Should Christian Fantasy Address Witchcraft?

Why my Christian Fantasy Novel has Witchcraft in it… a Critique on Contemporary Christian Fiction.

As I’m sure you can see from the title, I will be addressing something controversial. Feel free to discuss, respectfully, in the comments.

Requirements for Christian Fiction generally include a lack of occult activity based on the rebuking of it in Deuteronomy 18:9-14 and Galatians 5:19-21. But, the Bible doesn’t avoid talking about it; it addresses it outright. More importantly, it doesn’t even ask us to avoid this topic. So, why do we? I want to explore that question today.

Traditional Reasoning…

The most common reasoning for leaving the occult out of Christian Fiction is that talking about witchcraft will “give people ideas” or that it will somehow glorify the issue simply by bringing attention to it. Even I grew up believing things like this. If no one knows about it, it won’t draw people in, right?

Here’s where the problem with that reasoning lies: they will know about it. Why? Because those who already practice witchcraft or don’t see it as a problem will talk about it. The only people avoiding the subject are those against it, simply giving the occult more room to spread.

While I do hope people who disagree with me read the book, I’m not expecting it. I’m writing for an audience with Christian morals, that still wants to know what they’re dealing with. This world is dark and writing a fantasy book with an easy world to be moral in would be irresponsible. How are we meant to raise our shields against the fiery darts of the enemy if we don’t know what they look like? We can’t fight our flesh if we’re blind.

The Purpose of My Story…

What I’m not saying is that I’ll depict witchcraft positively. I am saying the absolute opposite. My story explores the psychological reasons someone might fall into the trap of the occult and the negative effects of that choice.

My book deals with a variety of sins, but all of them stem from idolatry, the worship of something other than God. My main character’s specific flavor of idolatry is vanity, taught to him by his parents and the culture around him. A part of that culture is the acceptance of occult aid to enhance their features.

“The idea of casting spells or manifesting intentions can also help one believe that they have the power to improve their circumstances.” (Dr. Patricia Farrel)

This echoes a real-life, societal issue. According to Mark Travers, an American psychologist, the draw to the occult is often fueled by a desire for comfort from affliction and social cohesion. 

Dr. Patricia Farrel, another psychologist, argues that, “Witchcraft offers a space for people to… feel empowered. Practitioners frequently feel more in control of their lives and fates after engaging in rituals, spells, and practices. The idea of casting spells or manifesting intentions can also help one believe that they have the power to improve their circumstances.”

Unfortunately, I know multiple “Christians” who follow practices of the occult. If the dangers of this issue and the causes for falling into it aren’t talked about in our circles and in our media, what are we doing to address it? Nothing! And I refuse to do nothing.

Final Decision…

My debut novel will address the very real occult activities rampant in its society in an attempt to bring attention to the brokenness of that system. It will not shy away from the darkness, but bring it to the light, as we are called to do in Ephesians 5:11, “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.”

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