Narnia: Crafty selling to the religious folks?

[CornField]

Everyone knows that C.S. Lewis, author of the Chronicles of Narnia, was a devote Christian man. (Read his "A Pilgrim's Regress" for more info.) We also know that he loved fantasy and was friends with JRR Tolkein (who, unfortunately, criticized the first Narnia book for trying to do too much).

What I don't understand is why there is so much hub-bub about the movie suddenly being too religious. The whole series is religious and was written specifically with that bent -- it was the creation of a man who believed whole-heartedly in Christianity.

Are we (collectively) now to turn our head to anything associated with someone who is Christian or who uses their talents to express their own belief systems? Can we not all learn something from the teachings of goodness and kindness?

I'm a former Christian and current pagan. When my son died, however, it was the writings of CS Lewis which lifted me back into life. His small book, "A Grief Observed," was his journal following his wife's untimely death. I understood it word for word... it spoke to me and helped me to understand that I could (and possibly should be) very angry with a deity which allows such a thing to happen. (As a side note, if you know someone who has lost a loved one, this book would make an excellent gift.)

But... back to the Narnia hub-bub... Why? I'm beginning to think that Disney is pushing the controversy in order to bring back some of the religious dollars they've lost over the years. I even wonder if this isn't the reason they decided to do the movie at all -- to re-win some of those economic demographics. One thing is for sure, anyone who knows this series and CS Lewis cannot be shocked by the religious overtones.

[kliljedahl]

1. I'm an atheist & I'm going to see it

I like Lewis' writings, just recently re-read "The Screwtape Letters". I'm wondering just how strongly it'll come through or if it'll be somewhat subdued.

[rucky]

2. Yep. Sometimes a cigar is just a smoke.

it's a GREAT fantasy series - overtones aside.

And I'm pretty sure Tilda Swanton wouldn't agree to be in it if it were some sort of front.

[Maat]

3. I agree with your point, basically.

You know much more about the author than I. I'm somewhat concerned about taking Beloved Daughter (9) to see the movie, because I go back and forth about which Christian concepts I want her introduced to, and how.

This input has helped me. I'm most concerned about the idea of a 'devil.' We do not believe in that in our church (Church of Religious Science). I'm not sure I want her thinking about that.

By the way, I'm very sorry about your loss. But I believe in my heart that your son's energy is around you, guiding and protecting you. He functions on a higher level now. He lives on in the hearts of all whom he touched with his special spirit.

Take care! Peace and blessings to you!

[FreedomAngel82]

10. I agree

I was brought up in the church and if you're still new to bringing up your kids in religion things like this movie is a nice way to introduce them. They also have all sorts of children Bible's and stuff like that. I have one from when I was younger. From what I've read and seen with this movie it comes from a religious angle from the writer but you can't tell if you aren't religious.

[Maat]

28. Thanks for the input.

She's very intellectual - and would probably enjoy seeing the movie.

She's THE ONE who reminds ME that 'Different people have different beliefs, Mom. Just let it in and think about it." I told her that once; she took it to heart. I'm proud of her.

[CornField]

14. We have those same discussions in our family

We introduce a bit of different belief systems each year, to each of our children according to what we think they can comprehend and stomach (for lack of a better word). :) I think a child who has little or no Biblical backing won't even recognize the correlation of Jesus/Lion and Devil/Witch in the book or movie. (No more than one would see the devil in Harry Potter's Voldemort.)

The history of the Narnia books, if you don't already know it, is a really nice story. During WWII, children were removed from the English cities and placed in country homes (in the hopes that they would not be lost in urban bombings). Lewis opened his home to such children and found they were fascinated with a large wardrobe in his home, that they believed there was another way out of it. Lewis remembered the magical wardrobe in Edith Nesbit's books and kept the idea tucked away for almost 10 years before writing his first book (which is now the movie). The long length between the idea and the writing was probably due to the fact that so many urged him not to write a children's story. It was felt that he would ruin his reputation as a serious writer.

