How Fantastical Stories Can Lead Us To God with Br. Brent Gordon, SJ

Perhaps you're the kind of person who consumed a lot of science fiction and fantasy stories growing up. Stories like the Chronicles of Narnia and the Lord of the Rings have overt Christian themes. Others – Star Wars and Marvel movies, for example – might if you squint at them the right way. Regardless of spiritual intent, these stories can shape us, shape our imagination. We continue to return to them - maybe in surprising ways. These imaginative stories may even lay the groundwork for an encounter with Scripture, priming our minds to see the world as a big, fantastical place where miracles are just around the corner, where epic things can and do happen, and where themes of justice and good versus evil really matter. Brent Gordon, a Jesuit brother in his first year of studies, can relate. He wrote a wonderful essay for the Jesuit Post a several weeks ago where he explored exactly these themes. And he's here today to share some of those reflections – how these seemingly otherworldly stories could lead us to our very real and present God today, in our world, in this moment. You can read his article here: https://thejesuitpost.org/2021/01/fantasy-literature-imagination-and-christian-life/