Customer Reviews

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

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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."

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.

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.

Counter to most youth group activities these days, I have been reading the Chronicles of Narnia to my Sr-Jr youth group, and it has been amazing to see how they have responded. Most of them really get into it (being read to is a novelty these days), and the Family Guide to Narnia has been a great tool for further discussion about Theology and life in general. I highly recommend Family Guide to Narnia to any family or small group who want to read the Chronicles together - it makes a great bedtime story or family devotional.

I recently heard the author speak on a Christian radio station. I was enlightened by the insight she provided as she explained the relevance of The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe to scripture. Wow! Was it interesting! The book appears to be well researched. I bought the book to help me draw a connection for my 8 and 12 year olds (and me) of the Biblical references to The Chronicles of Narnia.

This book is an excellent resource for the parent who wants to read The Chronicles of Narnia with their child and appreciates the Biblical perspective the author provides. "A Family Guide to Narnia" takes the guesswork out of drawing spiritual parallels and provides plenty of supplementary material to enhance a "storytime" or challenge an older student to delve into further research. I like the way the writer frequently quotes the writings of C. S. Lewis himself in explaining the Christian symbolism and principles he was incorporating into his stories. It authenticates her assessment of those and other Christian aspects of The Chronicles which are less obvious to the non-Christian reader.

This was a great tool to use as a family!! We have enjoyed reading the series to our boys 9yrs old, 7yrs old, and 2yrs old. The boys had great fun finding the stories in the Bible (using this guide)and seeing how they are simular. It helped them pay attention to the story so the could discuss the questions in the guide!

This book opened a new depth to the Chronicles.It expounds on lessons that could be easily overlooked or unnoticed.It draws parallels to biblical stories and values in a very simple and easy to follow way.This book enhanced my Narnia experience.

Absolutely a great addition for any Narnia fan who wishes to learn or impart to others the plethora of Biblical truths found in the Chronicles. There are so many parallels I would not have caught probably half of them! This awesome discussion tool was used with my 9 and 11 year old after each chapter.

We also used Roar and you can view that review as well. I don't want to repeat myself. Roar!: A Christian Family Guide to the Chronicles of Narnia

This book is a chapter by chapter biblical tie in and overview of all Narnia books. It gives a little bit of background on the author and CS Lewis, and then dives right in. Truly a family guide that it appeals to a wide audience. It can be easily adapted to use in a family /group setting with adults reading to younger children or as individual study for older children and adults. The insights are not lengthy and in depth but rather concise and easy to understand, pulling in a few verses for each chapter.