This verse contains eight qualities which should define our thoughts. Whatever we choose to think about, whatever we linger over, should be, for the most part, defined by these attributes. (For more on this verse and its application to fiction, see my blog posts on the topic here.)

So is fantasy worth dwelling on?

True (conforming to historical/scientific facts or moral truth):

By its very nature, fantasy defies facts and goes beyond the scientific realms. That said, the removal of the factual often accentuates the moral so that these stories must adhere more strictly than usual to the truth God has written into the universe. Otherwise they won’t feel right or ring true in the heart.

Noble (serious topics handled with respect/characters acting with dignity):

Fantasy usually excels in this area with its epic battles of good-versus-evil and codes of chivalry.

Right (conforming to the will, standard, and character of God):

While it will depend on the book, fantasy tends to espouse a world where there’s right and wrong, largely based on scriptural principles due to the need to conform to moral truth. This genre also readily acknowledges the presence of the supernatural, but whether those elements conform to the standard and character of God will depend on how it is handled.

Pure (actions and attitudes will not contaminate if applied to real life):

Many of the actions will be worth emulating. Sacrifice, heroism and doing what’s right despite the outcome (common themes in fantasy) are all worth keeping. However, the misuse of the supernatural can be equally damaging.

Lovely (pleasing to the senses; moves the heart toward love):

Fantasy is often known for unique and elegant worlds described with poetical language. It also often exposes the ugliness of war and evil. But in the end, who can remain unmoved by its characters’ epic efforts and gut-wrenching sacrifices? For “greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends.” (John 15:13, NIV)

Admirable (a good reputation):

Fantasy is truly a mixed bag. Correct use of the fantastical has resulted in God-glorifying, spiritually edifying work like seen with C.S. Lewis’s and J.R.R. Tolkien’s work. Yet despite its Christian background and a modern desire by many Christian authors to reclaim it, fantasy remain associated with the Occult by many, largely due to its terminology. 

Overall, fantasy has much going for it as a genre. But whether a story is truly excellent (skillful presentation of a story) or praiseworthy (honoring to God) will depend often on an author’s ability to create well something original (rather than mimicking what has already been done) and the handling of the supernatural.

Examples of Epic/High Fantasy

*Disclaimer: I have not read all these novels or watched all these movies. Nor do I recommend all of them. Rather, I have tried to pick recognizable or pop-culture stories that best exemplify the genre of high fantasy.

 

Classic Novels:
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

Lord of the Rings trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien

The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald

Contemporary Secular Novels:

The Sword of Shannara by Terry Brooks

The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan

Eragon by Christopher Paolini

Contemporary Christian Novels:
Starlighter by Bryan Davis

The Light of Eidon by Karen Hancock

By Darkness Hid by Jill Williamson

DragonSpell by Donita K. Paul

Films:
The Princess Bride

Eragon

Lord of the Rings trilogy

What is Fantasy?

As a rule, speculative fiction is broken down into two main categories: fantasy and science-fiction. While these categories can and do bleed into each other, they each have distinctive features, and almost all other subdivision can be placed into one of these umbrella categories. We’ll tackle fantasy first, and then look at science-fiction later.

So what is fantasy?

In short, fantasy is the story of the unnatural. Those parts of life that can’t be explained by science, the powers that can’t be attributed to technology—these are the elements that often mark a fantasy.

The most recognizable form of fantasy is epic or high fantasy. These stories usually happen in a different world with a romanticized medieval flair. A quest—a journey taken with a specific goal in mind—propels the main character (often human or human-like) forward in a cosmic good-versus-evil struggle. Sword fights and battles fill the pages. Non-human characters round out the cast, and special powers are endowed upon various people, objects, and even locations. The outcome is a tale of epic proportions in an alien landscape.

However, fantasy is a very large category covering an expansive territory with an abundance of subcategories. So though a fantasy story often occurs in an imaginary realm, some of the subdivisions have historical or contemporary settings. And while supernatural power is almost always involved, it can take many forms: objects with inexplicable (“magical”) powers, mythical beings (e.g. fairies, elves, and dragons), supernatural beings (e.g. angels), or supernaturally empowered humans (e.g. witches, wizards, and prophets).

Some tales will have only a couple of these elements. Others will contain all of them. But in the end it is the inexplicable, the supernatural, the magical that defines the realm of fantasy.