Episodios

  • 306. Why Do Fiction Fans Fight Over ‘Optimism’ vs. ‘Realism’?

    306. Why Do Fiction Fans Fight Over ‘Optimism’ vs. ‘Realism’?
    Mar 31 2026

    This month’s Project Hail Mary film is being praised as a fresh, thrilling sci-fi take that is wholesome and sincere. As expected, we’re seeing more fantastical fans cry out for stories that celebrate the human spirit. Why do we love these stories? And how do different fan trends, even across whole generations, keep swerving between positive portrayals and other stories that may be called “cynical”?

    Episode sponsors
    1. The Star-Blessed by Angie Dickinson
    2. Realm Makers 2026 Conference & Expo
    3. The Hole-Man by Dan Daetz
    4. Above the Circle of Earth by E. Stephen Burnett
    Mission update
    • New at Lorehaven: new boosted Library search
    • Subscribe free to get updates and join the Lorehaven Guild
    1. Optimistic stories celebrate common grace
    • Stephen read the book back soon after its May 4, 2021, release.
    • Don’t miss the audiobook read by narrator Ray “Darkseid” Porter.
    • Right from the title, Project Hail Mary honors human will and spirit.
    • Weir publicly eschewed inserting “the message” (leftist politics).
    • It’s a deeply humanist story (and not necessarily in a bad way).
    • Brett McCracken from TGC wrote that the film honors biblical virtues and “celebrates friendship, sacrifice, and self-giving love.”
    • Some vote blue. Some red. But everyone loves Grace and Rocky.
    2. Cynical stories show sin—and to a fault
    • In response, many fans are freshly condemning cynical stories.
    • These make a show of hopelessness, grimdark, nihilism, despair.
    • But there are fewer of these obvious cynical stories in pop culture.
    • Their problem isn’t “show sin at all.” Their problem is lack of virtue.
    • Do note that some popular “optimistic” stories are just posers.
    • They’re just as cynical about virtue, yet may offer false “syncerity.”
    • One can almost see the memos. They’re trying to have/eat cake.
    3. Many great stories rightly reflect both
    • “Realistic” stories aren’t always cynical, and “colorful” stories aren’t always optimistic; this is defined more by ideas than appearance.
    • Earnest and optimistic stories can be noblebright and nobledark.
    • In fact, Project Hail Mary (book and film) mixes both of these.
    • Even God gets a friendly shoutout—a hint at the morality’s origin.
    • Spoiler: Ryland is no hero. He’s effectively assaulted. That’s dark.
    • But desperate times call for Grace. He becomes a hero. That’s light.
    • These stories defeat both forced “syncerity” and cynical tales.
    Com station Top question for listeners
    • What do you love about Project Hail Mary and optimistic stories?
    Next on Fantastical Truth

    Uh-oh. That big new trailer from that big studio just hit for that big fantasy franchise remake/reboot/sequel. It’s too big to fail! And then fail it does. They got the cast way wrong. They hired a bad writer. And they’re going to ruin everything we loved about the original. What’s worse? These big studios don’t seem to care. Do they? Or do some big studios have big secret reasons for “improving” fantasy franchises?
    Más Menos
    55 m
  • 305. How Do Great Stories Help Us Prepare for War-Time?

