"All fictional stories as we know them today have their origin in storytelling as was done by our ancestors. At some point mythology came into the picture with stories about the fantastic deeds of gods and the horrors committed by terrible mythical creatures. Gods or godlike characters are still very popular in the fantasy genre, often based on ancient cultures like the Greeks, the Romans, the Vikings or the Egyptians. Mythical creatures like vampires and werewolves also often pop up. The actual start of the genre of fantasy, as we have come to know it today, originates from the second half of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century." (Origin of Fantasy, n.d.)
Fantasy is a genre that touches on the desire to be more than human. Making the impossible, possible. People in this day and age seem to be obsessed with the 'supernatural' side of life - yet I believe, in the wrong way. I feel that the route that the media has chosen to take within the supernatural realm is really dark and unnecessary.
As a Christian, I feel really uncomfortable with the genre of Fantasy. I feel that it's a realm of life that has been created in order satisfy a need for the 'supernatural' created by society. I believe, that the genre is associate with the spiritual realm and a person can open themselves up to unwanted spirits which can lead to horrible things - even if you just think about a child having a nightmare after watching a scary movie. I feel that people seek out movies or immerse themselves in a genre in order to gain a desired reaction or effect without thinking about the consequences that come with it.
Origin of Fantasy. Focus on Fantasy. Retrieved September, 21, 2012 from http://www.focusonfantasy.com/2010/02/the-origin-of-fantasy/
Holly, in another group there is quite a discussion thread on this issue of the Christian view of fantasy. People have always been fascinated with ghosts and the supernatural, which may be a part of our sense that the world is larger and stranger than our view of it. i've sometimes thought that fantasy is popular because it is a kind of reaction of modern rationalism and materialism, rather than anti-christian as such. On the other hand, many people are not convinced by monotheism, and Fantasy may express that desire to see god, or gods, in nature.
ReplyDeleteChristianity may be responsible in part for this by banishing god from the natural world - putting him above nature.
I think the fantasy part is all about the Gods that are inside the darkness of the world. I don't think I have seen a God inside the movies that are full of love, patience and peace for everyone which it does interfere with Christianity. Referring to Mike's comment, I think banishing God from the natural world is correct because in no way that we can actually face God and do whatsoever. However, in fantasy movies its all about being against the Gods and destroying his or her land. As a christian it might be hard to understand the movies that are so connected with the other Gods in this imaginary world. People being fascinated with ghosts and supernatural can be a popular genre but I think it's all under the lies and nothing good will come from the darkness (ghosts,supernatural..etc) they just deceive peoples minds.
ReplyDeleteHi May Kim. A mix of ideas and opinions here, and a sense of you straining at the edge of your English.
Delete'I think banishing God from the natural world is correct because in no way that we can actually face God and do whatsoever.' What do you mean here, and how does it influence your view of the film?
Thank you Mike and May Kim for your comments. It definitely makes me think more from a wider range point of view rather than just seeing it from my initial point of view. I think that the gods placed within the genre of fantasy appear to have similar characteristics to the Christian God, I think that is where I conflict with the idea of fantasy.
ReplyDelete