According to the TimesOnLine www.timesonline.co.uk The Walt Disney organization has appointed Christian Publishers and Outreach, an evangelistic publishing company, to promote the Christian message behind The Chronicles of Narnia in churches across Britain. Read the story here.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe the first in the Chronicles of Narnia written by C. S. Lewis is scheduled to appear in theaters in December. I first read the Chronicles in college. They were all the rage on campus that year. The seven books were engaging and easy to read and read again. I was captivated by the story and the ease with which Lewis told the story. As with any good story there were many levels to explore. As a student of theology I was eager to undertake the journey. Many a night we discussed the Chronicles over beer and pizza.
When I heard Disney was making a movie of the first book in the series, I quickly pulled my copy from the shelf and joined Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy on their journey. I remember telling someone I wanted to remember the story as Lewis had written it not as interpreted by the movie makers. I wasn't disappointed. Even 35 years after my first reading this fair tale entertained me and spoke to my imagination.
I know that the Chronicles of Narnia have something to say to us today. I am afraid the message will be lost in the cultural or religious battles of the day. Fair Tales like the Chronicles of Narnia will enrich our lives until they become the tools of agenda driven institutions who coop the power and vision of these stories.
I suggest that you read the books now while you still have a chance and decided for yourself.