    305. How Do Great Stories Help Us Prepare for War-Time?
    Mar 24 2026
    “And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.” That’s what the Lord Jesus promised His disciples. How does His word, with support from fantastical fiction, help us prepare for armed conflicts across our real world? Episode sponsors The Star-Blessed by Angie DickinsonRealm Makers 2026 Conference & ExpoThe Hole-Man by Dan DaetzAbove the Circle of Earth by E. Stephen Burnett Mission update New at Lorehaven: join the Lorehaven AuthorshipSubscribe free to get updates and join the Lorehaven Guild Quotes and notes The main relevant fact admitted by all parties is that war is very disagreeable. The main contention urged as fact by Pacifists would be that wars always do more harm than good. How is one to find out whether this is true? It belongs to a class of historical generalisations which involve a comparison between the actual consequences of some actual event and a consequence which might have followed if that event had not occurred. “Wars do no good” involves the proposition that if the Greeks had yielded to Xerxes and the Romans to Hannibal, the course of history ever since would have been perhaps better, but certainly no worse than it actually has been; that a Mediterranean world in which Carthaginian power succeeded Persian would have been at least as good and happy and as fruitful for all posterity as the actual Mediterranean world in which Roman power succeeded Greek. My point is not that such an opinion seems to me overwhelmingly improbable. My point is that both opinions are merely speculative; there is no conceivable way of convincing a man of either. C. S. Lewis, “Why Am I Not A Pacifist” 1. Great stories show us that war is hell. Answer to Stephen’s earlier question: all great stories need conflict.Without any conflict, no fights, battles, war, sin, we’d have no story.(Side thought: without the Fall, fiction as we know it couldn’t exist.)Yes, we do love stories that are so focused on war that the word is right in the title: Star Wars, World of Warcraft, Warhammer 40,000.But it’s vital for stories to show conflict/war as somewhat realistic.People die and do not return. Wounds hurt. War-“glory” is fleeting.And of course, folks start or fight in wars for very corrupt reasons. 2. Stories also show wars can be necessary. God Himself, as Author of the Story, allowed/planned for conflict.The very existence of fiction reminds us conflict serves a purpose.Folks uncomfortable with war often find ways to like these stories.This might indicate that even they know conflict has some purpose.Few critics would reasonably dispute (by faithful in-universe terms) the justifiable causes of the Federation, Fremen, or Men of Gondor.Deep Christian traditions of “just war theory” often supports them.Villains have many motives, but often can be stopped only by force. 3. Best of all, stories help us long for peace. Having shown war as hell, but also necessary, stories can do more.The best ones remind us that all conflict and war is temporary.At our best, we as fans aren’t mercenaries who live for the fight.We do want that redemptive, happy ending for heroes, already!… At least, until the next war-story reminding us that it’s not yet.Most stories hold this happy end always out of reach, off the page.Others, chief among these the biblical Story, directly promise this. Com station Top question for listeners What are your favorite war-stories and why? Fans like Luke liked exploring pros/cons of adaptation: Our kids usually prefer books to their screen adaptations, but were very disappointed by the Mary Poppins books. The Disney adaptation took a lot of liberties, but it also made Poppins more likeable and wisely left out pagan elements of the story. Next on Fantastical Truth This month’s Project Hail Mary film is being praised as a fresh, thrilling sci-fi take that is wholesome and sincere. As expected, we’re seeing more fantastical fans cry out for stories that celebrate the human spirit. Why do we love these stories? And how do different fan trends, even across whole generations, keep swerving between positive portrayals and other stories that may be called “realistic” or else “cynical”?
    Más Menos
    1 h y 1 m
  • 304. When Was the Film Better Than the Book?

    304. When Was the Film Better Than the Book?
    Mar 17 2026

    Adaptations. Sometimes we act like we don’t like them. But sometimes we do. And sometimes each new version of a story—book to film or TV show—changes the original but adds something new and amazing. Today we explore the pros and cons of adaptations.

    Episode sponsors
    1. Firebreak by Kathy Tyers
    2. Realm Makers 2026 Conference & Expo
    3. The Hole-Man by Dan Daetz
    4. The Lorehaven Authorship
    Mission update
    • New at Lorehaven: review of The Star-Blessed
    • Subscribe free to get updates and join the Lorehaven Guild
    1. When the film was better than the book(?)
    • Zack believes The Lord of the Rings films are better than the books.
    • He also finds The Hunger Games films better than the books.
    • Both Dune films are more accessible than the novels, at least so far.
    2. When film versions make changes yet win
    • One Piece condenses/adapts a lot from the original, yet is beloved.
    • The Three Body Problem series wonderfully adapts the book.
    • Next week’s Project Hail Mary is being hailed as a faithful version.
    3. When remade versions beat earlier versions
    • Avatar: The Last Airbender has flaws yet beats the 2010 film.
    • 12 Monkeys the show is far better than 12 Monkeys the movie.
    • Many of the DC and Marvel new versions beat earlier adaptations.
    Com station

    Top question for listeners

    • Which of your favorite film versions beat or match original books?
    Next on Fantastical Truth

    “And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.” That’s what the Lord Jesus promised His disciples. How does His word, with support from fantastical fiction, help us prepare for armed conflicts across our real world?
    Más Menos
    50 m
  • 303. Why Do Many Fans Crown ‘One Piece’ King of the Anime?

