wow.the lion the witch and the wardrobe is fantastic. i read the books as a kid and re-read them as an adult but, i was skeptical of the movie due to the “overt christianity/proselytizing” claims in many of the reviews. the christian symbolism is there if you know what you are looking for. Aslan makes the ultimate sacrifice, Edmund is “saved” twice—once by Aslan’s sacrifice and again by a red colored liquid which he drinks, the white witch is evil and offers immediate gratification but leaves you cold and empty, etc, you get the point.
however, the deeper message goes way beyond christian principles and touches you in a profound way, deep within your heart maybe even your soul. it is that place that yearns for a better world, that wishes for kindness and innocence. it touches you regardless of your religious beliefs because it is not really about religion. it is about love for humanity and hope that we will care enough to display the goodness that we are capable of.
i loved it, please see it.
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I actually read the books as an adult then re-read them as a kid - it was tricky but I definitely got more out of them second time round. I'm trying to do the same thing with the Harry Potter books at the moment, but my mom keeps turning the light off at 8.30 on school nights.
you know, the funny thing is that you claim what you got out of the movie was "beyond christian". but, at it's heart, what you described is what christianity is.
problem is too many of us are screwing it up all the time and missing the point. cuz, when you think about a "christian message" in the movie/book, you're clearly thinking of something that is very different from what you described your experience with the movie was.
c.s. lewis was very devout, and was criticized by his peers for making the story too obviously "christian". but what you described is basically part of his intention in the story, and what he would probably say is at the core of christianity. at least...that's what it's supposed to be...
actually, the core of christianity is that jesus is god's son and that he was sent to "save" sinners. the idea that we should embrace humanity and kindness and try to be the best people that we can is really just common sense. and it could be argued that is a tenent of ALL religion not exclusive to christianity.
caprice, i find it strange that you took what i said and somehow managed to indicate that i implied that humanity and kindness is exclusive to christianity. you clearly have some bitterness towards christianity that makes you defensive everytime someone refers to it in a positive light.
i didn't say that those qualities are exclusive to christianity. why do you find the need to point that out?
jesus said that those qualities are crucial, so one could argue that they are at the core of christianity (although what you pointed out about jesus is the foundational principal).
but, then, perhaps it's useless to sum up the tenets of a faith system in a few brief comments...
anon,
you are right, i actually try not to engange in talks about christianity because I get very upset by the idea that only one group of people is "saved" and that is the main thing that I associate with christianity.
i am very happy that christianity is good for many of the people who embrace it but i struggle with any belief system that can be so exclusive and in my experiance, so judgemental. many, but not all, of the "christians" that i know do not embrace humanity and are very often not kind to anyone that is different than them.
i am sorry that i took my frustration out on you and on a blog. of course, there are positive aspects to christianity.
i appreciate your honesty.
there are many people that i have met that have clearly been put off in such a way by christians. i certainly understand it, and would likely find my feelings similar if i met too many people who all claimed to have one common denominator and claimed to be "better" than me somehow.
unfortunately for christians, the bible also directs us not just to make our faith good for us, but good for others too. it's unfortunate because that means that when we don't do so, we fail at being good christians. and, yes, too many of us aren't. one example of someone who i think is a model for christians is bono from U2.
it's hopeful that seeing your reaction to my comments will make me think twice the next time i act under the guise of "christianity". thanks for your interaction.
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