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C.S. Lewis
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From: James Elliott <J_C_Elliott>
Date: Sat, 27 Nov 2004 22:28:51 -0500
Just a note about the Harry Potter/Narnia/Lord of the Rings controversies:
I researched this for an assignment in my Info needs class for either children's or YA lit. There are actually quite a few Christian authors and publications who/which are in favor of HP for the symbolism of good vs. evil, and many favorable comparisons between HP and Narnia and LotR. Some of the most favorable come from some of the most evangelical publications such as Cornerstone Magazine and Christianity Today, and even Chuck Colson and Focus on the Family have supported it.
I do agree that most children will not notice the allegory and just enjoy the adventure.
As to Lewis, (re: another message) I have not seen any anti?male bias in Narnia or any of his books. It does seem that he includes strong female characters in all of his fiction, including the Narnian chronicles and the Space Trilogy. in fact, it's the male characters that seem to screw things up and the females have to save the day - especially in Narnia with Lucy being the among the strongest female characters of any children's literature.
From what I remember of his theological and literary criticism, I can't recall any bashing there either.
I'm happy to recommend C.S. Lewis when someone comes for suggestions after reading the available Harry Potter, along with "Artemis Fowl", Hobbit, and others.
Jim Elliott Children's/YA Librarian Tallahassee, FL
----- Original Message -----
From: Lorenzen, Michelle
To: Subscribers of ccbc-net
Sent: Saturday, November 27, 2004 5:51 PM
Subject: [ccbc-net] C.S. Lewis
Hey Everyone! What do you think about C.S. Lewis's Narnia series. Do you think that children grasp the Christianity aspects, or is it just fantasy to them? As a child, I was focused more on Aslan's majesty than his Christ-like characteristics.
Also, Harry Potter is often criticized for its use of sorcery, even though it is not religion based, so why do the magical elements in the Narnia series escape similar criticism. There is tons of magical elements within its pages. Is it just timing and marketing, or is there something else in the style it is written in?
Michelle
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Received on Sat 27 Nov 2004 09:28:51 PM CST
Date: Sat, 27 Nov 2004 22:28:51 -0500
Just a note about the Harry Potter/Narnia/Lord of the Rings controversies:
I researched this for an assignment in my Info needs class for either children's or YA lit. There are actually quite a few Christian authors and publications who/which are in favor of HP for the symbolism of good vs. evil, and many favorable comparisons between HP and Narnia and LotR. Some of the most favorable come from some of the most evangelical publications such as Cornerstone Magazine and Christianity Today, and even Chuck Colson and Focus on the Family have supported it.
I do agree that most children will not notice the allegory and just enjoy the adventure.
As to Lewis, (re: another message) I have not seen any anti?male bias in Narnia or any of his books. It does seem that he includes strong female characters in all of his fiction, including the Narnian chronicles and the Space Trilogy. in fact, it's the male characters that seem to screw things up and the females have to save the day - especially in Narnia with Lucy being the among the strongest female characters of any children's literature.
From what I remember of his theological and literary criticism, I can't recall any bashing there either.
I'm happy to recommend C.S. Lewis when someone comes for suggestions after reading the available Harry Potter, along with "Artemis Fowl", Hobbit, and others.
Jim Elliott Children's/YA Librarian Tallahassee, FL
----- Original Message -----
From: Lorenzen, Michelle
To: Subscribers of ccbc-net
Sent: Saturday, November 27, 2004 5:51 PM
Subject: [ccbc-net] C.S. Lewis
Hey Everyone! What do you think about C.S. Lewis's Narnia series. Do you think that children grasp the Christianity aspects, or is it just fantasy to them? As a child, I was focused more on Aslan's majesty than his Christ-like characteristics.
Also, Harry Potter is often criticized for its use of sorcery, even though it is not religion based, so why do the magical elements in the Narnia series escape similar criticism. There is tons of magical elements within its pages. Is it just timing and marketing, or is there something else in the style it is written in?
Michelle
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
To post to the list, send the message to...
To leave the list, send the message...
To: u>
Body: signoff ccbc-net
Received on Sat 27 Nov 2004 09:28:51 PM CST
