How does Magic and fairies in fiction books present a christian worldview?

Question

Some are opposed to this view using books such as harry potter as examples but others think books like the chronicles of narnia present magic in a good way. What do you think?

Answer 1

I do not think that 'Harry Potter' in any way presents a christian view. However, to the direct question, I believe that 'Narnia' is utilized to appeal to audiences of any age. I think that CS Lewis wanted to open our imaginations to a world of magic and strange creatures, thus creating a path christianity.
His image of a faun holding an umbrella and packages came to him when he was just a child. In a child-like manner he brought to life characters that exist only in our imaginations. But, I also think, after carefully reading all the series he too wanted to appeal to the christian believers by using many undertones to do so: aslan dying, then coming back to life, to save edmond; and the obvious 'last battle' that represents end times - tribulation and the rapture. so on so on I could go on forever. The witchcraft of the White and Green witches present the many mannerisms of satan and the bad magic shows how he can control our lives if we let him. But, the good magic shows how God is alive and always there to help us, if we let Him.

However Lewis had to display it, magic or not, he did a wonderful job in promoting christianity. Even my 5 year old (2005) understand the reasons for and the meaning of Lion, Witch, Wardrobe!

Answer 2

The theme is far more important than the elements used to show it. Consider the Chronicles of Narnia: they're very obviously Biblical homages, particularly "The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe." Aslan's story in "The Lion..." IS a Christ story; it conveys the same messages and philosophy, but presents it in a manner more accessible to young, creative minds.

Of course, when somene looks negatively at Christian values being taught through magic and fairies, consider that the Bible contains people rising from the dead, miraculous magic, talking animals, fantastic/mystical paradises, etc...

Answer 3

I was born and raised to be a practicing Catholic, and I personally have no problem with magic being presented in books -- in fact, I love it!

Fantasy has always been my preferred genre of choice. I think it awakens something primitive in all of us. After all, thousands of years ago we were all polytheists who believed the world was run by the magic of the gods.

I think those who condemn books that contain these notions are Christian extremists who have no respect for the beliefs of others. I have no problem with others practicing Christianity as they see fit -- rather, I find it perfectly acceptable -- but when those same people attempt to decry my practices and forcibly remove my simple entertainments (and as a result show me zero respect) I highly resent it.

And as far as magic in relation to Christianity goes? What do we call the miracles that Jesus performed, or Moses' staff turning into a snake, or God's burning bush?


*As an edited aside: There are many cultures who practice Christianity but also believe in things considered to be "the occult." An example? For centuries, the Irish have been devout Roman Catholics, but certain mythological remnants survived the Christian takeover (though popularity in such things has vastly decreased in the last century). Among these were the belief in the fairy people and leprechauns.

Answer 4

I have wrestled with the same question many times. I took a religions and cult class. The textbook I have is called "Handbook of Today's Religions." There is an excerpt that that the Author gives that I feel is a great answer.

Like Tarot symbolism, the imagery of Faerie strikes to the archetypal level, thus driving us closer to christ or leaving us in hatred or despair. Samuel Roberts, a noted Welsh Scholar, said that he "believed such things (fairies) exisisted and that God allowed them to appear in times of great ignorance to convince people of the existence of an invisible world." It is in this spirit that C.S. Lewis, by way of his seven Narnian Chronicles, and J.R.R. Tolkien, in The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and his short stories ("Leap by Niggle,: "Farmer Giles of Ham,: etc), have employed the motifs of Faerie to bring sentually in terms of the "existence of an invisible world"

(John W. Montegomery, Prinipalities and Powers, Minneapolis, MN: Bethany Fellowship, 1973, p. 136).


Hoped it helped

Answer 5

very good call. folks complain about potter and never remember about Narnia. the difference? no idea. that C.S. Lewis, an acknowledged Christian with other Christian writing, wrote one, is probably the only reason, and that folks are scared of the mania for Harry Potter. anytime the kids get too obsessed about something folks think it's the end of the world as we know it.

Answer 6

I consider them children's fiction meant to entertain nothing more.