    303. Why Do Many Fans Crown ‘One Piece’ King of the Anime?
    Mar 10 2026
    Kaizoku ou ni ore wa naru! Today around the world, millions of fans who love Japan’s hit manga/anime series, One Piece, are rejoicing for many reasons, including today’s release of the live-action series season 2 on Netflix. Why do so many fans love these comical, earnest adventures of Captain Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates? Episode sponsors Firebreak by Kathy TyersRealm Makers 2026 Conference & ExpoThe Hole-Man by Dan DaetzThe Lorehaven Authorship Mission update New at Lorehaven: our book quest into fantasy EmbergoldSubscribe free to get updates and join the Lorehaven Guild Quotes and notes The hit manga just reached 600 million, matching SupermanAfter 1,170+ chapters and nearly 30 years, creator Eiichiro Oda’s pirates-with-powers story is sailing toward its final arcs.The popular anime is ending hiatus to resume in April.And today Netflix is christening the live series Season 2, after 2023’s Season 1 happily broke the “anime to live-action curse.”Oh, and this just in: last week Oda and crew made the meme come true.He really did write down the answer to “what is the One Piece,” the treasure sought by every pirate.He locked this in a chest, buried it deep in the sea, and initiated a great fan-pirate era.But spoiler alert: I think I know the secret of the One Piece. And by the end of this episode, I shall spell out my grand fan theory. Mission update New at Lorehaven: our book quest into fantasy EmbergoldSubscribe free to get updates and join the Lorehaven Guild The Mugiwara (Straw Hat) Pirates of One Piece, with friends from Fishman Island. 1. One Piece plots with deep heroic ambition. Plot summary: Luffy sets his goal of becoming king of the pirates.He recruits a crew with other goals, yet following him as captain.Over many years and arcs, their goals all begin to come together.It’s a celebration of labor, pain, reward, and growing to maturity.So it’s like “follow your dream” but much longer, deeper, complex.After all, dreams/goals lead to disloyalty, idolatry, and overwork.One day I had to stop watching One Piece for good reason.Why? I had been overworked and needed more rest than ambition.Altogether it’s a reminder of the great adventure that’s often hard.In a world of “you’re great as you are,” this is a worthy challenge. 2. One Piece recruits a nakama pirate crew. And yet this story isn’t just about individuals with selfish interests.Everyone in the Straw Hat pirate crew grows in their relationships.It’s much like a “found family” but not without natural family bonds.Some of them have deep childhood trauma and must find healing.Villains also have tragic pasts, but are also evil and must go down.Trauma is serious, death is permanent, and personal loss will sting.Many fans (myself included) find this “wacky realism” refreshing.Oda wisely avoids and mocks the idea of romance among the crew.And also wisely, the live-action series reflects all of these themes.That’s one reason One Piece LA broke the live-action-anime curse. 3. One Piece sails to fantastical new worlds. Fans praise Oda’s worldbuilding that is indeed massively creative.Fantasy meets sci-fi meets horror, in land, sky, and deep oceans.Each island brings new crises and often many evil leaders to fight.Thus, Luffy and the Straw Hats have toppled multiple dictatorships.It’s all part of Luffy’s strong views of loyalty to friends and freedom.And now the Straw Hat Jolly Roger flag appears in realSome fans recoil from Oda’s art style, reflecting well in the anime.Characters often have wacky proportions, heavy on caricature.And alas, manga/anime is fond of “comedic” nudity/sexual imagery.Yet with cautions, you can now enjoy this story in many art forms. BONUS: has Stephen found the One Piece? Some fans believe the One Piece is more of a traditional treasure.Others claim a metaphor, e.g. “the friends we made along the way.”But I think the series has given us plenty of clues to identify it.For the treasure chest, Oda wrote, “As for the One Piece, it is …”If fans found the buried paper, they’d read: (continued in episode!) Com station Top question for listeners What’s your favorite crazy story with wild action and heroic heart? Next on Fantastical Truth Adaptations. Sometimes we act like we don’t like them. But sometimes we do. And sometimes each new version of a story—book to film or TV show—changes the original but adds something new and amazing. So next week, we’ll explore the pros and cons of adaptation, whether it’s One Piece, or The Pendragon Cycle, or the latest superhero retelling.
    Más Menos
    52 m
  • 302. How Does Space Opera Sing of New Worlds? | Firebreak with Kathy Tyers

