When Christians Attack!

[AtomicPreacher]

I moderate a somewhat popular webforum specific to the brand of Christianity that I represent.

At the forum where I moderate I recently made a post about my thoughts about 'The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.' I gave the book rave reviews (though I haven't seen the movie yet), and I exhaustingly introduced what I felt were the strong points of the Christian principles and overtones that are obvious throughout the story.

At any rate, I had some of our forum members accuse me of entertaining fantasies and imaginations that exalt itself against the knowledge of Christ. I also had some accuse me of entertaining "Witchcraft Candy," which I assume was a pot shot at me due to the stories use of the White Witch.

It's enough for the secular mind and nonbelievers in Christianity to constantly berate on us believers for our strong stand about the Lord Jesus Christ and His grace and mercy, but when the attacks come from within it's even more unbearable.

On another website that I keep close tabs on I noticed that a member of their forum had copied and pasted my review of the book and accused me of trying to comprimise my "holiness" with "worldliness", and that a true Christian would distance themself from the fantasy realm and "deep magic" that "The Chronicles" offer that were created in the mind of C. S. Lewis (one of the world's greatest and foremost theologians).

It has been said on other forums that carry the title "Christian", that the "Chronicles of Narnia" are just as dangerous to the Christian soul as it Harry Potter. It has been said that C. S. Lewis used the means of fantasy to inject Christianity with a dose of mysticism and witchcraft all packaged in the form of Christianity.

I respectfully disagree with the dissenters, but it serves as apoint of debate among those of us who are true fans of these works of literary art.

Most of the objection to "The Chronicles" comes from those sincere Christian souls who never read the books or know absolutely nothing remotely close to them.

Has anyone else suffered personal persecution because you are a Christian and have a unique interest in these epic literary masterpieces that are saturated with Christian overtones, or am I isolated in my situation?

Rev. Wheeler
Atomic Preacher

[Gibby]

No, thank goodness. In fact, our pastor at our church is using LWW as a theme for advent this year. I don't think that you are "worldly". I believe that the Lord blessed C.S. Lewis with an incredible imagination that he used to share the gospel with children, or in my case, children at heart. Lewis used his gift of story telling to glorify God through all his writings, especially CoN. This sounds like an interesting forum; what's the link?

[Saruman]

I do not believe it is right whatsoever that any Christian should attack ANYONE, believer or unbeliever, in a way that is harsh and cruel. For the sake of my thoughts on this matter I will narrow my discussion down to Christians only:

If a fellow brother or sister in Christ has views that differentiate with your thoughts and ideas, they should feel more than welcome to share their thoughts and opinions. But through the use of personal affronts and bashing, this is most certainly worldly. While I believe there is room for discussion as to why someone should think, say, that the Harry Potter series dabble in sorcery and witchcraft (as I do personally), I do not believe we as Christians should be slamming our brethren because they like to watch/read it. A certain thing may be sin to one, but not to another (only in certain situations, of course - i.e., through the enjoyment of LOTR or CoN, if one chooses to dislike either because he feels they are worldly, or share heathen principles, then that is his own choice, but it is does not have to be my choice, unless the brother or sister shares with me something from the Word of God that supports their claim, which erases all doubts and questions). I believe that we should share our thoughts (for they are valuable), but to do so reasonably and with grace and kindness.

I am sorry you have had to suffer from this, and I pray the Lord may give you patience. But I also believe that this can be a two-way street: do not be harsh on them. Pray for them, that they may understand that attacking you and vilifying your name because of what you think is not at all nice, but do not place them in a category of "wicked" or "heartless." As Christians, we must never allow Lewis (or Tolkien, or Rowling, or any other author) to have greater influence over us than our Lord and His Word - but no one is exempt from enjoying a good piece of fiction, especially when it contains messages of truth, love, mercy, grace, and wisdom, to be taught (more particularly when it is the author's desire to share these things, even if it is not their primary goal in writing their stories).

Sorry - just let me know if I have rambled any (it happens with me too often). God bless you, friend, and welcome to the forum.

