Date
11-13-2025
Department
College of Arts and Sciences
Degree
Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing (MFA)
Chair
Tess Martinus
Keywords
Dialogue, Missions, Science Fiction, Reading, Writing
Disciplines
Creative Writing
Recommended Citation
Tompkins, Matthew Ryan, "Why Christians Should Read and Write Science Fiction an Examination of the Benefits of Using Science Fiction to Spread the Gospel" (2025). Masters Theses. 1388.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/masters/1388
Abstract
Science fiction is a form of literature that faces many objections from the church that many people may not be aware. Many Christians assume that science fiction is about worlds and technologies that challenge the nature of God’s creation. This assumption is largely because these opposing Christians have neither read or written science fiction. What this Christian opposition doesn’t realize is that whether it be movies, books or television, science fiction continues to grow in popularity as a genre in mainstream media. This growth has created a unique evangelical opportunity to use science fiction to preach to unbelievers. If Christians read and write science fiction with realistic dialogue, it is possible to use science fiction as a medium to speak of the gospel. This will require debunking misconceptions and fallacies Christians have about science and the science fiction genre. To do this, Christians need to read more science fiction to understand what the genre is really about. Not only should Christians be reading science fiction, but Christians should also be writing science fiction as well. This understanding will then allow Christians to use science fiction as a gospel tool to preach to people that normally would not be receptive to Christ’s message.
