Should Christian Kids Read Magical Stories?

What kinds of books do your boys enjoy reading?

Many boys tend to be drawn to books about evil monsters, epic battles in space, fire-breathing dragons, and planets exploding into smithereens. Our kids are drawn to magical stories about fantastical creatures and worlds beyond our own.

I recently came across a very old Christian parenting pamphlet, written in 1940, called Hallowing the Home. There was a quote about the kinds of books we should allow our children to read. The book said this:

“Every child comes to the time when he or she craves imaginative literature. He should have it; the imagination should be fed. What shall we do? Go to the library and get a volume of fairy tales or something on that order? That might be all right, but remember, dear parent, those stories are fabrications – they are lies. Written as though they were genuine, the child receives them as such; but sooner or later, he is bound to experience the disappointment of disillusionment. His supposed friends are fanciful; they have all disappeared.”

The author goes on to say that in order to feed our children’s imaginations, they should only read Bible stories. “The Bible has all the imaginative elements any child will ever need.”

So, what do you think about this quote, dear parent? Are stories about fantastical creatures and places nothing but lies? Or do they have value in the lives of our children?

Find out in this episode of Redeeming the Chaos.

We have a special guest on the show today who is a bit of an expert on fantastical stories.

E. Stephen Burnett explores fantastical stories for God’s glory as publisher of Lorehaven.com and its weekly Fantastical Truth podcast. He coauthored The Pop Culture Parent and creates other resources for fans and families, serving with his wife, Lacy, in their central Texas church. Stephen’s first novel, Above the Circle of Earth, a science-fiction adventure, launches in 2025 from Enclave Publishing.

The Value of Fantastical Stories

Laurie reads a quote from Hallowing the Home about fantasy stories being “all lies.”
Stephen argues that imaginative stories, like fairy tales and fantasy, are necessary for cultivating a Christian imagination.
He highlights that the Bible contains fantastical elements and asserts that man-made stories can be powerful tools for exploring God’s truth.

Defining “Fantastical Stories”

Stephen defines “fantastical stories” as those that include fantasy, science fiction, and supernatural elements.
He discusses the value of such stories in helping children and adults grasp the existence of spiritual realities that parallel the real world.

Fictional Magic vs. Occult Magic

Laurie and Stephen explore the difference between fictional magic (e.g., in Harry Potter) and occult magic.
Stephen encourages parents to assess the intent of the story and the potential temptations it may present to their children.
They discuss how Christian parents can engage their children with these magical stories without compromising biblical values.

Fantasy and Christian Imagination

Laurie emphasizes that fantastical stories mirror God’s creativity, making room for sacrificial love, the battle between good and evil, and other biblical themes.
Stephen expands on how fiction echoes the gospel and points out how fantasy can reflect spiritual truths.

Practical Tips for Parents

Laurie offers practical guidance for parents who might be concerned about exposing their children to fantasy, science fiction, or magical stories.
Discussion of how to evaluate books for Christian themes like justice, good vs. evil, and self-sacrifice.

Stephen’s Upcoming Science Fiction Novel

Stephen shares details about his near-future science fiction novel coming out in 2025 from Enclave Publishing, Above the Circle of Earth.
He touches on the themes of technocracy, Christian communities, and the future challenges Christians might face in a science fiction world.

Lorehaven.com as a Resource

Stephen introduces Lorehaven.com as a resource for parents looking for Christian-made fantastical stories, reviews, and book clubs.

Takeaways for Parents

Not all magic in stories is harmful; it’s important to distinguish between occult practices and fictional magic.
Fantastical stories can help children understand deeper spiritual realities and mirror the truth of God’s Word.
Evaluate books by asking questions about their themes and messages rather than rejecting all fantasy outright.

Guest Information

Stephen Burnett, Publisher of Lorehaven.com
Co-host of Fantastical Truth Podcast
Co-author of The Pop Culture Parent
Author of Above the Circle of Earth, an upcoming sci-fi novel (2025) from Enclave Publishing