Not just Independence Day, but all month long, American citizens are celebrating our nation’s semiquincentennial called “America 250.” Other fans from around the world are joining in! But some folks, of course, feel uncertain about such patriotism. Don’t our countries have a lot of problems? Isn’t our eternal citizenship in Heaven? Let’s explore how Scripture endorses “the glory and honor of the nations.” And let’s recall how fantastical stories illustrate this good love of our country.[1. Photo by Aaron Burden [https://unsplash.com/@aaronburden?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText] on Unsplash [https://unsplash.com/photos/flag-of-usa-on-grass-field-9C8r4QUwZRQ?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText].]

Episode sponsors

 1. Worlds Collide by Clint Hall [https://lorehaven.com/sponsors/oasis-family-media]
 2. Above the Circle of Earth (softcover) by E. Stephen Burnett [https://lorehaven.com/sponsors/above-the-circle-of-earth/]
 3. Iffy Eats Monsters for Breakfast by Bryan Timothy Mitchell [https://lorehaven.com/sponsors/bryan-timothy-mitchell/]
 4. Lorehaven Guild: July 2026 book quest for The Silver Chair [https://lorehaven.com/book-quests/the-silver-chair/]

Mission update

 * New at Lorehaven: review of All That Glows [https://lorehaven.com/reviews/all-that-glows/]
 * Subscribe free [https://lorehaven.com/subscribe] to get updates and join the Lorehaven Guild [https://lorehaven.com/lorehaven-guild/]

1. Why some struggle to love their homeland

 * We’ll disclaim illegitimate hatred or homeland, called oikophobia.
 * Some prefer imaginary or opposite “homes” rather than real ones.
 * Still others are rank traitors for bad reasons, and can be rejected.
 * Yet more legitimately, “home” has a bad stigma for some people.
 * We must not let “home was bad for me” turn into “it’s bad for all.”
 * Nor should we let this impulse turn into “the nation is bad for all.”
 * Yes, a few countries are built on truly wicked foundations.
 * But most are not—certainly not those with listeners to us now.
 * Even if people do like America, however, they may feel guilty.
 * A similar impulse occurs to Christians who like other earthly gifts.
 * “Our treasure is in heaven, so nothing here on Earth matters.”
 * Subtle gnosticism: if it all burns, why value these temporal places?

2. How stories remind us of good homelands

 * Naturally we begin with the classics by authors who loved England.
 * Lewis and Tolkien saw bad battles and offered critiques at home.
 * But their stories remind us how good heroes fight for their peoples.
 * Hobbits foresee the danger to the Shire and leave home to stop it.
 * Aragorn loves his people and his country, despite their flaws.
 * Faramir doesn’t love weapons but “that [land] which they defend.”
 * Narnia’s kings and allies fight for her and for other good countries.
 * The Horse and His Boy is about the good country of Archenland.
 * Even harsh Calormenes, opposed to Narnia, have good qualities.
 * Classic sci-fi by the French Jules Verne honors American spirit.
 * Japanese stories adore American heroes, and we return the favor.
 * On this side of the pond, stories show America’s flaws and heroes.
 * Independence Day (1996) shows a pulpified-U.S. fighting aliens.
 * Transformers and Top Gun movies tend to follow that tradition.
 * Overtly “patriotic” stories are more about flavor, not philosophy.
 * Back in the UK, Stephen thinks Harry Potter shows this differently.
 * Spoilers:

321. Which Fantastical Stories Help Us Love Our Homelands?

This year’s Realm Makers event came up fast. Zack and Stephen had a blast at the annual event just two weeks ago in St. Louis, Missouri. Whether you got to join us there, or would like to catch up later, let’s survey the successes of this three-day conference and expo. And as more Christian fans (and creators!) find their place in these challenging yet fantastical worlds, we will explore how Realm Makers is not just helping you find your tribe, but helping slowly change the real world.

