Should a Christian read the Chronicles of Narnia series or see the movies?

Answer  
  

Each time a new movie or TV version of *The Chronicles of Narnia* comes out, many people find a renewed interest in [C.S. Lewis](C-S-Lewis.html)' classic series. This seven\-book series features witches, mythical creatures, talking animals, magical spells, and far\-off worlds, prompting Christians to ask the question: Is this the type of material a Christian should be reading?  
  

While it is true that *The Chronicles of Narnia* series includes evil witches and mystical spells, each of the seven books is filled with biblical allegories and allusions. For instance, the hero of *The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe* is a lion named Aslan (Jesus is called a “lion” in Revelation 5:5\). Aslan created the world of Narnia with his voice, which is very similar to the Genesis account of how God created the earth: "And God said” (Genesis 1:3\). In addition, Aslan dies in the place of a sinner and rises from the dead, and by doing so, defeats an age\-old curse. Redemption is bestowed upon Narnia because of the death and resurrection of Aslan. Clearly, this is Lewis’ retelling of the salvation story of the substitutionary death and resurrection of Christ.  
  

Evil, on the other hand, is clearly delineated as pure evil, and children can easily identify the evil in the books as unattractive and can, at the same time, find Aslan and his righteous qualities very attractive. *The Chronicles of Narnia* can be a great way for parents and their children to read entertaining literature together and discuss biblical elements all at the same time. While it is fun to read about imaginary places and mystical creatures, parents should always keep in mind, while talking to their children, that the real point of the books is what Jesus Christ did on the cross for all mankind (John 3:16\). With that in mind, it is perfectly fine for Christians to use their own wisdom and discernment, in Christian freedom, as to whether to read *The Chronicles of Narnia* books or watch the movies.  
  