[PrinceOfTheWest]

I have heard the Christian Army described as the only one that opens fire on its own flanks and shoots its own wounded. What you've described is a sad situation, and I will be praying for you. Rest assured that some of the finest and most soundly orthodox theologians I know are resounding promoters of the world view promoted by the Chronicles and the Lord of the Rings. I and many other believe that those works were influenced by the Holy Spirit - not at the level of Sacred Scripture, of course, but strongly in the sense that He influences all art, and especially art devoted to God's glory.

God bless you!

[Euphrates]

I've had similar situations, Rev. Usually the problem is that people think I am getting Narnia mixed up with Christianity, or that there is a chance of doing so. Their main point is that we should distance ourselves and Christianity from Narnia to avoid confusion. My usual response is that everything about "Narnia-proper" is fiction and nothing more, but even fiction can be used to illustrate reality. However, people do get confused and ask "who is Satan in Narnia" and such. But as long as we stick to using Narnia to illustrate Christianity in specific ways, there shouldn't be trouble.

[Aslan the Wise one]

Yes I have becase I was a fan of Tolkien and CSL. and there books all most all the time i cant stand it.

[Parthian King]

Once I had someone tell me that "the Lord told them" to quit reading Tolkien, since "he was of the devil." I told her to go back and listen better next time, because Tolkien was too busy being a man of God to be "of the devil." Not very diplomatic, I know, but my directness stunned her into reconsideration of her "revelation." Sometimes ignorance and silliness needs to be called for what it is. Jesus did plenty of that himself...

[Aslan the Wise one]

I had a class on Lotr and the chrisitan themes and symbols in the books when the moives were coming out. And there was a few peolpe in my chruch that were very Anit-Tolkien and CSL. And they crosed a lot of stuff to happen the battle between us the Tolkien and CS.Lewis loves with the one what were Anit of them I had to stop my class. And the battle is stell going on kind of this was about three years ago. But luckly all my pasters are huge fans such has me of both men.

[Astral]

As a progressive Christian, I sometimes roll my eyes and sigh at the people who use Narnia as a justification for keeping a death-grip on dogma. I see the parallels between the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and the story of Jesus and I think it's a great religious inspiration to those who look for it. However, I am irritated when people are, shall we say, overzealous in promoting this aspect of the book - sure, it has Christianity woven through it, but 'by Jove', to quote Peter, if people want to enjoy it as a piece of literature and not a sermon, let them do so.

I'm not accusing any of you, sorry if that seemed like it. It is the same way with Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings or practically any controversial book you can name. To me, it's fine if you do or don't want to read because you think it might affect your spirituality, but keep in mind that we all don't share your beliefs and let us read in peace. There's no way to describe how frustrating it is to be reading a good book and have someone tell me it's somehow going to affect how I believe in God.

I also have an objection to people who gloss over Edmund as Judas. While the very basic idea of what they are said to have done may be the same, the situations surrounding them (this is open to interpretation, I know, so I'm sorry to those who disagree in advance) are completely different. Judas was an adult. He knew Jesus personally, had seen exactly what work was being done, and was completely aware of his scenario. He betrayed Jesus; the latter forgave him and died willingly. Edmund, however, had not ever known Aslan, had only ever met the White Witch who had treated him relatively well, and was a young boy suddenly thrown into a world where he had no idea what was going on. He was understandably scared. Give the poor boy a break.

In conclusion, Narnia may be considered a great Christian epic and it's fine with me if you think that - just be sure you're not cramming it down others' throats. If nothing else it's a well-written book with a lot of imagination behind it and I hope we can all agree to disagree. I also hope that someday there will be more than four well-written fanfictions without sermons in the middle. :)

May your God bless you.

[Aslan the Wise one]

I also belive it is a good pace of literature there is a great book out called. A Reader's Guide Through The Wardrobe by Leland Ryken&Lamp Mesad it talks of the Litery themes in the book and so on you should really chack it out.

[Astral]

If I had any money, I certainly would. ^^; Thank you.

