The Missing Foundation: Why Modern Storytelling Falls Short of Tolkien and Lewis
What’s up, everyone? It’s xeroforhire here, with a deep dive into a question that’s been bugging me for a while: why are so many modern stories missing the mark? Today, we’re talking Tolkien, Lewis, and what made their works resonate—spoiler alert, it’s not just worldbuilding or cool characters. Let’s jump in.
The Idolization of Success
If you hang around enough writing circles or scroll through Substack, you’ll notice one thing: J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and J.K. Rowling are constantly name-dropped as the gold standard for storytelling. And fair enough—they created worlds and characters that captured the hearts of millions. But here’s the thing: too many writers idolize their success without asking what made their stories so enduring.
It’s like staring at the moon and forgetting the gravity that holds it in orbit. Writers obsess over magic systems, three-act structures, and “relatable” characters but overlook the deeper foundation—the worldview and values that gave these stories their substance.
Culture Stems from Worldview
Here’s where it gets real. Culture doesn’t exist in a vacuum; it’s rooted in worldview and, ultimately, theology. Tolkien and Lewis weren’t just writing fantasy—they were building worlds that aligned with their understanding of reality as created by God. Their works resonated because they reflected eternal truths, grounded in the order and purpose set by the Creator.
Contrast that with much of today’s storytelling, which often feels unmoored. Many writers lack a clear theological foundation, so their stories wander without direction. Instead of exploring the eternal, they focus on trends or superficial themes. Without God as the anchor, is it any wonder so much modern fiction drifts into despair or nihilism?
Avoiding the Ideological Trap
Now, let’s talk about a tricky balance: integrating your worldview without turning your story into a sermon. Here’s the thing—I’m not advocating for stories where every character is a thinly veiled stand-in for your beliefs. That’s not storytelling; it’s propaganda.
But your worldview will shape your world whether you admit it or not. For me, as someone grounded in Christian theology, it just makes sense to build fantasy worlds that reflect the spiritual truths of creation. That doesn’t mean shoehorning the Gospel into every corner of the narrative. Instead, it’s about letting God’s order, redemption, and justice shape the fabric of the story organically.
The Cost of Losing the Foundation
When writers abandon God as their foundation, something vital is lost. Stories lose their gravity and drift into brokenness—not because they’re exploring hard truths, but because they lack the truth altogether. A story without spiritual grounding is like a ship with a busted compass—it might look impressive, but it’s not going anywhere meaningful.
Tolkien didn’t just write about orcs and elves. He wrote about hope in the face of despair, the burden of carrying evil, and the quiet heroism of ordinary people—all reflections of God’s plan for creation and redemption. Lewis didn’t just write about talking animals. He wrote about Christ’s sacrifice, the battle between good and evil, and the eternal victory of God’s kingdom. These stories resonate because they point directly to God’s truths.
The Call to Create
So, where does that leave us? If you’re a writer, here’s my challenge: figure out what you believe. Seriously. Dig deep into your theology because that’s what will give your stories weight. Don’t just imitate the success of others—grapple with the truths that shaped their work.
And if you’re a reader, start asking these questions of the stories you consume. What are they really saying? Do they reflect God’s truth, or are they drifting in a fog of vague morality?
Great stories don’t happen by accident. They’re built on the foundation of truth, beauty, and goodness. Find your foundation in God, and you’ll find your voice.
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