Editor’s Note: This article is the second installment in our four-part series on pursuing the storyteller’s great commission. To learn why we’re running this series and how we’re approaching each topic, read our introductory article.

The Bible’s language can sound harsh to modern ears.

When God commands Adam and Eve to “take dominion” in Genesis 1:28, the images that phrase conjures up may make a few readers cringe. How does aggressive behavior align with the New Testament’s exhortations to be humble and meek?

The instruction raises even more questions for us as writers. If God wants humans to rule over the whole Earth, shouldn’t that encompass fiction? And what tactics are we supposed to use when claiming the territory for His kingdom?

Some Christians treat the publishing industry as a front in the war to redeem the culture. They argue that we ought to present an alternative to the liberal agenda and lead readers to a Christian worldview. Over the past sixty years, this mindset has changed from being evangelistic to pious to pugnacious. The hordes of “indoctrinating media” must be met with equal ferocity!

But is the Dominion Mandate only a bugle blast to engage in the fray around us? Or are we overlooking the higher vision it contains? 

Before we can integrate Genesis 1:28 into our storytelling, we need to reflect on God’s handiwork in the preceding verses.

What Taking Dominion Means

“Taking dominion” can feel heavy-handed because of the wreckage we’ve seen human authorities leave behind. When we consider how God exercises dominion, however, Genesis 1 depicts a starkly different outcome. Throughout the chapter, God turns chaos into order. He separates the seas from the land to provide homes for His creatures. He suspends lights in the sky to penetrate the darkness and measure the passing of time. He plants vegetation to produce sources of food.

The benevolence that characterizes God’s actions offers us an example of the noble goals our stories can accomplish. When we write, we shape disparate elements into cohesive, compelling stories that delight readers and show them how to arrange their lives according to God’s design. And just like the opening of Genesis, the monumental task ahead of us starts with a single word.

Taking Dominion During Story Creation

First, we till our memories for ideas we can fertilize our stories with. We unearth the deep thoughts locked within our minds. We excavate social interactions that made us laugh. We gently touch the wounds that define us. Then, as our story pokes its green stalk through the surface, we cultivate it with our artistry. We find the right arcs to grow the characters. We weed out the subplots that threaten to choke the roots. We intersperse metaphors to convey emotions that are difficult to express and imagery to reveal the entire landscape in vivid color.   

And when our garden is complete, we name it—giving voice and form to the human experience.

As trivial as tapping out little black symbols in a quiet, secluded room might seem, writing is the process of bringing harmony to discord and healing to brokenness. We’re fulfilling the Dominion Mandate (and, by extension, the Great Commission) without ever moving from our desks. The knowledge that we’re walking in our Creator’s footsteps ought to stimulate our drive and creativity. 

Biblical dominion is beautiful.

Taking Dominion of Storytelling Impact

When we unlatch the gates to our gardens—our stories—to welcome readers in, though, should our motivations and focus shift toward preparation for combat? Some writers lunge at the chance to join the next virtuous volley of Christian material. Others hesitate to approach the battle lines, concerned that they don’t belong in such a divisive context. 

Scripture does urge us to cast down strongholds, take every thought captive, and oppose evil. Affirming God’s reality in our stories can be rightly compared to jubilant warriors winning conquests. 

However, before charging into the oncoming crowd, we must remember that Christ’s kingdom is not of this world. His weapons are spiritual, not carnal. So we don’t need to adopt a belligerent stance. We cast down strongholds not by vilifying sinners and other religions but by leveraging consequences to persuade flawed characters to discard the lies they believe. We take every thought captive not by debating hot-button issues on our social media platforms but by demonstrating the inner peace and joy that comes from faith-oriented living. We oppose evil not by sermonizing for page after page but by portraying the triumph of the righteous and destruction of the wicked.

Boldness has a place within the realm of fiction. But our version of warfare is not and should not be the same as our enemies’. Because of the Spirit’s power, we don’t need to worry that subtlety will reduce our imprint.

Reframing the Purpose of Storytelling

Readers may be asking how, specifically, they can take dominion with their projects, especially if they’re currently unpublished. Contrary to most of the articles I write for Story Embers, or even this series as a whole, I haven’t included many practical applications. The reason? We far too easily miss the point when we jump straight to implementation without reveling in the grandness of our calling. 

Rachel’s installment will outline how we can properly steward our gifts to achieve all of the biblical mandates we’ve been discussing. For now, let’s bask in the opportunity to imitate God’s magnificent and magnanimous work. To transform messes into masterpieces. To nurture the good, the true, and the beautiful in our stories and the lives of our readers. 

If that doesn’t both intimidate and energize you, you’re not recognizing the full potential of Genesis 1.

Return next Monday as Sarah explains how empathy and compassion are essential components of the Great Commission. In the meantime, we’d love to hear from you. What do you think healthy dominion looks like in storytelling?

Josiah DeGraaf

Josiah DeGraaf is the Marketing Director of Story Embers. He loves helping Christian writers impact readers. As a reader, he loves epic fantasy stories with imaginative worldbuilding. And as a storyteller, he loves crafting fantasy stories about characters who face the same dilemmas we do when we try to do the right thing. You can download his illustrated short story collection for free to read about ordinary people who need to decide how far they’re willing to go to save lives when they’re gifted with supernatural powers.

JosiahDeGraaf.com