In our world of endless streaming and entertainment, it’s easy to dismiss fantasy stories as mere escapism. But what if these tales are doing something more? What if they are helping us, even unconsciously, explore the deepest questions?

I always start with C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia. Aslan’s sacrificial death and triumphant return are more than just plot points; they are powerful echoes of the Christian story. Or Superman, arms outstretched as he falls to earth in Superman Returns. Lewis insisted Narnia wasn’t a strict allegory but was instead saturated with Christian symbolism. This distinction is key.

Symbolism doesn’t force a one-to-one comparison but allows us to see the fingerprints of the divine in unexpected places. It’s a narrative shorthand for redemption or grace that resonates deeply, whether we recognize its source or not.

That is precisely where modern Christian symbolism becomes so valuable. From the profound explorations in works like The Matrix to the farcical in books like Christopher Moore’s Lamb, this “speculative faith” challenges us. It pushes us to discover what we truly believe, to use our God-given reason, and to live more deeply into our choices.

So why does this matter? These symbolic stories provide a vital sandbox for faith. They allow us to test ideas about grace, sacrifice, and good versus evil in a safe, imaginative space. Engaging with them is a way to process what we believe. We often understand something best when we try to explain it, and these stories help us explain faith to ourselves in a new language.

This tradition of using story to explore truth is ancient. Jesus himself taught through parables, using earthly stories like the Prodigal Son to explain heavenly concepts. Our modern stories are simply a continuation of this age-old practice.

While not all art is created equal, and some explorations can be provocative, the overall project is valuable. Christian symbolism in popular culture matters because it meets us where we are. It translates timeless truths into the language of our time, offering a shared vocabulary of hope and redemption that speaks to the heart.

The next time you watch a film or read a book and feel a sense of transcendent hope, lean into that feeling. It might just be an invitation to explore the greatest story ever told.

The Rev. Andrew McLarty is Rector at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Columbus.