Prince Caspian

The Chronicles of Narnia is an allegorical series of books written by CS Lewis. They've made two recent movies based on the books, and I've been surprised at the amount of allegory they left in there. I mean, when it comes down to it, there's too much message in the books to avoid, which is pretty cool.

Well, Prince Caspian was "adapted" more than the Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe. The war scenes were pretty pumped up. Regardless, it was inspiring and thought provoking, even though not as hard hitting as the parallel of the crucifixion and resurrection that took place in the first book. One reviewer mentioned that the God represented by Aslan in this book seemed more cruel, testing people in "elementary" fashion - people who had already proven themselves in extraordinary ways. They suggested that Lewis' portrayal of God reflected his own views of God, which I'm sure is true. That's a good point, and is one reason I know my dad avoids spiritual commentaries. But then that's sortof what I'm writing here, so I guess just take it with a grain of salt :) In any case, it's not unusual for God to allow these tests to come to us, whatever our history. Look at David, Elijah, and all the others who were tested time and again. In fact Hebrews reminds us of all the spiritual "greats" who did not witness the culmination of their faith in their lifetime.

Another big point, if not THE big point to this book/movie, is that we must seek out God's will in all things. Most of the story involves the Pevensies trying to solve things their own way, to disastrous effect. This happened on a corporate level (the war) and a personal one (the temptation to use the White Witch for salvation). Plugged in Online, a Christian entertainment website, pointed out a good verse that this movie brings to life: Psalm 127:1 reads, "Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain."