The Narnia fan community knows all too-well the sometimes controversial link between Christian elements of the books and what has appeared on screen. This is probably most evident in discussions of Prince Caspian the book versus Prince Caspian the film.
The Wall Street Journal’s Houses of Worship column this week touched on the tension between faith and film, specifically those released by Disney. Strangely, the Narnia franchise is not mentioned at all, but the piece is still an insightful read. Click here to read “What Walt Wrought” on the WSJ’s website.
What say you?
For sure a good read. It shows the savvy Walt Disney had as a businessman and a visionary. He trusted his gut and we are the benefactors of that courage. And so what if he was not a card carrying member of any building or denomination; anyone that understands anything of Christianity knows that the heart is the issue not the outward trappings. The underlying theme of everything that came out of the Disney Studios was simply that if we can overcome and remove those obstacles that hold us back and won’t let us forward our lives; if we can do that we will arrive at that place where we can live and flourish. This is also the overwhelming theme of the Narnia Chronicles. Aslan is time with out number doing that for his characters, either directly or giving them the strength to fight battles to achieve that. It’s called freedom, and that is always Aslan’s purpose, from The Lion…….. to The Last Battle, where the ultimate freedom is achieved. It is a fact though that for 2000 years after that same freedom was won for us, most of mankind had been working to stuff in back into a box, and us with it. And what is this junk about the Lion King and underlying sexual messages. I am so sick of living in this sex obsessed culture; it’s killing us. I think we should all read and memorize the words of Lewis wrote about the invisible cat. Be blessed. bnr
Disney’s message is not usually a Christian message. Disney is traditionally all, “Believe in yourself! You’ve got it in YOU! You can do anything! Be self centered all you want, and if you’re cute and happy and do it in the name of love it’ll all turn out alright!” Um… NO. But Disney has held a record of frequently producing entertainment which is fun and clean, and I can respect them for that.
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader has the most overtly Christian material in it of all the books. The scene where Aslan is in the form of a lamb and then transforms into a lion is crucial to the intent of the story. I am worried that the filmmakers will take this part out. Even more important is the dialog from this scene. Aslan tells the children that they can find him in their own world if they look hard enough. This is a direct attempt by Lewis to push kids to Christ. If they don’t include this important scene in the movie than they will be robing it of its entire purpose as intended by its author.
I totally agree. I am very worried about the end of this movie. The faith part of this story makes it so special. I hope they keep it in.