An Analysis of C. S. Lewis &

The Chronicles of Narnia;

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

 

By: William Frederick, M. Div.

 

Author of The Coming Epiphany; Because You Need to Know the truth About the End Times.

 

 

On December 9th, 2005 Disney will release a movie based on and named the same as the C.S. Lewis book; The Chronicles of Narnia; The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.  Many Christians are heralding the movie and for that matter the book as a great Christian work designed to engage the participant in a great spiritual experience. God tells us as a Christian; “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” (I Jn 4:1)  In this short paper we will do just that “try the spirits” to see whether The Chronicles of Narnia are a work of God.

 

The Author

 

In examining any written work of a spiritual nature it is standard procedure to examine the spirituality of the author.  The spirituality of the author encompassed in the doctrines and beliefs of the author are a good barometer as to whether or not the literary work should be accepted as good Christian reading.  This is especially true in the realm of fantasy writing where doctrines and beliefs can be veiled and easily misinterpreted.  Let us now examine the spiritual beliefs/doctrines of C. S. Lewis.

 

            The Word of God

 

C. S. Lewis does not believe that the Bible is inspired and inerrant.  Here are some quotes from his works that demonstrate this fact.

 

all Holy Scripture is in some sense, though not all parts of it in the same sense, the word of God.[1]

 

Either this [John’s Gospel] is reportage, though it may no doubt contain errors, pretty close up to the facts; nearly as close as Boswell. Or else, some unknown writer in the second century, without known predecessors or successors, suddenly anticipated the whole technique of modern, novelistic, realistic, narrative.[2]

 

Naivety, error, contradiction, even (as in the cursing Psalms) wickedness are not removed. The total result is not “the Word of God” in the sense that every passage, in itself, gives impeccable science or history.[3]

 

It is Christ Himself, not the Bible, who is the true word of God.[4]

 

whether a particular passage is rightly translated or is myth (but of course myth specially chosen by God from among countless myths to carry a spiritual truth) or history.... But we must not use the Bible (our fathers too often did) as a sort of Encyclopedia out of which texts...can be taken for use as weapons.[5]

 

Lewis says not all parts of scripture can be considered the Word of God. He says John’s gospel in no doubt contains errors. He describes the Psalms with words such as naivety, error, contradiction, and concludes that they are not part of the Word of God. He plainly says the true Word of God is not the Bible. He also equates scripture with myth.  It is clear by his words that C. S. Lewis does not believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God.

 

           

            The Deity of Christ

 

Lewis denied that Jesus was truly God in a discourse about Mk 13:30, 32 by claiming that Christ and scripture were in error.

 

“Assur-edly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place,” certainly the most embarrassing verse in the Bible. The one exhibition of error and the one confession of ignorance grow side by side. That they stood thus in the mouth of Jesus himself, and were not merely placed thus by the reporter, we surely need not doubt.... The facts, then, are these: that Jesus professed himself (in some sense) ignorant, and within a moment showed that he really was so.[6]

 

Here Lewis is saying that Christ was in error in what He said.  Thus he is asserting that Christ was not truly God, for God cannot commit error. Lewis also made unholy and blasphemous connections between Christ and pagan deities. As you see in the quote below he actually believes that Apollo, the sun god/Baal, was a sub specie of Christ.

 

as I believe, Christ, fulfills both Paganism and Judaism[7]

 

I had some ado to prevent Joy and myself from relapsing into Paganism in Attica! At Daphni it was hard not to pray to Apollo the Healer. But somehow one didn't feel it would have been very wrong - would have only been addressing Christ sub specie Apollinis."[8]

           

Here he gives credence to paganism and asserts his belief that Christianity is an offshoot of paganism by saying that it would not be wrong to pray to Apollo because he was a sub specie or forerunner of Christ.

 

 

            Salvation

 

Lewis did not believe in Salvation by faith alone.  John W. Robbins after an extensive study of Lewis’ works stated;

 

Finally, missing from Lewis’ litany of theological formulae that will save us is the full Gospel: justification by faith alone. He did not even mention it.[9]

 

            Lewis also asserted that Salvation was imparted through sacraments.

 

It explains why this new life is spread not only by purely mental acts like belief, but by bodily acts like baptism and Holy Communion.... He uses material things like bread and wine to put the new life into us.[10]

 

            Lewis believed that Salvation could be achieved through other religions.

 

There are people in other religions who are being led by God’s secret influence to concentrate on those parts of their religion which are in agreement with Christianity, and who thus belong to Christ without knowing it. Many of the good Pagans long before Christ’s birth may have been in this position.[11]

 

I think that every prayer which is sincerely made even to a false god or to a very imperfectly conceived true God, is accepted by the true God and that Christ saves many who do not think they know Him.[12]

 

This short expose on the doctrines and beliefs held by C. S. Lewis make it clear by his own writings that he does not believe in the verbal plenary inspiration of scripture, the deity of Christ, and salvation by faith alone.  John Robbins after an extensive analysis of the writings of Lewis summed up the spirituality of C. S. Lewis like this.

