It is impossible to have a discussion of symbolism as a Christian literary device without what is arguably the best modern example: C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia. A fairytale for the modern Christian, a theological powerhouse of children’s fiction, and a wonderful, multilayered adventure of evil queens, betrayal, eternal winter, sacrifice, and hope, Narnia is a shining example of theologically dense Christian fiction. And, more importantly, it holds some of the most recognizable and easy to interpret forms of Christian symbolism.

This was likely not where most of you anticipated a conversation of covert Christian storytelling would end up. An oddly godless utopia, with humanism in abundance, where the theory of evolution is codified into reality and half of the characters toy with hedonism of various kinds. However, there is very good reason to include the incredibly secular Star Trek franchise in a discussion of covert messaging. That is because it does so very, very well.

One of the best, overtly Christian novel series is Dragons in Our Midst by Bryan Davis. While this series is technically designed for teenagers, it is a thrilling and fantastical adventure of brave knights, daring damsels, dragons, good-vs.-evil, salvation, and the supernatural. And it spares nothing of its faith from the audience. The story is blunt in its Christianity without for a second feeling like it is preaching at the reader or using the Bible as a cudgel to get some kind of vaguely Christian point across. It is not perfect, but it is excellent and one of the best examples of overt Christian storytelling out there.