Guest Post~Spotlight
Brae Wyckoff
Is a Christian allowed to write fantasy?
Okay, here is something that really sparks some heated debate amongst Christians in regards to Harry Potter, magic, vampires, and the like in fantasy genre writing.
I am part of several online groups and a discussion came up with several viewpoints. I thought I would copy and paste some comments and how the feedback went back and forth, including my stance on the issue.
This is how it all started...an individual posted the below question:
"I have a question about a story I'm working on. In the Bible, it says Satan is depicted as a dragon. Multiple characters in my story re dragons, and dragon/vampire hybrids. All of whom are Christian. Is it wrong to make them dragons? Should I change this, or is it ok to leave it?"
I am part of several online groups and a discussion came up with several viewpoints. I thought I would copy and paste some comments and how the feedback went back and forth, including my stance on the issue.
"I have a question about a story I'm working on. In the Bible, it says Satan is depicted as a dragon. Multiple characters in my story re dragons, and dragon/vampire hybrids. All of whom are Christian. Is it wrong to make them dragons? Should I change this, or is it ok to leave it?"
Responses from a couple people went like this (each break is a different person):
I consider dragons to be synonymous with dinosaurs -- and in a fantasy there should be no problem with 'good' and 'bad' dinosaurs. Satan is called the "Great Dragon", but there is plenty of room for God-praising dragons.
"Praise the LORD from the earth, ye dragons, and all deeps" Psalm 148:7
"Praise the LORD from the earth, ye dragons, and all deeps" Psalm 148:7
I would be very careful about the vampire thing...they are demonic creatures, and not of God. I think dragons are different, cause the old testament refers to unicorns, which are rhinoceros, and there is a large species of lizard called the komodo dragon. Spend some serious time in prayer about it.
Vampires in context are evil, but what happens to a Christian who gets turned and dislikes what he/she is? Does that make them evil or is evil a mindset in that scenario?
I do not believe a Christian can be a vampire and remain a Christian. It is a demonically inspired and controlled cult. It is a Clever way the devil, Satan, has come up with to pervert the Blood of Jesus. Forget all the "Romance" and research where the origins of vampires and werewolves came from.
I have a question. As the body of Christ, are we not supposed to be representatives of Him on this earth? The Bible says to stay away from even the appearance of evil. So how can we justify writing about vampires being Christians? Because it’s Fantasy? And I’m assuming the dragon/vampire hybrids are dragon/human crosses...which is also demonic. If what Im saying is being taken as judgmental, then so be it. I just think that if a writer is going to write about Christ in their fantasy novels, don’t use demonic creatures to express the Holy Son of God.
If a "Vampire" were to get saved, he/she/it would no longer be a vampire. A vampire is, by definition, demon possessed. Also, any chimera would not have a genuine human soul -- and would not qualify FOR salvation. There's a good chance that chimera were the reason the flood had to come and wipe out all non-human lines that were vying for a chance for salvation -- which only comes through the God/man Jesus -- who represents all TRUE humans to the Father.
Great discussion, everyone. I won't add to or detract from the 'vampire" discussion, but as far as most fantasy creatures are concerned, one of the most beloved Christian writers ever featured Minotaur's, Fauns, Centaurs, a witch, and, of course, a talking Lion. I forget the name of his book. I know it's somewhere in the back of my wardrobe...
can you prove to me, from the Bible, that making a vampire a Christian and living for God is acceptable? Until then, I will not believe that a demonically inspired creature can be used to promote the Word of God!
I write sci-fi. I can't prove spaceships in the scripture, nor would I try too, but I have spaceships in my stories. Demonic? Mr. Tumnis, a fawn, was featured in C.S.Lewis' books. Half man, half goat? Oh, yeah, that's godly.
Im dusting my feet off on this subject. Its sad to me that Christians have watered down truth and let themselves be swayed by demonic doctrines, humanly rationalizing spiritual principals, for the sake of writing a good story. I am also withdrawing myself from this group. Its apalling to me that anyone would defend evil for the sake of righteousness....that is like saying the works ofsatan are holy.
Okay, WOW! That was the look and feel of the dialogue going back and forth between believers.It truly sparked up some interesting conversation. This is my take on the subject because this is actually something that I am writing about and something I have been working on with God.
I think we need to write and tell stories that are interesting but with redemptive qualities...classic good vs evil. I don't think we should shy away from fictional characters like vampires. I also think that authors can formulate an amazing storyline featuring these creatures of the night and make them quite fascinating. We should not water down our book with Christianese to get across our sermon, but instead weave a tale that will take our readers on an amazing journey of life and discovery. The Lord will work on their heart where they are at and will use books to reach people.
I don't think we need to write smut books or insane demonic crazy stories but we can for sure write about vampires and possibly redeem them.
My 2nd book introduces a swashbuckling vampire named Romann de Beaux and he will have a bigger role in the 3rd book titled The Vampire King, where I write about Vampires in search of their souls to be set free of the bondage they are in. I see vamps locked in their own sin, nothing different than seeing someone who doesn't know Jesus locked in their own sin.
The Orb of Truth is the first of my series and I have had amazing feedback/reviews from 12 year olds all the way to 90 year olds. It has received positive reviews from Christians, non-Christians, agnostics, and spiritualists.