    302. How Does Space Opera Sing of New Worlds? | Firebreak with Kathy Tyers
    Mar 3 2026
    Space is a dangerous place. Even recently we learned that the entire Artemis program has been rebooted, adding more rockets and risks! In other worlds and other galaxies, “space” is full of human life, music, adventure, romance, and fantastical new worlds. Just in time for Firebreak, book 1 of the Firebird Interlude Trilogy, we’re joined by longtime science fiction novelist Kathy Tyers to explore how the best space operas sing through this teeming expanse. Episode sponsors Firebreak by Kathy TyersRealm Makers 2026 Conference & ExpoThe Hole-Man by Dan DaetzThe Lorehaven Authorship Mission update New at Lorehaven: Andromache review, weekly reviewsSubscribe free to get updates and join the Lorehaven GuildYou’ll get notified of monthly events, like last week’s livestream. Backstory: Kathy (Tyers) Gillin Kathy Tyers sold her first novel, Firebird, to Bantam Spectra in 1986. Since its initial 1987 publication, it has been rereleased by Bethany House Publishers, Marcher Lord Press, and Enclave Publishing, and was followed by further Firebird-universe novels Fusion Fire and Crown of Fire. Kathy finished the Firebird series in 2011 and 2012 with Wind and Shadow and the messiah tale Daystar. Enclave Publishing has also re-released her early novels One Mind’s Eye, Shivering World (Christy Award winner, 2019), and Crystal Witness. Now she’s returning to the Firebird whorl for a new series of novels. The Firebird Interlude trilogy begins March 10 with the release of Firebreak. Kathy is also known for her Star Wars Expanded Universe novels—The Truce at Bakura and New Jedi Order: Balance Point. She lives in Montana with her husband William T. Gillin. KathyTyers.comon Facebook 1. What are the origin stories of space opera? 1818: Mary Shelley’s first sci-fi-ish/horror novel Frankenstein1830: British author Percy Greg’s poetical Across the ZodiacLate 19th century: the prolific Jules Verne, across Earth and spaceLate 19th/early 20th century: H. G. Wells brings the humanismEarly 20th century: Edgar Rice Burroughs shares pulp adventureOther written tales and film serials helped create early space operaThis tradition focused not just on big ideas, but big human storiesWithout these tales, we might not have stories like Star WarsAnd that’s one way that today’s guest learned she liked sci-fi 2. Why do today’s fans love space opera? Kathy Tyers has written harder science fiction, like Shivering World.Spaceships are cool, but many fans like human drama even more.For example, the Firebird Series is set in a far future galactic Whorl.Readers resonate with Lady Firebird and her husband Brennan.This, by the way, marks a rare example of married-couple heroes.Similarly, Star Wars has spaceships, but focuses on human heroes.Christians also see cool ideas and tech as means to human ends.Without our humanity, we become “minds of metal and wheels.”Even the best Star Trek episodes well understood this reality. 3. What might be the future of space opera? More about the Firebird Interlude series—titles, dates, speculation.Coming this June, Kathy Tyers gives a keynote at Realm Makers.Meanwhile, we may expect to March onward into big space opera.Project Hail Mary, based on Andy Weir’s novel, gets early plaudits.Next up, actor Ryan Gosling and director Shawn Levy’s Starfighter movie (set in the Star Wars universe) is receiving a new hope from fans.People do want futuristic, human-centric science-accented drama.And yet Christians see this not as simply “hope in the human spirit” but hope of redemption, for grace-filled humans and a future age. Com station Top question for listeners What space opera stories help you sing in joyful gratitude? Next on Fantastical Truth Kaizoku ou ni ore wa naru! Today around the world, millions of fans who love Japan’s hit manga/anime series, One Piece, are rejoicing. First, because after 1,170+ chapters and nearly 30 years since 1997, creator Eiichiro Oda’s pirates-with-powers story is sailing toward its final arcs. Second, because the popular anime is following soon after, breaking hiatus to resume in April. And third, because on March 10, Netflix is christening the One Piece live-action series Season 2, after 2023’s Season 1 flagrantly and happily broke the “anime to live-action curse.” Why do fans (like Stephen himself) love these comical, earnest adventures of Captain Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates?
    Más Menos
    1 h
  • 301. Why Do Alien Disclosure Stories Captivate Our Culture?

