Journal: Southeastern Theological Review
Volume: STR 16:1 (Spring 2025)
Article: The Use Of Fiction In Apologetics
Author: Caden Farr

STR 16:1 (Spring 2025) p. 65

The Use Of Fiction In Apologetics

Caden Farr

and

Ben Holloway

Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

Abstract: Apologetics is the practice of providing a logical defense for Christian beliefs. At first glance, it might seem that creative arts, like fiction, have little to offer this endeavor. Typically, stories are not considered arguments, and arguments are the backbone of any rational defense. However, in this essay, we propose that imaginative storytelling does have a meaningful role in apologetics. In the first section, we will examine how fiction impacts its audience and explain how those effects can support the goals of apologetics. In the second section, we will argue that, although imaginative narratives are valuable, their role is limited: they must enhance an argument, not stand in its place.

Key Words: aesthetics, apologetics, barriers to belief, epistemology, narrative apologetics, philosophy of literature

It was Dr. Ransom who first saw that our only chance was to publish in the form of fiction what would certainly not be listened to as fact.1

~C. S. Lewis, Out of the Silent Planet

In the above epigraph, Lewis suggests fiction has the power to overcome a barrier to belief that mere statement of fact does not. In this essay, we will argue that fictional narratives can help to overcome what we call psychological barriers to considering the truth of Christianity, even if those narratives are unable to justify the truth of Christianity’s claims. First, we will distinguish between epistemic and psychological barriers to belief. Second, in line with several prominent apologists, we will defend a legitimate use of fiction in apologetics. Finally, we will argue that providing good reasons to believe that Christian beliefs are true is the primary aim of the apologetic task. Hence, fiction cannot replace the traditional task of presenting good reasons to believe to anyone willing to hear.

STR 16:1 (Spring 2025) p. 66

Epistemic And Psychological Barriers To Belief

There are at least two causes for resisting Christianity. Epistemic barriers to Christianity’s claims arise when a non-believer possesses either one of two types of defeaters. A non-believer may have an undercutting defeater that challenges the reliability or justification for the claim. Or, a non-believer may have a rebutting defeater in which they directly challenge the truth of a claim. If someone objects to the rationality of Christianity, or the existence of God, or provides an argument against any claim of Christianity, these w...