Fantastical Truth

We’re partners with Realm Makers is the leading fantastical conference for Christian creatives. Recently organizers shared that over 40 percent of registrations for this July’s event are first-time guests. This brings back memories! So we thought we’d share them with you. What’s it like at a writers’ conference? And what should first-time guests expect at Realm Makers and beyond? Episode spo...

What comes to your mind with the label “Christian fiction”? If you grew up evangelical or heard the stereotypes, you likely think negative assumptions. For example, we assume “Christian fiction” has predictable plots, shallow characters, and cheap evangelism. Even when some stories do, how can we avoid our own cliched notions about all those “bad” Christian-made...

Sixteen years ago next month, there was a Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian movie. But guess what version Narnia steward Douglas Gresham praised as a better adaptation of C. S. Lewis’s book? It is The Academy of Arts Logos Theatre’s Prince Caspian , now performing through April 2024 at The Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C.! We invite one Logos artisan into our studio to explore puppetry a...

If you’re a Christian fantastical fan, you’re gonna have a bad time. That’s because some critics accuse you of special sin by liking that “entertainment” stuff. So when that popular religious leader, or that random comment, or even your own trusted family member or pastor, warns you against popular culture and fantastical stories, how should you respond in wisdom? Episode sponsors Enclave Publishi...

Happy post-Resurrection Sunday! How did that go at your church? Did you see any Easter pageants? Pictures on the bulletin showing nail-scarred hands, or a shadowy figure exiting a tomb surrounded by light? And what about the Jesus-like hero in your favorite fantastical story? Could these images fool some people into sins like worshiping an imposter Jesus? Episode sponsors Enclave Publishing: The C...

Sin doesn’t ruin human lives and all the creation by itself.[1. Photo by Ismael Paramo on Unsplash .] Sin brings the consequence of suffering. Hebrews 2:18 promises, “For because [Jesus] himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” Today we’re joined by a special guest who explores real suffering, memory, and healing in the worlds of fiction: novelist J. J. F...

When our hero Jesus died to atone for sin and resurrected Himself, He did not defeat only the Devil.[1. Photo by Michael Förtsch on Unsplash .] He did this to “deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery,” says the author of Hebrews. Jesus our hero is “a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.” He sa...

“Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, [Jesus] himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil…”[1. Hebrews 2:14 (ESV).] Today we begin a new series, He Saves Us, starting with our Hero’s victory over that dragon! Episode sponsors Enclave Publishing: Hybrid by Candace Kade Changelings: Insurgen...

Hand-washing. Social distancing. Fired employees. Air transmission. Four long years ago, the 195 nations lived together in disharmony. Then, everything changed when COVID lockdowns attacked. How did lockdowns change culture? How did our reality’s upheaval affect our enjoyment of fictional worlds? Episode sponsors Enclave Publishing: Guardian by Cathy McCrumb Changelings: Insurgence by Liam Corley...

Nobody claims to like “hate.”[1. Image credit: Christ Washing the Disciples’ Feet  by Garofalo, c. 1520/1525 (public domain, source:  National Gallery of Art ).] That’s bad. Everybody claims they want to “love their neighbor.” That’s good. Should the best Christian-made stories repeat these messages so that readers know Christians are good and not bad? Or could stories with this goal end up...

Today is Fantastical Truth episode 200! This gives a great occasion for us to consider not just how we find the best Christian-made fantasy, but why we must explore fantastical stories for God’s glory. Episode sponsors Oasis Audio: “1232” epic audio podcast Return of the Lost Ones by David Liberto Realm Makers: 2024 writers conference Mission update Article: What If I Find Sexual Identity Notions...

‘Tis the season for love and enchanted princesses and handsome princes and such-like.[1. Photo by mtsjrdl on Unsplash .] But lately, former fans of these ideas just aren’t feeling it, especially from the Disney side of our magical fandoms. When the Big Mouse keeps getting into big trouble, how’s a Christian fan to respond? Joshua Shepherd brings a balanced biblical perspective into the studio. Epi...

Did you know that this week hosts a major competitive American sporting event?[Photo by Matt Benson on Unsplash .] Instead of XP, they have “scores.” Instead of combo moves and puzzle-solving, they have “plays.” Instead of dying and respawning, they have “losing,” and instead of save points, they have “yard lines.” How can Christians who love fantasy show love and respect to other kinds of fans wh...

