313. Should Christian-Made Stories Evangelize Nonbelievers?

On May 14, we’ve had one Ascension Day, yes.[1. Photo by Chase Kennedy on Unsplash.] 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 Subscribe free to get updates and join the 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 may make us feel we’ve “evangelized” or helped others. But sometimes, even then, novels like that don’t fulfill that goal. Stephen enjoys novels that can reflect both these high callings. And yet only the Mandate tells creators to make great stories. My own novel does star space missionaries, yet has bigger ideas. The point isn’t “share the gospel.” It’s, “Here’s how that can look.” And then, “What are the costs to the human heroes who do this?” That story is mainly for Christian readers. Others may not get it. That’s okay. In my view, we need more stories “inside the club.” And yet Christians can bless nonbelievers just with great stories. They can reflect biblical truth, even gospel, yet have other goals. These can serve as pre-evangelism, or common grace for them. “Common grace” means the ways God blesses even nonbelievers. He sends rain and sunshine, good gove