Exploring ‘The Hobbit’ Chapter 18: The Return Journey
E. Stephen Burnett, Dec 11, 2014
Tolkien’s term “eucatastrophe” describes despair’s turn to joy, but The Hobbit’s ending is only partly joyful.
The Christian Problem With Magic, Part 2
Shannon McDermott, Dec 10, 2014
We must be careful not to have a superficial understanding of what the Bible means by “magic”.
Can One Be A Practicing Homosexual Christian?
R. L. Copple, Dec 9, 2014
Did Matthew Vines prove Biblically that a Christian can be a practicing homosexual without sinning?
Not All Fantasy Is Equal
Rebecca LuElla Miller, Dec 8, 2014
Which of these types of fantasy do you prefer? Below is a poll to show us what the Spec Faith readership likes best.
Theology and Heroes-Shaping Our Stories By What We Believe
Jill Richardson, Dec 5, 2014
To add to our enjoyment of a good story, we have the excitement of holding it up transparently before the Story of God and finding its parallels and tangents.
Exploring ‘The Hobbit’ Chapter 17: The Clouds Burst
E. Stephen Burnett, Dec 4, 2014
Smaug is dead in the water. But the dragon is back and he brings war.
Exploring ‘The Hobbit’ Chapter 16: A Thief In The Night
E. Stephen Burnett, Dec 4, 2014
What’s a good Hobbit to do when the returned king becomes a new dragon?
7 Top Ways To Ensure Your Story Is Preachy
R. L. Copple, Dec 2, 2014
You know you want your Christian story to preach. What are the best ways to ensure that outcome? Here are 7 top methods.
Mockingjay, Part 1
Rebecca LuElla Miller, Dec 1, 2014
I don’t see any elements I’d say parallel Christian thought. Katniss wants to fight those who are hurting the people she loves. She wants to help those who are fighting their common enemy. She has no greater aim.
How To Deal With Sensitive Subjects (in Christian Spec Fiction)
Scott Appleton, Nov 28, 2014
Contemporary fantasy is swamped by material that runs completely adverse to traditional family values. This is a huge concern for parents and teachers. Young readers, especially, are impressionable to strange philosophies because they have not learned discernment.
Jesus, Thank You For Fantastical Stories
E. Stephen Burnett, Nov 27, 2014
If we thank God for food, shouldn’t we also thank him for his good gifts like fantastical stories?
The Christian Problem With Magic, Part 1
Shannon McDermott, Nov 26, 2014
Where, exactly, does this leeriness in the Christian community toward magic and fantasy come from? From the Bible.
Non-Fiction Readers Less Empathetic Than Fiction Readers
R. L. Copple, Nov 25, 2014
Why non-fiction readers should seriously consider reading fiction.
Thanksgiving Day And Speculative Fiction
Rebecca LuElla Miller, Nov 24, 2014
In speculative literature, Thanksgiving can be much more than just a celebration. Whether or not a story world holds harvest festivals and how they are celebrated can define a culture and make it come alive.
Why Read Fantasy? The Power Of World Building
Jill Richardson, Nov 21, 2014
Every believer who reads fantasy has heard objections. Some of them have been ably handled by others on this blog. Yet you know something deep stirs in you when you read about dragons and fairies and other worlds where battles are fought and wrongs are righted. Maybe, though you’re not sure how to explain your reading choices when presented with these statements.
Exploring ‘The Hobbit’ Chapter 15: The Gathering Of The Clouds
E. Stephen Burnett, Nov 20, 2014
Thanks to the book’s final grown-up tone, “The Battle of the Five Armies” may be better than the second “Hobbit” film.
Did OT Morality Get Thrown Under The Bus?
R. L. Copple, Nov 19, 2014
Can we really ditch parts of the Bible?
Does Scripture Let Mankind Go Interstellar?
Mark Carver, Nov 14, 2014
How does space travel factor into the Christian worldview?
Exploring ‘The Hobbit’ Chapter 14: Fire and Water
E. Stephen Burnett, Nov 13, 2014
J.R.R. Tolkien’s images of a horrific dragon attack rivals today’s disaster-prone filmmakers.
Review: Big Hero 6
Shannon McDermott, Nov 12, 2014
“Big Hero 6” rides the wave of Disney’s second Renaissance.
Review – A Time To Die
Rebecca LuElla Miller, Nov 10, 2014
The government of the United States of the East, where this story takes place, is strict in enforcing (with Enforcers) certain laws of the land, most prominently that individuals must produce their clocks—a physical device that has been coded for them and counts down the years, days, hours, and seconds to their death. Anyone without a clock is branded a Radical and duly punished.
Fiction Friday – Arena By Karen Hancock
Rebecca LuElla Miller, Nov 7, 2014
Callie Hayes is living a life of fear and disillusionment when she volunteers for a psychology experiment that promises to turn her life around.
Exploring ‘The Hobbit,’ Chapter 13: Not At Home
E. Stephen Burnett, Nov 6, 2014
Today brings the final trailer for “The Hobbit” part 3. Ready to recall the book’s beauties?
What Do We Do About God?
Rebecca LuElla Miller, Nov 3, 2014
Fiction can represent Christ, rather than replicate Him, simply by portraying characters who lead the escape or sacrifice that others might live or provide the means of healing the wounded or become the long-awaited ruler.
Deuteronomy 18 Witchcraft: What It Is and Isn’t
E. Stephen Burnett, Oct 31, 2014
God does not ban all fictitious magic, but in Deut. 18 and other Scriptures he does condemn actual pagan idolatry.
The Fine Line
Shannon McDermott, Oct 29, 2014
Here is the question: At what point does a necessary attention to sober facts degenerate into an unhealthy fascination with darkness?
Who Cares About Extraterrestrials?
Rebecca LuElla Miller, Oct 27, 2014
I certainly have no problem with people who write science fiction. I consider it to be a type of fantasy, though.
