Thus C. S. Lewis (1950) describes Aslan in his classic tale, “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.” At the end of the story, Mr. Beaver tells Lucy, “He’s wild, you know. Not like a tame lion” (p. 182). Lewis’s description of Aslan conveys both positive and negative notions. What was Lewis attempting to communicate and can Aslan, in this way, bee seen as a figure of Christ?
I have often wondered what Lewis truly meant when he gave these words to Mr. Beaver. On one hand, I appreciate them. The idea it conveys is that Aslan is not passive or weak. He is strong, action oriented, and will not put up with sophistry or excuses for wrongdoing. He is fierce and passionate toward those he loves. McGrath (2013) describes what Lewis is attempting to convey, …show more content…
He defeats the White Witch and rescues Narnia from her clutches, even at the cost of his own life.
Conversely, the idea that Aslan is wild and not safe also connotes a negative meaning. On the surface, it suggests that he could turn on you in a moment and devour you—that he is unpredictable, even untrustworthy. Yet, this, I think, is unfair. Lewis is not attempting to communicate instability and moodiness, rather a sense of awe at who Aslan is and at his power. Those who are attracted to goodness will be drawn to Aslan; those who are not will be repulsed by the thought of him.
If Aslan is a picture of Christ (McGrath, 2013, p. 291), do these characteristics—as wild, unsafe, yet good—describe Christ? I must admit that, in my own wrongdoing, the thought of coming face to face with the almighty God of the universe who has the authority to judge me and the power to destroy me does provoke a certain sense of trepidation. He certainly does seem “unsafe.” If Christ was going to destroy me, however, He would have done so already. Instead, He died for me. While I was at my worst, He gave His life to save me (Romans 5:8-11) and does not condemn me (Romans 8:1) This means I have nothing to fear (Romans 8:15). That sense of “trepidation” I experience is baseless. God uses His power primarily to rescue the ones He loves, not to crush them. Then, secondarily, to stop evil from destroying those He loves. Fear has no place in the Christian’s life (1 John 4:18). …show more content…
Who is this, robed in splendor, striding forward in the greatness of his strength? “It is I, proclaiming victory, mighty to save.” Why are your garments red, like those of one treading the winepress? “I have trodden the winepress alone; from the nations no one was with me. I trampled them in my anger and trod them down in my wrath; their blood spattered my garments, and I stained all my clothing. It was for me the day of vengeance; the year for me to redeem had come (Isaiah 63:1-4, New International Version).
Interestingly, God uses His power to rescue His people, not to destroy them. Additionally, Isaiah also conveys God’s tenderness as a father who comforts his frightened child, “For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, ‘Do not fear; I will help you’” (Isaiah 41:13, NIV). The prophet Zephaniah also communicates these characteristics, “The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with
I have often wondered what Lewis truly meant when he gave these words to Mr. Beaver. On one hand, I appreciate them. The idea it conveys is that Aslan is not passive or weak. He is strong, action oriented, and will not put up with sophistry or excuses for wrongdoing. He is fierce and passionate toward those he loves. McGrath (2013) describes what Lewis is attempting to convey, …show more content…
He defeats the White Witch and rescues Narnia from her clutches, even at the cost of his own life.
Conversely, the idea that Aslan is wild and not safe also connotes a negative meaning. On the surface, it suggests that he could turn on you in a moment and devour you—that he is unpredictable, even untrustworthy. Yet, this, I think, is unfair. Lewis is not attempting to communicate instability and moodiness, rather a sense of awe at who Aslan is and at his power. Those who are attracted to goodness will be drawn to Aslan; those who are not will be repulsed by the thought of him.
If Aslan is a picture of Christ (McGrath, 2013, p. 291), do these characteristics—as wild, unsafe, yet good—describe Christ? I must admit that, in my own wrongdoing, the thought of coming face to face with the almighty God of the universe who has the authority to judge me and the power to destroy me does provoke a certain sense of trepidation. He certainly does seem “unsafe.” If Christ was going to destroy me, however, He would have done so already. Instead, He died for me. While I was at my worst, He gave His life to save me (Romans 5:8-11) and does not condemn me (Romans 8:1) This means I have nothing to fear (Romans 8:15). That sense of “trepidation” I experience is baseless. God uses His power primarily to rescue the ones He loves, not to crush them. Then, secondarily, to stop evil from destroying those He loves. Fear has no place in the Christian’s life (1 John 4:18). …show more content…
Who is this, robed in splendor, striding forward in the greatness of his strength? “It is I, proclaiming victory, mighty to save.” Why are your garments red, like those of one treading the winepress? “I have trodden the winepress alone; from the nations no one was with me. I trampled them in my anger and trod them down in my wrath; their blood spattered my garments, and I stained all my clothing. It was for me the day of vengeance; the year for me to redeem had come (Isaiah 63:1-4, New International Version).
Interestingly, God uses His power to rescue His people, not to destroy them. Additionally, Isaiah also conveys God’s tenderness as a father who comforts his frightened child, “For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, ‘Do not fear; I will help you’” (Isaiah 41:13, NIV). The prophet Zephaniah also communicates these characteristics, “The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with