CGC (Christian Girls Chat) discussion

Finding Christian themes in The Chronicles of Narnia and The Lord of the Rings.

C.S Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien's stories have influenced me. Not just because of the fantasy, but because of the deep Christian truths they symbolize. The Chronicles of Narnia's the lion the witch and the wardrobe symbolizes the resurrection of Jesus Christ. I love how C.S Lewis rose above atheism to become a believer and not being afraid to include the true meaning of Jesus in his stories. The Lord of the Rings symbolizes how to overcome temptation: The ring symbolizes sin, and how it can change you if you're not careful. Lotr also has messages of courage and friendship. In a way, I suppose it also represents how Christians are supposed to go out into the world and change it for the better. Just like the members of the fellowship experience some hardships along the way we too will experience hardships. If we trust God it will make things possible, not always easy, but possible. The elves in lotr could represent angels, The villains of both mentioned series heavily represent satan and demons. Some of you may disagree that these two series are Christian based examples. If you do, I'm perfectly fine with that. Just remember to state your views respectfully. It's so hard to find Godly things in the media today, with sex, drugs, and money being the top best sellers for people. This is why The Chronicles of Narnia and The Lord of the Rings are good examples to me. Feel free to discuss this. I hope it's given you something to think about.

I wish there was a like button for comments! :P

I know that The Chronicles of Narnia is allegorical, but I have never read The Lord of the Rings, so I can't analyze it. :)

Narnian525♥♪ wrote: "Finding Christian themes in The Chronicles of Narnia and The Lord of the Rings.

C.S Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien's stories have influenced me. Not just because of the fantasy, but because of the deep..."

I agree with you that both of these great works are very inspiring as a christian. I find it interesting the different approaches the authors took. C.S. Lewis wrote Narnia as a direct allegory, but well Tolkien was a catholic he went the totally opposite, making sure that his work was not allegorical well still giving out an almost christian message.

I watched some of the first Lord of the Rings movie, and though I haven't ever read the books, I don't understand why he would portray a wizard as someone good. After all, doesn't the Bible say witchcraft is evil?

Christal wrote: "I watched some of the first Lord of the Rings movie, and though I haven't ever read the books, I don't understand why he would portray a wizard as someone good. After all, doesn't the Bible say wit..."

I can answer your question. Unlike the Harry Potter series, witchcraft isn't practiced in The Lord of the Rings, or of it is it's not focused on.

Narnian525♥♪ wrote: "Christal wrote: "I watched some of the first Lord of the Rings movie, and though I haven't ever read the books, I don't understand why he would portray a wizard as someone good. After all, doesn't ..."

But he is still a wizard... :/

Christal wrote: "Narnian525♥♪ wrote: "Christal wrote: "I watched some of the first Lord of the Rings movie, and though I haven't ever read the books, I don't understand why he would portray a wizard as someone good..."

Yes, but I look more at what characters do or what they're involved in that what they are. I can respect your opinion though.

Christal wrote: "I watched some of the first Lord of the Rings movie, and though I haven't ever read the books, I don't understand why he would portray a wizard as someone good. After all, doesn't the Bible say wit..."

In order to totally understand it you would have to understand Tolkien's mythology. The word "wizard" is used very lightly and the characters are also know as Istari and Maiar. The servants of the miner gods sent to middle earth to help the people. They're kind of like angels. The wizards don't practice spells or witchcraft, it is more of a power given to them by the creator (who gives the miner gods they're power and the elves).

Tolkien himself says
"Wizard is a translation of Quenya istar (his elvish language): one of the members of an "order" ..., claiming to possess, and exhibiting, eminent knowledge of the history and nature of the World. The translation (through suitable in its relation to "wise" and other ancient words of knowing) is not perhaps happy, since "Order of Wizards" was quite distinct from "wizards" and "magicians" of later legend..."

Elizabeth wrote: "Christal wrote: "I watched some of the first Lord of the Rings movie, and though I haven't ever read the books, I don't understand why he would portray a wizard as someone good. After all, doesn't ..."

True

One movie that we watched at summer camp a few years back that has a LOT of biblical tie-ins was Disney's "Meet The Robinsons." I needed a movie to show to our younger campers, and was able to find a great pre-made online bible study to give to my staff. It was really exciting for the kids to watch, and the messages and bible verses that back the movie up are just great!