We explore a lot of Christian-made fantastical books. But what about video game stories? What about Christians making different kinds of playable adventures set in worlds like The Wingfeather Saga and the Redwall series? Chris Skaggs enters the family room and takes us behind the controllers of Soma Games to help us play games for Christ’s glory. Episode sponsors Enclave Publishing: Mortal Queens...

We all love fantastical books. But how do fantastical books get made? Who takes all that raw material, polishes the edges, and turns the story into a shining jewel? We’ll explore this magical process, the making of fantastical novels, with Enclave Publishing creative director Jamie Foley. Episode sponsors Enclave Publishing: Mortal Queens The Culling Begins  by Anthony DeGroot I. W.R.I.T.E.: How t...

Once upon a time, more literary heroes pursued virtue, or at least knew that they should.[1. Photo by visuals on Unsplash .] But in more modern stories, main characters aren’t motivated by being good, but by being right. They exchange the truth and Law of God for the lie of “personal liberation.” In a world of abuse and tyrants, this can feel appealing. Yet how does this exchange ultimately make s...

Wow. Last year we saw so many films flop that it’s not even funny. Disney, Marvel, DC Comics, Star Wars , Doctor Who , all the usual suspects got paid in “exposure” but not much else. But we did see several breakout movie wins in the year 2023. What did we love? What did we ignore? How can Christians best discern these supposed “get woke go broke” stories? Mission update This week, we started the...

Achoo![1. Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash .] We must have fallen asleep over the Christmas break. But now we’re back. And in Zack’s and Stephen’s area, guess what else is back? Cedar fever! That’s the most wicked allergy season you can imagine. So we thought we’d plan for this. All year long, we’ve been asking several of our guests the question we’ll ask ourselves: what stories are we...

Twenty years ago, the world was watching one fantasy film trilogy to rule them all. Its final installment, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King arrived into American theaters on Dec. 17, 2003. From the beacons lighting of Minas Tirith, to Frodo’s and Sam’s desperate fights against Shelob, to the ear-tingling charge of the Rohirrim onto the Fields of Pelennor, how did we first experience t...

Did you ever read the book where C. S. Lewis criticized trumpery? At the holiday season? “They buy gifts for one another such things as no man ever bought for himself,” Lewis lamented. But he did love Christmas. So did professor J. R. R. Tolkien, who celebrated so hard that he ghost-wrote letters from Father Christmas, from the North Pole, for his own children. What can we learn about critiquing y...

We have already seen Halloween, full of candies and other tricky treats.[1. Featured images from Abhishek Hajare on Unsplash (red chilis) and Alexander Schimmeck on Unsplash (green candy).] Next came Thanksgiving with its famous feasting. Finally we get the grand finale of festivals: the Advent season leading up to Christmas. So much spicy. So much sugar. These reminded us about fantastical storie...

Have we talked enough about C. S. Lewis at Lorehaven? Of course not. So let’s get ready for more! This week marks a new occasion called C. S. Lewis Reading Day , on Nov. 29. It’s founded by the Pints With Jack podcast, to celebrate our favorite quotes, fantasy, and nonfiction by the famed scholar of medieval literature and languages plus Christian fantastical truth. Today we tour our shelves full...

Last month saw the culturally conservative Daily Wire platform launching a new streaming service that offers dozens of television shows for children. Interestingly enough, two Fantastical Truth guests are now involved with creating these shows, and a third guest works with the company and has interviewed the co-CEO! Yet you, like us, may wonder whether people known for their politics can do this w...

Behold the darkly whimsical world and wholesome family adventures of The Wingfeather Saga! It’s a four-book series. It’s a growing collection of newer titles, including today’s newly released title. And of course, it’s an animated series on the Angel Studios streaming service. Explore the mysterious lands of Aerwiar with its many creatures to be fought, tamed, or trusted, thanks to today’s guest:...

This holiday season, when people celebrate either evil or the Reformation, it may help to remember Martin Luther’s reminder that “Even the devil is God’s devil.” And yet Satan is still prowling the Earth, looking for souls to steal. We know people don’t think the Devil exists, yet even some Christians act like materialists who ignore the threat of demonic deception. Marian Jacobs, author of...