This Weekend: Tonight’s Fireside Chat and Spring Scavenger Hunt!

Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt Stop #16

E. Stephen Burnett explores fantastical stories for God’s glory as publisher of Lorehaven.com and its weekly Fantastical Truth podcast. He coauthored The Pop Culture Parent and creates other resources for fans and families, serving with his wife, Lacy, in their central Texas church. Stephen's first novel, the sci-fi adventure Above the Circle of Earth, launched in March 2025 from Enclave Publishing.full bio | events | contact
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    Jesus’s People Need Fantastic Stories

    We need fantastic stories like we need food, water, air, love, and above all, Jesus himself.

    I’ve Launched My Own Web Portal

    With all this expected growth in Christian fantasy, I’m going to need a bigger blog.

    Tim Keller: Jesus versus the ‘Religious People’?

    Tim Keller seems to repeat the old myth that the Pharisees were “Bible believers.”

    Aquaman Isn’t Simply ‘Big Dumb Fun,’ So Why Do Critics Claim It Is?

    Aquaman is big, but it’s not dumb, and it’s fantastically sincere, not “cheesy.”

    People Keep Finding SpecFaith By Searching for ‘Spells’

    Why are these two SpecFaith articles about “magic spells” so popular?

    The ‘Widow’s Mite’: It Might Not Mean What You Think it Means

    The widow of Luke 21 who “gave all she had” isn’t an inspiration. She’s a tragedy.

    ‘Young Justice’ Fans Actually Got the Show Renewed, So Why Do Some Still Complain?

    Some fans’ sense of bitter entitlement betrays the heroes we enjoy.

    I Can’t Follow All These Popular Shows and Movies; How Do You People Do It?

    I find myself feeling lost and “uncool” among all these lists about the best popular culture of 2018.

    Now available in all systems

    The fight for the space mission begins in his homeworld.

    Brock Rivers never wanted to be a repairman on Mars. Years ago, he failed to protect his family, and now he labors across a frontier planet to keep his children alive and escape CAUSE. But the spacefaring humanist regime is taking over Martian colonies, forcing all to join the secular state.

    Back in Brock’s homeworld, his people summon him to fulfill old hopes with a new dream. After decades of cultural isolation, they plan to restore missions for the 22nd century, voyaging beyond Earth to share the gospel in space. Brock must find a ship and recruit a team of misfit believers. They expect opposition from the formidable CAUSE, but not from a more deceptive enemy.

    One adversary attacks from the shadows to destroy the faithful. Others unify to oppose the project. Brock and his family must fight to resist these enemies of the space mission or else return to exile forever.

    Available at Amazon Buy direct from Enclave Find ACE at other bookstores

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    about E. Stephen Burnett
    Above the Circle of Earth (March 2025)
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    / Topics: Superheroes
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    Ten Top Reasons Why ‘The Flash’ Has Flopped

    For all its potential, Warner Brothers Discovery’s nice-guy movie finishes last in today’s mad dash for a multiverse. · E. Stephen Burnett

    Shazam Sequel Can’t Appease The Fans’ Fury

    More fans want superhero stories to act their age, connect with a larger world, and respect metahuman virtues. · E. Stephen Burnett

    ‘Superhero Movie Fatigue’ vs. ‘Avengers: Endgame’

    Even if we would prefer “superhero movie fatigue” conquer box offices, let’s “rejoice with those who rejoice.” · E. Stephen Burnett

    Some Quick and Mixed Thoughts on ‘Shazam!’

    Last night my wife and I saw DC’s new hero film “Shazam!”, and I have some brief reactions. · E. Stephen Burnett

    Sorry, ‘Joker’ and Other Villain Stories, But I’m Mostly Interested in Heroes

    I care less for stories about Batman’s villains than I’d care to read an auto-parts manual for the Batmobile. · E. Stephen Burnett

    If Creators Turn a Story Into Just More ‘Worldview’ Work, I’m (Likely) Out

    Nothing personal, but if movies embrace Sexualityism agendas over story, I’m free to embrace rest over yet another culture-engagement job. · E. Stephen Burnett

    Zack Snyder v Justice League and My Conflicted Reactions

    DC director Zack Snyder says he would have made two “Justice League” films darker and more epic. · E. Stephen Burnett

    If You Didn’t Like That Christian Ministry’s Anti-‘Captain Marvel’ Article, Read This

    Christians who don’t get the point of superhero stories must first find the biblical purpose of popular culture. · E. Stephen Burnett

    Captain Marvel: Fun, But Not Phenomenal, and That’s Okay

    Captain Marvel is just a fun movie, so let’s not pretend it is some wonderful/terrible “woke” story. · E. Stephen Burnett

    This is the Strangest Timeline

    It’s dangerous to mess with history, Barry/Doctor/Hermione/McFly! · E. Stephen Burnett

    In Which A Snack Cakes Twitter Feed Shames the Folly of Fandom War

    @LittleDebbie wisdom: “People act as if they have to hate one thing in order to remain loyal to the other.” · E. Stephen Burnett

    Aquaman Respects Women, and So Should His Defenders

    A female critic disliked “Aquaman,” and got hate from sexist males who ignored their own hero’s standards. · E. Stephen Burnett

    Bill Maher is Still Wrong about ‘Same Thing’ Superhero Movies

    TV host Bill Maher’s resumed rant against fantastical stories only reveals his own immaturity. · E. Stephen Burnett

    Now More than Ever, Don’t Embrace the Power of the Dark Side

    Do we take seriously our own fictional heroes’ warnings not to embrace the power of the dark side? · E. Stephen Burnett

    If Spider-Man Dies, We Grieve, Even if We Know He’s Coming Back

    When real or fictional heroes die, even if we know they will return, we have freedom to mourn them. · E. Stephen Burnett
    E. Stephen Burnett explores fantastical stories for God’s glory as publisher of Lorehaven.com and its weekly Fantastical Truth podcast. He coauthored The Pop Culture Parent and creates other resources for fans and families, serving with his wife, Lacy, in their central Texas church. Stephen's first novel, the sci-fi adventure Above the Circle of Earth, launched in March 2025 from Enclave Publishing.full bio | events | contact
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