Lord Of The Rings And Narnia... My Thoughts

Is it right for Christians to read/watch The Chronicles of Narnia and The Lord of the Rings books/movies?

The question of The Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia is one that is quite largely discussed. Petie of Dirt and Dickens just posted her thoughts here, and that, coupled with numerous other posts I've read on many other blogs, has prompted me to write out my own thoughts. 

Lucy at the lamppost

Please understand that what I'm writing here is not meant to refute your opinions and challenge and attack you. I whole heartedly respect your opinion (I realize that's between you, your parents, and the Lord), and I only ask that you read what I say with an open mind. Don't take my word as golden truth, though. I encourage you to study these topics on your own. Discuss them with your parents. 




And of course, I will NOT say that not reading/watching LOTR or Narnia doesn't make you a Christian. That's just plain, old hogwash, and I don't give any credit to the idea. 

Aragorn, Legolas, and Gandalf

And please note that I am NOT one of those fangirls who idolizes characters and swoons every time the name of Aragorn, Legolas, Peter, or Edmund is mentioned. I enjoy their characters in the story, and when it comes to the actors, I don't care tuppence about them. The characters each have their own faults and virtues and are awesome in their own rights, but the only man who will be awesome and swoon worthy in my life shall be my husband. Enough said.

Now that all of that's out of the way, let's continue...

1. Magic

This topic is large in it of itself that I am forced to extract my comments here and address them in a later post. I am currently submerged up to my eyeballs in study, so please, please understand that I WILL write about the magic issue, but it will have to wait for a later post.

2. Paganism

The centaur, Oreius

People have often pointed to the centaurs in Narnia, saying, "Look! These are Greek gods! That's paganism! Narnia's evil!" Before you violently throw your copy of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe across the room, kindly allow me to say a little something on this subject.


Yes, Narnia does include mythical creatures such as centaurs, satyrs, and fauns. And yes, they are said to have a basis in Greek and Roman mythology. While the existence of such creatures is highly doubtful, I won't put God in a box and say that it was impossible for him to make them. He is the almighty God, the awesome Creator of the universe. Actually, the Bible does make mention to some creatures, namely the satyr (Is. 13:21 & 34:14) and the unicorn (Num. 23:22 & 24:8, Deut. 33:17, and more). It may just be that they are referenced to in a figurative light for a comparison, OR did God really create them? It's something to think about. He created dinosaurs, another type of creature we don't see nowadays. And the Old Testament was written far before Greek and Roman culture named those creatures as part of their mythology. In Narnia, these creatures (fauns, satyrs, centaurs, etc.) are not depicted as gods, but rather mortal beings living normal lives. Nor do they possess any powers of the supernatural nature.

3. Christ Figures

Now what of the Christ figures? It is vastly important that we don't set up something other than the Lord Jesus as first and foremost in our lives. There is a slight opinion going around that Tolkien meant for Aragorn to be a Christ figure, but I quench that rumor. Aragorn is a king, and that is basically the only connection to Christ. Reading and studying it, I can see no possible way that Aragorn could be set up as a god figure. Gandalf, also, is not set up as a Christ figure, but resembles a figure more of that like an angel. Indeed, Tolkien himself compared Gandalf to an angel. So this issue comes mainly down to Narnia. 

Aslan

Aslan is a god figure, in a sense, and he represents the idea of monotheism (belief in one god). Jesus is called the Lamb of God and the Lion of Judah, and I'm certain that the latter was where C. S. Lewis pulled the idea for Aslan. Lewis also expressly wrote Narnia for the purpose of an allegory. Aslan was supposed to be a Christ like figure. Not Christ Himself, but merely a figure. Please also take into account, Jesus likened Himself unto Jonah (Matt. 12:40). Does that mean Jonah was a god? Jonah? The rebellious runaway? I highly doubt that. And what of the brass serpent in the wilderness (Num 21:9)? God commanded Moses to make that and hang it where all Israel could see it. It was a picture of their suffering and of His mercy. God used many pictures throughout the Bible. Therefore, using a picture is not bad, just as long as we don't worship the picture. 

4. Violence

Another big argument that many people level against mainly LOTR is the darkness of the story and all the violence. “Chirstians shouldn't read about all that fighting and evilness!” I agree that we shouldn't dwell on that which is evil, but darkness is in the world whether we like it or not. Consider this: The last book in the Bible, Revelation, is quite dark and violent. Does that mean we're not to read that book of the Bible? No. It is a picture of the end times. When the world ends, it will be dark and violent, that's what God says, and that's what the world will come to, whether we like it or not. LOTR is, in a sense, an allegorical picture of the end times. Good vs. evil, and good prevails in the end.

Orcs marching to Helm's Deep

Other Thoughts...

You may not enjoy fantasy, and that's why you stay away from LOTR and Narnia. That's okay. That's your preference, and I respect that. Fantasy is a genre that you must learn to like, just as people learn to like romance and adventure and whatever other genres are out there.

Edmund battling Telmarines

I do want to say this: LOTR and Narnia have not, in my life, replaced my Bible. I spend time every morning in the Word of God, and am doing my best to meditate on it day and night. And no, no, no, it is never right to read Narnia and LOTR, in fact ANY book, to treasure it above the Word of God. Our own enjoyment of these stories should never take precedence above the time spent with the Lord Jesus Christ.

So, what think ye of this question? Is there another point that should be mentioned and I have missed talking of? I listed several Bible verses in my post here, and I would encourage you to look them up. Please comment and let me know!


And yes! I will be posting (hopefully) soon a large post on the issue of magic! Please, please keep a watch out for it!

Thanks for reading!