Narnia News (not the movie, no spoilers)

[KagomeShuko]

Narnia's Lion Really Is Jesus
London Times

The literary adviser to the C.S. Lewis estate has located a previously-unpublished letter that Lewis sent to a child fan in 1961, in which the author states, "The whole Narnian story is about Christ." The letter, which is to be published in a volume of Lewis letters next year, was written from Magdalene College, Cambridge. It goes on to say: "Supposing there really was a world like Narnia... and supposing Christ wanted to go into that world and save it (as He did ours) what might have happened? The stories are my answer. Since Narnia is a world of talking beasts, I thought He would become a talking beast there as He became a man here. I pictured Him becoming a lion there because a) the lion is supposed to be the king of beasts; b) Christ is called 'the lion of Judah' in the Bible." The newfound letter is conclusive proof of the Christian message in the Narnia stories. The upcoming film has been at the center of a tug of war between Christians and secularists. On one side church groups are promoting the story's message as Christian, while others say it is just an adventure story that draws on a variety of sources. Even Douglas Gresham, Lewis's stepson, said recently: "Churches in Britain and America are promoting the film as a Christian film, but it's not... and the Narnia books aren't Christian novels."

[SPALATIN]

Narnia's Lion Really Is Jesus
London Times

The literary adviser to the C.S. Lewis estate has located a previously-unpublished letter that Lewis sent to a child fan in 1961, in which the author states, "The whole Narnian story is about Christ." The letter, which is to be published in a volume of Lewis letters next year, was written from Magdalene College, Cambridge. It goes on to say: "Supposing there really was a world like Narnia... and supposing Christ wanted to go into that world and save it (as He did ours) what might have happened? The stories are my answer. Since Narnia is a world of talking beasts, I thought He would become a talking beast there as He became a man here. I pictured Him becoming a lion there because a) the lion is supposed to be the king of beasts; b) Christ is called 'the lion of Judah' in the Bible." The newfound letter is conclusive proof of the Christian message in the Narnia stories. The upcoming film has been at the center of a tug of war between Christians and secularists. On one side church groups are promoting the story's message as Christian, while others say it is just an adventure story that draws on a variety of sources. Even Douglas Gresham, Lewis's stepson, said recently: "Churches in Britain and America are promoting the film as a Christian film, but it's not... and the Narnia books aren't Christian novels."

Thanks for sharing Bridget. That's a neat story.

[ByzantineDixie]

Even Douglas Gresham, Lewis's stepson, said recently: "Churches in Britain and America are promoting the film as a Christian film, but it's not... and the Narnia books aren't Christian novels."

YIKES!!! Looks like Mr. Lewis' stepson bought off on the opinion of Mr. Enlightenment...there is no landlord. (I am reading The Pilgrim's Regress right now and loving every minute of it! HIGHLY recommend!) Mr. Gresham could use our prayers.

[KEPLER]

Considering how closely Douglas Gresham has worked with the C.S. Lewis Institute (a group dedicated to the memory and work of Lewis which focuses on his Christain work) in the past, I find that statement a bit dubious...:scratch: It would not be beyond the British press to fabricate such a comment....

[KEPLER]

UPDATE:

This story from an Australian newspaper seems to be the source of the quote. IMHO, it's not as bad as it sounds.

http://smh.com.au/news/film/in-the-name-of-the-father-/2005/12/04/1133631142936.html

He seems to be saying that the novels were not written with the INTENT of being tools for evangelism.

From the end of the article:
Gresham and his wife, Merrie, now live in a big house in Ireland where they run a Christian ministry that specialises in healing the trauma caused by abortion, which they believe is infanticide inspired by Satan. Critics have accused him of becoming obsessed with the power of the devil. ("Can you blame me, growing up in the house where The Screwtape Letters were written?" he says.)

K

[FriarTuck]

I've read the books when I was young and I was amazed when I saw the movie at all the Christian symbolism. course I only remember the broad strokes of the stories not all the detail but I obviously didn't understand it when I was little. Than you so much Mr. Lewis!

Peace and love to you all in Christ Jesus

[RedneckAnglican]

you mean to say the the chronicles of narnia are allegorical?...no...can't be...(has anyone sarcasm meter exploded yet?...)

I thought "The screwtape letters" would have been a kick butt movie myself...

[KEPLER]

you mean to say the the chronicles of narnia are allegorical?...no...can't be...(has anyone sarcasm meter exploded yet?...)

I thought "The screwtape letters" would have been a kick butt movie myself...

Screwtape Letters are available as a "Book on Tape" and the person reading them is John Cleese (from Monty Python). Well worth it!!! :thumbsup:

[RedneckAnglican]

Screwtape Letters are available as a "Book on Tape" and the person reading them is John Cleese (from Monty Python). Well worth it!!! :thumbsup:

John Cleese?...oh I've GOT to find that!...

[KEPLER]

John Cleese?...oh I've GOT to find that!...

Available on Amazon here. (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/094499315X/qid=1134765703/sr=8-6/ref=pd_bbs_6/103-0441996-5303860?n=507846&s=books&v=glance)

[SPALATIN]

It's good to have the Redneck back again. ;)

[RedneckAnglican]

It's good to have the Redneck back again. ;)

thanks...we have finally got settled...so I should be here more often...

[RedneckAnglican]

Available on Amazon here. (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/094499315X/qid=1134765703/sr=8-6/ref=pd_bbs_6/103-0441996-5303860?n=507846&s=books&v=glance)

thanks...I wonder if it will get here by ChristMas...