The Compass Chronicles Podcast
The Compass Chronicles: Faith, Fandom, and Life
Hosted by Javier
Step into The Compass Chronicles Podcast, where thoughtful theology and pop culture passion converge in a spirit of critical thinking and civil conversation. I’m Javier, and every week I invite you to journey alongside me as we unpack Scripture with fresh perspective, wrestle with life’s toughest questions—about purpose, identity, and spiritual growth—and dive into the movies, music, comics, and anime that shape our world.
You won’t find level takes here. Instead, expect honest, Bible‑rooted reflections paired with open‑hearted dialogue about your favorite stories and characters. Whether we’re tracing a transformative theme in the Gospels or debating the moral complexity of a blockbuster saga, our conversations are designed to stretch your mind, fuel your faith, and welcome diverse viewpoints.
If you’re hungry for a podcast that champions curiosity, respectful debate, and the real-world application of timeless truths, The Compass Chronicles is your go-to. Subscribe today and join a community committed to thinking deeply, speaking graciously, and living out faith with both conviction and creativity.
The Compass Chronicles Podcast
No Shame in My Geek Game Why I Refuse to Outgrow My Faith or My Fandom
A simple message questioning the compatibility of faith and fandom sparked this deeply personal exploration of what happens when our spiritual lives intersect with our love for stories. What if the comics, anime, and fandoms we enjoy aren't distractions from our faith, but different lenses through which we can experience God's truth?
Drawing from Scripture, theological wisdom from C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, and personal experience, we explore how the very first thing we learn about God is that He's creative—and how our own creativity and imagination might be sacred reflections of His character. Those superhero sacrifices, redemption arcs, and moments of grace in our favorite stories often echo biblical truths in ways that make them personally meaningful.
This journey isn't about consuming media uncritically. Rather, it's about approaching stories with discernment while recognizing that God speaks in unexpected places. We tackle practical questions like dealing with criticism, finding divine echoes in secular content, raising children with both faith and imagination, and being authentic witnesses in fandom communities.
The false dichotomy between spiritual maturity and childlike wonder falls apart when we remember Jesus' own words about becoming like children. Your joy in stories, your imagination, your unique interests—these aren't contradictions to your faith journey but beautiful expressions of who God created you to be.
Have you ever felt torn between your spiritual life and your fandoms? Share your experience in the comments or reach out directly. We're building a community where both faith and fandom can flourish together.
I would love to hear from you!
For listeners looking to deepen their engagement with the topics discussed, visit our website or check out our devotionals and poetry on Amazon, with all proceeds supporting The New York School of The Bible at Calvary Baptist Church. Stay connected and enriched on your spiritual path with us!
Welcome to the Compass Chronicles. Where faith meets fandom, life gets real and every step of your journey reveals a deeper purpose. I am your host, javier. In today's episode, we're diving into a personal story I shared recently on Facebook that stirred up quite a bit of thought for me and maybe for some of you too. It's all about what happens when our faith meets the things we love, especially when the world tries to tell us we can't have both and, to be honest, this was not meant to be an episode on the podcast, but I believe and feel in my spirit that sharing this will help others who might be in the same headspace or faith walk and may have questions. So buckle in, grab your favorite coffee or tea and let's talk about what it means to stand boldly in both your faith and your fandom. It started with a message, just a short one, not meant to be cruel at least I don't think it was but it carried weight. The person on the other end simply said at your age and as a man of faith, you shouldn't still be into comics, anime or any of that fandom stuff. Now, I've lived long enough not to let every opinion shake me, but this one made me pause, not because I agreed, but because it reminded me of just how misunderstood both faith and fandom can be, and maybe even how misunderstood we can be when we try to bring the two together.
Speaker 1:Here's the thing my faith is the foundation of everything in my life. It's the lens I look through. It's the reason I get up every morning with purpose. I've walked with God through seasons of joy and seasons of pain. I've wrestled with questions, stood firm in convictions and found grace in the everyday moments. But that doesn't mean I have to shut the door on imagination. In fact, I think imagination, when grounded in truth, can be one of the most beautiful ways we experience God.