Maat, I also want you to know that your words above gave me a nice rosey warmth. Thank you so very much. I also believe those who have past still linger with me... none more so than my own son. I feel his presence often.

[Maat]

27. Bless you.

I might take her then; it might be a good thing.

[JuniperLea]

4. If we make a ruckus over this

We are no better than they are for trying to get rid of our "Happy Holiday" and "Season's Greetings"!

I'm really beginning to hate seeing Dems becoming their own worst enemy by becoming exactly what they hate about others!

Time to grow up, grow a set and live and let live.

[rucky]

17. Seems that everybody on this thread agrees.

so I wouldn't sweat it.

[Inland]

5. Three reasons to do movie of books now

1) CGI makes it possible
2) LOTR made mint despite huge costs
3) Gibson went to churches and they made spending nine bucks a pop several times a test of faith. It's great marketing, if you can do it.

I had never heard of the writing "On Grief Observed". Thanks for the tip.

[tanyev]

6. I welcome the movie, but I am appalled at the huge marketing

campaign directed toward fundie churches. There are an unlimited amount of tie-in products, all being aggressively pushed in religious catalogs, bookstores, and even bulletin inserts. They should call it The Selling of Narnia.

[MADem]

26. Fundies are cheap bastards

And since they are forced to tithe, they have less disposable income. This is a way of parting them from nine bucks to see the movie. They can have a rare bit of entertainment, AND feel virtuous about it.

Hell, who cares? If the lion has a crown of thorns, and is trotting about in a Jesus suit, and was born in a manger, well, that would be one thing. All it is, is a fantasy that is based on the Christian stories.

They say there are no new ideas under the sun. Everyone copies from somewhere, and that's as good a place to start as anywhere--after all, Jesus was a socialist--he wanted to cure the sick, feed the hungry, shelter and clothe the poor...if he were here nowadays, he'd be running a homeless shelter, food bank and free clinic!

Go see the talking lion, and enjoy, I say!

[GreenPartyVoter]

7. I am so sorry about your son *hugs* I agree with you that this is a

silly thing to be fussing about. It's like saying that a church sermon is too religious. One kinda expects that sorta thing from a minister, yeah?

[FreedomAngel82]

8. I think it's just a nice story

The guy obviously uses his religious beliefs in the film and I know many Christian's who are fans of CS Lewis. I've never read any of his stuff but I remember hearing about "Narnia" when I was younger in school. I just never read it. It's about trust, love, fear and betrayl. I think anyone can enjoy this movie. Especially if you like fantasy stuff like "Harry Potter."
Maybe "Disney" decided to take on this movie not from a religious standpoint but just because it's a well-done fantasy film and they can compete with "Harry Potter." Isn't there another one out? Or is that next year? :shrug:
Plus, "Disney" just does a lot of family-friendly films anyways. I've read that Eisner (I believe that's how you spell it) is a conservative republican who likes family-friendly things so it doesn't surprise me. This film can get in the big bucks to where it brings in the religious and non-religious folks. For those religious teens and pre-teens they can take their non-religious friends and enjoy something together.

[Bike Punk]

9. I read it as a kid

and found it a more approachable work than the LOTR series. It wasn't till I found out LATER that it was 'religiously-themed'. At that point in my adult life, I found it distasteful.

Whatever. Its another attempt to regain their movie losses in the last decade or more. (Aside from the PIXAR films, can you show me anything that was really successful?)

Controversy-schmontroversy... Its just another LOTR-esque film with Star-Wars like CG battlefields and CG dudes beating each other up, and they're so small...

BESIDES, how are the fundies reconciling the use of talking animals, and centaurs, and other 'mythical beasts' in a jeebus-allegory...?

[FreedomAngel82]

12. What's really quite funny

is they so don't like "Harry Potter" because of the magic and stuff but than turn around and most of them love "Narnia" because it's by CS Lewis. I betcha if it wasn't by CS Lewis it wouldn't be so highly loved by them.

[Cleita]

11. I'm looking forward to seeing it because I am a fantasy films fan.

Don't you think most fantasy has a spiritual or religious element in it? I mean it's always about good versus evil to begin with even if it's about heroes slaying dragons.

I think the Star War's movies especially bring this out and the god figure of The Force. Of course the late Joseph Campbell was the mythological advisor on the set so it's no wonder it had that mythological element in it. The heroic character of Luke Skywalker was a Christ-like figure.

I agree that you can't throw out a good story because you don't like the philosphy behind it. Even "The Lord of the Rings" was spiritual in tone. Don't you think the Elves bore some resemblance to Angels?

[CornField]

21. Oooo -- you and I could have lengthy discussions!

Have you ever read Joseph Campbell? In particular, his "Hero with a Thousand Faces"? It was based on that philosophy that George Lucas created Luke Skywalker. :) So, it is natural that those with a Christian upbringing will see Christ in him... it's also natural that a Muslim will see Mohammed. Skywalker was a mythical hero figure, something which transcends religious and ethnic boundaries to be understood by all.

I love all the symbolism in good fantasy and sci-fi. If you're ever in Iowa, we should get together for coffee or hot chocolate and talk all about it.

[Cleita]

22. You know that the original Christ figure was Heracles?

He fits all the criteria of a hero, especially, as the son of a God (Zeus), he was also a demi-god. He too was restored to life or resurrected and taken to the Elysian Fields after he died.

Although today we would have found Heracles morals questionable, in those days he was a superman. Many theologians believe that the Gospel writers and St. Paul, who were well acquainted with the Heracles legends, fashioned Jesus the Son of God after him.

It's no wonder that Christianity took hold in the gentile world because this was something that they were familiar with.

I doubt if I will ever go to Iowa or anywhere these days, but if you ever come around the Pismo Beach area on vacation, P. M. me and I will give you my telephone number.

[Roxy66]

13. I really wanted to see it with my kids....but after I saw a clip about

this very issue the other day...I almost feel uneasy about it now. Is that silly? I dont think so, but I wonder if my contempt for these people is tainting me.

[FreedomAngel82]

16. I always wait until

it comes out on DVD or HBO.

[stopbush]

15. I refuse to let some Xtian movie ruin my Xmas celebrations!

:)

[ET Awful]

18. Honestly? I'm more concerned with the information I've heard about the

marketing of the film, such as having a contest for the preacher who best integrates a Narnia theme into their sermon.

I'm not concerned with overtones in the film itself, so long as they don't stray from the story of the book too far (for instance, if they tried to crucify Aslan instead of having him die as he did in the book or something equally idiotic).

Sorry, but paying a preacher to hype a film in a sermon is a bit out there.

[Roxy66]

19. Thats the exact thing that bothers me

My daughter is so excited to see it, and I wanted to take her, but I saw a report talking about the churches really pushing it and marketing merchandise.....it just made me feel uneasy about it. I think so many of these extreme churches are warping the true meaning of Christianity. I JUST WANT TO BE ENTERTAINED...NOT PREACHED TO.

[fishwax]

23. i agree with you about the marketing

it just goes to show that the real religion for many of these fundies is capitalism.

[LoKnLoD]

20. So that's why

my freako fundie mother-in-law is taking my kids to it this weekend. I read the books as a kid and never picked up a religious undertone. It was just a good fantasy tale along the lines of Tolkien to me.

[Der Blaue Engel]

24. I think it's just yet another way they're trying to co-opt something

universally good. Screw 'em. They can't have Christmas, they can't have Jesus, and they're damn well not getting Narnia. They can imagine it's theirs all they want in their small-minded, ugly little world. It will still belong to those of us who understand Lewis's underlying message: that it's what you do in life that matters in the end. (No matter how much the born-agains want to say it doesn't!)

[greiner3]

25. Stranger in a Strange Land;

Needs to be made now mored than ever, if for nothing more than a counter-weight for all these religous movies coming out. BTW, the book is among my top 5 of all time.

[Maat]

29. I really appreciate the input!

Thanks CornField, and thanks to the DUers. I agree with what has been said here - I thought about it all.