Cool!

Awesome :) What kind of tie-ins, exactly?

Seriously, yeah, where is the like button? I haven't seen this discussion before today, but I have based my entire writing career thus far in the footsteps of Lewis. I'm trying to do what he did with Narnia!

I knew that Tolkein was a Christian, and was friends with Lewis, and I had heard that LoTR could be considered a Christian piece of literature, but I couldn't see it. But now that you say the ring as temptation, I can see that. Going further, you can see how man's greed caused the destruction of a more perfect world and how we must rely on one another to get through.

Concerning the wizard debate. I agree using a wizard might not have been the best idea, but if you do indeed try to look at it as an allegory, you could possibly look at Gandolf as a Jesus-like figure. Remember before the Battle at Helm's Deep, when Gandalf had to leave and he told the hobbits to look for him in the east on the THIRD DAY? I don't think that was an accident. (Also, the sun rises in the east... the SON also ROSE.) Just a thought.

T.C. wrote: "Seriously, yeah, where is the like button? I haven't seen this discussion before today, but I have based my entire writing career thus far in the footsteps of Lewis. I'm trying to do what he did wi..."

That's good T.C, never thought of that.

I believe I also read somewhere (so this might not be reliable) that Middle Earth is actually in the future. Because he talks about the time of man (which we might call the church age, or present day) is past. THERE'S a thought for you, huh?

Haha! A BIG thought! :P

I think we can find Christian themes in just about anything, if we look hard enough and sometimes stretch things a little. Haha.

T.C. wrote: "I believe I also read somewhere (so this might not be reliable) that Middle Earth is actually in the future. Because he talks about the time of man (which we might call the church age, or present d..."

True :D lol

Cari wrote: "I think we can find Christian themes in just about anything, if we look hard enough and sometimes stretch things a little. Haha."

I think that's the way we SHOULD look at things, but we need to be careful too. If the author isn't a Christian, we might come up with misguided information. So I guess the bottom line is that we should look for God, but not base our whole theology on a book or movie - in any case. (I note that on my website. My books are based on Christian themes, but of course there is only One Author whose Book is perfect. And I'm not Him! Still, do you know I get slammed about using the Nephilim in my books because the truth is, they aren't around today. I'm just like, "Yes, that's why it's FICTION." Anyway, sorry to go off on a rant like that.)

Ohh...Bryan Davis, has anyone heard of him? He is an AWESOME Christian writer...I read all of them in like...really fast.

And I maybe have said this before, but...my sis is a nerd, and she said, when I was trying to figure out the allegories in LOTR, that Tolkien didn't write an allegory...he just wanted to write an awesome book. BUT...if you're a Christian, then what you write will most likely have Godly themes to it. It just happens.

Jacklyn wrote: "Ohh...Bryan Davis, has anyone heard of him? He is an AWESOME Christian writer...I read all of them in like...really fast.

And I maybe have said this before, but...my sis is a nerd, and she said, w..."

OMgosh...I love him! I cannot WAIT to read the Seventh Door. So excited! :P

Jacklyn, I think your sister is probably right. But yes, since he WAS a Christian, it is hard not to find God in his stories.

OK... Bryan Davis... is it bad that I've never heard of him? Tell me what book I should start with of his.

T.C. wrote: "Jacklyn, I think your sister is probably right. But yes, since he WAS a Christian, it is hard not to find God in his stories.

OK... Bryan Davis... is it bad that I've never heard of him? Tell me w..."

LOL. No, I don't think so. He has 3 consecutive series that he wrote, which are my favorite. This is the first one: Raising Dragons
As I learn more about POVs and the correct way to write, I know he isn't always a very good "writer", but his stories that he writes are absolutely wonderful, in my opinion.

Thanks for the tip! I'll check him out. (when my brain isn't in an "editing mode)

I've heard of him! I've been wanting to read Raising Dragons for a while....

It was really cool to read a fantasy book with dragons, sorcerers, magic and all with a Christian theme. Not witchcraft and stuff, like you normally get with those kinds of books. Okay, I'm done gushing now. :D

I need to reread The Chronicles of Narnia again sometime soon. I read the books when I was 11/12.

Cari wrote: "I need to reread The Chronicles of Narnia again sometime soon. I read the books when I was 11/12."

I red them when I was eight or nine.