Writing Christian Fantasy: Exploring Other Worlds/Lifeforms
I have been writing and publishing Christian fiction through The Rebel Christian Publishing for a few years now. When I first dived into the market, I didn’t expect my choice genre to be filled with eager readers, and while God has certainly blessed me with success, I must admit that Christian fantasy is still finding its stride.
One of the questions I get is whether it’s okay for me to write fantasy as a Believer. The answer is yes! I certainly understand why some readers can be cautious, especially when you consider that most secular fantasy features a magic system that is often steeped in sorcery, witchcraft, or features a totally fictitious/anti-Christian belief system.
But that’s the importance of being a Christian fantasy author. You have the opportunity to showcase your faith. That means creating a faith-based magic system and using Christianity as the belief system. But what happens when you want to introduce elements outside the typical realism of Christian fantasy?
I’m talking about things like new cultures, alien lifeforms, or worlds entirely made up by the author.
This subgenre of fantasy is called High Fantasy or Epic Fantasy. Novels of this subgenre typically feature a world or setting entirely different from our own. Think of Game of Thrones which takes place in Westeros—a kingdom created by George RR Martin—and features non-human characters (giants, dragons, wyrms, etc…) and belief systems also created by the author.
Believe it or not, there are many Christians who are adamantly against high fantasy. The most common fear is that God (or Christianity) doesn’t fit into new worlds. I can definitely see how a reader or a writer would wonder what role their faith might play in their story. My goal here is to explore options and style.
Before we get started, I want to say this article is not written as an insult to Christians who are against fantasy. We are all entitled to our opinions. Everyone has a line they have drawn as far as what they personally believe is and is not acceptable in the Christian market. Unfortunately, that line differs per person and is often formed by our personal experiences, the way we were raised, our understanding of the Bible, and the strength of our faith. No matter where you stand on Christian fantasy—or fantasy in general—this article is meant to educate readers and explore our styles of writing as Believers.
So, let’s answer the big question; Does Christianity have a place in high fantasy?
Yes, it does!
How can you include your faith in a world/culture that is entirely made up?
The problem with this question is that it assumes this new world exists without God. As Christians, our most basic belief is that God is our Creator. Our world does not exist without Him—and neither does any other!
In my science fiction series, I AM MAN, the sun winks out and humanity is forced to relocate to an entirely new planet called New Earth. This planet is inhabited by other lifeforms and even includes characters from other planets—Martians, Plutonians, and even Mercurians make an appearance! But even with hundreds of different languages, cultures, and lifeforms, one thing remains constant throughout this five-book saga; God is their Creator.
Our characters refer to themselves as Children of God and acknowledge that God is their Father and the Creator of the universe—not just of Earth as we know it. In fact, Book II features a scene where the protagonist thanks God for the diversity of New Earth compared to the lifeforms that existed on ‘Old Earth.’
It might sound strange to have Christianity so prevalent in a science fiction series that takes place on a new planet, but to me it feels entirely natural. Think of the basic elements of worldbuilding when it comes to fantasy. Almost every novel in this genre features a magic system (supernatural abilities), a culture (way of life), an order (governing system), and a belief system (religion).
Let’s look at Game of Thrones again.
The magic system is very soft—featuring dragons, sorcerers, and even a red witch.
The culture or way of life is broken into seven kingdoms, each of which explores its own society.
The governing system is a monarchy, the Seven Kingdoms are united and ruled by one king.
The faith system is called the Light of the Seven which features the ‘new gods’ of the Seven Pointed Star; seven gods who are worshipped individually or all together. Characters often have sayings like, ‘By the gods!’ or ‘Thank the gods’ because God Almighty and the Bible do not exist in that setting.
Now let’s look at my Christian sci-fi series, I AM MAN, in comparison.
The magic system is very soft—featuring mythological or made-up creatures and alien lifeforms.
The culture or way of life is broken into three pillars which form the overarching Pyramid of Society. Each pillar represents its own nation which contains its own society.
The governing system features three separate monarchies, one for each pillar of the Pyramid.
The faith system is Christianity. Characters read the Bible and openly worship Jesus Christ as the Messiah. This faith is accepted in each pillar of the Pyramid, and it is considered common knowledge that God is the Creator of this vast universe. Other belief systems do not exist in the Pyramid.
In I AM MAN, I chose not to make up a religion. I wanted to showcase Christianity, so I made it a point to have the culture and the setting stem from the Bible.
This sometimes brings up questions from Believers, like, how do you explain where the other lifeforms come from? The answer is simple—God created them! Just like He created everything else.
My friends, it doesn’t have to be so complicated. The Bible says, everything comes from God [Romans 11:36]—that includes your imagination. Why call yourself a Christian if you don’t truly believe that fact? Is it really so difficult to imagine God creating Mars and Venus and Neptune and whatever may have once existed on those planets? As a Christian, I can think of no other explanation for their very existence. They must have come from God.
But what about magic and supernatural powers? How does Christianity fit into that?
We went over this in my series on Writing Christian Magic Systems, but I will briefly discuss it now. Your magic system doesn’t have to feature witchcraft or other dark elements. The source of your powers can—and should—be God.
In my epic Christian fantasy, Cross Academy, characters use abilities called ‘Blessings.’ These blessings are gifts from God, bestowed upon certain bloodlines to help His children fight the darkness of their world. The Four Regions of Cross Academy are filled with hundreds of blessings, but they are also brimming with as many curses.
While war rages, blessings become living prayers—physical manifestations of their whispered words. So when the protagonist, Fox Fire, gains the ability to manipulate fire, it isn’t a ‘magical ability’ from casting a spell, it is an anointing from God to be used in battle.
This series was inspired by the Christian understanding of spiritual warfare. Think of the scripture, Ephesians 6:12 NIV, for our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
I said it before, my friends, writing Christian fantasy doesn’t have to be a complicated issue. Almost every fantasy novel features a setting which includes a magic system (supernatural abilities), a culture (way of life), an order (governing system), and a belief system (religion). As the author, you have the power to decide how these elements are built.
You don’t have to create a world without God. You don’t have to make up your own belief system—you’ve already got one! You don’t have to introduce magical elements which stand against the Word of God. You don’t have to try to find a scientific explanation for the existence of alien lifeforms. God was and is and is to come. His Word stands in every part of the universe—even the parts we’ve never explored! And besides, doesn’t it sound exciting to explore what Christianity would look like on another planet in another galaxy?
As Christian authors, we should strive to write our work from a Biblical perspective. When you approach your story that way, it isn’t difficult to include your faith in your writing. But if you’re still scratching your head, don’t worry! Check out my other articles on writing Christian fantasy and don’t forget, you’re a child of God! Take your questions and concerns to Jesus Christ and seek guidance in your writing from the Holy Spirit.
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