Garland
United Methodist
Church
May 25, 2008
C. S. Lewis
Clive Staples Lewis, born in 1898, spent his early years as an atheist scholar. It was not until his early 30’s that Lewis converted, first, to Paganism and, shortly thereafter, to orthodox Christianity. He was a member of the Anglican church, but his writings are appreciated by Christians from a variety of backgrounds.
His writings include two books describing his testimony: the allegorical The Pilgrim’s Regress and the more traditional autobiography Surprised By Joy. Among his most appreciated writings is The Screwtape Letters which purports to be a set of letters from a senior devil to a less experience devil on how to bring a Christian back into the fold “of our Father below”. Other works of note include Mere Christianity (an introduction to the Christian faith), The Problem of Pain, and Miracles.
But given that Lewis’ appointment at Oxford was in medieval and renaissance literature, it should not surprise us that he also explored the use of myth to explore his faith. For the adult, there is a three book science fiction series: Out of the Silent Planet (1938), Perelandra (1943), and That Hideous Strength (1945). For the child in all of us, Lewis wrote the seven books which he entitled The Chronicles of Narnia.
Though the stories are not particularly “Christian”, they were written by a man who had a deep faith in God and the grace He demonstrated in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In the first book, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Aslan, the Christ figure in the series, is sacrificed and resurrected in time to defeat the witch troubling Narnia.12
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
Prince Caspian was the second book published in the series, but is the fourth book if read Chronologically. As you view the movie this afternoon, ask yourself the following questions:
One reviewer has suggested that the world of Narnia is full of skepticism, much like our world? Why do you think this is so? Can you see other similarities between Narnia and 21st century America?
How do people come to believe and accept the presence of Aslan in Narnia? Why do some take so long to believe?
Why does Aslan refuse to step in as he did in The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe?
Can you give a one word description of each of the major characters? Who is the hero in this movie? What evidence do you have for this?
Remember, this was a children’s story – even as you think about these questions. Enjoy the show.
1Douglas, J., Douglas, J., & Clouse, R., G. (1997, c1991). Vol. 4: Biographical entries from New 20th-century encyclopedia of religious knowledge. Rev. ed. of: Twentieth century encyclopedia of religious knowledge 1955.; Biographical entries from New 20th-century encyclopedia of religious knowledge. (electronic ed.). Baker reference library; Logos Library System. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.
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