A Family Guide to Narnia: Biblical Truths in C.S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia
208
A Family Guide to Narnia: Biblical Truths in C.S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia
208eBook
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Overview
Do you read The Chronicles of Narnia sensing that the stories are full of biblical parallels, even if you're not always sure what they are or where to find them? This user-friendly companion to The Chronicles of Narnia is written for C. S. Lewis readers like you who want to discover the books' biblical and Christian roots. Read it, and you'll find that this chapter-by-chapter, book-by-book examination of The Chronicles will widen your spiritual vision.
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781433516474 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Crossway |
| Publication date: | 07/07/2003 |
| Sold by: | Barnes & Noble |
| Format: | eBook |
| Pages: | 208 |
| File size: | 2 MB |
About the Author
Christin Ditchfield is an author, conference speaker, and internationally syndicated radio host. As a professional freelance writer, Christin has written dozens of best-selling gospel tracts and hundreds of articles for national and international magazines. She is the author of more than sixty-seven books and blogs at ChristinDitchfield.com.
Christin Ditchfield is an author, conference speaker, and internationally syndicated radio host. As a professional freelance writer, Christin has written dozens of best-selling gospel tracts and hundreds of articles for national and international magazines. She is the author of more than sixty-seven books and blogs at ChristinDitchfield.com.
Wayne Martindale (PhD, University of California) is professor of English at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois, where he regularly teaches classes on C. S. Lewis.
Read an Excerpt
CHAPTER 1
Introduction toThe Magician's Nephew
In the opening paragraph of The Magician's Nephew, we learn that we are about to read an "important" story — important because it shows "how all the comings and goings between our world and the land of Narnia first began." After writing five other books about Narnia, C.S. Lewis decided to go back and tell readers the story of Narnia's creation. (On Lewis's suggestion, publishers later renumbered the series, and The Magician's Nephew became Book One.)
When Uncle Andrew — the magician — tricks his nephew Digory and neighbor girl Polly into trying on his magic rings, the children discover that there are countless worlds beyond our own. They first visit Charn — an ancient world in ruin and decay, destroyed by the wickedness and corruption of its people. The last survivor of Charn, and the one ultimately responsible for its destruction, is Jadis. (This wicked Queen later becomes the White Witch in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.) Jadis grabs onto Digory and follows the children back to our world, where she begins to wreak havoc on the city of London. In an attempt to return her to Charn, the children accidentally stumble into Narnia — just as Aslan is singing it into existence. They are eyewitnesses to the miraculous creation of a glorious new world. But Narnia's beauty and perfection is marred almost immediately by the presence of Jadis, whom Digory has unwittingly brought along. Unable to bear being in the presence of the great Lion, Jadis flees to the North. She will return to threaten Narnia in the future.
The story of The Magician's Nephew is essentially the story of Creation and the fall of Man. Digory is responsible for bringing evil (Jadis) into Narnia. "Sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin"(Romans 5:12). As Aslan prophesies, "Evil will come of that evil, but it is still a long way off, and I will see to it that the worst falls upon myself. ... And as Adam's race has done the harm, Adam's race shall help heal it." This foreshadows the story of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe — just as God's promise to Adam and Eve in Genesis 3:15 foreshadows the defeat of Satan at the cross, where Jesus destroyed the power of sin and death by sacrificing His own life for ours.
Power is a central theme in The Magician's Nephew — the power of pride, the power of temptation, the power of sin, the power of evil. Jadis, like Satan, is thoroughly corrupted by a lust for power and dominion over others. Uncle Andrew has devoted his entire life to acquiring secret knowledge and mysterious power through "scientific" experiments with the occult. Even Digory is tempted by a desire for power, though his motive is good: He wants the power to save his dying mother. In the end, it is only by refusing to grasp for power — and instead obeying Aslan's command — that Digory and his mother are saved.
Digory discovers the power of faith, the power of trust — the power that comes from obedience and submission to the will of God. "When I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Corinthians 12:10). The Magician's Nephew also includes illustrations of the following truths: "The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them" (1 Corinthians 2:14). "A friend loves at all times" (Proverbs 17:17). "As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him" (Psalm 103:13).
These lessons are just a few of the spiritual treasures you will discover as you witness the creation of Narnia along with The Magician's Nephew.
1. THE WRONG DOOR
In his arrogance the wicked man hunts down the weak, who are caught in the schemes he devises. PSALM 10:2
Biblical Parallels and Principles
The two children share an active imagination and a love for mystery and adventure. The Bible encourages believers to seek out hidden truths and spiritual treasures: "It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings"
(Proverbs 25:2).
