C. S. LEWIS: A PROFOUNDLY
GIFTED CHRISTIAN AUTHOR

C. S. Lewis is one of the greatest literary figures of the 20th century. In addition to being a profoundly gifted Christian thinker and apologist whose many scholarly works continue to inspire and challenge even seminary students today, Lewis also wrote the remarkable Narnia fantasy adventure series that has come to be regarded as one of literature's most enduring and imaginative classics. Since its original publication, the series has sold more than 85 million books in 29 different languages, Lewis' unique ability to present Biblical truth in intriguing ways to adults (e.g., The Screwtape Letters) is equally effective for younger readers in these remarkable stories. Lewis had what many scholars refer to as a Biblical imagination. His heart was captivated by Jesus, and his head was filled with a profound grasp of Biblical principles. As a result, truths about God, His grand design
for humanity, the epic struggle between good and evil, and deep insights into the character of both God and men, flow into everything he wrote-and Narnia is no exception.

Because of Lewis' exceptional ability to think and communicate on different levels at the same time, Narnia presents a unique opportunity to engage in conversations about a story with great popular appeal, but one that also conveys such timeless Biblical themes such as faith, sacrifice, resurrection and redemption.

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe

The Chronicles of Narnia is a seven book series that follows the adventures of four English children who discover another world-the magical land of Narnia. In The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, the first of the seven books, Narnia is held in bondage under the spell of the evil White Witch who has rendered it "always winter and never Christmas." The redemption of Narnia, however, and the end of the White Witch's reign had been prophesied. And the prophecy also spoke of the arrival of humans-"sons of Adam and daughters of Eve"-as a sign that the coming of Aslan as the rightful King was near.

Edmund, one of the children, falls under the Witch's spell by giving in to greed, pride, and selfishness. He finally sees the error of his ways, but is captured and sentenced to death as a traitor by the Witch. The only hope for Edmund-and for Narnia-is the great Lion, Aslan.

Aslan lays down his life for Edmund, taking Edmund's punishment and dying in his place. The Witch believes that with Aslan's sacrificial death, the prophecy would be broken and her magical hold on Narnia would be complete. She was not aware of the more powerful "deeper magic" that brings Aslan back to life. His resurrection breaks the power of sin and death in Narnia, allowing himself and the children to lead an army to defeat the evil Witch and restore Narnia to a new golden age.

THE "HIDDEN STORY"

Lewis often referred to "the stories within the stories" in alluding to how the gospel message is woven through the adventure and excitement of the immensely entertaining Narnia series. His method of engaging his readers' imaginations at multiple levels was described in a 1954 letter to some Maryland 5th graders that stated,

"I did not say to myself 'Let us represent Jesus as He really is in our world by a Lion in
Narnia'; I said 'Let us suppose that there were a land like Narnia and that the Son of God, as He became a Man In our world, became a lion there, and then imagine what would happen.'"

The children of four generations have been both entertained and captivated by the great lion Aslan in the land of Narnia and many, as a result, have sought to know Him better in our world. We share this objective for the children-and adults-of our generation as well. In one of the last episodes of the series, when Aslan tells the children that they would soon have to return to the reality of their own country, the children were devastated:

"'It isn't Narnia, you know,' sobbed Lucy, 'It's you. We shan't meet you there. And how can we live, never meeting you?'

'But you shall meet me, dear one,' said Aslan.

'Are-are you there too, Sir?' said Edmund.

'I am,' said Aslan, 'But there I have another name. You must learn to know me by that
name. This was the very reason why you were brought to Narnia, that by knowing me here for a little, you may know me better there.'"

Is Lewis really talking about Jesus?
Years ago, after reading the above passage, a little girl named Hila wrote to Lewis asking him to tell her Aslan's other name. Lewis responded with clues from the stories.

"Well, I want you to guess. Has there ever been anyone in this world who

1) arrived at the same time as Father Christmas,
2) Said he was the son of the Great Emperor,
3) Gave himself up for someone else's fault, to be jeered at and killed by wicked people,
4) Came to life again, and
5) Is sometimes spoken of as a lamb (see the end of Dawn Trader)? Don't you really
know His name in this world? Think it over, and let me know your answer."

Another reader, a young Christian, actually became worried that he had come to love Aslan even more than Jesus. A concerned mother wrote Lewis for advice. Within 10 days she received this reply,

"Laurence can't really love Aslan more than Jesus, even if he feels that's what he is doing. For the things he loves Aslan for doing or saying are simply things that Jesus really did and said. So that when Laurence thinks he is loving Aslan, he is really loving Jesus; and perhaps loving Him more than he ever did before."

AN OUTREACH OPPORTUNITY

We have an opportunity to help young people-and the young at heart of all ages-experience the Lion of Narnia and then learn about Him as He really exists in our world. Narnia has the potential of reaching deep into our culture as an amazing cinematic production and we believe that millions of hearts will be captured by the compelling story of Aslan-and perhaps wonder about the "story within the story." We have the opportunity to capture this moment in time, using a magnificently crafted visual experience as an occasion for Christians to share their own personal discovery of the Lion of Narnia in the person of Jesus Christ.

A little less than a month before he died, Lewis wrote to a girl named Ruth what might well serve as a fitting challenge - to us today. He said in part,

"If you continue to love Jesus, nothing much can go wrong with you, and I hope that you may always do so. I'm so thankful that you realized the 'hidden story' in the Narnia books. It is odd, children nearly always do, grownups hardly ever." (emphasis added)

As Christians of all ages grasp the truths presented in the Chronicles of Narnia, we have the opportunity to share our faith with those who are just beginning to explore the "hidden story" as a result of seeing this movie. We believe the release of this film-at this time-is providential, and encourage you to take full advantage of the opportunity it presents us to share our faith with others in our community.

What better time-than the season celebrating the birth of our Lord?
What better opportunity-than the nationwide release of a major film that offers amazing visual effects while retaining the true story of Aslan and Narnia?
What an enormous need-for our nation to hear a message of faith, hope, and love
during this time of turmoil and challenge.

A Note from pastor Paul:

Why Narnia? Why not just tell the real story of Jesus and His love? Why not just "share the gospel" and let God do His work in people's lives?

Indeed. But are we doing that? Have we been doing it? Are we likely to do it in the future?

The bible says, "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…" (I Peter 3:15). When was the last time someone asked you?

It's been my observation that Christians like us are known far more for what we're against than for what we are actually for! Many, many of your friends and relatives, especially families with young children, are going to see this film. It's a terrific story! I've read the book four times!! There'll be no sex, profanity, or violence.

But - and here's the whole point for me - without a Christian witness, a "reason for the hope that we have," it will just be a movie, a nice story with a happy ending. It can be so much more! Our mission as a church comes directly from the words of Jesus - Go! Make disciples! I'll be there! The Narnia film series, beginning with The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, provides us with a chance to get involved in working out that mission. Our vision - that the Lord will add to our number such as are being saved - involves our getting involved in what God is doing, that which only God can do in the end. This film, which almost everyone is going to want to see, is a better chance to get involved than anything else we could do this Christmas!

Postscript: Sharing our faith using a tool like Narnia just might make us more likely to share the "real story" later on and better at doing it in the long run!

 

"I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes..."   Romans 1:16 (New International Version)