    301. Why Do Alien Disclosure Stories Captivate Our Culture?
    Feb 24 2026
    People want transparency! Or do we? If nothing else, public calls for revealing government secrets raise a lot of ruckus, especially when the secrets in question seem to be covering up aliens. Zack is our UAP/UFO expert. Stephen is intrigued yet skeptical. We’re both all over last week’s headlines. One former president claimed he knows aliens are real. Then the current U.S. president said he would declassify files. Whatever happens next, why do people want disclosure so badly? Episode sponsors Firebreak by Kathy TyersRealm Makers 2026 Conference & ExpoInterregnum by J. A. WebbAbove the Circle of Earth by E. Stephen Burnett Mission update New reviews: For The Good of All and AndromacheSubscribe free to get updates and join the Lorehaven GuildWriting that next great alien-invasion novel? Join the Authorship. Quotes and notes Armies of the Aliens series on Fantastical Truth 1. Disclosure may expose human loneliness. This news could upend members of the alien fandom.We could all discover there were no aliens after all.Instead we might hear about human technology.And we might suspect we’re alone in the universe. 2. Disclosures can upset our metaphysics Disclosure of extraterrestrial life could upend religion.Or we could discover the “aliens” are interdimensional.Some writers believe consciousness rewrites our understanding of the universe.Maybe the twist on the Fermi Paradox means humans actually arrived first.Zack posted this response on X: “I definitely believe that sinister interdimensional beings directed many religious texts. And that the Bible was given by an interdimensional being. Just one that is supreme to all the others, and good.” 3. Worst, disclosures may promote demons. This too could upend society’s “respectable” materialism.That notion explains elite seances and messages from “aliens.”This would be biblical, but seeing this exposed could be shocking.It might even mean some of powerful leaders are controlled by demons Com station Top question for listeners If we get “disclosure” at all, what secrets do you expect to learn? Autumn Grayson wrote a whole essay about ep. 298: … In general, when it comes to people’s political posts, there are some things I dislike, and some things that would be good to stay away from. It’s certainly best if people say things that have more substance than just expressing outrage or disapproval, because well thought out engagement on a topic is better. But I do respect people’s freedom and autonomy to say what they want to. I’ll agree with it or disagree with it as I see fit. I’ll get something out of it and learn from it either way, but what I may learn is that the content creator is someone I would not want to communicate or collaborate with. Or, the content creator ends up being an example of what NOT to do. Whatever people do, they should remember that they’re showing something of themselves to the audience, and people have to ask themselves if that is truly how they want to come across and communicate to others. It may feel good to voice outrage in the moment or gain social clout for being on what some people call ‘the right side of history’, but is it really accomplishing anything constructive? Is this really the kind of person the author wants to be? Next on Fantastical Truth Space is a dangerous place. Even recently we learned that Artemis II rocket has suffered another fuel system-related setback! But that’s real life. In other worlds and other galaxies, “space” is full of life, risk, adventure, romance, and fantastical new worlds. Just in time for Firebreak, book 1 of the Firebird Interlude Trilogy, we’re joined by longtime science fiction novelist Kathy Tyers to explore how the best Christian-made space operas sing through this teeming expanse.
    Más Menos
    1 h y 1 m
  • 300. Could We See Lunar Bases and Mars Landings in Our Lifetimes?

