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

For anyone who loves the "Chronicles of Narnia" I highly recommend this book! It is an outstanding devotional book that breaks down each chapter of every story and reveals the Biblical parallels and principals along with the scriptures that are in alignment with each! Great book, if you love The Chronicles, you might love this too!

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 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."

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.

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.