Is Narnia better than Calvary?
World magazine’s culture editor, Gene Veith, has launched a new World blog on Christianity and culture. Cranach – named after the great Reformation artist Lucas Cranach – is a discussion blog on how Christians should approach cultural issues.
One of the first topics Veith has been discussing is The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. He asks the question will the film produce a better evangelistic opportunity than even The Passion. Will Narnia be better for shedding the light on God's plan for salvation than Calvary itself?
He makes a valid point about casual movie goers not having enough knowledge or desire to read the subtitles and garner the spiritual message behind Christ's sacrifice.
...for most viewers, it was a purely visual experience. And the reaction varied wildly, from just feeling sorry for Jesus to claims of anti-semitism to outrage at how violent it all was.
In contrast, he explains The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe like this:
In the medium of a story and using symbolism, we see a whole world enslaved by the Devil and a particular sinful little boy whose behavior repels us. We see the creator of this world giving himself as a ransom to save this child. He dies in the sinner's place. He rises from the dead. The sinner is saved, the power of the Devil is broken, and new life comes into the world.
As Veith says, the Gospel message will still need to be "unwrapped" for people, as it is not overbearing. It is still subtle enough that it will not bash people's heads in with the Bible, but it may possibly open doors to an explanation as to Lewis' inspiration.
Veith discusses the film in a variety of ways in recent posts, after having went to a preview with representatives from Walden Media, Disney and Douglas Gresham, Lewis' step-son.
He talks about whether LWW will have a bigger box office than Passion, LOTR or Harry Potter, some quotes from Gresham at the preview and some of his initial impressions from the preview.
And you dared to make fun of me because I viewed this film in exactly the same way as you do above? Phht!
Posted by: Louis | 14 October 2005 at 12:35 AM
I didn't make fun of you, I just said that you shouldn't discount the movie because it has it's roots and inspiration in the Christian message.
I am quite sure you won't find Aslan holding up a "God hates f@gs!" sign, if that is your worry. Baby and bathwater, Louis.
Posted by: Aaron | 14 October 2005 at 06:04 AM