Day 3.
My favorite of favorite books is the Bible. No question about it.
But as far as fictional books go, I will choose
The Chronicles of Narnia, a series of seven novels by C.S. Lewis. Lewis was a brilliant man, being a novelist, essayist, theologian, and Christian apologist. He was a great defender of the Faith and wrote many books such as
Mere Christianity that still convict skeptics of their unbelief. He also had a way of making universal profound truths applicable to our daily lives.
The Chronicles of Narnia can be seen as an analogy of the Christian message. An article was written by Robert and Linda Banks for
C.S. Lewis Today paralleling the two.
Key ideas in
The Magician's Nephew: "Creation and Kingdom—Aslan creates a new world—sky, stars, flora and fauna, heavens and earth, and fills it with talking creatures. He does this through his word by singing it into being. With the first hint of rebellion against his authority beginning to arise, he appoints a man and a woman as its first rulers to look after and care for the land and its inhabitants."
Key ideas in
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe: "Fall and Redemption—Sin has spread over the whole land, which is under the power of evil, and judgement lies heavy upon it. In order to break their grip, Aslan fulfils the demands of the ancient Law by willingly sacrificing himself in another's place, but is miraculously brought back to life. He forgives and frees others and re-establishes humans as rulers over the land."
Key ideas in
The Horse and His Boy: "Promise and Fulfilment. Despite the devious plans of evil people to thwart Aslan's prophetic purposes, mysteriously and providentially he arranges circumstances, draws strangers together, and directs their steps so that the promise can be fulfilled. He also secretly accompanies, strengthens and protects them, before finally revealing himself to them in person and making known to one of them his royal identity."
Key ideas in
Prince Caspian: "Apostasy and Restoration. Over time the nation has forgotten and wandered away from its true roots, and those who have assumed power actively suppress knowledge of that truth. Despite this, the truth is passed on courageously by some faithful ordinary people, who come together to fight against Aslan's enemies until his authority over the land, and its rightful human ruler, are restored."
Key ideas in
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader: "Conversion and Mission. With the nation at peace, the focus now is on fulfilling an obligation to Aslan to engage in a rescue mission to the ends of the known world. Early into the journey, one of the members undergoes an extreme conversion experience at the hands of Aslan. In the process of fulfilling their task, by word and signs, Aslan teaches different lessons to various members of the team."
Key ideas in
The Silver Chair: "Vocation and Faithfulness. An unlikely threesome is called by Aslan out of their familiar surroundings with a special commission, potentially at the cost of their lives. He empowers them through his spirit and instructs them with his word so that they can achieve his purposes. Only through constant and discerning obedience in the face of almost insurmountable evil are they able to smash its strongholds and free its victims."
Key ideas in
The Last Battle: "End-of-the-World and Heaven. A long time has passed since Aslan's last appearance and, with imposters scheming to deceive even the faithful, there are growing rumours that he has already returned. This leads to a series of struggles between the forces of good and evil, ending in a final victorious confrontation. As Aslan draws time and space to a close, only those who love him are taken into his glorious country and those who deny him fall away into darkness."
The Chronicles of Narnia is an amazing series of books and if you haven't read them, I encourage you to do just that.