These statements demonstrate that Lewis not only denied the inerrancy of Scripture, but he also denied the inerrancy of Christ. Time will not permit me to discuss many other doctrines that Lewis believed and taught that contradict the doctrine of justification by faith alone, but a brief list is in order. Lewis taught and believed in purgatory, said prayers for the dead, believed in the physical presence of Christ’s body and blood in the bread and wine, a sacrament that he came to call “Mass,” practiced and taught auricular confession, believed in baptismal salvation, and free will. As we have seen, he rejected the inerrancy of Scripture and justification by faith alone, as well as the doctrines of total depravity and the sovereignty of God.[13]

In my opinion Lewis taught grievous errors.  The most grievous being; that he denied the inerrancy and inspiration of scripture, the deity of Christ, and salvation by faith in Christ alone.  We have examined the beliefs and doctrines of the author C. S. Lewis; we will now examine the story itself.

The Story

The Chronicles of Narnia; The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is a fantasy story based upon the beliefs and doctrines adhered to by C. S. Lewis.  Even though many Evangelicals have adopted the book and promoted it as a good Christian book that teaches good doctrine I view it quite differently.  As a matter of fact there is no religion in the book, there is a concept of salvation taught but it is not attributed to any religion.  In actuality there are more pagan elements in the book than Christian as one author has observed.

Consider, for example, C.S. Lewis's The lion, the witch and the wardrobe. A child from the normal everyday world hides in a wardrobe during a game, and finds herself transported by magic into another world, where she has tea with a faun, a figure from ancient Roman pagan mythology. A faun is half human, half goat, and the encounter is an introduction to a world of intelligent talking animals - beavers with sewing machines and the like. Lewis has no hesitation in blending Christian and pagan mythology in his Narnian books. There is even salvation. Salvation is at the centre of the plot of the book, but one would have to look hard to find it attributed to any religion at all, Christian or pagan.

The next book in the Narnian series, Prince Caspian, is even more populated with pagan deities - Bacchus and Silenus, nymphs and Maenads, and even a river god. Lewis does not identify these with the forces of evil - they are not "satanic", as many Christians seem to think pagan deities ought to be (and many neopagans think that Christians think neopagans' deities are). They are rather part of the army of liberation, and are themselves liberated from the powers of evil in the course of the story.

One could give more examples from the other books in the series, but the picture one gets from all of these is far removed from some of the common Western perceptions of the Christian attitude towards paganism and pagan deities, whether seen from the point of view of Christians or of neopagans. That is, the perception that Christianity and neopaganism are, and perhaps ought to be, hostile to each other.[14]

 Did you catch what the author said about Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia series; “but the picture one gets from all of these is far removed from some of the common Western perceptions. That is, the perception that Christianity and neopaganism are, and perhaps ought to be, hostile to each other.”  So what this author is concluding is that Lewis’ fantasy books promote the idea that Christianity and paganism can be melded together in agreement with each other.  However we know that Paganism in its various forms is satanic.  How can satanic paganism and Christianity be melded together?  They cannot they are diametrically opposed to each other.  Any book whether fantasy or not that attempts to do that is not of God but is from the devil himself.  

Still not convinced? Let’s dig a little more deeply into the Chronicles to see what they reveal.  The main character in the book, the supposed Christ figure, is a lion named Aslan.  Aslan is Turkish for lion.  Upon examination of the details of this character in the book we see that Aslan the lion, though he possesses attributes of Christ, is actually a representation of the melding together of Christ and the pagan sun god.  Here are some quotes from the book that show the connection.

At the name of Aslan, Lucy got the feeling you get when you wake in the morning and realize it's the beginning of spring. p.65

Tell us about Aslan...once again that strange feeling - like the first sings of spring had come over them.  p.74

An old rhyme in these parts...when he bares his teeth winter meets its death and when he shakes his mane we shall have spring again. p.74

Speaking of Aslan, "He'll be coming and going, one day you'll see him and another you won't...he has other countries to attend to. p.180

The plot of the story also gives reference to Aslan being the sun god. When Aslan returns to the land of Narnia the snow begins to melt.  There are 7 books in the Chronicles of Narnia series and Aslan appears in all of them.  Here are some quotes from some of the other books in the series that reveal further information about the true identity of Aslan.

It was a Lion. Huge, shaggy, and bright it stood facing the risen sun. The Magician’s Nephew  

Digory saw the lion and it was so big and bright he could not take his eyes off of it. p. 114 The Magician’s Nephew           

Aslan swings his head around scattering golden gleams of light as he does so. p.173 The Magician’s Nephew

These passages all show connections to the sun god concept.  The next series of quotes clearly show the real identity of Aslan and his connection with paganism and the occult.

