Should I read this series?

[Sheechiibii]

I've heard that these books are amazing. I've also heard that it's very Christian-themed. I'm wondering if anyone who isn't a Christian has the series and if they were just as enjoyable to them?

Thanks :)

[Ken]

If you consider it a "fantasy" tale, then it's still enjoyable even if the religious undertones are not for you. I'm not a devout Catholic, but I did enjoy the story for the story's worth.

[Holly]

I first read the series when I was in elementary school, so I honestly didn't really notice the Christian themes. When I read them now they're a lot more noticeable. I'm not Christian (I'm Jewish) but I think the books are enjoyable anyway. I'd only advise against reading them if religious themes & messages *really* bother you.

I think that when you read the Chronicles of Narnia you have to keep in mind that they were written in another era. A lot of other children's books from the time are pretty heavily Christian, even if that's not the express purpose of the books. There's also a bit of racism & that sort of thing in the books. I don't know, I think you just have to keep in mind that the books are from another era and that you just need to read with a critical eye. But I totally understand if there are readers who can't get past that.

[Araceli.libros]

I read them when I was 11 and I really liked them. But now (7 years later) I read them again and I didn't enjoy them that much.. it depends

[Bev]

I have read them many times and enjoyed them each time.

[LindaJ^]

This is a great fantasy series. Don't over analyze it, just settle in and enjoy.

[Kristen]

There's no Christian theme in them. They're an allegory. So, there is Christian meaning in the story (Aslan represents God and the White Witch represents Satan) but the story itself doesn't mention Christianity. It's just symbolic.

Personally, I loved that part of it. I like it when there's a deeper meaning to things, but it's an amazing story all on it's own.

[Clare]

Kristen wrote: "There's no Christian theme in them. They're an allegory. So, there is Christian meaning in the story (Aslan represents God and the White Witch represents Satan) but the story itself doesn't mention..."

Totally agree - ultimately these are stories centred on good versus evil, a theme prevalent in many books, tv shows, movies etc. I think these can be enjoyed for the stories sake :)

[[deleted user]]

These are some of the greatest children's classics and just general fantasy novels ever written. Many people never even notice the Christian undertones, so I would definitely say that you should read it.

[Tesh]

I agree with Kristen. They are allegorical and symbolic, but when C.S Lewis started writing them, it wasn't his aim to write an overtly 'Christian' story. I would recommend you try reading them, because many people have enjoyed them and they are good stories and well written. I am a Christian and I read the series mostly for the sake of a good story and I enjoyed them. Read them with an open mind (ie not picking it to bits)and see what you think.

[Sara]

Yes you should read it!!!!! :)

[[deleted user]]

Yes, you should. While I am a Christian, I think those who are not Christian will enjoy the stories. C. S. Lewis is an excellent writer and the Christian themes don't hit you over the head. :)

[Peter]

Short answer: YES! YOU SHOULD READ THE BOOKS ABOUT NARNIA. The books are not Christian in the meaning that it feels as getting the bible shoved down your throat by a viscious horde of jesuit monks. It shows an alternate version of the sacrificing theme. You don´t have to be a Christin or even heard about Jesus to enjoy it.
I truly envy everyone who has not yet read these marvellous books.

[Ed]

I liked it except the last book. I am a Christian, and I don't like Christian fiction. The last book get very Christian at the end (deus ex machina stuff happens). Its worth a read to at least know the cultural references in this series. When you're done check out The Magicians for a better version!

[Sruthi]

I think the only way to enjoy Chronicles of Narnia is to just go with the flow.

To me, the moment you start thinking or analyzing while reading these books, you'll see not only the Christian overtones, but many other things that may start to bother you. Without spoiling too much: the way Lewis treats Edmund and later, Susan, the very end of the series....

Also, keep in mind that Lewis isn't the most dedicated world-builder you'll come across. If you are used to McKinley or Tolkien, you'll be disappointed by the lack of detail about Narnia. If you find those authors too verbose when it comes to descriptions of the fantasy world, you'll probably like Lewis quite a bit.

(If you are a fan of Tolkien, you should know that he really dislikes the Narnia series. Mainly because he didn't believe in such obvious Christian allegories).

[Steve]

If you are a fantasy fan then this is a must read. These are genre classics right up there with Tolkien!

[Paul]

Like Aslan Gandalf sacrifices himself for others and then comes back 'from the dead' yet the Lord of the Rings isn't thought to be a Christian allegory. Its simply because of Lewis' own beliefs that the Narnia Chronicles are labelled 'Christian'. What I am trying to say is that the best stories, especially in fantasy literature, are ones that have been told before in different guises such as mythology and religion so don't let a label created by people looking for symbolism put you off reading a really great and imaginative series of novels.

[Meera]

I'm a non-Christian and read them as a child. I didn't notice the religious aspects of the story until they were pointed out. The Chronicles of Narnia are one of my childhood favourites though, so I really recommend them.

[Marietje]

C.S. Lewis wrote extensively on Christianity in multiple non-fiction books such as Mere Christianity, the Pilgrim's Regress, Christian Behavior, The Screwtape Letters, etc. Lewis has said that the Chronicles of Narnia are based on The New Testament, but in a very subtle way. C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien were friends who liked to test their philosophies in hefty discussions.

[Ken]

Narnia is really not subtle at all. Not to the disciplined mind. Tolkien is more subtle by far, and Wolfe even more still on another scale. All three religious in their own way.

What I didn't like about Narnia was how black and white it was. Tolkien left some gray-area players to keep it interesting, and Wolfe all but omits the black and the white.

[Steve]

I agree with you there Kenneth, which is why I think the Narnia books are best read at around 4th or 5th grade. I went back and reread them as an adult and while I still enjoyed them, the allegory was about a subtle as a bull in a china shop.

When I read them as a kid, it was more about the mythical creatures, talking animals, and great adventures.

[Joelle]

yes you should read this series!