Speaker 1:You see, I grew up on stories. I read them, watched them, drew them, breathed them in. Superheroes that sacrificed everything to save the world. Anime characters who never gave up even when all seemed lost. Comics filled with broken people trying to do the right thing. Those stories weren't just entertainment for me, they were mirrors and mentors, and I started to see something Patterns, echoes, moments that reminded me of scripture, of truth, of grace. I remember watching a hero make the ultimate sacrifice to save others, and in that moment my mind jumped to John, chapter 15, verse 13. Greater love has no one than this to lay down one's life for one's friends. That's Jesus, right there, in the middle of a movie, or the moment a villain is offered forgiveness undeserved, unexpected, transformative. And I thought of Luke, chapter 15, verse 20. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him. He ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. He ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. That's the prodigal son. That's the gospel.
Speaker 1:These aren't just surface-level comparisons. These are threads of deeper truth woven into stories that speak to something in our soul. So when someone says you shouldn't be into that stuff, it's more than just a critique of my hobbies. It's a misunderstanding of how I connect with the world and with God. Let me take you deeper.
Speaker 1:There was a season in my life that was really hard. I won't go into all the details, but let's just say I was feeling lost, my prayers felt hollow, my hope felt distant, and then I stumbled across a particular anime, storyline 1, where the character was wrestling with their identity, trying to find their place, feeling like they didn't belong. And it hit me, not because it gave me all the answers, but because it gave me permission to ask the questions. In that storyline I found space to process pain, to feel seen, and slowly it brought me back to scripture with fresh eyes, like Isaiah, chapter 43, verse 1. Do not fear, for I have redeemed you, I have summoned you by name, you are mine. That verse felt different after seeing someone on screen fight to believe they mattered. Suddenly, god's words weren't just words, they were personal.
Speaker 1:And this is where faith and fandom start to dance. Faith brings depth to the stories I love and fandom brings freshness to the way I understand faith. Yes, I still love beautifully drawn panels. I geek out over fan theories, I can spend hours discussing plot twists and character arcs, but those things don't pull me away from God. They often push me toward him. They remind me to look for his fingerprints in every corner of life, even in a comic book, even in a cartoon, even in the odd, awkward, wonderful world of fandom.
Speaker 1:And listen, I'm still a big kid at heart. I laugh loud, cry during finales, and sometimes I buy way too many collectibles. But that joy, that curiosity, that sense of wonder, that's not immaturity, that's a gift. Matthew, chapter 18, verse 3, says Truly, I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Childlike faith isn't foolish, it's fearless. It believes in things unseen. It finds joy in simplicity. It holds on to hope, even when the world says grow up. So yeah, I'm good with being a big kid, because if something as simple as a scene from an anime or a superhero's selfless act makes me reflect on grace or courage or redemption, then I'm here for it. I'm not going to apologize for that, I'm not going to tone it down or tuck it away. My joy is real, my faith is strong, and if these two parts of me faith and fandom walk together, then that's exactly where I'm meant to be.
Speaker 1:I'm not alone in this either. I know so many of you listening feel the same. You found God in unexpected places. You've had late night epiphanies because of a storyline. You've seen truth shine through fiction. That's not a mistake. That's a reminder that our creator is creative and he often speaks in ways we least expect. So thank you. Thank you for being part of this journey, for letting me share my heart and for embracing every piece of what makes you who you are. Keep shining, keep believing and never be afraid to hold tightly to both your faith and your fandom.
Speaker 1:We've talked about how faith and fandom can coexist, even complement each other, but let's bring in some bigger voices and ancient wisdom here, because this idea isn't just a personal feeling. It's something rooted in how we're created and how God operates in the world. Let's start with something big and bold Genesis how we're created and how God operates in the world. Let's start with something big and bold. Genesis, chapter 1, verse 1. In the beginning, god created the heavens and the earth. There it is.