Episode sponsors

 * Twist of Time by Tricia Goyer and Nathan Goyer [https://lorehaven.com/sponsors/oasis-family-media]
 * Realm Makers 2026 Conference & Expo [https://lorehaven.com/sponsors/realm-makers/]
 * Author Update from Author Media [https://lorehaven.com/sponsors/thomas-umstattd/]
 * Iffy Eats Monsters for Breakfast by Bryan Timothy Mitchell [https://lorehaven.com/sponsors/bryan-timothy-mitchell/]

Mission update

 * New at Lorehaven: new reviews
 * Stephen’s article: “Why I Look Forward to America 250,000 [https://lorehaven.com/why-i-look-forward-to-america-250000/].”
 * Subscribe free [https://lorehaven.com/subscribe] to get updates and join the Lorehaven Guild [https://lorehaven.com/lorehaven-guild/].
 * This week: we begin our quest into C. S. Lewis’s The Silver Chair [https://lorehaven.com/book-quests/the-silver-chair/]!

1. Thursday: the Realm Awards banquet

 * Zack’s arrival and initial view of the St. Louis Union Station Hotel.
 * Comparisons between this new venue and previous RM locations.
 * Stephen’s arrival and all-day setup of the Lorehaven booth.
 * Evening festivities: the Realm Awards costume banquet.
 * What we wore, what we saw, and who won best dressed.
 * This event celebrates the best Christian-made fantastical stories [https://www.realmmakers.com/2026/06/25/realm-award-winners-2026/].

Winner of the Realm Award for 2026 Book of the Year: The Unraveling of Emlyn DuLaine by Lindsay A. Franklin

Winners of the 2026 Realm Awards:

 * Comics/Graphic Novels
   The Epistle to the Galatians: Word for Word Bible Comic: NIV Translation, illustrated by Simon Amadeus Pillario, published by Word for Word Bible Comics
 * Cover Design
   Daughter of Light by Morgan L. Busse, cover design by Jenneth Leed, published by Enclave Publishing
 * Flash Fiction
   “Godspeed, Spaulding” by Olivia Gratehouse, published by Havok Publishing
 * Short Stories
   “

320. How is Realm Makers Reshaping Our Culture?

Gatekeepers everywhere. If they’re not “Big Hollywood” trying to fence out Christian creators, they’re natural barriers like lack of resources. Then along comes the siren call of generative AI. It is said these tools can boost creators’ art powers and help them dodge burly guards at the gates! Of course, these programs also generate quite a ruckus. But apart from disputes over job changes and environmental impacts lies one greater question for us fans—can all these cool tools actually help Christian storytellers make amazing new works that change our world?

Episode sponsors

 * Twist of Time by Tricia Goyer and Nathan Goyer [https://lorehaven.com/sponsors/oasis-family-media]
 * Realm Makers 2026 Conference & Expo [https://lorehaven.com/sponsors/realm-makers/]
 * Author Update from Author Media [https://lorehaven.com/sponsors/thomas-umstattd/]
 * Iffy Eats Monsters for Breakfast by Bryan Timothy Mitchell [https://lorehaven.com/sponsors/bryan-timothy-mitchell/]

Mission update

 * New at Lorehaven: new reviews of The Donor [https://lorehaven.com/reviews/the-donor/] and more
 * Subscribe free [https://lorehaven.com/subscribe] to get updates and join the Lorehaven Guild [https://lorehaven.com/lorehaven-guild/]

1. Yes, if we use gen-AI as tools, not minds.

 * Stephen is first to admit some hatred of AI has grown very foolish.
 * Undoubtedly these may include absurdist political activisms.
 * You may have facts/opinions about data centers and water use.
 * And you may want to “beat China,” or else not care about that.
 * But some of us at Lorehaven never first relied on those arguments.
 * If you marry that “spirit of age,” pro– or anti-AI, you’ll be widowed.
 * Instead we asked about the biblical purposes of humans and art.
 * So all we say here needs to be the Scriptural steel-man version.
 * What if tech lords did make AI cheaper? Built in space? Won big?
 * Your support/opposition to any tool should remain the exact same.
 * Stephen prefers one guiding idea: use AI as a “tool,” not “mind.”

“…Never trust anything that can think for itself if you can’t see where it keeps its brain?”