    300. Could We See Lunar Bases and Mars Landings in Our Lifetimes?
    Feb 17 2026
    For most of their lives, Stephen and Zack have kept their eyes to the stars and wondering if NASA or anybody else will ever again get serious about launching ships up there.[1. Image credit: SpaceX on X.com.] Now it seems that moment is upon us. Lord willing, next month’s launch of Artemis II will drive new great leaps back to the Moon, not only to orbit or put down boots, but to put down roots. Meanwhile, private firms build reusable rockets and plan satellite networks while setting their sights on Mars. So what other science fictions will come true in reality? Join us to discern and celebrate the God-exalting glories of human spaceflight to faraway lands for this landmark 300th episode of Lorehaven’s Fantastical Truth. Episode sponsors The Restitching of Camille DuLaine by Lindsay A. FranklinRealm Makers 2026 Conference & ExpoInterregnum by J. A. WebbAbove the Circle of Earth by E. Stephen Burnett Mission update New at Lorehaven: reviews on break this very busy week.Last week brought a bot swarm and other technical nonsense.Subscribe free to get updates and join the Lorehaven Guild.Authors, want to talk real sci-fi and beyond? Join the Authorship. Quotes and notes 72. When Our World Groans Under Sin, Should Christians Support Space Flight?121. Will Humans Colonize the Cosmos Before Jesus Returns?157. Will We Get Superpowers After the Resurrection?252. What if Space Missionaries Fought the Secular State? | Above the Circle of Earth with E. Stephen Burnett253. How Do Classic Sci-Fi Novels Explore the Planet Mars?255. What Are Space Westerns? | After Moses with Michael F. Kane256. When Have Newer Christian Authors Explored Mars? 1. Today, every space mission starts on Earth A brief summary of spaceflight: Sputnik 1 satellite (Oct. 1957), Yuri Gagarin (April 1961 aboard Vostok 1), Alan Shephard first American (May 1961), John Glenn first to orbit (Feb. 1962 aboard Friendship 1), 1960s moon race, moon landing (July 1969), six moon landings1980s to early 2000s: Space Shuttle program, ISS, many othersAlas, disasters: 1986 Challenger explosion, 2003 Columbia disasterLate 2000s to present: private companies brings new energyElon Musk: classic humanist, entrepreneur, controversial, messBut a genius billionaire, anyway, and pioneer in new rocketrySame with Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, whatever else you think of himThese and more are winning goals to make ships less expensiveSpaceX rockets can now reverse themselves to land on platforms2024: Space X “mechazilla” arms caught a returning rocketThis month, NASA postponed the Artemis II launch until March.Last week, SpaceX routinely launched a new crew to the ISS.And finally, Elon Musk revealed he’s prioritizing lunar missions: For those unaware, SpaceX has already shifted focus to building a self-growing city on the Moon, as we can potentially achieve that in less than 10 years, whereas Mars would take 20+ years. The mission of SpaceX remains the same: extend consciousness and life as we know it to the stars. It is only possible to travel to Mars when the planets align every 26 months (six month trip time), whereas we can launch to the Moon every 10 days (2 day trip time). This means we can iterate much faster to complete a Moon city than a Mars city. That said, SpaceX will also strive to build a Mars city and begin doing so in about 5 to 7 years, but the overriding priority is securing the future of civilization and the Moon is faster. 2. In years, new rockets will reach the Moon Artemis I (Nov. 2022) tested the Space Launch System.Notably, this system is developed separately from reusable rockets.Artemis II (March 2026?) will launch astronauts around the Moon.The mission will last four days and orbit the Moon’s far side.The names of these absolutely real, nonfictional astronauts are: Commander Reid WisemanPilot Victor GloverMission specialist Christina KochMission specialist astronaut Jeremy Hansen (CSA) As memes foretold, we hope they come back with superpowers.Artemis III will be a real moon landing, first since Apollo 17 in 1972.That mission may launch as early as 2028. No crew announced yet.Axiom Space developed new super-upgraded spacesuits for this.NASA identified possible nine landing sites, all near the South Pole.That region has stable daylight/temperatures plus crater water ice.All said, the first lunar bases could be south polar settlements.Many speculators suggest future lunar manufacturing in this area.NASA, Department of Energy to Develop Lunar Surface Reactor by 2030Materials include water ice, lunar regolith, and other metals.Musk wants to make AI satellites there and launch them into space.Elon Musk Wants to Build an A.I. Satellite Factory on the MoonRisks: extra radiation could drive habitats under protective layers.You could shield with thick ceilings or else use lunar lava tubes. Listen to our March 2025 podcast series: Martian Month. 3. In decades, mankind may land on Mars In the recent past, Musk and others thought the Moon was ...
    Más Menos
    1 h y 5 m
  • 299. Should Christian Authors Post About Politics? Part 2