The crowd and the dance round Aslan (for it had become a dance once more) grew so thick and rapid that Lucy was confused.  She never saw where certain other people came from who were soon capering among the trees.  One was a youth, dressed only in a fawn-skin, with vine-leaves wreathed in his curly hair. His face would have been almost too pretty for a boy's, if it had not looked so extremely wild.  You felt, as Edmund said when he saw him a few days later, 'There's a chap who might do anything --- absolutely anything.'  He seemed to have a great many names --- Bromios, Bassareus, and the Ram, were three of them. There were a lot of girls with him, as wild as he. There was even, unexpectedly, someone on a donkey.  And everybody was laughing: and everybody was shouting out, "Euan, euan, eu-oi-oi-oi.  p. 152 Prince Caspian 

Maybe you missed the significance of the passage; let’s examine it in light of pagan teachings. Here is what author Mary Van Nattan said about this discourse.

Note the wild dance, the extremely wild faced youth that is Bromios (otherwise known and Dionysus or Bacchus), the wild girls (Maenads), the man on the donkey (Silenus) who is also said to cry "Refreshments!" (which in the context of Dionysus would be wine), and the cries of "Euoi!".  What Lewis is describing here is nothing other than a Bacchanalian orgy![15]

This next passage shows the pagan connection more clearly.

Bacchus and the Maenads --- his fierce, madcap girls --- and Silenus, were still with them. Lucy, fully rested, jumped up. Everyone was awake, everyone was laughing, flutes were playing, cymbals clashing. Animals, not Talking Animals, were crowding in upon them from every direction. 'What is it, Aslan?' said Lucy, her eyes dancing and her feet wanting to dance. 'Come, children, said he.  'Ride on my back again to-day.' 'Oh lovely!' cried Lucy, and both girls climbed on to the warm golden back as they had done no-one knew how many years before. Then the whole party moved off --- Aslan leading. Bacchus and his Maenads leaping, rushing and turning somersaults, the beasts frisking round them, and Silenus and his donkey bringing up the rear. p. 192  Prince Caspian

Note in the above passage that Aslan is leading the Bacchanalian orgy!  The next quote shows the group participating in the occultic summer solstice sabot.

Then three or four of the Red Dwarfs came forward with their tinder boxes and set light to the pile, which first crackled, and then blazed, and finally roared as a woodland bonfire on midsummer night ought to do. And everyone sat down in a wide circle around it.

Then Bacchus and Silenus and the Maenads began a dance, far wilder than the dance of the trees, not merely a dance for fun and beauty (though it was that too) but a magic dance of plenty, and where their hands touched, and where their feet fell, the feast came into existence -- sides of roasted meat that filled the grove with delicious smell, and wheaten cakes and oaten cakes, honey and many-coloured sugars and cream as think as porridge, and as smooth as still water, peaches, nectarines, pomegranates, pears, grapes, strawberries, raspberries -- pyramids and cataracts of fruit. Then, in great wooden cups and bowls and mazers, wreathed with ivy, came the wines; dark, thick ones like syrups of mulberry juice, and clear red ones like red jellies liquefied, and yellow wines and green wines and yellowy-green and greenish-yellow. p. 205  Prince Caspian

This latest discourse is a description of the occult satanic festival; the high day of sun worship on the witch’s sabot of the summer solstice as explained by Mary Van Nattan.

Next, we note that it says a woodland bonfire on midsummer night. This is not just any fire and not just a midsummer night. This is the real thing. A high day of sun worship. This comes from the burning of the bones from the sacrifices in the bonfire (bone-fire) on the summer solstice. It is a sabot of witchcraft as the marriage of the death goddess or moon goddess to the sun god. The days become shorter from this point as the sun god dies and is sent for his yearly visit to hell. On December 25th he will be reborn. Everyone sits in a circle around it. Again this is a powerful witchcraft symbol. Another pagan/witchy thing is the wild, magic dance of plenty. Those of "The Craft"are famous for their magic dances. The fruit is stacked in a pyramid - a powerful witchcraft/Luciferian/Masonic symbol. The whole thing, with Bacchus involved, sounds like a mixture of a typical English pagan/Wiccan midsummer night celebration and a Bacchus orgy.[16]

These discourses about Aslan from the Chronicles allow us to very easily see that Aslan is a representation of the pagan sun god.  His leading of the party depicted in Prince Caspian and the characters attending him make it clear that Aslan is not a depiction of Christ.  Would Christ partake in a Bacchanalian orgy, a satanic festival? No, and it is pure blasphemy to even make the suggestion and to try to meld the two together.