Speaker 1:The very first thing we learn about God is not that he is judge or king or lawgiver, though he is all of those. The first thing we know is that God is creator. He's the original artist, the master storyteller, the spark behind everything beautiful, vast and mysterious in this universe. That means when you feel moved by a story, when you lose yourself in a piece of music or a powerful scene in a show, when you doodle in the margins or get chills from a great plot twist. That's not random. That's the image of God in you at work. Genesis, chapter 1, verse 27, says so God created mankind in his own image. In the image of God, he created them, male and female. He created them. Part of that image is creativity. We're made to reflect his nature and he's the most creative being there is. So when we create or when we deeply appreciate creativity, we're actually tapping into something sacred. Now that brings us to the world of fandom.
Speaker 1:Fandom is often brushed off as silly or shallow. People think it's just costumes, collectibles and heated Twitter debates. But if you look closer, fandom is really about community. It's about sharing stories that matter. It's about celebrating imagination, loyalty, resilience and, yes, even redemption, and those are all deeply biblical values.
Speaker 1:Let's take a look at Philippians, chapter 4, verse 8. Paul writes Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things. Now ask yourself can you find things that are noble, lovely or admirable in a great anime arc, in a comic book that wrestles with identity or injustice, in a movie about overcoming darkness with light, absolutely? And when you do, when you notice those sparks of truth, you're not stepping away from faith, you're living it out. You're thinking about those good, praiseworthy things Paul talked about. You're training your heart to see beauty and purpose, even in places that might not be traditionally labeled Christian.
Speaker 1:Cs Lewis, one of the greatest Christian thinkers of the modern era and the mind behind the Chronicles of Narnia, once said this reason is the natural order of truth, but imagination is the organ of meaning. Let that sink in. Imagination helps us understand what truth means. It's not just facts and doctrines, it's how those truths come alive. And Lewis didn't just write theological books, he told stories, stories about lions and witches and wardrobes, because he believed that good stories could point us to the ultimate story, the gospel. He's not alone in that belief. Jrr tolkien, the author of the lord of the rings, another man of deep christian faith, described his stories as sub-creation. He said that when we tell stories, we are reflecting the divine act of creation itself. We're not replacing god, we're echoing him.
Speaker 1:So whether it's fantasy, sci-fi, superhero tales or slice of life, anime, if it's stirring stirring something good in you, something that aligns with God's heart, that's not secular, that's sacred. Let's talk about redemption. One of the clearest gospel themes in pop culture is the idea of a character being saved, redeemed from their past. We see this all the time the villain who changes, the hero who rises again, the broken one who finds healing Sound familiar. Romans, chapter 5, verse 8, says but God demonstrates his own love for us in this. While we were still sinners, christ died for us. That's the ultimate redemption arc, and when we see echoes of that in fiction, when we get moved by it, even in a galaxy far, far away, that's because it points to something real, something written on our hearts. Now I want to acknowledge something here too Not everything in pop culture is edifying.
Speaker 1:There are stories that distort truth, glorify, harm or celebrate values that don't align with God's word, and as people of faith, we're called to use wisdom and discernment. Hebrews, chapter 5, verse 14, says but solid food is for the mature who, by constant use, have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. So it's not about blindly consuming anything and everything. It's about being attuned to what the Spirit is saying. It's about letting God shape our lens so we can watch, read and experience culture in a way that honors him and, honestly, that takes maturity. It's way easier to just say only watch Christian movies or don't touch anything secular, but it's far more powerful and more biblically sound to say let's look for God everywhere, let's test everything by the light of scripture, let's see where he might be whispering through creativity.
Speaker 1:Because, guess what? He's not confined to stained glass windows or worship songs. He speaks in burning bushes and Balaam's donkey. He uses broken people, unlikely messengers and unexpected places. So why not a story? Why not a superhero? Why not anime?
Speaker 1:If you're someone who's ever been made to feel like your fandom makes you less faithful, hear me clearly. That is not true. Your love of stories, your imagination, your joy, that's not a liability, that's a link to the divine. You're not too old, you're not too weird, you're not less Christian for finding God in unexpected places. In fact, jesus himself loved stories. He taught with parables. He didn't just lay down rules, he used narrative. A father and his wayward son, a good Samaritan, a tiny mustard seed growing into something great. Why? Because stories stick, they teach, they transform, they move the heart. So when you love a story deeply, when it teaches you something about grace, when it moves you toward kindness, sacrifice or hope, don't be ashamed. That's kingdom stuff, that's sacred ground.
