Can a Christian Be a Comic Book Author? by Pastor Walter Snyder Q: I like writing and drawing superhero-type comic books. I'm also a Christian who is learning and growing in the Lord. I know that God gave me artistic and writing talent but I don't want to sin against Him. So, I guess the short question is, can I be a good Christian and still write and draw fantasy and science fiction comics? A: I like this; after all my years of receiving questions, you asked the first one about our obligations as writers. In response, the short answer is, "Yes." However, you probably want more than this short reply, so we'll go into a bit of detail. Some devout Christians believe that any "fiction" is the same as a lie. Thus, whether comic books or classic literature, they shun reading or writing in the genre. Others have the idea that certain topics or approaches are fine while others are misguided, sinful, or outright demonic. The most extreme of these may approve of moral stories based on Scripture, fictionalized accounts of Christian life, or stories based on Biblical characters and events. These will avoid "secular" fiction. Various others have their own criteria for judgment. One faction may approve of "spiritual" books plus certain "classics." Others opine that anything without objectionable language or topics is fine for the discerning Christian. But let one "dirty" word, one mention of sexual indecency, or one violation of that individual's moral code be mentioned and the work is taboo. We probably could spend hours finely sorting each school of thought on Christians reading and writing fiction and still not list them all. Yet we really don't need to, if we have a clear basis for deciding what we may, can, should, or must do. In the Bible, fiction is often used to tell the "real truth." Usually, this is in the form of a parable. This doesn't mean that because Nathan, Isaiah, Ezekiel, John, or Jesus used "story language" we are automatically given carte blanche to do the same under any circumstances. However, it opens the possibility for the edifying use of fiction. This has been recognized through most of the Christian Church's history. Stories encouraging human virtue---one of the prime elements of any hero, super or otherwise---are almost as old as humanity itself. Probably the use of story in sermons began with the first sermons. C. S. Lewis told both Christian and moral stories through his fiction. Tolkein's Lord of the Rings is awash with Christian undercurrents. Even the wise unbelievers' fiction can be profitably used by the believer: Witness Martin Luther's strong approval of Aesop's Fables. I would only warn about a few things: One is that you try to avoid giving unnecessary offense. Some may always get upset at what you write or draw; that doesn't mean you go out of your way to make this happen. Second, there's the matter of not encouraging occult behavior. While special powers, strength, or abilities may be the part of a hero, do you want one who manipulates dark and demonic forces or whose actions resemble something forbidden in Scripture? Third, is it edifying? Does it encourage positive thoughts and behavior or discourage evil, immoral practices? Let's consider just a bit more before ending. The Preacher warns in Ecclesiastes 12:12, "My son, beware of anything beyond these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh." Yes, even Scripture went well beyond the proverbs and parables of Ecclesiastes, but it doesn't belabor their point. Keep your craft new, fresh, and positively thought- provoking. In line with this, remember an earlier verse from Ecclesiastes: "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going. (9:10)" Thus, if you have the talents and desire of an author and artist, and if your work is not sinful but in some way helps your neighbor, even by lifting his spirits or by promoting courage, compassion, and other virtues, then do it now, do it well, and do it enthusiastically. Once you die, there's no way to pursue a new career, so if you're going to do it, "do it with all your might." Walter Snyder is the pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Emma, Missouri and coauthor of the book "What Do Lutherans Believe." Scripture quotations, unless otherwise noted, are from ~The Holy Bible, English Standard Version~, © 2001 by Crossway Bibles. Ask the Pastor, © 2002 by Walter P. Snyder. It may be reproduced in totality, including this disclaimer, by anyone, provided that no profit is generated by said republication and redistribution. Translations into other languages should similarly note the United States and any appropriate international copyrights, as well as God's Scriptural injunctions concerning the property of others.