Beth Jones “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” is a movie with strong Christian themes and allegories. The author of the original book series, C.S. Lewis, was a Christian and infused his works with Christian symbolism and themes.
The character of Aslan, the lion who is the central figure of the story, represents Jesus Christ in the Christian faith. The character sacrifices himself to save another character from death, a clear reference to the Christian belief in Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross for the salvation of humanity.
Other themes that are central to Christianity, such as redemption, forgiveness, and the triumph of good over evil, are also present in the story.
So, while “The Chronicles of Narnia” can be considered a “Christian” story due to its underlying themes and symbolism, it is not strictly a Christian movie in the sense that it is only meant for Christian audiences. People of different faiths or no faith can also appreciate and enjoy the story and its adaptations. “Narnia” just happens to be a fantasy adventure story infused with Christian themes.
Overall, “The Chronicles of Narnia” series includes seven fantasy novels. The books have been adapted into various films and television series. The degree to which the Christian themes are emphasized may vary from one adaptation to another.
The most popular film version of the books include the trilogy “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” (2005), “Prince Caspian” (2008), and “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader” (2010).
Deeper Look at Narnia’s Christian Themes
Some of the major Christian themes in “The Chronicles of Narnia” series include:
Sacrifice: The idea of self-sacrifice is a central theme in the series. This is most notably seen in the character of Aslan. Aslan sacrifices himself in order to save Edmund’s life in “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” which is a clear parallel to Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.
Redemption: Another major theme in the series is redemption. Characters who have gone astray are given the opportunity to be redeemed. And their redemption often comes through their recognition of Aslan’s authority and sacrifice.
Good vs. Evil: The series also explores the concept of good versus evil. It also examines the idea that evil can be defeated through faith and courage. Aslan and his followers represent the forces of good, while the White Witch and her followers represent evil.
Faith: Faith is an important theme in the series, as characters are called upon to trust in Aslan and his plans, even when they cannot see the bigger picture.
Love: Love is a recurring theme in the series, and it is often portrayed as a force that is stronger than evil. The love that Aslan has for the characters in the story is a powerful force that motivates them to overcome their fears and obstacles.
Overall, the Christian themes in “The Chronicles of Narnia” serve to provide a framework for the story and its characters, and to convey important messages about morality and faith to readers and viewers.
Who Was C.S. Lewis?
C.S. Lewis (1898-1963) was a British writer and academic who is best known for his works of fiction, including “The Chronicles of Narnia,” “The Screwtape Letters,” and “The Space Trilogy.” Lewis was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and grew up in a Protestant family. He studied at Oxford University and later became a professor of English literature at both Oxford and Cambridge Universities.
As a writer, Lewis was known for his imaginative storytelling and his ability to weave Christian themes into his works. As a devout Christian, his faith played a central role in his writing. In addition to his fiction, Lewis wrote extensively on theology, and his works on Christianity, including “Mere Christianity” and “The Problem of Pain,” are still widely read and studied today.
Lewis was also a member of a literary group called the Inklings, which included other writers such as J.R.R. Tolkien, Charles Williams, and Owen Barfield. The Inklings would meet regularly to discuss their works in progress and to provide feedback and support to one another.
Lewis was married to Joy Davidman, an American writer, until her death in 1960. Their relationship was the subject of the film “Shadowlands.” Lewis himself died in 1963, and his legacy as a writer and thinker continues to influence and inspire people around the world.