Speaker 1:You, my friend, are right where you're meant to be walking in your faith, standing in your fandom and letting the God of all creation speak through both like really real. We live in a world that loves labels faithful, nerd, mature, childish, manly, feminine, serious, silly. And too often we're made to feel like we have to pick one box and stay in it forever. But what if that's not how we're wired? What if identity in its truest form is actually about the wholeness of who we are, not the boxes we've been stuffed into? Let's start with identity, our core identity. If you are all children of God through faith, not children of religious stereotypes, not children of what other people expect of you, children of God, that's where it all begins. So if your faith is sincere, if you're rooted in Christ, then your passions, your interests, your quirks, your fandoms, they're not threats to that identity, they're expressions of it. God doesn't want robots who all look the same and speak the same and enjoy only one kind of thing. Just take a look at creation. We've got glowing jellyfish and snow-covered mountains and chameleons and flamingos. We've got over 30,000 species of fish alone. You think a God like that is into boring, uniform living? No way. He's a God of diversity, detail and depth.
Speaker 1:Psalm 139, verse 14, says I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful. I works are wonderful. I know that full well. That includes the part of you that lights up when you hear a theme song, that part of you that gets emotional over a well-drawn comic book panel, that part of you that remembers lines from your favorite shows, like their scripture, because in some way they became sacred to you.
Speaker 1:And here's something we don't talk about enough Joy matters in spiritual maturity. Somewhere along the way a lot of us started believing that growing up in Christ means being serious all the time, like if you're not quoting scripture 24-7s or constantly deep in prayer, then you must be doing it wrong. But that's not the Jesus I see in scripture. Jesus was full of life. He went to weddings, he laughed with friends, he welcomed children, he told stories that sparked the imagination. He challenged the joy killers of his day, the Pharisees, because they turned faith into a checklist instead of a relationship. In John, chapter 10, verse 10, jesus says the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life and have it to the full. Life to the full, that's a life that includes wonder, curiosity, imagination and yes, fandom.
Speaker 1:When you lose yourself in something creative and good, when your spirit feels lighter because of it, that's not childish, that's Christ honoring. Let's flip the script here. What if holding on to your fandom is actually a mark of maturity? Think about it. Immaturity isn't about what you enjoy. It's about how you respond to the world. It's about whether you have wisdom, compassion, grace and truth guiding your steps.
Speaker 1:A spiritually immature person might dismiss others who enjoy different things. A spiritually mature person will listen, engage and understand that God works in all kinds of spaces. Maturity says I know who I am in Christ and I don't need to hide the parts of me that make me unique. Colossians chapter 3, verse 17, backs this up beautifully. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God, the Father, through him. Whatever you do, that includes binge watching, a season of anime, writing fan fiction, collecting action figures, going to Comic Con. If it's done in gratitude, with a heart that's grounded in God, it's holy. And look, there will always be people who don't get it. Some folks may not understand how faith and fandom can walk together. That's okay. Not everyone has to get it. But don't let someone else's lack of understanding become the limitation on your calling.
Speaker 1:Romans, chapter 14, verse 5, encourages us with this perspective. One person considers one day more sacred than another, another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind. Paul was talking about Sabbath practices, but the principle applies here Be fully convinced in your own mind. If God has given you peace, purpose and joy through both your faith and your fandom, then walk in that boldly, don't shrink, don't hide, don't apologize for who you are, because when you live fully as yourself, when you embrace every good thing God has woven into your story, you give others permission to do the same.
Speaker 1:Let's talk about the real tension, though. What happens when our fandoms include things that feel morally gray? That's a valid question, and the answer isn't always simple. Some stories may have language or themes that challenge your values. So how do we navigate that? The key is discernment.
Speaker 1:1 Corinthians, chapter 10, verse 23, says I have the right to do anything, you say, but not everything is beneficial. I have the right to do anything, but not everything is constructive. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you. Be honest with yourself. What stirs your spirit in a good way and what pulls you away from truth? Not everything in fandom is worth embracing, but that doesn't mean the entire space is off limits. Just like with anything else in life, we need to be thoughtful.