For a while, it seems, Uncle Andrew has been trying to get hold of Digory. This time the two children are caught unawares. Describing the ways of the wicked, Psalm 56:6 says, "They conspire, they lurk, they watch my steps." So the psalmist prays, "Keep me from the snares they have laid for me, from the traps set by evildoers" (Psalm 141:9). In Matthew 24:4 Jesus told His disciples, "Watch out that no one deceives you."
Polly's alarm evaporates when Uncle Andrew compliments her. She lets down her guard and walks right into his trap. The psalmist observed, "The godly are no more. ... Everyone lies to his neighbor; their flattering lips speak with deception" (Psalm 12:1-2). Romans 16:18 explains, "By smooth talk and flattery, they deceive the minds of naive people."
Do You Know?
Digory says that his uncle has "awful eyes." It's the eager, greedy look on Uncle Andrew's face that alerts Digory to the danger of the rings. Do you know what the Bible compares a person's eyes to?
(Hint: Read Matthew 6:22-23.)
Scriptures on Staying Alert
1Peter 5:8-9 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 Ephesians 5:15-16
2. DIGORY AND HIS UNCLE
The righteous detest the dishonest; the wicked detest the upright.
PROVERBS 29:27
Biblical Parallels and Principles
Uncle Andrew prides himself on his superior intellect. He believes that he is above the law — that the rules don't apply to him. Isaiah 5:21 warns, "Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight." Psalm 119:118 tells us that God rejects those who stray from His decrees. And Proverbs 28:9 says, "If anyone turns a deaf ear to the law, even his prayers are detestable."
The magician is obsessed with obtaining secret knowledge. (Clearly it is not godly wisdom he seeks — he acquires this knowledge from "devilish" people in dark, dangerous places.) First Timothy 4:1 tells us that some people "follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons." Revelation 2:24 speaks scathingly of those who claim to have learned "Satan's so-called deep secrets." First Corinthians 3:19 says, "The wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight." And James 3:15 explains, "Such 'wisdom' does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil."
Uncle Andrew praises the wicked and immoral, while mocking those who are decent and upright. Describing a wicked man, Psalm 10:3 observes, "He boasts of the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the LORD." Isaiah 5:20 warns, "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness." God's anger will burn against them, and they will be destroyed (Isaiah 5:25).
Digory is horrified by Uncle Andrew's complete disregard for the fate of the guinea pigs — and his total lack of concern for Polly's welfare. Proverbs 12:10 says, "The kindest acts of the wicked are cruel." Psalm 119:70 explains, "Their hearts are callous and unfeeling."
Think About It!
Digory tells his uncle, "You're simply a wicked, cruel magician like the ones in the stories. Well, I've never read a story in which people of that sort weren't paid out in the end." According to the Bible, what is the ultimate end of men like Uncle Andrew?
(Hint: Read Revelation 21:8.)
Scriptures on Loving Others As We Love Ourselves Mark 12:28-31 1 Corinthians 13:1-8 1 John 4:7-11
3. THE WOOD BETWEEN THE WORLDS
He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe. PROVERBS 28:26
Biblical Parallels and Principles
Uncle Andrew's fascination with evil magic — or the occult — has led him to experiment with powers that are beyond his ability to understand or control. Ecclesiastes 8:8 warns, "No man has power over the wind to contain it ... wickedness will not release those who practice it." Ephesians 6:12 makes it clear that supernatural powers do exist. Believers must be alert and on guard against "the powers of this dark world ... the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."
Polly and Digory are horrified to realize how close they have come to making a very foolish mistake. Throughout The Chronicles, in the midst of the most fantastic adventures, C.S. Lewis often reminds readers of the importance of "keeping your head." This theme is repeated in the Scriptures as well. Isaiah 44:19 laments, "No one stops to think." Haggai 1:7 urges, "Give careful thought to your ways." And Ephesians 5:15 warns God's people, "Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, because the days are evil."
Do You Know?
Unlike Uncle Andrew, Digory has a healthy curiosity — a thirst for knowledge and a love of learning that will serve him well later on in life. (As Professor Kirke, he shares some of his wisdom and insight with the Pevensie children in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.) What does the Bible say about the value of godly wisdom?
(Hint: Read Proverbs 3:13-15.)
