Supernatural, fantasy and occult

[lisanq]

My opinion that one reason so many people are drawn to the occult is because they have a spiritual emptiness they are trying to fill. We have the chance to fill them with spiritual water and once they repent (turn from sin not just say it), and ask Jesus to be their Savior, they will receive the Holy Spirit and not feel so spiritually empty. We have to meet people where they are at and that is the wonderful thing about science fiction and fantasy. We can give them a good story and possibly point them in the right direction. Lisa

[Cecilia Marie]

My opinion that one reason so many people are drawn to the occult is because they have a spiritual emptiness they are trying to fill. We have the chance to fill them with spiritual water and once they repent (turn from sin not just say it), and ask Jesus to be their Savior, they will receive the Holy Spirit and not feel so spiritually empty. We have to meet people where they are at and that is the wonderful thing about science fiction and fantasy. We can give them a good story and possibly point them in the right direction. Lisa

I agree, Lisa.

[fserafim]

Well..I'm new here. I've been writing tech/biz for many, many years. I've just completed two books on the supernatural. I believe it's important that Christian writers write in this genre. When I see what kids are reading, I feel that we as Christians need to channel these stories so that they inspire our readers to think about the nature of occult, magic and fantasy. Our Lord spoke in parables, so why not us too? I have two themes in mind. The first is revealing the miraculous and the second to expose the magic. I do not preach to my readers but I reveal the dark side of magic and of course my hero/heroine succeeds in the quest.

[Timber Wolf]

I think the key is not to glorify it. Gravity's "Until the Last Dog Dies" includes some aspects of the supernatural.

And of course there is Peretti's "Darkness" books.

Fantasy should not even be considered in the same realm.

I think it is up to the individual author (and reader) and his/her convictions (based upon God's Word, etc.) as to how much to include in their works (reading habits).
Some may not be affected by a small inclusion (again, not to glorify it, just to show it exists) in a work, others may be heavily influenced if they delve any distance at all into that sort of thing.

Blessings, and welcome.

[Pippinthe Short]

Lazarus having spent my life before being a Christian steeped in the Occult I can tell you it is a sticky wicket at best. My opinion would be stick close to Christians and really soak your self in the word. Researching this stuff can make you manic and more than a bit paranoid. Being accountable wouldn't be a bad idea.
Some very real believer sources I would recommend is "That Hideous Strength," by C.S. Lewis and "The Great Divorce," also by Lewis. The first has a very real portrayal of the occult and secret societies, the second deals with a" might be" on the after life.