[holyboy]

In response to the first post, I have only heard great things from my denomination. My father listens to a Catholic radio channel (which i am under force to listen to. Being a 16 year old child, this is not always the first choice of my ride into school in the morning) and they had a while Q & A segment about the CoN with an expert on the books. And all the show had was conpliments and praise of the books because of the symbolic meanings in the books.

And if someone did accuse me of promoting magic or what not with the CoN, I would just say that this author decided to use a fantasy medium to reach out to more people to bring them to Jesus. I would also say that any book that has brought people to God, as this book has, cannot be a work of the devil.

[Alexandra Pevensie]

i think it's awesome to use lww, regardless of the references to magic, b/c (as "holyboy" says) that's what lewis used to tell his story...and if u think about it, grace itself has to have a bit of "magic" involved, doesn't it???

Curumo: why do u claim to be saruman? wouldn't it make more sense to be a good character? just curious...

[PunkMaister]

There will always be ignorant and prejudiced people that will use any excuse to launch verbal and even more dangerous phisical attacks against those that don't share their views.
But honestly I don't consider people that go around either browbeating people around for readijg this or that, for being Gay whatever or worst blow up abortion clinics and go Gay bashing and witch hunting on the weekends as christians.Sure they use that term but their actions speak loudly otherwise...

[PrinceOfTheWest]

I don't consider people that go around either browbeating people around for readijg this or that, for being Gay whatever or worst blow up abortion clinics and go Gay bashing and witch hunting on the weekends as christians.Sure they use that term but their actions speak loudly otherwise...Interestingly, C.S. Lewis would disagree with you on that. He would call them "bad Christians". He once wrote (I'll try to dig up the reference) that he didn't like the transition of the word "Christian" from its original meaning (i.e. one who adhered to a certain set of beliefs) to a different one (one who behaved a certain way). He maintained that did two things: first, it was sloppy use of language, and secondly, it meant that one party was judging another. I've seen the latter on this forum, with posts to the effect of "such a person isn't really Christian." Though we can measure actions against Christ's standards, we cannot judge hearts, and I think Lewis was wise to want to stay with the original definition. Remember, being Christian does not mean automatically seeing the face of God! If we walk away from our salvation, our judgement will be the more severe because we have neglected an even greater grace!

[Parthian King]

Good words, Prince of the West.

I would add a comment as well, especially concerning PunkMaister's words. I could not agree more that some (even many) Christians behave badly and poorly reflect their Lord's glory. (If they dog Lewis and Tolkien, feel free to add "egregiously ignorant" to the list.) Yet the point requires some qualification. I won't repeat some of the specific things Punk Maister mentions, because I don't want a mod coming down on the thread. But let me just say that what you call "bashing," at least in today's postmodern, relativistic, and ultra-pluralistic culture, is often the prophetic (i.e., confrontational) voice of the Church. Physical violence (such as blowing people up) is murder, period, and assault is similarly to be condemned. But the Scriptures--and Lewis, BTW--are rather clear that there is such a thing as "sin," that we can know specific sins, that we as the Church are called to confont them in society, and society won't like it, and will lash back. Remember, the early Church (by most considered something of a golden age of evangelism-by-love) was called "misanthropic" by the pagan Greco-Roman culture in which it lived simply because it stood for moral standards.

For all the talk of Christians "bashing" on others, I must say I perceive a good deal of "Christian bashing," when in fact the Christian or Christians have done nothing more than say, "Hey, God says that's wrong and you shouldn't do it." Confrontation and offense are integral aspects of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and as soon as we preach a gospel that does not offend or draw fire we have ceased to preach the gospel at all. To confront and to oppose does not mean one is guilty of hatred, and, in fact, true love always confronts and opposes sin, since sin is the scourge of humanity.

[inkspot]

Judas was an adult. He knew Jesus personally, had seen exactly what work was being done, and was completely aware of his scenario. He betrayed Jesus; the latter forgave him and died willingly. Edmund, however, had not ever known Aslan, had only ever met the White Witch who had treated him relatively well, and was a young boy suddenly thrown into a world where he had no idea what was going on. He was understandably scared.
If Edmund were a real person (rather than a fictional character) from the viewpoint of heaven, he would be as condemned as Judas despite being young and scared -- we all are condemned when we reach an age of accountability, whether we have viciously harmed others or just made sinful mistakes out of fear. The Bible says all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. The great thing is that Christ's grace covers and forgives us, whether we have spitefully betrayed the Savior or accidentally betrayed our brothers and sisters through fear ...