—Arthur Weasley in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J. K. Rowling

2. Maybe, with biblical human safeguards.

 * In this case, biblical reason supports mastery over tools, not verse.
 * This isn’t just about AI or any technology, but universal to creation.
 * Mankind can abuse anything as an idol or use it for God’s glory.
 * AI is a special case when it is generative, “making” “new” “art.”
 * Creators have different opinions on how/whether to use this.
 * Stephen does refuse to use generative AI in basically all respects.
 * Nothing he writes, at any stage of the process, is AI-generated.
 * However, he will use AI programs as tools for research/tutoring.
 * These programs excel at gathering/repeating public information.
 * When it’s “scraped” from free sources, that seems more ethical.
 * Researchers, however, should know to cite primary sources.
 * Creators can do that may aim closer for biblically ideal creativity.
 * But if creators refuse, and “outsource” their own minds to tools?
 * Well, they’ll get lost in the slop and will reach creative dead ends.

3. No, if we rank ourselves over fan interests.

 * A few activists seem overly bullish on using AI as substitute-minds.
 * They’re the opposite to reflexive (and short-sighted) AI haters.
 * Some even call loudly for Christian-made art, quick, easy, good(?).

319. Can Christian Creators Use Generative AI to Save Culture?

One of the sillier myths in our culture claims, “Most men don’t read.” Sometimes this is a real trend. Other times it’s wishful thinking because some folks don’t want to share stories that boys and men want to read. Still, we can join to equip Christian fathers and other mentors for their unique God-given responsibility—to train kids to fight dragons. And for that mission, author James R. Hannibal rides back into the studio.

Episode sponsors

 * Twist of Time by Tricia Goyer and Nathan Goyer [https://lorehaven.com/sponsors/oasis-family-media]
 * Realm Makers 2026 Conference & Expo [https://lorehaven.com/sponsors/realm-makers/]
 * Author Update from Author Media [https://lorehaven.com/sponsors/thomas-umstattd/]
 * Descendant Publishing [https://lorehaven.com/sponsors/bryan-timothy-mitchell/]

Mission update

 * New at Lorehaven: new reviews [https://lorehaven.com/reviews] and articles [https://lorehaven.com/articles]
 * Subscribe free [https://lorehaven.com/subscribe] to get updates and join the Lorehaven Guild [https://lorehaven.com/lorehaven-guild/]

Quotes and notes

 * Lightraiders year 2: Crowdfunding campaign [https://lightraiders.com/year-two-crowdfunding-campaign/]
 * Yes, Men and Boys Will Read—If You Give Them the Right Books [https://lorehaven.com/yes-men-and-boys-will-read-if-you-give-them-the-right-books/]

Intro: James R. Hannibal

Former stealth pilot James R. Hannibal is no stranger to secrets and adventure. He has been shot at, locked up by surface to air missiles, has hunted insurgents with drones, and was once chased by an armed terrorist down a winding German road. James is the Realm Award–winning author of the Lightraider Academy Trilogy series and a three-time winner of the Silver Falchion Award for Juvenile Fiction for his Section 13 series. He also stewards the discipleship learning adventure game Lightraiders [https://lightraiders.com].

JamesRHannibal.com [https://jamesrhannibal.com/] · Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/JamesRHannibal] · Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jamesrhannibal] · X.com [http://www.x.com/JamesRHannibal]

1. Lightraiders is being quietly re-forged

 * Life updates: Something brought James here—fate, destiny, a horse.
 * How we can pray for the Hannibals and support Courser Media.
 * Meanwhile, the original for-profit Lightraiders is now a nonprofit.
 * Reasons for the change, especially for culture-changing Christians.

318. How Can Christian Fathers Train Kids to Fight Dragons? | Lightraiders with James R. Hannibal

This week we wanted to explore 1980s fantasy. But sometimes it’s hard to recover nostalgia when present-day villains keep killing our favorite heroes. Last week, the BBC announced Doctor Who is dead. For now. Rest in peace, Time Lord. Also these days, Stargate fans are rallying to hold Amazon to its original promises of restoring that universe with original creators, and stop the ‘Zon from some “modern audience” reboot. For these and fans of other Star franchises, how do we mourn?

