Staff creator Marian A. Jacobs has written Lorehaven articles since the first print issue, exploring magic, sexuality, and story ethics. Her work has also featured at Desiring God, Stage & Story, and WORLD. She and her family live in Southern California. Her first nonfiction book, On Magic and Miracles: A Theological Guide to Discerning Fictional Magic, is set for July 2025 release from B&H Publishing.
Website · Facebook · Instagram · X (Twitter)

‘Journey to Bethlehem’ Gets Lost on Its Way

Given the film’s wildly altered and modernized storyline, I can’t bring myself to give Journey to Bethlehem the support I usually give biblical fiction and musicals.
— Marian A. Jacobs —

The Little Mermaid’s Live-Action Remake Fares Better Than Critics Forecast

Some new songs may flounder, but Ariel’s voice and Triton’s character redeem the 2023 Disney film.
— Marian A. Jacobs —

How I Masked My Mental Health with Costume Design

This summer I won the Realm Makers costume contest, but my journey into costuming took me through fears and other battles.
— Marian A. Jacobs —

‘West Side Story’ Shows a Fantastical World That Groans for Hope

Steven Spielberg’s 2021 film respects yet reimagines the 1961 musical, including one key moment of eternal longing.
— Marian A. Jacobs —

Try These Three Practical Questions to Discern Fictional Magic

Challenge the story’s supernatural system by exploring its sources, moral results, and heroes’ motives.
— Marian A. Jacobs —

Yes, Stories Should Help Heal You, the Reader

Good books should imitate Jesus, harming only with intent to heal.
— Marian A. Jacobs —

Beware the Real Danger of Entertainment

Let’s switch off our “couch-potato mode” and engage critical thinking.
— Marian A. Jacobs —

No, Stories Should Not ‘Wreck You, the Reader’

In anxious times, it’s not healthy for stories to destroy us emotionally.
— Marian A. Jacobs —

How to Find Stories that Restore Your Soul

God can restore your injured soul through the grace-filled habits of story journaling and curated fiction reading.
— Marian A. Jacobs —

Magic and the Rise of Wicca

Marian Jacobs: To love Pagans, we must biblically discern their motives and needs.
— Marian A. Jacobs —

Discerning the ‘Girls with Swords’ Trope

We can see some strong female characters in biblical perspective.
— Marian A. Jacobs —

In Defense of the Weird

With fantasy’s “strangeness,” we can train to believe in unseen truth.
— Marian A. Jacobs —

‘Cats’ Gives Musical Fans a Dreamy Experience, But the Message is a Hot Mess

“Cats” (2019) idolizes idyllic memories of the past, but still shows real beauty within the darkness.
— Marian A. Jacobs in December 2019 —

How Do We Discern Good and Bad ‘Magic’?

Scripture shows us the true source of magic’s corruption, and the cure.
— Marian A. Jacobs —

Sex in the Story: How Far is Too Far?

Fiction’s sexual content has unique power to tempt young readers.
— Marian A. Jacobs —

‘Warm Bodies’ Portrays a Vivid Yet Grotesque Gospel Image

Actor Nicholas Hoult and the “Warm Bodies” cast help show the many emotions we experience while searching for life’s purpose.
— Marian A. Jacobs in July 2019 —

Let’s Guard Against Temptations in YA Fiction

Parents can guide teenage readers, starting with these suggestions.
— Marian A. Jacobs —

Belief in the Supernatural Builds Faith in ‘Breakthrough’

Ask yourself this, “Does my lack of belief in the supernatural weaken my faith in God to work miracles?”
— Marian A. Jacobs in May 2019 —

The Fellowship of ‘Tolkien’

Like most biopics, “Tolkien” deviates from true events, but accurately shows J. R. R. Tolkien as a man of true love and fellowship.
— Marian A. Jacobs in May 2019 —

Does the ‘Captain Marvel’ Film Promote Feminism?

Marvel’s cosmic warrior should inspire Christians to approach fantasy and real-life gender roles with biblical balance.
— Marian A. Jacobs in May 2019 —

Captain Marvel Left Me Baffled and Disappointed

When the credits rolled for Captain Marvel, I didn’t leave feeling empowered or inspired. Instead I pitied her.
— Marian A. Jacobs in April 2019 —

‘Shazam!’ Soars with Humor and a Virtue-Seeking Hero

“Shazam!” is rich with humor, religious symbolism, and a hero’s journey to virtue—Christian fans won’t be disappointed.
— Marian A. Jacobs in April 2019 —

‘When I Grow Up, I’m Going to Be the Villain’

Should parents make their kids only play as heroes and good guys?
— Marian A. Jacobs —

The Biblical Source of Super-Strength

How can we teach children to enjoy superheroes as biblical Christians?
— Marian A. Jacobs —

Molding Your Child’s Plastic Imagination

We can nurture young ones’ creativity for the glory of God.
— Marian A. Jacobs —

Thanos Offered Fake Love in ‘Avengers: Infinity War’

Thanos could not have truly loved Gamora, because love is not just affection—it’s self-sacrifice.
— Marian A. Jacobs in August 2018 —

How Does Your Family Read Fantasy?

Parents, try these tips to help children mature as fantasy readers.
— Marian A. Jacobs —

What If Your Kids Don’t Read Fantasy?

“Entertainment” is too shallow a word for the blessings fantasy can bring to our hearts.
— Marian A. Jacobs —

What If Your Kids Don’t Read Fantasy?

Parents often ask: Is a specific book okay? Will a fantasy novel encourage real magic? Those are the wrong questions.
— Marian A. Jacobs in January 2018 —

Lorehaven epilogue sponsors