Speaker 1:Spiritual maturity isn't about avoiding the world. It's about walking through the world with purpose and vision. Jesus did that. He didn't isolate himself. He entered into the mess of humanity. He ate with tax collectors, he touched the sick, he walked dusty roads with people who didn't have it all together and he never compromised his identity in the process. That's our motto To be in the world, but not of it. To engage culture without being consumed by it, to find the light in the stories around us and reflect it back toward the creator of light.
Speaker 1:So, if you've ever felt like your love for fandom puts your faith in question, let this be a release valve. You're not a contradiction. You're not doing faith wrong. You're not a contradiction. You're not doing faith wrong. You're living it out in a way that's colorful, honest and full of life. And, honestly, the church needs more of that More joy, more imagination, more people who see beauty in unexpected places, because those people people like you are often the ones who help others find Jesus in the places they never thought to look, and maybe, just maybe, that's exactly where you're meant to be. Okay, we've covered a lot of hard stuff identity, creativity, maturity. But let's get into the nitty gritty now, because while it's powerful to embrace both faith and fandom, it's also important to do it with intentionality. So in this section, we're diving into practical tools you can use to navigate this journey. Well, you love fandom. You love Jesus. How do you keep both in healthy tension? Let's break it down.
Speaker 1:Before jumping into a show, series or fandom event, pause to invite God into the experience. Prayer isn't just for crises or Sundays. It's a way to connect with your soul. Try praying, lord. Help me engage with this wisely, keeping my heart grounded. Reveal what's true and guide me through anything that's not.
Speaker 1:James, chapter 1, verse 5, reminds us If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all, without finding fault, and it will be given to you. God isn't waiting to judge your missteps. He wants to guide you with love. Involve him in your media choices and you'll find greater clarity and peace. As you navigate, pay attention to what's feeding you. Some stories lift your spirit, others drain it. Some characters inspire you, others fill your mind with heaviness or confusion.
Speaker 1:Take time to reflect after watching or reading something. Ask yourself did this draw me closer to grace, hope or love? Did it stir up things in me that I need to process with God? Would I be proud to talk about this with someone seeking Christ? Philippians, chapter 1, verse 10, says so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.
Speaker 1:Discernment isn't about fear, it's about freedom. When you know what helps you grow, you're more free to enjoy those things deeply and without guilt. Set boundaries without shame. Boundaries aren't about being restrictive. They're about being wise, and they'll look different for everyone. Maybe for you, that means not watching shows with graphic content, even if everyone else raves about them. Maybe it's setting a time limit so you don't fall into the binge watch black hole. Maybe it's taking a break from fandom spaces that are getting too toxic or negative. That's not weakness, that's maturity.
Speaker 1:Proverbs, chapter 4, verse 23, says above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Guarding your heart doesn't mean building walls. It means choosing what comes in and what gets to stay. If something starts to distort your peace, joy or focus, it's okay to step back. No shame. Look for redemptive themes, because discernment doesn't mean you have to become a critic. It actually opens the door to deeper meaning. Start training your eyes and ears to notice the spiritual themes in the stories you already love. Sacrifice, that's the cross. Forgiveness, that's grace. Courage against darkness. Romans, chapter 12, verse 2, says Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is His good, pleasing and perfect will. A renewed mind sees God in surprising places. So next time you're watching your favorite series or reading a comic, look for those divine echoes. They're everywhere, once you know how to spot them.
Speaker 1:One of the coolest things about fandom is community. It's why cons exist. It's why cons exist. It's why fan pages blow up. People love gathering around the stories they care about. But don't stop at the surface level. Build a faith-based community within your fandom spaces. Start a small group with fellow fans who also love Jesus. Host a Bible study where you compare story arcs with scripture themes. Share devotionals that draw from pop culture references. Use fandom as a bridge for deeper spiritual connection.