Episode sponsors

 1. Twist of Time by Tricia Goyer and Nathan Goyer [https://lorehaven.com/sponsors/oasis-family-media]
 2. Realm Makers 2026 Conference & Expo [https://lorehaven.com/sponsors/realm-makers/]
 3. Author Update from Author Media [https://lorehaven.com/sponsors/thomas-umstattd/]
 4. Descendant Publishing [https://lorehaven.com/sponsors/bryan-timothy-mitchell/]

Mission update

 * New at Lorehaven: new review, Maxine Justice: Public Offender [https://lorehaven.com/reviews/maxine-justice-public-offender/]
 * Subscribe free [https://lorehaven.com/subscribe] to get updates and join the Lorehaven Guild [https://lorehaven.com/lorehaven-guild/]

Quotes and notes

 * “June 3, 2026: Stargate cancelled, for the fourth and likely final time,” Joseph Mallozzi’s Weblog, June 3, 2026 [https://josephmallozzi.com/2026/06/03/june-3-2026-stargate-cancelled-for-third-and-likely-final-time/]
 * “June 6, 2026: Do Fans Matter?”, Joseph Mallozzi’s Weblog, June 6, 2026 [https://josephmallozzi.com/2026/06/06/jun3-6-2026-do-fans-matter/]
 * “Why Amazon canceling the new Stargate series is a mistake – and fans are trying to tell them,” Trent Moore at Static on the TV, June 6, 2026 [https://staticonthetv.substack.com/p/why-amazon-canceling-the-new-stargate]
 * “Former ‘Dr. Who’ showrunner Russell T. Davies says women and transvestites should be over-represented in creative writing until ‘things are balanced,’ even if it takes 100 years.” See this June 10 X.com post @BreitbartNews with video of original Davies interview. [https://x.com/BreitbartNews/status/2064907593584164985]
 * “Save Stargate with Martin Gero,” Change.org petition [https://www.change.org/p/save-stargate-with-martin-gero]
 * “Lego’s latest design research: what girls want,” Reena Jana at ZDNet.com, Dec. 19, 2011 [https://www.zdnet.com/article/legos-latest-design-research-what-girls-want/]

1. Doctor Who destroyed by Russell T. Davies

 * BBC, June 10: “BBC cancels Doctor Who Christmas special and Russell T Davies announces exit [https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c621ln7vx7qo],” absolutely predictable end.
 * Back in 2005, Davies revived Doctor Who serials on television.
 * The series had “politically correct” moments, yet great writing.
 * Writer Steven Moffat took over. The show got big. Then declined.
 * In the late 2010s, political leftists demanded Doctor Who
 * A lackluster showrunner took over. Fans rejected a gender-swap.
 * Davies returned a political omnicause monster. He killed the Doctor.

2. Amazon rejects a fan-centered Stargate

 * Variety, June 2: “‘Stargate’ TV Series From Martin Gero Not Moving Forward at Amazon (EXCLUSIVE) [https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/stargate-tv-series-martin-gero-scrapped-amazon-1236765061/],” and fans were outraged.
 * Original creators were on board, per

317. When Do Fans Mourn the Death of Beloved Sci-Fi Stories?

What if the wicked villains did conquer the elves? And what if a young elf-maiden was forced to carry the offspring of one of the invaders? That’s the new novel The Rending Cauldron, just brewed by fantasy author and Realm Makers co-founder Rebecca P. Minor. Today, Becky joins us in the studio to explore tough topics, dark drama, and the expanding worlds of Christian-made fantastical fiction.

Episode sponsors

 1. All That Glows by Lauren Smyth [https://lorehaven.com/sponsors/oasis-family-media]
 2. Realm Makers 2026 Conference & Expo [https://lorehaven.com/sponsors/realm-makers/]
 3. Author Update from Author Media [https://lorehaven.com/sponsors/thomas-umstattd/]
 4. Descendant Publishing [https://lorehaven.com/sponsors/bryan-timothy-mitchell/]

Mission update

 * New at Lorehaven: new review of Darkend [https://lorehaven.com/reviews/darkend/]
 * Subscribe free [https://lorehaven.com/subscribe] to get updates and join the Lorehaven Guild [https://lorehaven.com/lorehaven-guild/]

Backstory: Rebecca P. Minor

Rebecca P. Minor writes sword-and-sorcery fantasy across The Windrider Saga and The Risen Age Archive series. As president of Realm Makers, she also joins her husband Scott helping other fantasy and science fiction writers create God-honoring stories. The Minors have three geeky sons. Now in their empty nest season, they’re seeking ways to further the Realm Makers mission while also tending to their roles as the servants to a couple of spoiled cats.

