Thursday, January 18, 2007

We have Seen the Enemy...

In the Voyage of the Dawn Treader the children of CS Lewis' Narnia books face the most challenging enemy yet: themselves.

Unlike the other Narnia books this book is not filled with battles and radical adventures against powerful aggressors. Yet the forces of evil are just as intense as the children succumb to overwhelming greed, be it for money, power or beauty.

Each appeal to the child's base passions offers immediate gratification. But while sweet on the lips, the sin turns out to be sour in the stomach as its consequences of strife and misery accompany it.

But just as Lewis captures the power and stench of sin & temptation, he equally captures the glory and sovereignty of Christ in the sinner's salvation.

After the children give in to their cravings, being powerless to overcome their enticement, the Lion appears and saves. The rescue is complete as the children cannot even remember their wrongdoing (though their gratitude and love for the lion grows stronger and more intense).

Yet again Lewis, the master allegorist, vividly portrays the truths of Christianity. He illustrates the words of Christ: "Without me, you can do nothing."

No comments: