Is this book a large-scale metaphor for conversion?

[The Tisroc]

I think this book is a large scale metaphor for conversion to christianity or if you like monotheism in general.

from this perspective shasta and his companions are looking for salvation, however notice how shasta, a boy who was done no sin all his life (we assume) goes into narnia freely, while Aravis who committed a sin against her servant has to atone before she can reach narnia

likewise, the horses who are throughout the book very proud beings, have to become humble before entering narnia

but then again i could be completely wrong

[PrinceOfTheWest]

Oh, I wouldn't say wrong, O Tisroc (may you live forever!), just really stretchy. Actually, Shasta was not free of sin (recall that he admitted to the cat at the edge of the Tombs that he'd once "thrown stones at a half-starved mangy old stray" - and got a scratch of his own for it.) And of the horses, only Bree was the proud one who needed humbling. Hwin was almost an example of humility, and at the most frightening point was given the courage to overcome her fears and utter that poetic statement of faith, "I'd rather be eaten by you than fed by anyone else."

[inkspot]

I still think it works as a transformation story -- a conversion story if you will. I like to think of it more as a reformation story, because Shasta originally belonged to Archenland, and he had been carried away as a baby: just as we were originally meant to live in harmony with God, but all were carried away by our original father's sin.

[elfjad]

I don't think the books seek to convert anyone but more to make children more familiar with Christian stories and principals. In the end, the fundamental principles of all major religions revolve around the same things. Also, Aslan's definition or explanation of Tash made me think Lewis was veering slightly away from monotheism as Aslan says that Tash is his opposite. Tash didn't strike me as the Devil in Christianity as he seemed to be co-existing with Aslan quite well. The idea of two beings or opposites does seem to contradict monotheism although, having said that, it was just Aslan who created Narnia and started everything off. Ugh...I'm confused!