I've been writing since I could sit down in my living room and watch a marathon of X-Men and Thundercats. It wasn't until my freshman year in college that I realized what God had in store for me. I'm sorry for not introducing myself first. I'm Pierre Gilson and I am a Christian Scifi/Fantasy author and writer.
People ask me about my book series, WWOAH (World Without A Home). Their faces are full of astonishment once I tell them that the story is biblical by nature. The goal of the story is to bring people back to the kingdom of God. I've studied countless of books, movies, shows, comics, and even life experiences. I've found that any book can have a sense of holiness because of the morals and values which are from God, but the message has to be entirely about the gospel.
It is sometimes tricky to create an entire world that can have readers engaging in it from all backgrounds and religions. You also don't want to sound too preachy (Sometimes you have to). In order to create an EPIC, something so iconic that it will survive through time, we have to first engage life itself, the human experience.
My discussion is, what can we do as writers to create stories that shake up culture. How can we surpass stories like Star Wars, Scarface, Naruto, Justice League, and Kingdom Hearts? What must we implement to change mainstream storytelling? The goal is to make disciples of all nations and with stories that people have no choice but to love, can do just that.
Replies
Cool man. i'll check it out.
Axiom Illustration said:
I agree and I love what you are building. It is what the world needs to see. Getting the gospel out in ways that in is intended is what will draw people to it. Artistic methods are based on our creator from start to finish, or that is how it is supposed to be.
This is an exciting topic I think - it's something I've thought a lot about recently. I'm also hoping to encourage more Christian artists and creatives in this area as well, which is why I've been spending a lot of time trying to build a Christian art community over at my site axiomillustrationblog.wordpress.com (it's growing - only has been around for about two months!) But we all have different skills - even as artists, and it would be amazing to see us all figure out a way to help advance His message through compelling stories and mediums (like games, movies, music and books). As Christians, we have an amazing and powerful message of Hope, Purpose and Peace for the future (which far exceeds anything the world can offer), and our work should try to reflect this the best we are able!
I agree though, there are different messages for different audiences. We should try to use wisdom and discernment when interacting with those around us. Sometimes a hard hitting message may be necessary, and other times it might need to be more uplifting and positive.
Anyway, if anyone is interested in being featured for their work over at my site, please let me know at axiomillustration (at) outlook (dot) com!
Each of you guys hit major points in what I was getting at. We have so many great stories that only touch the tip of understanding the world and human existence. As Christians, we have the gospel, the truth, and that is a power that can change stories for the better. I believe it can be done no matter how hard it may be, it can be done. Stories are meant to spread the word to begin with and doing so will open even a fictional universe up to God's grace.
I mean stories that are well written, well-directed, well produced, with a gospel message. I'm not talking about glorying in depravity like Hollywood. But there are stories that Hollywood created that are powerful because they have right vs wrong, good vs bad, and are emotionally engaging however they ultimately always choose bad because their world view is corrupt. Not Scarface (which I don't see of having too many redeeming qualities), so much, but Breaking Bad does tell a story that a man rejects grace constantly and receives the results of his actions.
I could have asked a writer of the Old Testament to not put in that grisly story about the man that chopped up a prostitute and delivered the pieces to the tribes of Judah. But the message of that story was the man acted from disobedience. Maybe we need to stop sprinkling sugar on the truth. Christ certainly didn't pull punches.
Also what does rival mean? It means that it can challenge these things of the world. If I have a rival that means I have a competition. I mean to compete with the world. We are in Christ, the creator of everything, so what is in us, is greater than the world. We are called everyday to compete with the world. This is a battle. In Acts, the apostles rivaled the pagan Roman customs, and rivaled the Pharisees false teachings. He calls us to do the same with our art.
Or you can keep putting a cross on Captain America.
Great topic. I've often thought of this myself. Star Trek attempts to show a positive future of humanity, but it also is pretty heavily influenced by a particular philosophy (humanism / socialism). How interesting could it be to have a sci-fi story (movie, book, game) that also shows a positive future, but from a christian standpoint? I think it could be done without being preachy too. Seems like a lot of christian fiction ends up going into the realm of end-times dispensationalism.
I can't believe nobody has responded to this.
So far, what I've seen on this site are people that are willing to offer advice and things but they don't see the big picture. Your background is similar to mine. I am a professional writer who draws my stories out because I never learned to use a camera or have enough money to hire an artist or a colorist. I draw to create an atmosphere for my characters.
Your vision of making art and stories that rival what the world offers is exactly my goal too. So many artists on here have been putting a cross on somebody's muscular chest and calling it Christian. That is fine but there are far more artists that need writers than not and the stories tend to be bland. It is not life altering nor does it point to the hope of Christ from the depths of miry depravity. It mimics Marvel in a way and reeks of neediness, lack of originality, and stubbornness(because they think they can write as well as draw I guess).
I think the big picture is to put together a vision of what Christ truly would be proud of and that can rival Scarface, X-Men, Lost and Breaking Bad. We were made in his image so we have the mind of the creator. That means that just as Daniel stood out above the satraps in the court, we can do that in entertainment. Through Jesus, we have the ability to make a story that displays powerful redemption and hope in heaven as well as the darkness that comes from choosing the world and the adversary. That hope is what is missing in mainstream story-telling. Every character on television is broken and the world view is nihilism with no answer. The New World Order producers and Satanic art houses and music studios churns it out repetitively to condition us. Life reflects art and it works the other way around too. They know that if anything gets out that has a Christian message and looks professional than it would damage their already quivering kingdom.
I am here to do that through the message of the gospel. Worship the Lord in his might and preach to them through my art that I was created for. I am not going to consume their garbage anymore when I can make something better. You too. We don't need to worship at the throne of Star Wars or Beyonce, haha strange combination).
I would love to check out World Without a Home. The title already draws me in and I just wanted to encourage you. People are hungering for the truth in fiction form and I will pray that it breaks open for you. I am praying for professionals to be sent my way too, and can believe in the vision God provided me. God is going to have to do something amazing because it feels like I wrote, sketched and inked these three pilot comics only to come up to a looming wall.
Keep creating in Christ!