The Bible does not explicitly forbid reading fantasy fiction, meaning Christians have the freedom to engage with the genre through the lens of biblical discernment. While many stories use “moral imagination” to reflect themes of good versus evil, the genre also presents challenges regarding its portrayal of supernatural power. Ultimately, whether a Christian should read fantasy depends on their personal conscience and the specific content of the book in question.
The Power of the Moral Imagination
Humans are naturally drawn to stories, and many theologians argue that God designed the imagination as a tool for understanding truth. When we read fantasy, we engage what is often called the “moral imagination.” This is the ability to see beyond the physical world to understand abstract concepts like courage, sacrifice, and ultimate justice. In a fictional world, the stakes are often cosmic, mirroring the spiritual reality of the grand narrative found in Scripture.
By stepping into a “secondary world,” readers can often see the themes of their own lives more clearly. When a character chooses what is right over what is easy, it can inspire a reader to exercise similar integrity. Fantasy allows us to explore the weight of our choices in a setting that highlights the significance of the human soul. As long as the story aligns with a worldview that recognizes objective truth, it can serve as a helpful exercise in thinking about the battle between light and darkness.
Historical Backlash and Cultural Concerns
In recent decades, fantasy fiction has often come under fire within conservative Christian circles. This resistance didn’t happen in a vacuum; it was largely a response to the rising tide of Eastern religion, New Age spirituality, and secular liberalism in the West. During the “Satanic Panic” of the 1980s and the subsequent popularity of series like Harry Potter, many parents grew concerned that the lines between harmless make-believe and real-world occultism were being blurred.
For many, the concern was that fantasy served as a gateway to “secular humanism” or “pantheism”—the idea that God is everything and we can tap into divine power ourselves. In a culture moving away from traditional biblical values, some viewed the genre as a tool for desensitizing children to practices like divination or spell-casting. This historical context reminds us that discernment isn’t just about the book itself, but about how that book interacts with the spiritual climate of our current culture.
Understanding Magic in Fiction vs. the Occult
The primary sticking point for most Christians is the presence of magic. It is vital to distinguish between “literary magic” and “occultic practice.” The Bible is clear in its condemnation of the occult because it involves seeking power through demonic sources rather than relying on God. This is a real-world rebellion against the Creator.
“Do not let anyone detestable be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead.” (Deuteronomy 18:10-11)
In much classic fantasy, “magic” functions more like a law of nature within that specific world—no different than gravity or physics. However, modern fantasy sometimes portrays magic in ways that mimic real-world occult rituals. Christians must be careful to see if a story glamorizes the pursuit of forbidden power or if it uses supernatural elements as a simple metaphor for influence and responsibility.
Discernment and the Conscience
While fantasy is not “sinful” by default, every believer must evaluate their own heart. The apostle Paul taught that while “everything is permissible,” not everything is beneficial. For some, a specific series might be a stumbling block or a distraction from their walk with Christ. If a story makes you feel uncomfortable or draws your mind toward ungodly thoughts, the Holy Spirit may be prompting you to set it aside.
“You say, ‘I am allowed to do anything’—but not everything is good for you. You say, ‘I am allowed to do anything’—but not everything is beneficial.” (1 Corinthians 10:23)
Discernment means looking at the “fruit” of the story. Does the book celebrate what God calls good? Does it portray evil as something to be resisted? We are called to guard our hearts, which means being intentional about the media we consume. We should never prioritize entertainment over our spiritual health or the clarity of our witness to the world.
The Takeaway
Should Christians read fantasy fiction? There is no “one size fits all” answer, but the genre is generally a matter of Christian liberty. While we must remain vigilant against stories that promote occultism or secular ideologies, we can also appreciate stories that use imagination to highlight the beauty of truth. By exercising wisdom and following our conscience, we can navigate the world of fiction in a way that honors God and keeps our focus on the ultimate reality of His Kingdom.
