Ah, I see what you mean now, Lily. That's... an interesting mental image. 😛 Like you said, a Winged Horse has a different effect, but I'd have to agree with hansgeorg on the "aliveness" of a car - I'd have a much harder time with it unless it turned out to be something along the lines of Transformers. Humanoids and animals are so much easier to give life and personality to than other objects. 😉
@elanorelle, @hermitofthenorthernmarch_1705464576, @ajnos, I have read the Left Behind series a couple of years ago (actually went back and worth between the original adult series and the kids spin off series, which was quite an experience). Sure, the series were published in the 90’s-2000’s, but I’m sure there are fanfics out there that updates the series to modern times, and the plot would probably still be relevant.
Though I don’t think there’s any point into comparing Narnia, especially The Last Battle, to the Left Behind books or even any other apocalyptic fiction out there. There are so many different opinions and ideas about how and when the last days are going to happen (I actually don’t really have an opinion myself), so sometimes it’s best to discuss the end times without getting into the theological aspect of it.
But... one issue is that "end times" is inherently theological. Whether you believe there is a period of events distinct from normal life clearly leading up to the Return, or even a Rapture at all distinct from the moment where everyone knows He's back, is a matter of theology not all faithful Christians can agree upon. There's even a popular school of thought that most of Revelation is addressed literally to the churches named at the beginning and is about the persecutions by the Roman Empire, rather than being about our own future.
Yes it is possible to reduce the amount of controversy in an End Times story by not coming down on one side or another about timing of Rapture, Tribulation etc, but by its very premise it cannot be entirely uncontroversial.
Hm.....
The question occurs to me. In more scifi settings, what makes or breaks your immersion in the story when it comes to tech?
