Did you know that this week hosts a major competitive American sporting event?[Photo by Matt Benson on Unsplash.] Instead of XP, they have “scores.” Instead of combo moves and puzzle-solving, they have “plays.” Instead of dying and respawning, they have “losing,” and instead of save points, they have “yard lines.” How can Christians who love fantasy show love and respect to other kinds of fans who enjoy sports?

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Mission update

• New reviews every Friday, including for Secret of the Lost Dragons
  
• And this Friday, more dragons: The Fox and the Dragon
  
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Concession stand

• Stephen is not a sports fan, though part of him wishes he could be.
  
• Sports bring up strong feelings in people, often for, sometimes against.
  
• Our point here is to avoid cheerleading either, but look to Scripture.
  

1. The pros: Why do many fans totally love sports?

• Emphasis on physical training and competition that builds character.
  
• Wholesome abilities to show natural love for one’s city, state, or country.
  
• Friendly rivalry that simulates “war” with others but for simple joy’s sake.
  
• Christian author Randy Alcorn reminds us that sports are good
  
• See his big book Heaven, pages 410–411
  
• Sports in Heaven?, Eternal Perspective Ministries, June 10, 2014
  
• And of course, many sports stars overtly glorify Jesus and the gospel
  

2. The cons: How do fantasy fans feel about sports?

• Uniform expectations for body types, physical athleticism, and sex roles.
  
• Regional patriotism twisted into idolatry for favorites, hatred for others.
  
• Obsession with statistics, players, and idols that excludes other reality.
  
• Many fantasy fans testify to bullying, even at home, over sports culture.
  
• Parents, relatives, and church folks can get really into this fandom.
  
• It may help to compare this with “toxic fans” of our own favorites.
  

3. How can fantastical sports connect us together?

• Stephen finally unlocked a bridge between fantasy and sports fandoms.
  
• Quidditch certainly helped. So did an anime’s “wizards compete” story.
  
• All the same values (and possible idols) can “translate” this way.
  
• Applications for as soon as this Sunday, day of the annual “Big Game.”
  
• Stephen is trying to avoid even gentle mockery about “sportsball.”
  
• He’ll actively ask about others’ fandoms, and make human connections.
  

Com station
Top question for listeners

• Do you speak “sports fandom” as well as “fantasy fandom”?
  

Mahina in the Lorehaven Guild liked ep. 197 about gaming:

Wow, I’m so interested in this. I’m not really a gamer but a fan of stories. I downloaded the Redwall Lost Legends game. Me and my sisters loved these books! It’s literally choose your own adventure book with music and graphics. Very fun for a reader! I don’t have any kind of game consul or computer other than a small laptop but my sister has a PS4 and we had so much fun playing through Jedi Fallen Order. We are waiting for the next one to come out on PS4. When done together, playing these games is about having an adventure and fellowship. Especially when you’re super frustrated and can’t beat a boss.

Next on Fantastical Truth

‘Tis the season for love and enchanted princesses and handsome princes and such-like. But lately, former fans of these ideas just aren’t feeling it, especially from the Disney side of our magical fandoms. When the Big Mouse keeps getting into big trouble, how’s a Christian fan to respond? Joshua Shepherd brings a balanced biblical perspective into the studio.