A fictitious world, an evil witch and a regal, talking lion have already drawn thousands to the movies.
The Rev. Mark Martin of Broadmoor United Methodist Church hopes the story is as big a draw in church. He plans to explore the symbolism behind the movie in a three-week sermon series about “The Chronicles of Narnia.”
“I hope there are clear connections with the Christian message of who Jesus is, that this is our reality,” he said.
The movie, “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” is based on one of a series of seven books by C.S. Lewis, also well-known for his adult works of Christian theology and fantasy.
In the novel “The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe,” four children enter a magical world through a wardrobe. They find themselves in the middle of a battle between good and evil forces and are eventually made kings and queens by following Aslan, the lion.
Martin first read the series as a seminarian in the 1970s.
“I was overwhelmed by the obvious symbolism in the whole story,” he said.
He was particularly struck by Aslan, the lion king of Narnia. Characters speak of him as the one who will save them from the evil White Witch. He then dies for the sins of one of the boys and is resurrected.
The book became one of his favorites, that he then read to his children as they were growing up.
The movie gave him the perfect chance to explore the themes in sermon form. And the contemporary service he leads gives him the freedom to use decorations and video clips.
He wanted to make sure to start now while the stories are fresh.
At Barnes & Noble, the books were the best-selling series this Christmas. Mostly parents were purchasing the boxed sets for their children, said General Manager Steve Aymond.
“‘The Chronicles of Narnia‘ sold as ‘The Lord of the Rings‘ did the three years those movies were out,” he said. “Movies on the whole, such as ‘Chronicles,’ are great initiators to get kids to read.”
As well, it has stirred up a fair amount of interest in other Lewis titles, including some biographies and his works such as “The Screwtape Letters” and “Surprised by Joy.”
Martin is a fan of Lewis’ heavier work but enjoys the fantasy pieces, such as “The Great Divorce,” more.
Plus they are more easily understood. It reminds him a little of contemporary worship, which often brings up issues of faith from the current events.
“In ‘Mere Christianity‘ you have to read each paragraph five times,” he said. “Here you’re just bopping along with the story and you begin to see it.”
Released in November, the movie has been marketed to churches with hopes the ministers would do exactly what Martin has planned.
His series will include three sermons. The first will examine Narnia and compare it to heaven and our world. One will focus on the White Witch, how she might relate to Satan and the power she has over the creatures of Narnia. And the third will be about Aslan, the Christ figure.
Overall, Martin said the books are a retelling of real people’s struggles and achievements.
“We are all capable of heroic efforts, and we all fall short of the glory of God,” he said. “We have addictions that have a grip on us, so that we would betray the ones we love. Yet there is deliverance.”