 * Instagram: @‌rebeccapminor [https://www.instagram.com/rebeccapminor]
 * Facebook: @‌rebeccapminor [https://www.facebook.com/rebeccapminor]

1. From faith to Realm Makers to snarky elves

 * Rebecca’s testimony, even early work at the pre-Lorehaven blog.
 * Some quick notes on the founding and growth of Realm Makers.
 * More about The Windrider Saga and The Risen Age Archive series.

2. From snarky elves to complex fantasy

 * Images and ideas that led to The Rending Cauldron’s premise.
 * Why this new novel is more appropriate for grown-up readers.
 * Early responses from readers and a guide to complex stories.

3. Forging a deeper Christian-made fantasy

 * Stories can avoid politics, but wrestle with pre-political moralities.
 * They can go beyond jargon and apply crises to realistic people.
 * And not every story is for everyone. Readers can help each other.

Com station

Top question for listeners

 * Who is your favorite fictional elf?
 * What is your favorite thematically complex story?

Next on Fantastical Truth

Some fans love the new He-Man movie. Others may not care so much, especially if they didn’t grow up in the 1980s. But no matter your age, f

316. What if An Elf Lost Her Dream-Come-True? | The Rending Cauldron with Rebecca P. Minor

So much sci-fi likes to imagine that humans survive for centuries with some knowledge of classic literature, music, and cultural memory—everything except our religious beliefs. But today we explore a new sci-fi subgenre that dares to suggest the opposite. Faithful priests and other religious heroes of the future may not be wicked villains. In fact, they may be kind of awesome—and potentially fight in powerful mech armor. What is this subgenre some creators call incensepunk?[1. Photo by Rod Long [https://unsplash.com/@rodlong?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText] on Unsplash [https://unsplash.com/photos/blue-and-gold-cathedral-with-glass-windows-y98wLEvLBJw?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText].]

Episode sponsors

 1. All that Glows by Lauren Smyth [https://lorehaven.com/sponsors/oasis-family-media]
 2. Realm Makers 2026 Conference & Expo [https://lorehaven.com/sponsors/realm-makers/]
 3. Author Update from Author Media [https://lorehaven.com/sponsors/thomas-umstattd/]
 4. Descendant Publishing

Mission update

 * New at Lorehaven: Stephen is on break for the annual Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference; welcome to any new listeners he met while teaching about fantastical stories there
 * Now we’re getting ready for Realm Makers. More on that soon.
 * Subscribe free [https://lorehaven.com/subscribe] to get updates and join the Lorehaven Guild [https://lorehaven.com/lorehaven-guild/]

Concession stand

 * Stephen and Zack are Protestants, and yet often enjoy fellowship with Catholic friends.
 * Many creators of fantastical fiction, such as J.R.R. Tolkien, come from these other traditions.
 * So we wanted to speak with today’s Catholic creators of fantastical stories.
 * We’ll be joined today by the staff of Incensepunk Magazine
 * They promise “High tech, high church… science fiction that envisions a future where faith is a living part of culture.”

Backstories: Incensepunk staff

Jon James, editor-in-chief

Jon’s work has been published in the Listen: the Sound of Fear anthology, the Killer Queen comics anthology, Recompose Journal, Theme of Absence, and Rehumanize International. His hobbies are as multifarious as the genres he writes in.

Follow him: Twitter [https://x.com/spaceyjdjames], bsky [https://bsky.app/profile/incensepunk.com], Substack [https://substack.com/@spaceyjdjames], Website [https://www.jonjameswrites.com/]

Yuval Kordov, developmental editor

315. How Do Incensepunk Stories Imagine the Church’s Future?

Summer has returned. That often brings seasonal vacations that give you downtime in a car or airplane, maybe on a nice beach somewhere. You already know that’s a great opportunity to catch up on reading. So what are some tips and tricks to refocus on reading, finding the best fantastical novels and gaining the most from these worlds?

