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Post by Montana Bohemian on Apr 25, 2006 18:00:54 GMT -5
I've come to the conclusion that by the looks of things, I'm the only non-Christian here on this forum. (Hey, I'm cool with that, hope it is with the rest of you) And I've realized, that I should probably share my thoughts about Narnia, and religion (Christianity in particular) in Narnia.
When I first read these books, I was a wee child, still going to church and Sunday school. That, however, did not influence how I saw these books and the world that is Narnia. At such a young age, I personally don't think you start to see religious references. At least, that's what happened to me, and I read them as some of the greatest fantasy books of all time.
Since then, I have renounced any affiliation with the Church and Christianity. And even though now I can see the religious references, I choose not to.
So many people who know me, now especially since the arrival of the film, have been shocked to hear how much I adore these stories, considering I'm not a "believer." But I tell them, it's like any other fictional piece of literature, you see it as you see it. What I found amusing was the fact that there was so much "hoopla" (ha ha ha, I like that word) about Christianity, but nothing about it's pagan parallels. Optomistic, postive comparisons. Hmmm...
So, I guess I never saw Aslan as God or Jesus, or whatever...and I never saw Edmund as man being tempted...or however he's portrayed in Christian views. However, after rereading The Magician's Nephew, I basically saw Genesis or Creation...whatever. That was a little too much for me.
And personally, I don't think Lewis exaclty intended for these books to been seen so much in the way they are. I mean, obviously, he was influenced by his beliefs, but so was Tolkien.
So, I guess this thread is for what are people's thoughts. Hmmm...hope I didn't sound to, rash. Just want people to know that there are non-Christians out there who love this book just as much as any Christian.
Yay for Narnia! .... ha ha ha....
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Post by Herenya on Apr 26, 2006 5:13:54 GMT -5
I don't see why it should be a problem what you believe.  A lot of what is in the Narnia books relates to values, and values that are universal such loyalty, honesty and fighting evil... They also just tell a really, really good story. I don't see how what one believes really, deep down, means that one can or cannot enjoy Narnia. I read Narnia as a child, and I must admit that I picked up quite a lot of the religious parallels without anyone pointing them out to me... no one did anything to make sure they were brought to my attention! I certainly see more religious parallels in it now than I did when I originally read it, especially with The Last Battle, and I personally find them quite interesting. I agree that Lewis did not intend to write a series that could be seen as an allegory. To quote his essay "Sometimes Fairystories may say best what is to be said", he says: "Some people seem to think that I began by asking myself how I could say something about Christianity to children; then fixed on the fairy tale as an instrument, then collected information about child psychology and decided what age group I'd write for; then drew up a list of basic Christian truths and hammered out 'allegories' to embody them. This is all pure moonshine. I couldn't write in that way. It all began with images; a faun carrying an umbrella, a queen on a sledge, a magnificent lion. At first there wasn't anything Christian about them; that element pushed itself in of its own accord." A very interesting essay, by the way... |
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Post by Gwenneth on Apr 26, 2006 8:49:45 GMT -5
No, this forum is definitely not a "Christians only" place. It's totally fine by me.  Herenya, I really should read that essay sometime. Lewis didn't write the books to be a source for Christians or something, but a story (for children particularly). A story that has proven to be enjoyed by every kind of person. |
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rinielaranel
Satyr
"Once a queen or king of Narnia, always a queen or king of Narnia."
Posts: 145
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Post by rinielaranel on Apr 26, 2006 14:44:18 GMT -5
Right--though it has similarities to Christianity, it doesn't mean C.S. Lewis was making it a Christian-only book. It was meant to entertain everyone, but it also has Christian themes. For that reason it has been celebrated by Christians. But you only see an much of the allegory as you want to see. If you don't want Aslan to be Jesus for you, then, well, he isn't.
We're glad you're here, Montana Bohemian. As long as we're all here to celebrate Narnia, it should be okay!
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Post by Herenya on Apr 28, 2006 6:25:02 GMT -5
Actually, I don't even think that Lewis saw himself as writing for children. He was just writing a book that was something they could understand and relate to. But I don't think he ever thought children were his exclusive audience. Which, time has shown, they are not.  Sorry, that was kind of off-topic. I'm just reading a book of his essays at the moment... |
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rinielaranel
Satyr
"Once a queen or king of Narnia, always a queen or king of Narnia."
Posts: 145
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Post by rinielaranel on Apr 28, 2006 17:48:59 GMT -5
Oh cool! I'd love to read a book like that. I'm reading his 'The Screwtape Letters' currently.
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Post by Luthien of Narnia on Apr 28, 2006 20:50:18 GMT -5
Oh, I have always wanted to read "Screwtape Letters" perhaps after I finish Eragon and Eldest...
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Post by Luthien of Narnia on Apr 28, 2006 20:51:19 GMT -5
Oh, I have always wanted to read "Screwtape Letters" perhaps after I finish Eragon and Eldest...
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rinielaranel
Satyr
"Once a queen or king of Narnia, always a queen or king of Narnia."
