Narnia Might Be in Trouble

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I know that there a many LOTR fans here, so I figured that there may be a few people whose hearts remember Narnia.

It looks like Harper Collins has gotten the rights to these 7 wonderful books, and are contemplating all sorts of devilish things to do to them!

Check out this story at:
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2001/125/32.0.html

Is this just over-worried Lewis fans freaking out? OR is it a real threat to literacy???

 

Don't ask me to give you a decent opinion. But i shall say this. I always liked lucy best for some reason even though she was ugly!

 

That's a pity, I enjoyed the Narnia chronicles... and I hope some sick dude won't spoil the story.

 

Wow. I'll have to dig those books out and read them again. Apparently when I was in grade school, I completely missed the fact that it was "Christian Oriented". I may have to put them out of my house!

But seriously, if you read the article carefully, you'll see that the books are not going to be edited. "The works of C.S. Lewis will continue to be published by HarperCollins and Zondervan as written by the author, with no alteration."

So what's the fuss? The marketing campaign isn't going to focus on the religious aspect of the stories. So what? I can honestly say, that if it did, then I wouldn't buy the books for my kids. It only makes good sense for the publishers to seek the broadest consumer base, and by marketing the books as religious allegories, they would be severely limiting that base. Fortunately for my girls, I've already read them, and I'll see that they get their introductions as well. With or without the Christian parallels, the stories are wonderful.

This is a perfect example of how a simple premise can be twisted far beyond its original intent by extremists whose only interests are forwarding their own agendas.

There's my rant for the day. Take it for what it's worth. (Not worth the paper it's written on, I suppose. Doh!)

Happy, Mathetais?

[This message has been edited by Darien Noella (edited July 07, 2001).]

 

As already stated I think the most important thing is the Lewis's work is not changed. I read the Narnia books as a youth and I also missed the Christian theme, but when I re-read them in high school it was rather clear that Lewis had a religious agenda. However, excepting that point Narnia is still an excellent series of books. I don't think it's quite LotR level but still the work of a master writer.

In regards to Darien's statement I feel the work should stand for itself. by this I mean if soceity changes and the novels fall out of favor some people will still read and enjoy them. But NEVER change the work of past authors to reflect the ideals fo the day. It is only from the perspective of the past that we can truely examine our current social environment.

 

Darien - I am VERY happy!!!

I did read the article carefully and noticed that line (so maybe I should have capitalized MAY be in trouble).

The "Christian" themes in the Narnia books are very subtle. In fact (as I think the artilce mentioned - or maybe I read it elsewhere) Lewis did not mean for these to be "Christian" books (like Pilgrim's Progress, etc. . .)

Lewis' idea was to write quality fiction with a few themes taken from the Bible (redemption, creation & eternity). And if you don't believe that the Bible is the "Word of God" most people can admit that it is an incredible collection of stories!!!

Please, read them to your children & grandchildren (if you are blessed to have them!)

Just please - don't write new books that turn Narnia into Greyhawk or the Forgotten Realms!

Voltric - great points!!!

 

As long as they don't start making high budget, slapstick movies based on the books, I'm happy.

 

I still cant see the christian theme in those books...lol

I also read them all as a little girl and i hope in turn that my little girl will read them

 

Lewis also wrote a book called "The Screwtape Letters." It's about the letters from a devil in Hell (named Screwtape) to his nephew who is in the process of tempting a man to Hell. The nephews letters are not in the book, but you can kind of figure out what he has written by Screwtape's replies. Real interesting stuff. They're also kind of funny is you have a morbid sense of humor.

 

Personally, I hated the narnia books, thought they were tedious and had a weak story.

 

Hmmmm, I'll have to look for some copies of these books. I remember having them read to me as a kid, and I enjoyed them very much. I do believe they were intended for a younger audience, so I thought they would be right up your alley Septic.

 

Septic probably doesnt like anything unless it is depressing or full of violence.

 

lol...i liked to narnia books too. the first book was a bit confusing, the second book was fabulous, the third was ok, the fourth book was really cool, the fifth book was my FAVOURITE, the sixth book was not too bad, and the seventh book was crappy.

 

I loved those books when I was little. C.S. Lewis wrote lots of books about Christianity, so I can see his religion theme.

The Silver Chair was my favorite book. The Last Battle scared the crap out of me. (In 3rd grade)

I am a LOTR fan, and I can't wait for the movie to come out in December!

 

I loved them all up to the Silver Chair, which I never really finished because it really scared me when I was 8 years old and I haven't bothered to read it since then, though I have seen a reaaaally bad movie version of it. The Last Batle was the worst of the lot, C.S. Lewis must have run out of good ideas by then.

 

You still can't see the Christian theme, Kit? I thought for most Christians it was fairly apparent. Am I wrong, or are you religiously inclined otherwise (or perhaps not at all)?

 

i didn't notice any religiousness in the narnia books...

 

I don't want to ruin the books for anyone, but upon request I will describe a few key Christian themes that are in the series.

You tell me if you want me to put up or shut up!

 

Let's hear them, Mathetais.

 

I'm listening... (mabye I missed some!)