We’ve been looking at why Christians should read fantasy. Each post has given a little more detail, and today, we’ll finish up.

But first, here’s a look back:
1. How Does Fantasy Mirror the Real World?
2. Two Reasons Christians Should Read Fantasy
3. 2 More Reasons Christians Should Read Fantasy
4. Christians and Fantasy: a Match Made in Heaven

8. Home

Sam and Frodo on the slopes of Mount Doom look back to the Shire with strawberries. In The Wheel of Time (mini-series) the characters all long to go back to Two Rivers. And half of the satisfaction of the ending of Towers of Might and Memory by Janelle Leanne Schmidt was seeing main characters back at their homes.

According to Allen Arnold in The Eden Option:

Hiraeth is a Welsh word that can’t be describe by a single English word. It conveys a yearning for a home that we can’t return to, no longer exists, or perhaps never was. It’s not just looking for a home. It’s a longing for our true home.

This longing for a home comes through loud and clear in the classic Hero’s Journey. In fact, it’s what makes the journey complete. When the hero returns home, he’s a different person.

Our home was supposed to be with God, but due to the fall our home is here on earth. Our true homegoing will be when we reach Heaven’s gates—our true home.

9. Good vs Evil

How often do fantasy books have the great battle be between the forces of good vs the forces of evil?

The greatest conflict of all time is between good and evil, and it’s been going on since before the creation of the world!

10. Light vs. Darkness

Fantasy stories dig into the age-old struggle of light vs darkness. Often that might not mean the exact same thing as Christians would see as light vs darkness, but it’s still there—a bridge across the gap.

Sauron vs Gandalf

Aslan vs the White Witch

Matt vs the power of the knife

Harry vs Voldemort

These fights are no different than what the Apostle Paul calls the war between the old and new nature. These fantasy characters are a visible representation of what it’s like to fight against evil.

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And there you have it. Ten reasons Christians should read fantasy and encourage others to read as well. Through story, we can share spiritual truths without offending others.

Just maybe, through reading a book, you may have the opportunity to share your faith with someone else.