Putting it all together

C.S. Lewis by his own admission believes that the Bible contains errors and thus is not inspired.  He also believes that Christ committed errors and thus is not truly God.  He also made it clear that he believes in a works salvation via sacraments and that other religions are valid ways to God. It is also clearly evident that his Chronicles of Narnia fantasy series, which are rooted in and stem from his beliefs, meld Christian and pagan elements together in a very unholy manner.

In light of the information presented above I conclude that C. S. Lewis believed and promoted grave doctrinal errors. His Chronicles series serves as an introduction for children into the philosophies of the occult/pagan world. Scripture strictly forbids the melding of pagan and Christian concepts.

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. (2 Cor 6:14-18)

What concord has Christ with Belial?  What concord has Christian with Pagan? There should be none, there is none.  It is forbidden but that is exactly what Lewis has done.  He has melded together Christian and pagan concepts and is attempting to indoctrinate children with them.  This is a great evil indeed.

Sun worship was one of the main abominations to the LORD practiced in Bible times. It has continued throughout the ages to this very time.  That Lewis would write stories for children to indoctrinate them in this revolting religion is bad enough, but that those stories should be passed off as an allegory of the gospel of Jesus Christ is a horrible blasphemy beyond description![17]

It is interesting to note that his books are sold in occult bookstores and were recommended by the makers of the occult game of Dungeons and Dragons.[18]  The Chronicles are also one of the favorite reading of pagans; “Pagans also read the Chronicles of Narnia series by C.S. Lewis.”[19] After reading this article here is what a pagan wrote to me; "I am a pagan in belief and do not understand why Christian parents would necessarily endorse this movie as a way to promote the religion. The pagan references are actually stronger than the Christian ones." Unfortunately most Christians do not have enough discernment to realize this and herald his books as great Christian works.  Here is what Pastor Meyer who was a former witch said about the Chronicles.

As a former witch, astrologer, and occultist who has been saved by the grace of God, I know that the works of C.S. Lewis are required reading by neophyte witches, especially in the United States and England. This includes The Chronicles of Narnia, because it teaches neophyte, or new witches, the basic mindset of the craft. Isn’t it strange, though, that many “Christian” churches and organizations have used The Chronicles of Narnia as Sunday School curriculum?

When I saw the release date of this new movie, I was not surprised. December 9th is the 13th day before the witches’ quarter-sabat of Yule. The full cold moon is midway between the release date and the sabat of Yule. The waxing moon is also directly on the equinox on the release date of the movie. This is far too precisely occultic to be coincidental, and the producers of the movie no doubt consulted upper-level witches regarding the perfect day to have the Chronicles of Narnia open."[20]

In light of the information presented above I believe it would be wise for the Christian to follow the admonition given us in I Tim 6:3-5.

If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,  Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

 

The Child Care Action Project has done an excellent analysis on the movie and can be read at the link below.

http://www.capalert.com/capreports/chroniclesofnarnia-lww.htm

 

About The Author

William Frederick has been teaching and preaching God's Word for the last 18 years as a Christian Education Minister. He has had several prophecy articles posted on the Alpha Omega Report website. He is also the Sunday School Superintendent at the local Independent Fundamental Baptist church he attends.

William Frederick has written a prophecy book entitled The Coming Epiphany which will teach you essential truths about the end of the world. His experience from teaching the Bible for 18 years, the formal training he received from Bob Jones University, when he got his Master of Divinity degree, his years of prophecy research, and his compassion to please the Lord and help others have all culminated in the writing of this "must read" prophecy book that you won't be able to put down!

Here is what one reader said about The Coming Epiphany. “Mr. Frederick, through rigorous adherence to scripture, has pieced together the puzzling aspects of Biblical prophecy.  His book, The Coming Epiphany, provides vital information for Christians in these times and the times to come.  I believe that it should be required reading for individuals as well as for study groups, and perhaps most importantly, for pastors upon whose discernment many Christians depend. This book is a wake-up call to all believers, that it is time to fully awaken to the will of God in our lives. Mr. Frederick; Thank you for the privilege of reading your profound volume.  I believe that your work can reach millions, and help them to see the signs, and avoid the deceptions that have been crafted by the adversary.”

An Epiphany Will Come To All.

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Read The Coming Epiphany Today.

 




[1] Lewis, C. S. Reflections on the Psalms, 19. Harvest Books, 1964.

[2] Lewis, C.S. Christian Reflections, 154-155. Eerdmans, 1967.

[3] Reflections on the Psalms, 94.

[4] Lewis, C.S. Letters of C. S. Lewis, p. 428, Harper, 2001.

[6] The World’s Last Night and Other Essays, pp. 98-99. Harvest books. 1960.

[7] Reflections on the Psalms, 129

[8] C.S. Lewis: A Biography, Roger Lancelyn Green, p.276

[10] Lewis, C.S. Mere Christianity, pp. 64-65. MacMillan 1952.

[11] Mere Christianity, 176-177.

[12] Letters of C. S. Lewis, 428.