Scriptures on Searching for Wisdom and Knowledge
Proverbs 2:1-6 Isaiah 33:5-6 Job 32:6-9
4. THE BELL AND THEHAMMER
Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks selfcontrol. PROVERBS 25:28
Biblical Parallels and Principles
Notice how quickly Digory's healthy curiosity becomes unhealthy, when he allows it to control him. He becomes thoughtless, cruel, and selfish — just like Uncle Andrew! "A wise man fears the LORD and shuns evil, but a fool is hotheaded and reckless" (Proverbs 14:16). First Peter 4:7 urges believers to be "clear minded and self-controlled." And 2 Chronicles 19:6 says, "Consider carefully what you do."
Digory says he can't help himself — he blames the Magic. But James 1:13-15 makes it clear that we cannot blame anyone or anything for our mistakes. We are responsible for our own choices: "Each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death."
Think About It!
Neither Polly nor Digory wants to be accused of being afraid — of anything. Each is determined to put on a brave face and plunge ahead, even when his or her better judgment tells him or her that caution is called for. How does the Bible say wise people respond to danger?
(Hint: Read Proverbs 22:3.)
Scriptures on Avoiding and Resisting Temptation
Proverbs 4:13-15 Romans 6:12-13 1 Corinthians 10:13
5. THE DEPLORABLE WORD
The memory of the righteous will be a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot. PROVERBS 10:7
Biblical Parallels and Principles
Digory realizes that although they come from different worlds, Uncle Andrew and Jadis have the same spirit. Speaking of such people, Romans 1:29-31 says, "They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice ... God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil ... they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless."
Charn gives us a horrific picture of the end result of unrestrained wickedness — the complete and total destruction of an entire civilization. The Bible tells us that our world will come to a similar end. In Matthew 24:67, 29, Jesus said, "You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. ... Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom ... 'the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light.'" There will be plagues, famines, floods, and earthquakes (Matthew 24:7; Revelation 16). Blood will flow in the streets (Revelation 14:20). But unlike Charn, our story will have a happy ending. God promises to rescue those who are His — He will create a new Heaven and a new earth for all who are faithful to Him (Revelation 21:1-4).
Sound Familiar?
Readers in C.S. Lewis's day saw an immediate connection between "the deplorable word" and the newly developed atom bomb. But Lewis did not view nuclear war as the ultimate threat to modern civilization. (In fact, he predicted that biological warfare might one day supersede it.) "As a Christian, I take it for granted that human history will some day end," Lewis said (God in the Dock, 1958.) The fall of Charn shows that the ultimate threat — whatever it is — is born out of the depravity of the human heart.
Scriptures on the Destiny of the Wicked
Philippians 3:18-19 2 Thessalonians 1:9 Psalm 37
6. THE BEGINNING OF UNCLE ANDREW'S ROUBLES
The look on their faces testifies against them; they parade their sin ... they do not hide it. Woe to them! They have brought disaster upon themselves. ISAIAH 3:9
Biblical Parallels and Principles
Digory's misplaced sympathy allows Jadis to escape the Wood and follow the children into our world. Speaking of the wicked, Deuteronomy 7:16 says, "Do not look on them with pity ... for that will be a snare to you." Ecclesiastes 7:26 warns about "the woman who is a snare, whose heart is a trap and whose hands are chains." Ephesians 4:27 cautions believers to guard their hearts against evil: "Do not give the devil a foothold." In Exodus 22:18 God tells His people in that day, "Do not allow a sorceress to live."
Jadis treats others as pawns in her quest for power. The psalmist prayed for protection from people like the Queen: "Rescue me, O LORD, from evil men; protect me from men of violence, who devise evil plans in their hearts and stir up war every day. They make their tongues as sharp as a serpent's; the poison of vipers is on their lips" (Psalm 140:1-3).
It's important that Polly and Digory make things right and repair their friendship. Ephesians 4:26-27 tells us not to let the sun go down on our anger. And Colossians 3:13 reminds us to "bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."
Do You Know?
After a few "nasty grown-up drinks," Uncle Andrew begins to lose touch with reality. He forgets his initial — and very rational — fear of Jadis and imagines himself as the object of her desire. What does the Bible say alcohol will do to those who abuse it?
(Hint: Read Proverbs 23:29-35.)
Scriptures on Steering Clear of the Wicked
2 Timothy 3:1-5 Ephesians 5:11-12 1 Corinthians 15:33
7. WHAT HAPPENED AT THE FRONT DOOR
They sow the wind and reap the whirlwind. HOSEA 8:7
Biblical Parallels and Principles
Aunt Letty mistakes Jadis — with her bare arms — for a circus performer.
(At that time, the costumes worn by those in the entertainment industry were often considered immodest by "decent" people.) Though society's standards change from year to year and culture to culture, the Scripture says, "Women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness — good works" (1 Timothy 2:9-10, ESV).
Back in his study, Uncle Andrew had boasted of his wisdom and knowledge and power. No ordinary man, he claimed he was called to greatness — a "high and lonely destiny" (see Chapter Two). Staggering out of the ruins of the hansom, he presents quite a different picture. Proverbs 21:29 tells us, "A wicked man puts up a bold front." But "pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18). Hosea 10:13 observes, "You have planted wickedness, you have reaped evil."
Sound Familiar?
The Bible tells us that Israel was once ruled by a wicked and bloodthirsty queen. Like Jadis, her name also started with a J. Do you remember what it was?
(Hint: Read 1 Kings 18:1-4, 19, 40 and 19:1-2. For more about her, see 1 Kings 21:1-23.)
Scriptures on Reaping What You Sow
Proverbs 22:8 Galatians 6:7-9 Hosea 10:12
8. THE FIGHT AT THE LAMP-POST
Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation ... while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy? JOB 38:4, 7
Biblical Parallels and Principles
Polly, Digory, and the others begin to realize that they are witnessing the birth of a new world. Compare this scene to the account of Creation in Genesis 1:1-10, 14-19. "Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light" (vv. 2-3).
In The Magician's Nephew we learn that Aslan is not only Narnia's savior (as in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe), but also its creator. The Bible tells us that although Jesus came to Earth just over two thousand years ago, He existed "before the world began" (John 17:5). Colossians 1:15-16 tells us Jesus is "the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him." (See also John 1:1-3; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Ephesians 3:9; and Hebrews 1:1-2.)
(Continues…)
Excerpted from "A Family Guide to Narnia"
by .
Copyright © 2003 Christin Ditchfield.
Excerpted by permission of Good News Publishers.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
Table of Contents
Foreword by Wayne Martindale,
Preface,
INTRODUCTION TO The Magician's Nephew,
1 THE WRONG DOOR,
2 DIGORY AND HIS UNCLE,
3 THE WOOD BETWEEN THE WORLDS,
4 THE BELL AND THE HAMMER,
5 THE DEPLORABLE WORD,
6 THE BEGINNING OF UNCLE ANDREW'S TROUBLES,
7 WHAT HAPPENED AT THE FRONT DOOR,
8 THE FIGHT AT THE LAMP-POST,
9 THE FOUNDING OF NARNIA,
10 THE FIRST JOKE AND OTHER MATTERS,
11 DIGORY AND HIS UNCLE ARE BOTH IN TROUBLE,
12 STRAWBERRY'S ADVENTURE,
13 AN UNEXPECTED MEETING,
14 THE PLANTING OF THE TREE,
15 THE END OF THIS STORY AND THE BEGINNING OF ALL THE OTHERS,
INTRODUCTION TO The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,
1 LUCY LOOKS INTO A WARDROBE,
2 WHAT LUCY FOUND THERE,
3 EDMUND AND THE WARDROBE,
4 TURKISH DELIGHT,
5 BACK ON THIS SIDE OF THE DOOR,
6 INTO THE FOREST,
7 A DAY WITH THE BEAVERS,
8 WHAT HAPPENED AFTER DINNER,
9 IN THE WITCH'S HOUSE,
10 THE SPELL BEGINS TO BREAK,
11 ASLAN IS NEARER,
12 PETER'S FIRST BATTLE,
13 DEEPMAGIC FROM THE DAWN OF TIME,
14 THE TRIUMPH OF THE WITCH,
15 DEEPERMAGIC FROM BEFORE THE DAWN OF TIME,
16 WHAT HAPPENED ABOUT THE STATUES,
17 THE HUNTING OF THE WHITE STAG,
INTRODUCTION TO The Horse and His Boy,
1 HOW SHASTA SET OUT ON HIS TRAVELS,
2 A WAYSIDE ADVENTURE,
3 AT THE GATES OF TASHBAAN,
4 SHASTA FALLS IN WITH THE NARNIANS,
5 PRINCE CORIN,
6 SHASTA AMONG THE TOMBS,
7 ARAVIS IN TASHBAAN,
8 IN THE HOUSE OF THE TISROC,
9 ACROSS THE DESERT,
10 THE HERMIT OF THE SOUTHERN MARCH,
11 THE UNWELCOME FELLOW TRAVELER,
12 SHASTA IN NARNIA,
13 THE FIGHT AT ANVARD,
14 HOW BREE BECAME A WISER HORSE,
15 RABADASH THE RIDICULOUS,
INTRODUCTION TO Prince Caspian,
1 THE ISLAND,
2 THE ANCIENT TREASURE HOUSE,
3 THE DWARF,
4 THE DWARF TELLS OF PRINCE CASPIAN,
5 CASPIAN'S ADVENTURE IN THE MOUNTAINS,
6 THE PEOPLE THAT LIVED IN HIDING,
7 OLD NARNIA IN DANGER,
8 HOW THEY LEFT THE ISLAND,
9 WHAT LUCY SAW,
10 THE RETURN OF THE LION,
11 THE LION ROARS,
12 SORCERY AND SUDDEN VENGEANCE,
13 THE HIGH KING IN COMMAND,
14 HOW ALL WERE VERY BUSY,
15 ASLAN MAKES A DOOR IN THE AIR,
INTRODUCTION TO The Voyage of the Dawn Treader,
1 THE PICTURE IN THE BEDROOM,
2 ON BOARD THE DAWN TREADER,
3 THE LONE ISLANDS,
4 WHAT CASPIAN DID THERE,
5 THE STORM AND WHAT CAME OF IT,
6 THE ADVENTURES OF EUSTACE,
7 HOW THE ADVENTURE ENDED,
8 TWO NARROW ESCAPES,
9 THE ISLAND OF THE VOICES,
10 THEMAGICIAN'S BOOK,
11 THE DUFFLEPUDSMADE HAPPY,
12 THE DARK ISLAND,
13 THE THREE SLEEPERS,
14 THE BEGINNING OF THE END OF THE WORLD,
15 THE WONDERS OF THE LAST SEA,
16 THE VERY END OF THE WORLD,
INTRODUCTION TO The Silver Chair,
1 BEHIND THE GYM,
2 JILL IS GIVEN A TASK,
3 THE SAILING OF THE KING,
4 A PARLIAMENT OF OWLS,
5 PUDDLEGLUM,
6 THE WILD WASTE LANDS OF THE NORTH,
7 THE HILL OF THE STRANGE TRENCHES,
8 THE HOUSE OF HARFANG,
9 HOW THEY DISCOVERED SOMETHING WORTH KNOWING,
10 TRAVELS WITHOUT THE SUN,
11 IN THE DARK CASTLE,
12 THE QUEEN OF UNDERLAND,
13 UNDERLAND WITHOUT THE QUEEN,
14 THE BOTTOM OF THE WORLD,
15 THE DISAPPEARANCE OF JILL,
16 THE HEALING OF HARMS,
INTRODUCTION TO The Last Battle,
1 BY CALDRON POOL,
2 THE RASHNESS OF THE KING,
3 THE APE IN ITS GLORY,
4 WHAT HAPPENED THAT NIGHT,
5 HOW HELP CAME TO THE KING,
6 A GOOD NIGHT'S WORK,
8 WHAT NEWS THE EAGLE BROUGHT,
9 THE GREATMEETING ON STABLE HILL,
10 WHO WILL GO INTO THE STABLE?,
11 THE PACE QUICKENS,
12 THROUGH THE STABLE DOOR,
13 HOW THE DWARFS REFUSE TO BE TAKEN IN,
14 NIGHT FALLS ON NARNIA,
15 FURTHER UP AND FURTHER IN,
16 FAREWELL TO SHADOWLANDS,
Epilogue,
Recommended Resources,
What People are Saying About This
"This cohesive and easy-to-follow guide serves as a fantastic parental teaching tool on a subject that kids love. . . . Every child who loves Narnia needs to have a copy of this guide to help the stories of Aslan come alive in a biblically relevant way."—Ellie Kay, best-selling author of Heroes at Home
"This is a wonderful exploration of the biblical themes woven into The Chronicles of Narnia, with lively and helpful introductions and an uncontrived use of Scripture throughout."—Paul McCusker, dramatist of The Chronicles of Narnia Radio Theatre
"Christin Ditchfield's love for children and reverence for the role of parents is evident in A Family Guide to Narnia. She gently, yet effectively, shines a light on God's truth, so we can all be better teachers to our children."—Vicki Caruana, America's Teacher™, author of Apples & Chalkdust and The Homeschooler's Guide to…
"This is an important book that will help families learn more from the Bible and The Chronicles of Narnia."—Lyle W. Dorsett, Director Emeritus, Marion E. Wade Center; Billy Graham Professor of Evangelism Emeritus, Beeson Divinity School; author, And God Came In and Seeking the Secret Place