So while Edmund may deserve a break in our sympathy toward him, he really deserved the judgment that was called down on him -- as we all do -- and it is only thanks to the King that we do not suffer that fate. :)

[AtomicPreacher]

Let me state for the record that the negative comments from those within my brand of Christianity don't speak overall for our tribe (relatively speaking).

Those who have voiced angst againt CoN have come from ultra-legalists who are cynical by virtue of their nature. The rancor has mostly been voiced by those who have nothing to contribute to the Kingdom of God other than to serve as a roadblock to the progression the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ is making in these final hours here on planet earth.

The temptation to rail back at them on my forum has been tempting. It has been a temptation I have quenched since I saw no profit in stooping to their level.

I will not say that CoN has benefited me spiritually, other then to reaffirm those cardinal points of faith that I already subscribe to. I will say that I have benefited from the works on an artistic level as an expander to my worldview. I feel that C. S. Lewis has been instrumental in explaining time tested and God approved basic moral principles in a timely and relevent manner. I applaud him for heeding the inspiration for these books, whether the inspiration was from God or birthed from an innate talent given to him by God.

The CoN are a wonderful series of stories I plan to read to my child when he is old enough to comprehend what it is I'm reading to him. Right now he's only three months old. I have read him one chapter, and oddly enough he held on to every word I read to him. Usually he wants to be held and cries when you lay him in his bed and try to talk to him. This time he was silent and still and stared at me as I read him the first chapter of LWW. What a blessing!

Rev. Wheeler
AtomicPreacher

[Parthian King]

Very good AP. I agree wholeheartedly. And the number of those to whom you refer is relatively small. They are legalistic, as you say, and foster an ultra-sterile and often unimaginative view of Christianity. God bless them, and God give us wisdom to go around them and keep on with the work.

[maz]

At the forum where I moderate I recently made a post about my thoughts about 'The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.' I gave the book rave reviews (though I haven't seen the movie yet), and I exhaustingly introduced what I felt were the strong points of the Christian principles and overtones that are obvious throughout the story.

At any rate, I had some of our forum members accuse me of entertaining fantasies and imaginations that exalt itself against the knowledge of Christ. I also had some accuse me of entertaining "Witchcraft Candy," which I assume was a pot shot at me due to the stories use of the White Witch.

It's enough for the secular mind and nonbelievers in Christianity to constantly berate on us believers for our strong stand about the Lord Jesus Christ and His grace and mercy, but when the attacks come from within it's even more unbearable.


.....Most of the objection to "The Chronicles" comes from those sincere Christian souls who never read the books or know absolutely nothing remotely close to them.

Has anyone else suffered personal persecution because you are a Christian and have a unique interest in these epic literary masterpieces that are saturated with Christian overtones, or am I isolated in my situation?
this has happened to me this week, regarding C.S. Lewis and Narnia...
the angry ranting is unbelievable...
http://forums.strang.com/viewtopic.php?t=7473&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0
if anyone wants to look...
it is unbelievable how C.S. Lewis is being torn to pieces by those (Christians) who have not read his books or a correct biography...
the slander of A. N. Wilson (the unofficial biography) spreads :(

[Faun 3.0]

I moderate a somewhat popular webforum specific to the brand of Christianity that I represent.

At the forum where I moderate I recently made a post about my thoughts about 'The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.' I gave the book rave reviews (though I haven't seen the movie yet), and I exhaustingly introduced what I felt were the strong points of the Christian principles and overtones that are obvious throughout the story.

At any rate, I had some of our forum members accuse me of entertaining fantasies and imaginations that exalt itself against the knowledge of Christ. I also had some accuse me of entertaining "Witchcraft Candy," which I assume was a pot shot at me due to the stories use of the White Witch.

