When I was a kid reading The Chronicles of Narnia I never gave much thought to the Christian allegory in the series. Now, it would be ridiculous to deny that it exists, and it was evident when I re-read them in my late teens. But I saw it as an idealized Christianity, far from the brand that many fundamentalists practice today. In Narnia, all creatures are valued and loved, no matter what their differences. Aslan, the Christ figure, explicity states that “all good deeds” are accepted by him whether the deed-doer believes in him or not. And there’s no attempts to force Aslan onto any creature, no condemnation of differing morality.
Still, the recent film has been marketed — quite expertly — to the religious right, who seem to see themselves in this progressive vision of faith. I’m afraid I don’t see them in it.
It’s worth noting that this marketing continues today. I just saw a commercial for the DVD release, touting that a purchase today would give you your very own copy “just in time for Easter.”
Actually I think you’re right.
The character of Aslan is a good, non-denominational, loving-of-all character (Jesus), if you will. The White Witch and her army (Romans)humiliate the Christ-Aslan (they cut off his mane) just as Jesus was allegedly made to wear a crown of thorns as his humiliation. Then Aslan is crucified. But, the power of Narnia (god) rejects Aslan’s death and he’s resurrected to the delight and everlasting joy of all the good guys.
How typical of the religious right to tout this film as a Christian one. Why can’t people leave well enough alone? It was a good movie. No need to label it with Christian mores and shove it into people’s conciences as a religious movie that is deemed “ok” by the religious right’s standards.