The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe: A Question of Tactics

We are told that once we die to ourselves in our baptism and live to Christ that we are people who live in the world but we are not to be of it. We obviously have trouble with this as Christian people. We are as much of the world as we are in the world much of the time.

In Walsh and Keesmaat’s commentary on Colossians entitled Colossians Remixed: Subverting the Empire (there is a link under my book section), they write the following as part a “Targum” on verses 2:8-3:4 –

“ And don’t get sucked into consumerist ideology when it comes dressed up in the clothes of Christian faith. A ‘new manly piety’ just might be more of the same old patriarchal power-grabbing, capitalist legitimating stuff that we have seen being pimped both at the mall and in the consumer-friendly church.” P.138

I can’t unpack this passage here and for its full import you need to read it in context with a good translation of the text. But one of the points the authors raise is important for the point of this blog. We are anxious to compete on the world’s level. That we are involved in "consumerist ideology that is dressed up in the clothes of Christian faith." The hype around the upcoming film “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” is a case in point. (I believe it is the same anxious hype that accompanied “The Passion”.)

One of the concerns that Douglas Gresham (Lewis’s stepson by Joy Davidman) expressed during a speaking engagement in San Diego last spring was the fear that if the Church co-opted the film for itself, that it would jeopardize its effectiveness. It was Gresham’s hope that the Church would simply go see it with friends or listen to friends who have seen it and experienced its magic, that it would prompt deeper conversations and comparisons with our faith that would lead to faith - not make it a program for evangelism. I share his concerns. The renting of theaters and the emphasis of churches going together to see it - using the film as a tool. All of these things are, in this writer’s humble opinion, born of the desire to compete on the world’s level.

It is the constant search for a “muscular” witness that pushes us to make claims that seek to have legitimacy alongside the worldly claims of Hollywood and its surrounding culture. We do this with celebrities, with athletes, with films, with secular leaders, all whom we would consider successful or important. When the successful of the world affirm what we affirm we hope to ride their star to legitimacy. We want to say to the world, “See – if this film is successful, or this successful person embraces the faith, or this athlete converts – that proves we are not crazy and our position is one people want. We appeal to the culture’s definition of what is cool or strong or important and say “See, Jesus is just like that.” We want to bask in the light of worldly glory and success alongside the gospel.

Unfortunately, Jesus says this isn’t the way to legitimize our faith or gain standing. His ways are subversive. They are quiet, they are humble, they are bold as they stand over and against the culture or as they introduce an alternative sense of value, an alternative story. Jesus’ way is sacrifice, back-alley, backwater, behind the scenes, of where the culture is looking. He resists the red carpet and bright lights of the world. And in that way he chooses that which is insignificant in the world to bring down that which is self-important, great, and powerful in the world.

I believe that the evangelical church is well intentioned here. I too am looking forward to the film, only because I love the books and am hoping to be captivated once again by the story. I look forward to the DVD that will allow me to use it to supplement teaching on these stories or show an example rather than merely telling it. But when we take this to another level and make Narnia “our story, i.e. the property of the Church” we threaten turning away people who will not go see it who will believe it is just another Christian marketing scheme. I pray this will not happen. Why can't we Christians let this stand or fall on its own merits as a story and film? Because we're anxious. Not because we are faithful. We are anxious for standing in our world that legitimizes our beliefs.

Of course I believe if Lewis were in his grave (which I don't) he would turn over at the proposed marketing of video games, action figures, and the rest. His example in life probably should be a good guide for us here – spend your money on something better, not making a cult of Narnia. Besides it only feeds the consumerists idols of our age.

Let me suggest that rather than "go with your church en masse" to see the film, you go with a neighbor, or listen to kids who don’t go to church and hear what they think of Aslan if they’ve seen the film. Maybe all you do is hear what they think, rather than telling them what it means. Maybe you will hear what it means to them. Maybe you can help your neighbor feel welcome rather than out-numbered. Maybe we can simply enjoy the story as a good one and let the Holy Spirit do the convicting and convincing without having us to manipulate the situation. I think this whole marketing of the film is “consumerist ideology…dressed up in the clothes of Christian faith.”

There – I said my peace. This is no complete thought. I have more. I believe that Lewis himself was co-opted by the faith in the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, and even now - by people who thought they had an example of a powerful intellect to prove that Christianity wasn’t for the simpleton but smart people too. As a result I believe Lewis’s ability to help now has been hindered by a generation that is learning that logical argument is limited and untrustworthy. But that might well be a chapter in a book.

Comments

[John Boda]

Craig,

I couldn't agree with you more, awesome blog, keep it up! I am very much a post modern pilgrim and also a recovering Pharisee. Yes I am familiar with John Fischer's book...as I'm sure you are, if not he's right up your alley !
Please check out my site as well, I do about 600 gigs per year in Chicago and a guitar guy too. I'm working on a new CD, almost done called "The Magnificent Mundane".
One of the tunes is "Livin Outside of the Box", which sounds like you do too. Grace! JB