New here, with Chronicles question.

We finished last month reading SCM’s Outdoor Secrets and it referred to “Mother Nature” (a reference that I don’t care for).  We are currently reading Among the Forest People (just finished the Meadow people) and there has not been any reference, that I recall, of “Mother Nature”.  The Burgess books have many references to her and I tired of that quickly! I, too, tell my children that Mother Nature is a fictitious character and that we know God created the world and the animals – just right!   

I enjoy hearing and gleaning other’s opinions but in the end I must go with what God has convicted me of for our family, through His word.  For example, in our family we do not use the work gosh or jeez because they are similar to G*d and Jesus.  However, my friends think I’m crazy.  But, it is something I feel strongly about but will not impose on others.  I think this issue is in that category as well.

Not to be argumentative, but I find the Keeper’s of Faith statements about C.S. Lewis unbiblical.  They are judging (definition: to pass sentence on someone) his heart which the Bible says we are not to do.  Personally, I find his writings boring.  But, I have gleened much wisdom from them and his life.  I would not dare say he is not a Christian!  That said, I would take lightly what they have to say because it is based on an unbiblical attitude.  Just food for thought.

Christie – what a wonderful response, and you are right, these intelligent and thoughtful and above all polite discussions are a benefit to all, and we should be open to all opinions whether we agree or not.  One of my daughters became much stronger in her faith through her study of the CS Lewis writings, like many teens, she had many questions and found many answers through his books, she read through Mere Christianity and that book brought forth many wonderful discussions.  She was certainly encouraged by his writings and his struggles, and is stronger in her faith today because of it.  Everyone has to make their own decision, but I too think it wrong to judge another’s faith – that is not our place.  One of the things I love about this group, it seems we have many denominations here, and yet all get along, and that is a blessed and wonderful thing, it does not matter if we always agree, in the main, people respect each other, and that is another reason to be thankful, we can all learn and grow with each other.

As a sister of a pagan, I have studied the neo-pagan revival, mainly in the form of Wicca, so that I may know what she believes and not be ignorant when speaking to her. If you read many of the old fantasy and fairy tales, there is an environment of G-d as Sovereign that DOES NOT exist in the Potter series and modern fantasy books. The occult is everywhere now. Modern occultic books are just that, occultic. They are a reflection of our Post-Christian, Post-Modern Society, where there is no Sovereign Divinity, just individuals that determine right and wrong, it’s all relative now to the characters. They actually describe how Paganism is performed, specifically the Potter books (besides they’re twaddle anyway, not written very well). Rawling (sp?) admits to studying Wicca in the writing of her books. ALso, I do not believe that just because it is “good v/s evil story”, that it is somehow noble as many try to use as an excuse for delving into these stories.

I can’t speak directly on C.S.LEwis books, b/c I haven’t read them yet, but plan to. Except to the section regarding his fear of death; that was due to losing his mother at a young age. The reason he turned from a life of faith initially and something he probably struggled with all his life. My husband is a Believer, but due to traumatic early childhood experiences regarding death, he has a horrible time dealing with it, even knowing what the Scripture says about it; that doesn’t mean he’s not saved.

Getting back on topic, I can speak to the Tolkien books. True, he didn’t want them to be considered an allegory (The Hobbit plus LotR Trilogy). However, there is a definite awareness and knowledge of a Sovereign Power within the storylines that determines right and wrong; the characters in the stories do not determine it for themselves. Also, there aren’t the pagan underpinings as exist today; it’s just not the same fantasy anymore. There’s a lot I could say about the Tolkien story.

The last “modern” fantasy I have allowed in my house is the Star Wars series, but I put limits on play acting and how often they see them and they will not be watching the cartoon series. I am thankful, due to my sister’s involvement, that G-d has used it to keep me sensitive to messages that lean in the New Age/Pagan direction. Whether we like to admit it or not, Star Wars blends eastern religions with elements of Christianity, therefore I waited till I felt like my children had a good foundation of the Atoning knowledge of G-d and His Foundational Truth before introducing them to Episode 4; and not without a great deal of explanation and teaching of discernment, too. As I watched with them, I pointed out the Buddhist/eastern religious teachings, polytheism, etc., that came from the “jedis”, and others…we discussed the different messages. Unfortunately, none of the recent fantasy even bother with any “blending” w/Christianity at all, they are just purely occultic.

So basicly, to me, there is a difference in the old books and the new ones; not that I approve of all of the old ones either, but for me I take each fantasy/fairy tale individually. I just  know  when it’s not something to read, even if it is a good ol’ Irish fairy tale! But it is a very personal decision and must be handled within each individual family. Our culture is wrought with occultic images and the glamorization of vampires, right now. Austria has a School Witchcraft. There is an increase in girls, especially, being attracted to modern witchcraft (due to environmentalism and feminism); but I dare say, that it’s not due to C.S. Lewis or Tolkien or these fairy tales. In our Country’s past, we have been a far more religious society, dedicated to the G-d of the BIble and more children then read Tolkien, Lewis and Carroll, as well as old fairy tales and Greek Myths.

IMO, it’s not these older stories that are causing the children of our modern times to drift away from The Almighty into Paganism and humanist-secular thought. World-wide, Wicca is rising in adherants at 143%, whereas Christianity is at 1.38% (Deism rising at 717% and non-religious posting great gains)

Just my thoughts,

Rachel

I am new here and a homeschooling dad. My wife and I are blessed by being able to homeschool our children. We have chosen this for a variety of reasons but probably the most important is to shelter them from the horrible influences that are being introduced to an ever younger age. That being said, we must be careful not to raise children that are isolated from the world or that can not discern what is of the world and not of Christ.

In this discussion, I, too, am particularly concerned about an organization that is emphatic about a particular person’s salvation. Now I can understand questioning a jailhouse confession by a criminal facing execution, but questioning the salvation of a man that most scholars and theologians point to as the greatest 20th century apologist, is a little baffling. If one follows the current (and very heated) attacks on Christianity, belief in a creator God, and the Christian faith by Hitchens and others, C.S. Lewis’ writings have been the stalwart source for most, if not all, of the modern apologists.

Now more specifically, in regards to Lewis’ children’s works versus his theological ones, I would encourage the original poster, that it is very dangerous to only look at a single source (or website in this instance) to make a judgement about writings, life, etc. that may be taken out of context. I saw some of the quotes from Screwtape Letters. I could not disagree more that Lewis did not accept salvation by grace. In that case (while its been a couple of years since I last read it) the book is written entirely from the perspective of two of Satan’s demons. So of course the characters in the book mocked salvation, mocked God, mocked the “change” that had come over the individual that had come to know Christ. It is an awesome picture of the “war” that is going on all around us between Satan and his allies and God. I remember Peretti’s This Present Darkness that really helped bring this scripture to light. I remember the outcries that were raised then. It was said then that Peretti glorified spirits, etc. I am also old enough to remember the arguments about Christian contemperary music. It was said 30 years ago that all music with a beat was of the Devil. It did not matter to the legalists at the time that thousands were coming to the saving knowledge of Christ via the Jesus People USA in Chicago (who looked like hippies, rode motor bikes, but worshipped with passion) or street concerts on boardwalks, it was still of the devil. The legalists were just as sure that none of this could be used by the Lord because after all, Mick Jagger and Black Sabbath were singing about the Devil. Hopefully we look back on that as we listen to Matt Redman, Chris Tomlin and all of the other artists that are praising the Lord like we all will one day in heaven. Thank goodness the Larry Normans and Randy Stonehills worked through the criticism.

Please don’t get me wrong, there are many writings, movies, talk shows etc. that promote New Age and occult beliefs, but please don’t lump C.S. Lewis in with them until you read and discern. I have never posted to a forum before, but really feel strongly about any group that again, makes emphatic statements about someone else’s relationship with the Lord.

And to quickly respond to some of the other quotes (I will go to the website mentioned to review) that Lewis struggled with his faith, I say thank goodness. I think of the writings of Luther, Augustine and more recently Mother Theresa who all doubted their faith at one time or the other. It reminds me of the desciples that had Jesus, God in the Flesh, right there, and still doubted. That is the beauty, brilliance of our Creator. He created us to have free will, to love Him, and to experience human doubt. In closing, I would also encourage the original poster to read for themselves, and really question what motives may be behind any group or individuals opinion. (including mine) 

I’ve been hesitant to respond up until now. Previous posters have such great points in favor of Lewis & his writings and I have to agree. However, I resisted reading the Chronicles of Narnia at first for the very reasons some of you stated. Then, years later,  I was encouraged to check out the series by a leader of our congregation and decided to preview. To my surprise, I was extremely edified. DH & I prayed about it and chose to read them to our oldest – now 14 but elementary age at the time. His response was greater than I had expected. One night particular he wept after we read the 2nd chronicle and, in tears, asked me a question “Mama, is Jesus really this merciful?” He saw the gospel played out in the story, asked so many questions, and as a result I saw his faith grow in leaps and bounds. We’ve not read Harry Potter and don’t plan on it but Chronicles of Narnia will always be a favorite in our home. I hope to experience the joy of reading them to our grandchildren one day- with Mama and Papa’s approval of course.

We have watched the Narnia movies, and LOTR movies, we have read all of CS Lewis, and Tolkien and dare I say it the girls at 17 read Harry Potter, though they thought the writing was poor in comparison to Lewis and Tolkien – neither of my daughters have suffered for it, they no right from wrong and real from imaginary.  Sometimes these things are over analyzed, but in the end it is for each family to decide what is right for them.  I don’t want to judge those people who do not allow these things in their homes, but then again I don’t think they should judge me either – what is right for one, is not right for everyone.  There are many issues that are sensitive and that people can object to, that is their right – I do not believe you are a bad parent either way – we are all different.  So for those who enjoy Lewis and Tolkien continue to do so and don’t feel bad, and for those who don’t that is fine as well.  For those who do not know what to do, then as an adult, read a book yourself and make up your own mind if it is suitable for your children, or teens. Iamasham, I don’t think for one second you are a bad parent, we all need to do what is right and correct for us. Sometimes I think we underestimate the intelligence of our children and if we have taught them right from wrong, and God’s way, it will take more than a piece of literature to turn them.

I’ve learned over this past year that it is not what *I* want but what does the *Lord* want me to do. I’ve learned that I cannot do something and *then* ask the Lord for His blessing, but I must ask the Lord for His will to be done, and not my own. I’ve learned that in order to abide in Christ, I must separate myself unto Him, and forsake the world.

After having given up television altogether finally after being saved 12 yrs, I see how wrong I was for having watched whatever *I* wanted and used that time for *me* instead of my sacrificing it for Him. I see now that the tv is the world as well as books, music, etc. So I always remind myself is this what I want to do with my Lord sitting beside me (because He is)? Is this what I want to be found doing when my Lord returns, or will I be ashamed at His coming?

 I’m not being *strict* with my children, and keeping them from fun things, but my heart is in raising them to serve Christ and that means separating ourselves from the world. Our joy comes from serving Him throughout our day–school, cleaning, gardening, church, visiting friends, helping others, etc. The scriptures say we have to forsake all and deny ourselves to follow Him.

Yes, we do watch the tv, but not on a regular basis. And we choose first what we will put on the screen, so no cable, just dvd’s or tapes. We make sure what we will put before our eyes. If we aren’t sure, we don’t watch it. Same with what we read or listen to. Only songs that edify and glorify the Lord. I’m careful about no books with magic because God is Who has all power.

Entertainment sticks in our minds forever.  I’d rather put in godly ideas that are pure, lovely etc in my children’s minds. Our life is not our own–we were bought with a price. And our lives are but a vapour that vanishes quickly. I decided a year ago we are not going to waste our time on tv/movies (We were up to 3 hrs a day total) but in serving our Lord. So in the evening we do have our hour or so of rest time, but mostly that is to read, sew, play games etc.

I just wanted to defend why I feel so strongly about H. Potter, Twilight, Narnia, and the like. I’m being very careful to not expose my children to what my Lord would not have my children to learn about (we are not to even talk about those things in darkness). I’m not being *legalist*. That would be to earn my own righteousness, and I know that I canno live this Christian life w/o the Spirit of God. I have to abide in Christ hourly, or I will fall away. If we love the Lord, He says we will obey His commandments and they are not grievious. It is because we have been saved by His blood that we will now serve Him. We are now free to obey Him. We cannot do that in the flesh.

I’m sorry that I offended with my quotes from Keepers of the Faith but I felt it necessary to show the OP there are other views of Lewis’ writings,and there are those who don’t support reading these books. I don’t think there is wrong in books with “talking animals” for my children  pretend their stuffed animals or dolls are talking on a daily basis and would have w/o seeng that or reading about it. It’s using our imaginatins. But when characters in a story believe it’s magical then I have to draw a line.

Sincerely,Tara

Yes, Linda, It’s nice to deal with adults, isn’t it?

Shalom ya’ll,

Rachel