Episode sponsors

 1. All that Glows by Lauren Smyth [https://lorehaven.com/sponsors/oasis-family-media]
 2. Realm Makers 2026 Conference & Expo [https://lorehaven.com/sponsors/realm-makers/]
 3. Author Update from Author Media [https://lorehaven.com/sponsors/thomas-umstattd/]
 4. The Talismiths: The Secret Saboteur by M. L. Hodder [https://lorehaven.com/sponsors/m-l-hodder/]

Mission update

 * New at Lorehaven: reviews have entered a pre-summer hiatus
 * Use the super Library search to find your family’s next favorite [https://lorehaven.com/library]
 * Subscribe free [https://lorehaven.com/subscribe] to get updates and join the Lorehaven Guild [https://lorehaven.com/lorehaven-guild/]

1. Value quality books over quantity of books.

 * Alas, I can’t make this year’s FPEA with Realm Makers Bookstore.
 * But if I had, I’d have heard this line repeated: “My kid reads fast!”
 * This is of course a great problem to have in homeschool families.
 * Many want books “without agenda,” that is, obvious bad ideas.
 * Yet fewer parents ask for books “without ugly,” that is, excellent.
 * In some cases, this may feel like a luxury belief. Kids may not care.
 * Many kids, for example, will read at scale—good books and bad.
 * When I was a late teenager, I began learning some books are ugly.
 * My first truly bad novel was [Title Redacted] by [Author Redacted].
 * But in my family, I had to learn a “language” for describing this.
 * I was helped by reading newspaper reviews of books and films.
 * Then later, early 90s internet taught me better (and bad) reviews.
 * The Pop Culture Parent shares some guides for evaluating beauty.
 * Yet one clear sign—the book asks questions leading you to Jesus.
 * That’s why we host the Lorehaven Library and review some titles.

2. Still, focus on reading many quality books!

 * Stephen has a unique struggle: holding onto pleasure reading.
 * As publisher of Lorehaven, it’s hard to read without some “goal”!
 * But read we must, “for its own sake,” that is, for our Author’s sake.
 * Still, as we age, perhaps every book gains more “practical” value.
 * Stephen often hyper-schedules every working and resting day.
 * This seems a great way to set goals. “The calendar made me do it.”
 * And then, five or fifteen minutes in, momentum alone takes over.
 * You may also need to turn off your phone or use “airplane mode.”
 * Stephen keeps it on, but keeps all social-media notifications muted.
 * Distracted by chatter? Try a free white-noise generator (or an app).
 * Kindles and other devices also help with distraction-free reading.
 * Don’t forget classic printed books. There’s nothing like real pages!

3. Join other readers to share great novels.

 * Obviously your family and friends can be your first fellow readers.
 * Ask your kids what they’re reading, and share what you read too!
 * Take natural interest in their stories, the ideas, and what they love.
 * Stephen’s siblings and him often joined in reading and even writing.
 * Now, he and his wife Lacy frequently read, often aloud, with voices.
 * If possible, join (or start?) physical book clubs at

314. How Can Your Family Read Better Fantastical Novels This Summer?

On May 14, we’ve had one Ascension Day, yes.[1. Photo by Chase Kennedy [https://unsplash.com/@chase1211?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText] on Unsplash [https://unsplash.com/photos/a-black-and-white-photo-of-a-man-in-a-suit-reading-a-book-ueXAnDZgnr4?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText].] What about second Ascension Day (May 21)? In either case, Ascension Day marks the lesser-known sequel to Easter Sunday, honoring the time when Jesus Christ returned to Heaven. His disciples recorded His famous last words, including His command: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” How does this Great Commission affect our fantastical stories?

First page

 * STEPHEN: Intro
 * ZACK: Intro and title
 * Opening chat: did we witness to anyone this week?

Mission update

 * New at Lorehaven: newly upgraded Library book search [https://lorehaven.com/library]
 * Subscribe free [https://lorehaven.com/subscribe] to get updates and join the Lorehaven Guild [https://lorehaven.com/lorehaven-guild/]

1. Let’s define the Great Commission.

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

—Matthew 28:16–20, ESV

 * This command is first for Christ’s disciples and then all Christians.
 * It’s not just about getting people saved but a lifelong faith practice.
 * This starts at home but expands, including baptism and teaching.
 * It doesn’t overrule orders to live simply, work hard, raise families.
 * It doesn’t overrule God’s first “commission,” the Creation Mandate.
 * In fact, this helps restore people to Jesus so we can do that calling.

