BIBLICAL BRIEFS 64
There is, sadly enough, much suspicion that anything portraying the imaginary world is demonic. Christians often have unfounded misgivings about that which is not represented realistically. Symbolism is an important part of our reality, and there is, as such, no evil connotation to it; in fact, it is absolutely essential for children to develop a symbolic brain faculty. In Bruno Bettelheim’s excellent study: The Uses of Enchantment, he explains the psychological underpinning of fairy tales and expertly shows how the kind of brutality we find in these types of stories prepares children and subconsciously equips them to process emotional trauma as they grow up. Fairy tales also introduces certain archetypes (collective symbols) to the child through which he/she explores their identity. This include imaginary animals (e.g. the unicorn; check the Bible also speaks of it in Ps. 92:10). Fantasy, and imagination, even having imaginary friends, are all natural and healthy practices and should never be stigmatized. Comics and animations often require that one should discern it through the Spirit of God (and preferably watch it with your children), because there are definitely adult agendas in the making thereof, and they might load children with information they are not ready for. Magic should not always be regarded as taboo, because it is a symbolic faculty in stories that assist children in their emotional need to be able to immediately change difficult situations in their reality. Through this ‘ability’ children learn to be able to believe in the power of change. To be very fond of some imaginary characters, such as Ninja Turtles, my Little Pony, Superman, or any superpower hero, offers the opportunity to children to project their often untranslated emotions and uncertainties, and empower them to solve their enormous problems. Do not seek the devil behind every imaginary bush.
Dr. Tom Gouws
