Strangers and Aliens: Science Fiction & Fantasy from a Christian Perspective

Ep. 38 — December Doomsday!!! (Interview)

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Steve interviews Geoff Holding, the mastermind behind the website End of the World 2012? at http://www.endoftheworld2012.net/ . . .

The website covers many different topics, and Steve and Geoff also cover many different topics . . . but, of course, the question they will also be covering is “will the world end on December 21, 2012”???

Find out here! (Spoiler: no . . . but Geoff has some very interesting perspectives not only about why not, but why people are interested in both the 2012 DOOMSDAY and aliens and  . . . well, listen to the episode.)

 

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3 responses to “Ep. 38 — December Doomsday!!! (Interview)”

  1. Ryan Avatar
    Ryan

    very interesting. Geoff made some very strong biblical arguments as to why fantasy and fiction in general aren’t appropriate for us as christians. i’ve thought about this quite a bit over the past several years, and i can’t help thinking that we may all be very wrong for persisting in our fandoms. food for thought, eh?

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  2. RC Avatar
    RC

    You know, I’ve thought a lot about it myself over the years. What I’ve come to, as a Christian is that we do have a lot of freedom. However, we also shouldn’t let our freedom lead us into sin. So I look at the whole story.
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    Christ, using parables, employed fiction to help teach. In that we know that stories in and of themselves are not verboten to Christ.
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    Regarding violence, I have to remind many people that Christianity isn’t all rainbows and unicorns. Following Christ can be difficult and challenging (and most often is). Now Christians can fall on two sides of the “two swords is enough” debate. Either you think it’s literal or figurative. While it can be both (I think it is) if you are feel that a Christian should never defend themselves, then maybe sci-fi/fantasy won’t be a good choice for you. I feel perfectly fine with defending myself or those who need defending, by word, deed or action. So, physical confrontation of evil doesn’t make me feel uncomfortable.
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    Using the example of LOTR, it’s very easy. The movie isn’t about violence. It’s about the triumph of good over evil, both external and internal. The influence of Christianity within Tolkien’s world is well documented. The actions of the heroes are intentionally reflective of what Tolkien found to be high and honorable, largely influenced by his faith.
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    However, I’ve heard some extract wild connections to some movies in an attempt to validate said movie to their conscious. I know I’ve done it before. I’ve really had to be more honest about my entertainment to be sure.
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    For myself, the story needs to be telling something worthy. Do I think Christ would object to reading LOTR? No, I don’t think he would. Do I think he’d be pleased with Sin City? No, I don’t think he would.
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    But what i think and don’t think doesn’t really matter. Everyone should read for themselves and be intentional about anything you imbibe or do. Or at least I have to. Don’t succeed all the time. For that I can only ask forgiveness and ever steer for a closer walk.
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    I applaud you, Geoff, in getting the word out there. By the above we may not agree on everything, but most things as would be natural. 🙂

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    1. Ryan Avatar
      Ryan

      that’s a good point of view. there are a lot of biblical themes and parallels in tolkien’s writings. the more i study the bible, the more obvious they become. i won’t go into them here, but again i think your response is well thought out.

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