2. How do some stories try to act this out?

 * In the past, evangelical Christian fiction focuses on nonbelievers.
 * They want to tell good stories, yes, but also get the reader saved.
 * Sometimes the hero is a nonbeliever forced to confront faith issues.
 * In fantasy, we met Jesus-allegories or find prayer is a weapon.
 * In sci-fi, we learned aliens are real (demons) and Jesus is better.
 * Other stories have featured “backslidden” people who need faith.
 * And then other stories push back with more subtle approaches.
 * The rise of YA brings simpler themes, often identity and courage.
 * Romantasy may reduce “gospel” content, favoring virtues and love.
 * Before: overt gospel about God. After: subtle morals about us.
 * In either case, the original “evangelical” impulse may remain.
 * Authors understandably want to do more than entertain readers.

3. Great stories reflect all God’s commands.

 * It’s important to note differences between these two commands.
 * So far as we know, the Creation Mandate is forever, an eternal call.
 * The Great Commission is temporary . It won’t be around forever.
 * This doesn’t make the Mandate more important. It does balance.
 * That’s why the apostles spoke often about families and hard work.
 * We have seen older novels that valued “message” over excellence.
 * If we feel guilty over not witnessing, we may want to compensate.
 * A novel ma

313. Should Christian-Made Stories Evangelize Nonbelievers?

This week marks Ascension Day, May 14![1. Photo by Timo Volz [https://unsplash.com/@magict1911?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText] on Unsplash [https://unsplash.com/photos/ocean-under-sunlight-K2jUGU6ttO0?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText].] So let’s rise to that occasion and survey at least seven notions about that place to which Jesus ascended—Heaven. Is it true that Heaven is only “spiritual”? Or that we can’t know about Heaven is like, so it’s best we not think much about that unchanging, un-earthly or very-earthly dimension where “time shall be no more” and where basically good people go? We’ll do our best to bypass modern myth and search the only certain Source.

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Concession stand

 * Concession: Randy Alcorn just released a similar article last week [https://www.epm.org/resources/2026/May/6/eight-myths-about-heaven/].
 * By intention, I didn’t read the article, or my own previous material.
 * There’s a chance some of my myths (in no special order) overlap.
 * I do credit Alcorn’s Heaven (2004) as a formative influence.
 * Yet here I’ll attempt to base my reasons straight on Scripture.
 * In the past I’ve rankled some folks with strange afterlife ideas.
 * Yet in the last 20 years more people have “discovered” New Earth.

1. Heaven is only a “spiritual” place.

 * This usually comes not from teaching, but memes and impressions.
 * Some of us also recall the phrase “spiritual body” (1 Cor. 15:44).
 * Since God is Spirit (John 4:24), isn’t this the same kind of spirit?
 * Won’t this mean we’ll have no body, becoming intangible, ghostly?
 * It’s true that God the Father is spirit, without a body. Yet not Jesus.
 * All resurrection ideas are based on His physical/spiritual nature.
 * Yes, Heaven today is for souls separated from bodies (2 Cor. 5).
 * It won’t stay that way after the final resurrection Jesus promises.
 * Paul in 1 Cor. 15 defines “spiritual body” as Spirit-powered body.
 * And in 2 Cor. 5 he promises we will be “further clothed,” not naked.

2. It’s best not to think about Heaven.

 * This too is not taught in Scripture, except from misquoted verses.
 * 1 Cor. 2:9, “what no eye has seen…” doesn’t truly command this.
 * Even if this were about Heaven, it never discourages imagination.
 * But it isn’t anyway. It’s about “things God has revealed” (verse 10).
 * Scripture’s images encourage, not suppress truthful imagination.
 * I’m not sure why else God would inspire such fantastical imagery.
 * With biblical foundation, it’s impossible to think “too much” on this.
 * See also: nonsense about “being so heavenly minded…” Bad logic.
 * Being biblically “heavenly minded” helps us love “earthly good.”
 * We avoid that gnostic impulse the slogan was meant to counter.

3. “Time shall be no more” in Heaven.

 * People really do assu

312. Why Do Christians Believe These Top Seven Myths About Heaven?

Explore the best Christian-made fantasy, sci-fi, and beyond, and apply these stories’ meanings in the real world Jesus calls us to serve.

Zack Russell

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