It's enough for the secular mind and nonbelievers in Christianity to constantly berate on us believers for our strong stand about the Lord Jesus Christ and His grace and mercy, but when the attacks come from within it's even more unbearable.

On another website that I keep close tabs on I noticed that a member of their forum had copied and pasted my review of the book and accused me of trying to comprimise my "holiness" with "worldliness", and that a true Christian would distance themself from the fantasy realm and "deep magic" that "The Chronicles" offer that were created in the mind of C. S. Lewis (one of the world's greatest and foremost theologians).

It has been said on other forums that carry the title "Christian", that the "Chronicles of Narnia" are just as dangerous to the Christian soul as it Harry Potter. It has been said that C. S. Lewis used the means of fantasy to inject Christianity with a dose of mysticism and witchcraft all packaged in the form of Christianity.

I respectfully disagree with the dissenters, but it serves as apoint of debate among those of us who are true fans of these works of literary art.

Most of the objection to "The Chronicles" comes from those sincere Christian souls who never read the books or know absolutely nothing remotely close to them.

Has anyone else suffered personal persecution because you are a Christian and have a unique interest in these epic literary masterpieces that are saturated with Christian overtones, or am I isolated in my situation?

Rev. Wheeler
Atomic Preacher

Dude!!! Your a Rev.!! I had no idea! You must be old!......excuse me....olDER person. I agree with you. As with Harry Potter, I don't actually beleive in all that stuff. You're only doing evil deeds if you actually beleive that stuff. I just think it's fun entertainment. As for Narnia, I think it teaches religious aspects in the form of good entertainment. What's wrong with that??It's a sin to be entertained and inspired at the same time???

I'm on your side Mr. Rev. Wheeler!

Can I get a Hallelujah!!??? :)

[SacredSpirit]

Dude!!! Your a Rev.!! I had no idea! You must be old!......excuse me....olDER person. I agree with you. As with Harry Potter, I don't actually beleive in all that stuff. You're only doing evil deeds if you actually beleive that stuff. I just think it's fun entertainment. As for Narnia, I think it teaches religious aspects in the form of good entertainment. What's wrong with that??It's a sin to be entertained and inspired at the same time???

I'm on your side Mr. Rev. Wheeler!

Can I get a Hallelujah!!??? :)

hahahaha

okay
i used to love harry potter like crazy
but now i calmed down alot

Faun 3.0
u r so crazy
and sarcastic

[Aslan the Wise one]

Great thoughts to all of you. But let me ask you this what makes the magic in Hp is not the same type of magic in Narnia.?

[Faun 3.0]

Absolutely nothing!!!

[SacredSpirit]

Great thoughts to all of you. But let me ask you this what makes the magic in Hp is not the same type of magic in Narnia.?

well harry potter is well based off of witchcraft adn devil stuuf
and narnia is based on christianity(sp)

uh yeah
i mean thats the difference to me
thats why i would rather get obsessed with narnia than harry potter

[SOS~]

Don't waste your time AK they won't understand.

[Aslan the Wise one]

I do unstand I just wnated to hear you alls opien on the topic.

[SOS~]

No, I'm not talking to you.

[Aslan the Wise one]

Will fine then I dont wnat to talk to u lol. Ok lets get back on the real topic.

[SOS~]

:confused:

[EveningStar]

I did not write this verse, but I wouldn't have been ashamed if I did....

They called me a heretic, rascal, a lout
They drew a circle to keep me out
But love and I had the wit to win
We drew a circle that took them in

That is my statement on this thread. Amor Vincit Omnia, which in Latin means "Love conquers all".

John Burkitt

[Rhyanidd]

.

At the forum where I moderate I recently made a post about my thoughts about 'The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.' I gave the book rave reviews (though I haven't seen the movie yet), and I exhaustingly introduced what I felt were the strong points of the Christian principles and overtones that are obvious throughout the story.

At any rate, I had some of our forum members accuse me of entertaining fantasies and imaginations that exalt itself against the knowledge of Christ. I also had some accuse me of entertaining "Witchcraft Candy," which I assume was a pot shot at me due to the stories use of the White Witch.