My point as a writer is to have fun and make sure my story gets across its message...
HOPE!
The Orb of Truth
To read more head over to Amazon and pick up your copy
The Orb of Truth
“It’s
a cross between Lord of the Rings and the Wizard of OZ where you will be swept
away into a magical land of Dwarves, Elves, and Halflings.”
—Brae Wyckoff
Voted #1 BEST
fantasy book under the radar!
Voted #1 Best
Christian Sci-Fi/Fantasy Book!
Voted #1 Best
Indie Fantasy Book!
Synopsis:
In the hundreds of years since the Holy City
disappeared, darkness has fallen over the land. Human kingdoms have seized
control of the realm, scattering the other races into hiding.
Bridazak, a skilled thief, and his friends, a Dwarf
and a fellow Ordakian, have dared to remain within the human communities and
live relatively quiet lives, until they discover a mysterious, magical
artifact. The three friends are thrust into an adventure that will challenge
their faith, their purpose, and their destiny as they chase a forgotten and
lost prophecy across the realm of Ruauck-El, where they hope to discover the
origins of the strange item and their place in its history.
An ancient, unknown enemy threatens the completion
of their journey at every turn. Bridazak is about to face the biggest adventure
of his life, one that may change the known realm, and answer the questions he
has carried all his life. Will they unlock the truth?
The
Orb of Truth Prologue: The Tree
Its leaves were like clear
glass, and when the sun broke the horizon to announce the new day, a
kaleidoscope of colors danced, dazzling the people who had gathered. It stood
twenty feet tall, a glorious beacon of light, attracting all in the vicinity.
Silver and purple woven wood harmonized to form the base, stretching up and
then gracefully out. Hundreds of branches waved gently in the breeze, causing
the crystal petals to chime, creating a beautiful chorus, like angels singing,
harkening those with ears to hear.
On this day, the Tree was found
on a grassy hill overlooking a small village. Residents of Brook Haven slowly
emerged from their dwellings and began to assemble. The crowd of men, women,
and children swelled until the entire community formed a half circle around the
base of the knoll. None would approach the Tree any closer.
A man—carrying his sick child,
pale as snow—broke through, streaks of tears running down his cheeks. “Please
help me,” he whispered as he laid his boy on the grassy slope.
One of the thousands of crystal
petals snapped free from the strong branch and descended like a feather. As it
fell, it slowly disintegrated, leaving a trail of shimmering dust which
lingered, suspended in the air until the prismatic pattern faded. Each brief
flash of reflected light was like a strum on a lyre. Everyone was entranced by
the hypnotic action, including the father. They refocused on the debilitated
child when they heard the boy speak, “Papa?”
“My boy!” he said as he lunged
for him in a tight embrace, kneeling on the ground beside him. He peered up to
the Tree, “Thank you, for my son.”
Witnessing the boldness of the
desperate man gave another the courage to step forward. “Pardon, um, Great
Tree, I, well, I could use some advice.”
He lowered his head
and grew altogether quiet for a moment, not noticing another petal falling.
Then his posture and demeanor slowly changed. He turned and faced the hushed
crowd of onlookers, but looked lighter and freer. Whatever burden had been
bothering him had clearly lifted as he trotted off back to their town; another
petal descended.
More people brought requests
before it, and throughout the day a leaf would fall for each granted miracle.
Finally, the brilliant, golden light of the setting sun illuminated the relic
with a blinding halo. The people shielded their eyes from the intensity, and
within seconds the aura dissipated, and the Tree, along with it, had vanished.
Website: http://www.braewyckoff.com/
Fan Club Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/210437715767673/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theorboftruth
Book Video: http://youtu.be/0JmqCwNS410
Thank you for having me as a guest on your blog.
ReplyDeleteMany blessings,
Brae
It's my pleasure! I was amazed by your guest post! Thank you for coming on my blog!
DeleteThis is a very cerebral post.... going to spark some interesting discussions I would think.
ReplyDeleteI agree :)
DeleteYour series sounds awesome! I write fantasy romance myself and love the fantasy elements in fiction. As far as the discussion, anytime spiritual or religious ideas are discussed, someone's going to get upset and disagree, like that last commenter.
ReplyDeleteBut, I say, write what's in your heart to write. If it feels wrong to you, don't write it, but don't listen to all the naysayers, either. Write the story that's in your heart, and those who love it will come back for more.
Best of luck to you, Brae!
Thanks Mysti! I will indeed write what needs to be written. I found it very interesting how different people can interpret things and how it affects them individually. Thank you for your support. Hope you can get a copy and let me know what you think. The sequel will be out this year called The Dragon God and I will tackle that Vampire issue above in the 3rd book with another great story.
DeleteI agree with Mysti. You can't go wrong if you write from inside your self.
DeleteMyself, I want to know why Christians write romance (which makes me gag). Don't they care how I feel about things?
ReplyDeleteI will be honest I didn't know you were kidding but I did laugh. Lol I love paranormal romance but, no so much regular.
DeleteThanks for stopping in!
I do hope people realize I was joking, except about the part about how romances make me gag.
ReplyDeleteI found this post really interesting. Although I knew some people were unhappy with the magic in Harry Potter, etc, it honestly never occurred to me that fantasy could be considered "bad" by people other than serious religious extremists. Thanks for the eye opener.
ReplyDelete