In a world that groans because of sin, people are talking more about trauma. But less often do we consider our need for truth-based stories to help us seek healing.

People suffer trauma from their choices or others’ abuse, or from our sick world.

Alas, some may wear trauma like chic fashion. Others try to weaponize their sense of trauma to go on a vengeance quest. Or at best, they may fall into forming hero complexes, supposing they can cope with trauma by gaining power to help others.

Presuming the trauma is real, all these responses to it are fake. They don’t identify the sin under which the Earth groans (Romans 8:22). They don’t lead to real healing.

Only in the gospel can we confront trauma. This calls for careful counsel, best if done by trained and loving Christians in local churches. (Of course, some churches mishandle trauma, such as by acting like depression is solely a spiritual problem.)

We can also find well-crafted fiction to help us cope with trauma and seek healing.

Some fans prefer darker, complex stories about trauma. For example, I infamously enjoy the “nobledark” DC films (now including Zack Snyder’s Justice League, releasing in 2021!). These stories use deep themes and grayer areas to simulate suffering. They may help us face hard times, and often include reflected promises of light.

Others of us need lighter, simpler stories with clearer happy endings. Fantasy fans often scoff at such “sentimentalist” Christian fiction. But we can’t deny our reality, in which the people who suffer the worst often prefer the “cheesiest” social dramas.

Still others—I’d group myself here—prefer each type, depending on the struggle.

On some days, I need to watch, say, the anime Attack on Titan, to remind myself that “This world is cruel and merciless, but it is also very beautiful.” On other days, I opt for a lighter comedy, and remind myself that it’s okay to retreat—not away from all reality, but to the happier sides of reality that are just as realistic as the trauma.

Either way, if we are seeking true healing in Jesus, rather than indulging in despair or escapism, these stories can help us cope in ways that help us and glorify Jesus.

Here’s hoping this issue’s reviewed novels not only bring you joy, but help you heal.

Navigation, Lorehaven magazine, summer 2020

Masthead

Captain’s Log

E. Stephen Burnett: During traumatic times, we need truthful stories to help us heal.

Book Reviews

Lorehaven’s review team explores the books they like best.

• Airfoil: Origins, Steve Rzasa
• Cora and the Nurse Dragon, H. L. Burke
• Emberhawk, Jamie Foley
• Heartmender, V. Romas Burton
• Jordan’s Arrow, Allen Steadham
• Let the Ghosts Speak, Bryan Davis
• Light of Mine, Allen Brokken
• Mortal Sight, Sandra Fernandez Rhoads
• Outsmarting Time, Laura Hans Kline
• Sorrowfish, Anne C. Miles
• The Story Hunter, Lindsay A. Franklin
• The Vault Between Spaces, Chawna Schroeder

Cover story: ‘I Used to Want to Change the World’

• Explore For Whom the Sun Sings with W. A. Fulkerson
• For Whom the Sun Sings, book review
• For Whom the Sun Sings, chapter 1

Sponsored Review: The Light Unbound, C. S. Wachter

This novel concludes C. S. Wachter’s saga on a high note.

Discerning the ‘Girls With Swords’ Trope

Marian Jacobs: We can see some strong female characters in biblical perspective.

Sponsored Review: A Shattered World, Lelia Rose Foreman

This is the Puritan space colonization epic you never knew you needed.

The Dangers of Anti-Pearl-Clutching

Travis Perry: Let’s not overcorrect for others’ fears by ignoring Satan’s schemes.

The Chosen’s Speculation Meets a True Savior

Cap Stewart: This series may be one of the best Christian stories in our lifetime.

P.S.: Zack and I explore UFOs in today’s podcast.

Aliens. Oh snap. Audiences love aliens. Aliens! Aliens, from space. Ancient aliens. I don’t know, therefore: aliens.

Zack and Stephen launch this latest fantastical truth-finding with clips from U. S. Navy pilots who encountered UFOs. We’ll explore those reports, other alien stories, and how Christians can respond to the very notion of life and even sentient life beyond our planet.

Listen to the complete new episode, and be sure to subscribe to Fantastical Truth wherever you get your podcasts.

P.P.S. I’m speaking at three conferences this July.

Watch this space for more personal updates, especially as we head into conference season.

For me personally, I have several missions in upcoming events. Two are virtual. One, Lord willing, is real.

The near future will bring more details. Until then, enjoy the magazine—and subscribe so you don’t miss any issues!

Godspeed,
Stephen