Friday, December 09, 2005

Thoughts on Narnia and Anonymity

To begin with, I just wanted to explain why I removed the "Anonymous" feature from the comment engine. I love hearing what people have to say and seeing who is reading my blog. Since so many people can comment under "anonymous," I never know if those are the thoughts of one person or many. And I like getting to know people and their opinions. I think one of the great things about blogging to getting to know other people and their ideas that you might not otherwise. It's just friendlier this way.

I saw the new Narnia movie last night and I loved it!

*spoiler alert*

If you haven't seen the new Narnia movie and want to be surprised, don't read any further.

Gary sent me this article he found written by a person who thinks C.S. Lewis was working for the devil. Now, C.S. Lewis is one of my heroes so this kind of bothers me. I can't imagine why someone would feel the need to write something like this. If you want to read the article, follow this link...

http://www.balaams-ass.com/journal/homemake/cslewis.htm

Anyway, I decided to really focus on the Christian imagery in the movie and this is what I found. (if you are at all familiar with the books, this will be no surprise to you)

Edmund is obviously a Judas figure. But I think he is also a symbol of all human-kind. We aren't perfect. I know I'm not. (remember my rant at Pat Robertson?) Aslan's sacrifice for Edmund is like Christ's sacrifice for all of us. He redeemed us.

The Witch obviously symbolizes evil or the devil. She is trying to control Narnia (the World) and keep all good things out. (like Christmas) And she is threatened by humans. (some people say that angels have always resented human beings because of our souls and free will)

The battle can't be won alone. Everyone is valued. No individual is too small to have a great impact. Look at the Beavers. It doesn't matter who you are. Christ/Aslan values you and wants to protect you. Even if you have screwed up.

When Aslan goes to his death, he seems very sad and desires Lucy's and Susan's companionship. This is like Christ's time in Gethsemane. He was afraid and sad. And his companions didn't do a very good job in keeping Him company.

Aslan is mocked and beaten just like Christ.

Lucy and Susan wonder where Aslan's body has been taken and they are the first to see him alive again. Sound familiar? How about the two Marys at the tomb?

Aslan also has the power to bring individuals back from death. Anyone heard of Lazarus?

I don't know why that person thinks C. S. Lewis does not have a Christian agenda. It's just crazy. But even if you aren't a Christian, it's still a ripping good tale. The visuals are great. And I really enjoyed the music. It really set the tone for the film. I thought it was great. But not really for kids under 10. Some of the violence is intense and the Witch is downright scary.

3 comments:

Genevieve said...

I saw the movie on Saturday. I really loved it! I did not focus on the Christian parts of the story although the symbolism is so obvious it's hard to miss. the witch didn't look like what I thought she should look like.

Genevieve said...

OK, I read parts of that article you linked to last night. How bizarre. The way the author challenges someone else's beliefs is very meanspirited. I don't think there is only one right way to be Christian. (but apparently, that author does. Guess I'll be seeing old C.S. in the place where non-believers go!)

Amy M. said...

I know, isn't it bizarre? That's why I specifically focused on any possible Christian imagery in the movie. If C.S. Lewis was serving the devil, he sure fooled me.