Posts: 145
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Post by rinielaranel on Apr 28, 2006 22:24:13 GMT -5
Yes, it's very interesting. Most people think it's confusing, but I'm really into it. I love it. However, I believe we're getting off topic for this section... |
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Larael
Faun
"Joy is the only serious business of Heaven."- C.S. Lewis
Posts: 53
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Post by Larael on Apr 28, 2006 22:30:01 GMT -5
In the past few years my Faith has certainly grown and I find myself more attached to my church and to Christianity in general. So, when I read the books for the first time I found I could make many parallels with stories and things from the Bible.
I actually found it quite interesting, and was really excited when as I read I could relate so many of the things, actually more than I thought.
I do believe however that Lewis did not write these books to appeal only to Christian people. He wrote them in a way that Christian's would be able to distinguish the relations between the Bible and Christianity and non-Christians would be able to read, enjoy it, and not be offended.
But, I've got a quick question concerning Aslan's country and something Aslan says in The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.
I'm assuming Aslan's country is the parallel to heaven, is that right? At least that's how I see it.
And, Aslan mentions that Lucy and Edmund may not come back to Narnia because they are too old and they must learn to love Aslan in their own world. Is Aslan meaning that they must learn to love God? [seeing as Aslan is God, just in another form...]
Lol... sorry if this is a tad confusing.
[Oi, I feel like any second a mod is going to swoop down and ban me for posting all this religious stuff. But I've got to remember that I can speak somewhat freely here...] Phew...
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Post by Luthien of Narnia on Apr 28, 2006 22:42:21 GMT -5
Don't worry, Larael, this is the place to talk about your beliefs, and the way you approached it was perfect. This area is NOT for debates, such things will be locked, but friendly comments and opinions are most welcome!
Back to the topic...One book I would definitely recommend is "Finding God in the Chronicles of Narnia" by Thomas Williams. It explains all of the Christian parallels really well, and is quite an interesting read. I believe that Lewis meant Aslan's Country at the end of LB to be what he thought of Heaven. In fact, it did just what it was supposed to for me- it made me think of Heaven in a totally different way than before. Lewis has this amazing ability to make these profound ideas seem so simple and beautiful.
About your other point, that is exactly how I interpreted it when I read it. They were growing up, and they had to find Jesus(Aslan) for themselves, as we all have to. Great points everyone.
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rinielaranel
Satyr
"Once a queen or king of Narnia, always a queen or king of Narnia."
Posts: 145
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Post by rinielaranel on Apr 29, 2006 9:45:36 GMT -5
Oh yes, I love that part so much! Especially because in the beginning they were so skeptical of anything 'not logical', and then going to Narnia and meeting Aslan helped them find the real truth of Jesus. *sighs and smilies*
!!~MY OPINION~!!
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Post by hailie on Apr 29, 2006 19:51:18 GMT -5
well it is a book with constant reminders of the christian faith, Tolkien and Lewis were men who said that there was not good christian fiction so thay wrote it.
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Post by Luthien of Narnia on Apr 30, 2006 19:50:27 GMT -5
Good point. I know that Tolkien especially wrote LotR because of his love of myths, lore, etc. which he thought England did not have enough of. Also, I think Gwen said something like this (?), but as Lewis was a Christian, it is thoroughly understandable that his beliefs would come out through his writing.
No one has mentioned this (I don't think..), but I believe that God does everything for a purpose. Many people have been introduced to Him through Lewis' books, so I must conclude that there was a reason that Lewis wrote these, to touch people. Whether it be Christians or non-Christians, everyone can be inspired by the truths and words in the CoN. If even one person comes to a better understanding of themselves and God, then I believe they have served their purpose. Again, this is completely my opinion! Oh, and they are great entertainment for a rainy day as well!
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Larael
Faun
"Joy is the only serious business of Heaven."- C.S. Lewis
Posts: 53
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Post by Larael on Apr 30, 2006 19:51:45 GMT -5
Back to the topic...One book I would definitely recommend is "Finding God in the Chronicles of Narnia" by Thomas Williams. It explains all of the Christian parallels really well, and is quite an interesting read. I believe that Lewis meant Aslan's Country at the end of LB to be what he thought of Heaven. In fact, it did just what it was supposed to for me- it made me think of Heaven in a totally different way than before. Lewis has this amazing ability to make these profound ideas seem so simple and beautiful. I know exactly what you mean! The way he discribed me gave the idea of Heaven a whole knew meaning for me and a whole different idea of what it will be like. I especially liked how the world of Narnia is like an onion, it makes me think that in Heaven I can meet anyone I wish to meet, even Lewis himself, as they will all be there. I was quite sad to know that Susan never came back to Narnia, and that Edmund, Peter, Lucy, their parents, Digory, Polly, Jill, and Eustace all died leaving her all alone. Will Susan get back to Narnia when she dies? |
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A lot of what is in the Narnia books relates to values, and values that are universal such loyalty, honesty and fighting evil... They also just tell a really, really good story. I don't see how what one believes really, deep down, means that one can or cannot enjoy Narnia.
