Good, True, and Beautiful Books

A few weeks ago, I was talking with a Christian friend who asked me for children's book recommendations. When I mentioned that many of our kids' books are full of whimsy and magic, she quickly said, "I'm not really into 'magic' stuff for my kids."

As a fantasy writer, I of course felt sad. I've come to appreciate how powerfully and beautifully spiritual truths can be told through fantasy stories. However, I also understand many Christians' hesitancy to engage with depictions of magic. After all, doesn't the Bible tell us to avoid anything connected with witchcraft (Lev 19:31)?

In our family, we have two main criteria we look when we think about storybook magic.

1. Is the "magic" the same as what the Bible calls magic?

The biblical definition of "magic" is supernatural power that comes from communing with spirits or demons. Most magic in fantasy stories does not overlap with this definition. Dragons, fairies, and elves are imaginative and delightful fantastical creations. Other characters have magical powers they were born with. These special powers are part of the magical world's fabric, not unlike how, in our world, some people are brilliant while others are fast. The magical abilities in these stories are just part of how that world operates, not the result of making a deal with the devil. If these special abilities were not called magic, like the powers in superhero stories, most Christians wouldn't have an issue with them. In our home, we love stories that have these types of fantasy elements. They spin a world or wonder, beauty, and re-enchantment.

2. How is "bad" magic portrayed?

But what about when there really is witchcrafty stuff in stories? Omens, spells, potions, and blood sacrifices get murkier to navigate. When evaluating stories containing these things, it is helpful to look at where the character is drawing their magic from, natural phenomenon of the magical world or mystical communions. If it's the second, that is what the Bible calls witchcraft. However, the Bible itself tells stories about witchcraft such as the Egyptian magicians in Pharaoh's court (Exodus 7-8) or Saul and the witch of Endor (1 Samuel 28:3–25). So, clearly, just talking about magic isn't wrong.

What matters is how the witchcraft is depicted morally. Is it shown rightly as evil, or is it portrayed as something morally neutral or good? Is it used only by the villains, or do the heroes wield it too? C. S. Lewis's Prince Caspian has a good example of witchcraft shown well.

The dwarf, Nikabrik, grows impatient waiting for Aslan to save the Narnians from their enemies and seeks aid from a hag and a werewolf. These creatures begin a dark ceremony to attempt to resurrect the White Witch before they are killed by the faithful Narnians. Children reading this story know instinctively that the Narnians are in the right and Nikabrik and his minions are in the wrong. The witchcraft is repulsive, not alluring.

Stories that portray witchcraft as evil may actually be some of the most instructive ways to help your children understand the depravity of witchcraft. This doesn't mean letting them read dark stories that show all the gory details of summonings and blood sacrifices. But just the mention of these things does not automatically mean that Christians can't read that book. Think wisely and thoughtfully when you encounter magic in stories, and determine what is right and biblically sound.