So you have read A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller, Jr., The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien, The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell, and Left Behind by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins. What next? Read more Christian- or religious-themed science fiction and fantasy books.
Reading science fiction and fantasy novels with either subtle or overt Christian or religious themes and messages helps readers, particularly those who practice their faith, find and experience the good, the true, and the beautiful in the world and among God’s people, including those who are unbaptized and have yet to know and accept Jesus. Such works will challenge Christians to ask difficult and speculative questions about the human condition and confront the ills of the world courageously and head-on with an increased or newfound faith.
The Madhouse Projects by Rick Badman
The Madhouse Projects is about Dick Thurman, an automotive engineer and born-again Christian who works at the Madhouse, underground research, and development installation in Arizona. The different departments at the Madhouse work on technology and projects that are meant to improve the world and society. Dick, who belongs to the automotive technology department, builds flywheel-powered electric cars, one of which he will drive to victory at the 2037 Indy 500. “The Madhouse Projects,” said Badman, “should appeal to futurists, lovers of technology and scientific advancement, action losers, and many Christians since the main character is one.”
The Russian Madhouse by Rick Badman
The Russian Madhouse by Rick Badman is the second book of The Madhouse Project. In the sequel, automotive engineer Dick Thurman and his wife Kate travels to Siberia in a flying car. Dick is now the director of the Russian Madhouse, which is referred to as The Facility because the Russians do not want to give their underground research and development installation the impression that it is an insane asylum. At The Facility, Dick and Kate are introduced to new and amazing medical and technological breakthroughs. Dick continues his fascination with flying cars, eventually developing a flying limousine for the Russian President, while Kate develops a brain companion; a device that can aid children’s learning progress. Dick, Kate, and their colleagues will soon find themselves in an action-packed adventure that features teleportation and Earth-Mars travel.
The Jesus Ring by Daniel Harry
The Jesus Ring tells the adventure of Peter Christian, a young American veteran struggling with PTSD who receives a life-changing mission from God after wearing a ring. The ring is not just any ordinary ring or artifact but is the actual ring last worn by God’s own son. The ring’s purpose is to find the person chosen to champion the faithful into the future. Peter discovers the ring gives him the ability to communicate directly with God, as well as the means to build fantastic devices to help save mankind. Peter, however, is not alone in accomplishing this enormous task from God as he will be helped by eleven others, and together they form the Golden Twelve. The novel is a modern-day interpretation of the events foretold in the Book of Revelation.
Closer to Home by Gina Venable
The faith-based science fiction Closer to Home is a story about Kat and Sam, two people who have both endured near-fatal accidents that have them lying between life and death. But instead of awaiting her last judgment, she finds out she has been placed in a situation where she faces two choices: to accomplish four missions for a mysterious higher power or live in limbo eternally. The missions are to reverse four mistakes made by the higher power who cannot reverse them Himself because of His image of perfection. Sam joins Kat in the missions, and if the missions are successful, the results will revolutionize politics, social welfare, social and racial justice, and eliminate homelessness and juvenile violence.
The Amazing Adventures of Superfeet: The Awesome Book by Lynda Sturdevant
This children’s fantasy is an inspiring story of Lacy, a spirited young girl who goes on a journey of faith with her newfound friend. When her grandfather leaves her his most valued possession, “The Awesome Book,” Lacy is drawn to search for the treasure within. As she reads “The Awesome Book,” she sees her destiny, which is far greater than she could ever imagine. With the help of the Holy Spirit, Lacy discovers the secret of the book’s mysteries and becomes her ultimate self, Superfeet.
Oliver’s Twist 