Contrary to what many seem to think, there is nothing in the Bible that prohibits a Christian or the child of a Christian enjoying a good, clean, piece of fiction. It may be realistic fiction or something that deals with a world that is totally unreal such as the fairytales that most of us grew up with or Harry Potter. The real necessity for Christians, and particularly Christian parents is keeping the fictional world separate from reality.
Children need to understand that although magic may be fun to read about, real life requires diligent effort to accomplish anything (Proverbs 13:11). When I was growing up I heard and read all the standard fairy tales, as well as, Mary Poppins, Doctor Dolittle, Petter Pan and The Wizard of Oz. Those books were to the older generation what Harry Potter is to the current one.
Those worlds were a wonderful escape, but I was not allowed to believe they were actually real for a moment. I knew early on that even the jolly old gentleman of the season was not a reality. I learned giving based on the teaching of Jesus (Acts 20:35), because my parents wanted me to understand that giving was of real importance not just a fictional trait of a man in a red suit.
Mom and Dad made sure that I understood that God is not only real, but the creator of all things (Acts 17:24-29). Jesus is his son (Matthew 17:5) and our redeemer (Titus 2:11-14). The miracles Jesus and his disciples did were not magic, but the power of God (Romans 15:9; 2 Corinthians 13:4). Though they benefited some people, they were done to confirm the word, not for personal benefit (Mark 16:20). Prayer is effective (James 5:16), but it is not a magic spell or short cut to avoid hard work.
Enjoy good literature, but make the distinction between fact and fiction.
Copyright Wes Dawson 2003
