Aslan = God

[lothwen]

What are your views about Aslan being like God in Narnia? I think they're very similar, except for the obvious difference that Aslan's a lion. What do you think?

[†vikingmaiden†]

I view Aslan as more of a Christ figure rather than God the Father, if you are viewing it as the trinity. In many stories, especially the more 'epic' or mythological ones, there is a Christ figure who sacrifices him/herself for the good of all. That can be paralleled to Christ's sacrifice on the cross, as he gave himself up as a ransom. In Lewis' Space Trilogy, the Christ-figure's name is actually Ransom, which I think is rather cool.
Also Aslan's choice to die for Edmund is like Christ dying in our place, as we were sort of like Edmund---we decided to rebel against God.
If God the Father has a "parallel" in the NArnia books, he could be the Emperor across the Sea (I think that's his name), since ASlan says that his father is the Emperor. I don't know really, I'd have to read the books over again. It's been a while.

[rinielaranel]

I agree with vikingmaiden. What you said about the Emporer across the sea is correct, i believe.

[Gwenneth]

Haha, VM beat me to it. You basically said everything I was thinking of, and probably better than I could've!

I believe it's Emporer-beyond-the-sea, with maybe a 'the Great' in front. And yes, I always looked at him as the God figure, especially since it says that Aslan is His son.

[Herenya]

Yes, I've always viewed Aslan as more of a Jesus figure, since he makes reference to his father and because of the resurrection and dying for the wrongs of someone else... Except in The Last Battle, where I felt that Aslan was the God figure. I don't really know why I made that assumption, it was just the impression I got...

[Larael]

Personally I view Aslan as both God the Father and Jesus Christ. In The Magician's Nephew I see Aslan as God the Father our Creator, because he creates all of Narnia etc.

In LWW and all the way to the last book, I see him as Jesus Christ because he sacrifices himself in stead of Edmund, and comes again in the last book to symbolise Christ coming again and the ressurection of the dead.

[sinbearer]

It is hard to understand the concept of the Trinity and what parts each of the 3 play in their interaction with us. In John's description of Jesus, he says, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being." John 1:1-3 So I guess I always thought that Jesus was the creator of this world.

Or so it seems....is it really possible to dissect the triune God's roles? They are one God! Perhaps we can to some extent but all understandings (even Lewis') break down at some point.