Speaker 1:Hebrews, chapter 10, verse 24 and 25, says and let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together but encouraging one another. You don't have to choose between hanging with your people and honoring your faith. Find people who do both and be that person for someone else. Be a light in your fandom space, whether you're in a cosplay group, a subreddit, a discord server or just chatting with friends, remember that you carry the light of Christ with you. That doesn't mean preaching all the time. It means showing up with kindness, curiosity, encouragement and integrity. Matthew, chapter 5, verse 16, says In the same way, let your light shine before others that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. People are watching how you respond, how you talk about tough issues, how you love people who are different, how you treat the weird and wonderful world of fandom. Be the kind of person that makes others think wow, I didn't know faith could look like that.
Speaker 1:Permit yourself to embrace what you truly love. Stop apologizing for what ignites your spirit. If it breathes life into your soul, the creator isn't asking you to forsake it. He's calling you to weave him into it. Ecclesiastes, chapter 3, verses 12 and 13, states I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live, that each of them may eat and drink and find satisfaction in all their toil. This is the gift of God. Joy is a divine gift. Living fully doesn't lessen your spirituality. It enriches your faith. So, whether you're in your 30s, still inspired by Irene's fight for freedom in Attack on Titan or binge-watching the series after hours, embrace it. You're not behind, you're not off track. You're living with purpose and joy, and that's a bold testament to your faith.
Speaker 1:Alright, fam, this is where we get into the questions, because I know I'm not the only one who's been walking this path of loving Jesus and loving fandom, and when you're trying to blend those two worlds, stuff comes up. So let's get honest and real with some of the most common questions people ask. When they're walking out faith in the middle of fandom life, what do I say when someone criticizes my interests? Great question, and one a lot of us have probably faced. Whether it's someone in church who side-eyes your anime hoodie or a family member who thinks your collectibles are childish, it can feel dismissive and discouraging.
Speaker 1:Here's the deal. You don't owe anyone a defense for what brings you life, especially if it aligns with your values and honors God. But that doesn't mean you have to be defensive either. Try responding with grace and confidence. These stories actually help me connect with deeper truths. They inspire me to be more hopeful, courageous and even more grounded in my faith. 1 Peter 3.15 gives usa solid approach, but in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. Your response doesn't have to be an argument, just speak from your experience. That's powerful enough.
Speaker 1:Can I really find God in secular media? Absolutely, if your heart is tuned to listen. There's a misconception that God only speaks through things labeled Christian. But he's the God of everything. He spoke through a burning bush, a talking donkey and even pagan kings in the Bible. He is not limited. Psalm 24, verse 1, reminds us the earth is the Lord's and everything in it, the world and all who live in it. God's truth is truth wherever it shows up. When a fictional story reveals something about grace, sacrifice or redemption, it's echoing the heart of the gospel, whether the creators intended it or not. The key is discernment. Don't turn off your spiritual radar, but also don't close your heart to the ways God might speak through creativity.
Speaker 1:What if my favorite show or series has stuff in it that doesn't line up with my faith? That's a real one, and it's not always black and white. Some stories mix beautiful themes with problematic elements. Maybe there's violence, language or messages that conflict with biblical truth. So what do you do? Here's the short answer Check in with the Holy Spirit, ask is this helping or hindering my spiritual growth? Do I feel peace when I watch this? Can I separate the meaningful parts from the mess, or is it blurring too many lines? Romans, chapter 14, verse 22, encourages us. So, whatever you believe about these things, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves. Some shows you might be fine, with Others you might feel a nudge. To let go of, it's okay. That's not legalism, that's wisdom. God's not looking for perfect media choices. He's looking for a willing heart.
Speaker 1:How do I raise kids who love fandom and stay rooted in faith? This is such an important one for parents, guardians or even youth leaders out there. First. First, remember this your kids are growing up in a world of stories and, instead of shielding them from every non-Christian thing, teach them how to process what they're seeing. Watch with them. Talk about themes, ask questions like what did that character do that was brave or kind? Did this story remind you of anything in the Bible? How would Jesus respond in that situation? Use fandom moments as discipleship tools. Deuteronomy, chapter 6, verse 7, says Impress God's commandments on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. That includes while you're watching an animated movie or reading a graphic novel together.
