A Family Guide To Narnia: Biblical Truths in C.S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia [Paperback]

Christin Ditchfield (Author), Wayne Martindale (Foreword)

Book Description

Do you read The Chronicles of Narnia sensing that thestories are full of biblical parallels, even if you're not alwayssure what they are or where to find them? This user-friendlycompanion to The Chronicles of Narnia is written for C. S. Lewisreaders like you who want to discover the books' biblical andChristian roots. Read it, and you'll find that thischapter-by-chapter, book-by-book examination of TheChronicles will widen your spiritual vision.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This cohesive and easy-to-follow guide serves as a fantastic parental teaching tool on a subject that kids love. . . . Every child who loves Narnia needs to have a copy of this guide to help the stories of Aslan come alive in a biblically relevant way." -Ellie Kay, best-selling author of Heroes at Home "This is a wonderful exploration of the biblical themes woven into The Chronicles of Narnia, with lively and helpful introductions and an uncontrived use of Scripture throughout." -Paul McCusker, dramatist of The Chronicles of Narnia Radio Theatre "Christin Ditchfield's love for children and reverence for the role of parents is evident in A Family Guide to Narnia. She gently, yet effectively, shines a light on God's truth, so we can all be better teachers to our children." -Vicki Caruana, America's Teacher, author of Apples & Chalkdust and The Homeschooler's Guide to... "This is an important book that will help families learn more from the Bible and The Chronicles of Narnia." -Lyle W. Dorsett, Professor of Christian Ministries, Wheaton College, and author of The Essential C. S. Lewis --This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Review

"This cohesive and easy-to-follow guide serves as a fantastic parental teaching tool on a subject that kids love. . . . Every child who loves Narnia needs to have a copy of this guide to help the stories of Aslan come alive in a biblically relevant way."
—Ellie Kay, best-selling author of Heroes at Home

"This is a wonderful exploration of the biblical themes woven into The Chronicles of Narnia, with lively and helpful introductions and an uncontrived use of Scripture throughout."
—Paul McCusker, dramatist of The Chronicles of Narnia Radio Theatre

"Christin Ditchfield's love for children and reverence for the role of parents is evident in A Family Guide to Narnia. She gently, yet effectively, shines a light on God's truth, so we can all be better teachers to our children."
—Vicki Caruana, America's Teacher™, author of Apples & Chalkdust and The Homeschooler's Guide to…

"This is an important book that will help families learn more from the Bible and The Chronicles of Narnia."
—Lyle W. Dorsett, Billy Graham Professor of Evangelism, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Crossway Books (July 7, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1581345151
• ISBN-13: 978-1581345155
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #136,396 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

93 of 104 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Christ in the Chronicles, November 29, 2005

By 

Robert W. Kellemen "Doc. K." (Crown Point, IN United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Family Guide To Narnia: Biblical Truths in C.S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia (Paperback)

As soon as it was announced that a new, Hollywood version of "The Chronicles of Narnia" would be released, I said to myself, "I should write a book called, 'Christ in the Chronicles.'" Well, Christin Ditchfield beat me to it, and I'm glad that she did. As her main title suggests ("A Family Guide to Narnia"), Ditchfield focuses her insights on a level that will "make sense" to Narnia fans of all ages--especially children and young teens.

Whereas some reviewers, therefore, interpret her interpretations as shallow, I find them appropriate given her focus--a family-friendly reading of "The Chronicles." Other reviewers find her interpretations a tad parochial. Again, the subtitle and the publisher of choice, easily explain that "feel." Ditchfield is writing an Evangelical analysis of "Biblical Truth in C. S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia." Yes, the truths could have been deeper, and yes, some of the interpretations may stretch Lewis' original intent, but none are outside the bounds of Lewis' own belief system.

Others may debate how much Christian imagery Lewis intended. He and his fellow "Inklings" writer, J. R. R. Tolkien, both wrote from a Christian world-view--Tolkien's being Catholic and Lewis' being Protestant. Tolkien, in several places, emphasized that he was not trying to make theological comments in every character and every event. Rather, he was writing a broad morality tale about good and evil and the ongoing battle between them. And an entertaining, captivating one, at that.

Lewis also, being a true linguist, tended to downplay plot-by-plot and character-by-character spiritualization. However, it is clear from his own writings and from any fair read of "The Chronicles of Narnia," that his Christian world-view flowed through every word he wrote.

Christin Ditchfield has beautifully, if simply (but not at all simplistically), drawn out the spiritual messages as she sees them through her Evangelical grid. She's done so in such a way that families can discuss them together, forming their own opinions and drawing their own conclusions, while enjoying the story and the message and meaning behind it.

Reviewer: Bob Kellemen, Ph.D., is the author of "Beyond the Suffering: Embracing the Legacy of African American Soul Care and Spiritual Direction", "Soul Physicians," and "Spiritual Friends."

40 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fascinating insight into Narnia and its Christian message, but also a great cultural tool, December 12, 2005

By 

A. Woodley "Patroness, Janeites, the Austen list" (New Zealand) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Family Guide To Narnia: Biblical Truths in C.S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia (Paperback)

I was fascinated to read this book, the chronicles of Narnia are clearly a reflection in so many ways of the bible - and given Lewis's background this is an indisputable fact. How far this goes is debatable of course.

The stories are excellent reading and children and adults can read them on different levels, as a simple children's story, or in its deeper meaning as a parable reflecting the bible. Certainly some aspects are obvious - the presence of Aslan, the 'crucifxion' scene and the unbelievers vs the 'disciples' but there are some aspects which may escape the general reader like myself.

I will say here, that even for agnostics such as myself, this book provides a fascinating insight. The simple fact of not being christian does not mean you cannot support the values which are inherent in it - nor does it mean that you can ignore the 2,000 years of culture. So from both those points of view I found this book fascinating.

I strongly believe that for whatever your reason this book provides a much deeper understanding of the works and of the author. These are great points to discuss and debate as well.

45 of 53 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful guide for adults and children, November 7, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: A Family Guide To Narnia: Biblical Truths in C.S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia (Paperback)

As a repeated reader of The Chronicles of Narnia, and one who took a class on the series, I was delighted with this work. It succinctly breaks down each chapter into biblical parallels and insights that are subtly woven into Lewis's stories. I gained such insight and found so many new things in each of the books. This is a great guide for teachers or parents reading the series to children.