On another website that I keep close tabs on I noticed that a member of their forum had copied and pasted my review of the book and accused me of trying to comprimise my "holiness" with "worldliness", and that a true Christian would distance themself from the fantasy realm and "deep magic" that "The Chronicles" offer that were created in the mind of C. S. Lewis (one of the world's greatest and foremost theologians).

It has been said on other forums that carry the title "Christian", that the "Chronicles of Narnia" are just as dangerous to the Christian soul as it Harry Potter. It has been said that C. S. Lewis used the means of fantasy to inject Christianity with a dose of mysticism and witchcraft all packaged in the form of Christianity.

Rev. Wheeler
Atomic Preacher

Ha I know what you mean....the movie came out the day before my b-day so I (having known the stories since babyhood) wanted to go see it with my friends....I invited my one friend and she told me that she didnt want to go see the movie because it (I am not bad-mouthing my friend its just I dont understand her postion)had talking lions and animals and shes all 'into reality she doesnt like fantasy' which really coming from her is quite shocking to me because the books she does like are not realistic but thats just my opinion. And also 'the white witch' well I dont have a problem with the witch because witchcraft is real...they have books in Borders called 'confessions of a teen-age witch' Its not something Lewis made up, and I dont see how you can use the witchcraft against the books because Lewis does not promote it he makes it evil it is the ultimate evil! As to the deep magic I cant disagree with that because what God has done is truly magical.....rising His son from the dead? We describe sunsets and sunrises as magical why cant we describe the Trinity as magical?!?! The created it!!!

[Aslan the Wise one]

Back on to the topic of what the talk is about.

[Saruman]

well harry potter is well based off of witchcraft adn devil stuuf
and narnia is based on christianity(sp)

uh yeah
i mean thats the difference to me
thats why i would rather get obsessed with narnia than harry potter

We have a wonderful thread for discussion on this matter, the "Harry Potter and the Bible" thread (if, of course, you haven't already come upon it).

To be as quick as I can: some still do not quite understand the differences in the use of "magic" in Lewis and Tolkien's fiction as opposed to the actual "witchcraft and wizardry" that is drawn in JKR's fiction. In many instances in LOTR, the natural capabilities and skills of the elves and the "wizards" (mistakenly called "wizards" by Men and other races of that time) were often called (and mistakenly so) "magic." For Lewis, his use of magic in many cases tends to reflect certain spiritual battles (i.e. Lucy's temptations to use the spell book on the Island of the Duffers in the VDT). Yet nowhere in these books do we read of the actual chanting of spells and incantations, nor do we read that any of the characters attended "Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry." This is why so many believe Harry Potter is "of the devil," in that its author actually writes things that are closely associated to certain modern day pagan practices (found in Wicca, etc.).

For myself, personally, I believe there is plenty of fiction in this world that I really do not need to be injecting into my mind. Let me - once more - be clear that I am not here to say that I am condemning anyone who enjoys reading Harry Potter, but that I believe it does indeed have many differences in it as opposed to Tolkien and Lewis' writings.

[The Reverend Puddleglum]

I live in Brazil, where much Christianity is pretty wacky, with fundamentalist overtones. Narnia has been widely slammed, and for delightful reasons. One of the principal ones is that it promotes drug use. Yes folks, Lewis was always getting high, drinking BEER with Tolkein and other Satanists, and Turkish Delight is clearly a term of MARIJUANA.

Never mind that one would have thought that, even if such an identification were legitimate, the context (White Witch, Edmund the traitor etc.) is hardly positive towards the use of the drug.

Sometimes the best thing to do with this kind of criticism is just to laugh at it.

Rev Pud.

[Daishi]

Extremism sucks. The Jews had plenty of stories and tales for children besides just the Torah, but Heaven forbid Christians do the same.

There's a website that tears Lewis apart at http://www.blessedquietness.com

I highly reccomend that if you're young, easily irritated or of any temperment to retort in anger that you do NOT go there. It's one of the most offensive 'religious' sites I've ever seen.