Speaker 1:Faith isn't confined to devotionals. It flows through daily life, even fandom life. What if I feel guilty about loving fandom stuff more than I should? Let's pause here and be gentle with ourselves. Sometimes we've internalized guilt because we think spiritual life has to look a certain way, like if you don't wake up and read Leviticus before breakfast or if your worship playlist isn't on 24-7, you're somehow less devoted.
Speaker 1:But remember what Jesus said in Matthew, chapter 22, verses 37 to 39. Love the Lord, your God, with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself. He didn't say love me by avoiding fun or don't get excited about stories. He said love me with your whole being and if part of how you love him is through art, wonder, creativity and stories that stir your spirit, that counts. That's part of your heart and he wants all of it. Guilt has no place when your joy is rooted in truth.
Speaker 1:How can I be a witness in phantom spaces? You don't have to lead a Bible study and cosplay, though. If you do, that's amazing. Being a witness starts with being real. Be honest about your faith. Show up with love, model respect in conversations. Encourage others, share what God's teaching you, even casually. When someone asks what gives you hope or why you love a certain redemption arc, share your heart. You never know what seeds you might be planting.
Speaker 1:Colossians, chapter 4, verse 6, says Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. It's not about having all the answers. It's about being open, grounded and present. So if you've got questions, you're not alone. That tension you feel it's not something to be ashamed of. It's proof that you care. You want to walk this path with integrity and that's something God honors deeply.
Speaker 1:You're not a contradiction. You're a beautiful collision of truth and imagination, grounded in grace. Wow, what a journey today, huh, if you've been hanging out with me this whole episode. Thank you Seriously. Thank you for leaning in, for being open to this conversation and for letting me share something that's really close to my heart.
Speaker 1:We've talked about a lot, from that moment of criticism that sparked this whole thing to the deep truths about how our faith and our fandom don't have to exist on opposite ends of who we are. We've unpacked scripture, heard from some spiritual giants, got real with our emotions and maybe even saw ourselves a little more clearly in the process. So here's what I hope you're walking away with today you are not a contradiction. You're a masterpiece in progress, a beautiful fusion of faith and creativity, truth and imagination, worship and wonder, and you don't have to choose between being devoted to God and loving what lights up your soul. You can honor God while geeking out over your favorite series. You can reflect His character through the way you engage with stories, communities and creativity, and you can stand confidently in the truth that he made you. He delights in you and he sees the whole picture, even the parts other people might not understand. So keep being you, keep showing up with that wide-eyed wonder, keep looking for God in unexpected places, keep asking big questions and loving big stories. Keep carrying your faith into every space you walk into, fandom included, because if there's anything this episode has reminded us, it's that the God of the universe doesn't just tolerate our passions. He gave them to us. He's the author of your story, and he's not done writing it yet.
Speaker 1:Before I go, let me leave you with one more verse, one that's been my anthem lately. It's from Micah, chapter 6, verse 8. He has shown you, o mortal, what is good and what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Let that be your guide, whether you're in church, at a convention, online in a fandom space or curled up with your favorite graphic novel act. With justice, love mercy, walk humbly and do it all with joy.
Speaker 1:Before we wrap up, I want to talk to anyone listening right now who feels like you're standing at a crossroads. Maybe your past feels too heavy, maybe your future feels uncertain. Maybe you're ready to stop wandering and start walking with Jesus. If you've never accepted Christ as your savior, or maybe you've drifted and want to come home, you can make that decision right now. You don't need a stage or a perfect prayer. You just need an open heart. Jesus, I believe you are the Son of God. I believe you died on the cross for my sins and rose again so I could have new life. I turn from my old ways and ask you to be the Lord of my life. No-transcript and your legacy is being rewritten by grace For free resources to help you grow in your faith. Visit us at thecrossroadscollectiveorg and if you'd like to connect, share your story or ask questions, email us anytime at jm at thecrossroadscollectiveorg. This has been the Compass Chronicles. Thanks for walking with me today. Until next time, keep your compass set on Christ, god bless.