    299. Should Christian Authors Post About Politics? Part 2
    Feb 10 2026
    Last week your solo host, Stephen, shared a hot take: that some authors’ sudden hot takes on political topics add more heat than light. These cringe political posts distract from the author’s job and confuse fans, and some go further into sinful slanders. Now that Zack is back, let’s re-engage this topic as fans and explore hope for biblical unity. Without telling anyone to “stop with politics!” or missing real concerns, how can authors post better about those topics, if they post at all? Episode sponsors The Restitching of Camille DuLaine by Lindsay A. FranklinRealm Makers 2026 Conference & ExpoInterregnum by J. A. WebbAbove the Circle of Earth by E. Stephen Burnett Mission update New at Lorehaven: The Restitching of Camille DuLaine review.Subscribe free to get updates and join the Lorehaven GuildAuthors: sign up for the Authorship as a Creator or Pro Novelist 1. Top recent celebrity political wins and fails Last week, Stephen should have predicted Grammy Awards cringe.He feels sympathy for Billy Eilish and others who just say stuff.Some celebrities can get away with this because they’re Big.Example 1: J.K. Rowling, who lives in a castle and everything.Example 2: George Clooney, legacy, leftist, but moderate in tone.Example 3: Conservative actors who find other (often niche) work.Authors who feel tempted to this openness: are you Big like them?It’s like going out to buy a $10,000 suit before you can afford this.If not, the cringe political post isn’t an upgrade, but a downgrade.Personally, Stephen doesn’t mind politically outspoken celebrities.Those who do this out of seeming grace/surplus tend to win.Those who do this out of seeming vengeance/poverty tend to lose.Big tip here for aspiring authors: you must give more than you take.Otherwise they look kinda desperate for attention, or else insincere. 2. Engaging your responses to episode 298 Our own Guildmaster, Ticia Messing, wants a refuge: I have several indie authors I read or recently subscribed to their newsletters who all took part in a join political statement over the weekend with the same general idea. It was clearly to win political points for their side, and it was clearly a “If you do not agree with me, you are wrong,” and reading it I felt dirty and used. Even the author who tried to be more circumspect in how she talked about it because it was still clear what she was talking about. My problem is I come to their newsletters not to read about politics; it is my refuge from politics. I read them to find out about how their writing is going, a quick glimpse into their life, some book recommendations, and maybe a snippet of their upcoming book. Instead, all of these newsletters had paragraphs about Political Issue. Jason Huff seeks to challenge cringepost motives: What is difficult about social media in general is that most posts about politics aren’t about determining a side or discussing a moral issue but virtue signaling. It doesn’t matter if the viewpoint is left, center, right, or even a pox on all the houses. Most of the time, political posts are subtly saying, “I am a good and moral person for speaking out on X issue.” This is not usually the direct and overt intention, but it’s still there on another level. When I say virtue signaling, I’m not saying that they aren’t actually morally correct in their address, but that there usually isn’t a lot at stake in doing so. Most people live, work, and play with people much like them, and they post things their friend pool is going to agree with. And so, when posting anything political, the question has to be, “What is the reason to be posting this?” It’s usually not to inform, because I’d say anyone aware of news right now has heard about Minneapolis. It’s to give a viewpoint. But unless you live in that area, does it affect your daily life right now? Not so much. The stakes are small. So when I see authors and other creatives I follow giving political opinions, I generally tune out. I’m not there for that. I’m more interested in how you’re living out that belief, whether helping a local legal refugee family or befriending your local police force or however that issue plays out in your everyday life. Peter Schott wants to re-hinge certain friends: Personally, I have a couple of acquaintances who I disagree with politically. On some things, we can just discuss and let it go. In others – the posts are just unhinged. I just mute/snooze the guy for 30 days. There was someone else who just went off the deep end – almost everything posted was hateful, cussing, and such. That earned a permanent block. It was sad to see someone go that far off the beaten path. I did have one friend who started calling his own friends Nazis and such because they disagreed with him on politics – maybe 10 years ago. I called him out on that as a Christian brother and he was able to realize that he’d gotten a little too far down the path and took a break (...
    Más Menos
    1 h y 11 m