[high_kingpeter]

So yeah, I read the article from the link Daishi, and whoa. I read alot of stuff similar to this with Lord of the Rings as well, and well, I don't think all the evidence they provide is really relevant like this:

Lewis Wouldn't Like It NEW

Comments on the new Narnia movie (Dec. 2005):

In viewing the recent trailers, or teasers, for the new movie Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, I was struck with the horribleness of them. It is easy to pass over the really ugly aspects of monsters, mythical beings and medieval warfare when reading a book. The movie puts it all into flesh and blood in a way that is even "more real than life" as my brother described it. It is not something I would want to see myself, let alone show a child. There is too much of the nightmare about it. You can imagine how intrigued I was to find that my opinion was shared by none other than C.S. Lewis himself!

----------------------------------------

[Letter to BBC producer Lance Sieveking (1896-1972), who has written at the top: 'The Magician's Nephew' and, after the address, the phone number "62963".]

Dear Sieveking

(Why do you 'Dr' me? Had we not dropped the honorifics?) As things worked out, I wasn't free to hear a single installment of our serial [The Magician's Nephew] except the first. What I did hear, I approved. I shd. be glad for the series to be given abroad. But I am absolutely opposed - adamant isn't in it! - to a TV version. Anthropomorphic animals, when taken out of narrative into actual visibility, always turn into buffoonery or nightmare. At least, with photography. Cartoons (if only Disney did not combine so much vulgarity with his genius!) wld. be another matter. A human, pantomime, Aslan wld. be to me blasphemy.

All the best,
yours
C. S. Lewis

Doesn't CS Lewis think that if a real version was done, it was just look corny? Not terrifing as the person who commented above was telling us.

[Daishi]

People at that site twist a lot of truth to fit their purpose.

[high_kingpeter]

Ah, fundamentalists...they give whatever religion they are affliliated with a bad rap.

[Namaste]

I wasn't going to post to anymore threads here, but I find the ideas that a lot of you posted to be very good. I have to agree with high_kingpeter's statement, because this is why a lot of folks get turned off with organized religion. There are some wonderful people of all faiths out there, but said faiths do get a bad rap at times when people verbally, physically, and emotionally attack those who are different then they are.

Sometimes I think it would be easier on all parties involved if we try to find common ground and thus try to understand one another. We have more in common with one another than we think, it's just the fine print that sets us apart theologically. I think Christians do attack, but I also believe that a lot of people of various religious backgrounds do their share of attacking as well and we should not limit it to one group over another.

[narniarox]

they really attacked you?
wow, i know how that feels
it come purely from a roman church ideal
that's really old stuff
i cannot read harry potter because it would cause PROBLEMS
the only dangers of reading fantasy, to christians and their souls, books is that you will interpret them incorrectly and end up pagan or entirely confused about where u stand
the attack of fantasy books actually sprouts from trying to remove the twig from someone else's eye when u should remove the log from your's.
it is actually PHARASIACAL
God gave us a choice in everything actually
and if we choose to go into the occult then hey, that is anyone's perrogative.
rather than attack people that seem to be getting caught up in fantasy in real life then we ought to try to subtly explain to them the truth specifically about narnia.
u can get caught up in anything but since Aslan literally is Jesus isn't it okay to get caught up in him in narnia.
i became a christian because of the chronicles of narnia
( that was because it explained Jesus and his love in a more comfortable way for children )
lewis did not mean for lww to replace the Bible or anything like that it was simply a way of reaching children because it can seem that church is our parents way of worshipping and to a kid that is really stuffy.

[uknowuluvme]

i am christian and i received confirmation not to long ago but i dont realli judge movies and books on how chrisitan or unchrisitna they are because then that wud be just about everything lol i mean if your not opsessing over it then its ok to like narnia or happry potter. i mean yea they deal wit magic nd have otha rulers but its all pretend <3

[inkspot]

Agreed, it's all pretend!

[Narborg]

I dont have time for christians like that.

[Gryphon]

wow, thats really stupid, some people take things waaaaay too far, dont worry about it they just dont know what they're missing out on. As for it being "As dangerous as Harry Potter" they dont know what they are talking about. There have been people who have come to Christ beause of his work. That was just stupid of them.