Should a Christian read the Chronicles of Narnia series or see the movies?

Question: “Should a Christian read the Chronicles of Narnia series or see the movies?”

Answer: Because of the latest hit movie “Narnia – The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe,” many people have found a new interest in C.S. Lewis’ classic series, “The Chronicles of Narnia.” This seven book series features witches, mythical creatures, talking animals, magical spells, and far off worlds which prompts Christians to ask the question: Is this the type of material a Christian should be reading?

While it is true that the Chronicles of Narnia series includes evil witches and mystical spells, every book is filled with Biblical allegory and allusions. For instance, the hero of the “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” is a lion named Aslan (Jesus is called a lion in Revelation 5:5). Aslan created the world of Narnia with his voice which is very similar to the Genesis account of how God created the earth – “and God said, ‘Let there be light’” (Genesis 1:3). In addition, Aslan dies in the place of a sinner, rises from the dead, and by doing so, defeats an age-old curse. Redemption is bestowed upon Narnia because of the death and resurrection of Aslan.

Evil, on the other hand, is clearly delineated as pure evil and children can easily identify the evil in the books as unattractive, and can at the same time find Aslan and his righteous qualities very attractive.

“The Chronicles of Narnia” can be a great way for parents and their children to read entertaining literature together and discuss Biblical elements all at the same time. While it is fun to read about imaginary places and mystical creatures, parents should always keep in mind, while talking to their children, that the real point of the books is what Jesus Christ did on the cross for all mankind (John 3:16). With that in mind, it is perfectly fine for Christians to use their own wisdom and discernment, in Christian freedom, as to whether to read the Chronicles of Narnia books or watch the movies.

Recommended Resource: The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis – Seven Volumes

Question: Should we give gifts at Christmas? Does gift giving take away from the true meaning of Christmas?

Answer: Many people take the idea of gift giving at Christmas back to the scripture in Matthew 2:10-11 which talks about the Magi (wise men) giving gifts to Jesus at his home: “When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house where the child and his mother, Mary, were, and they fell down before him and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”

The bible gives a wonderful story about the gift God gave us – Christ – and we can use it as an opportunity to present the gospel and to show love. Giving and receiving gifts can be part of fulfilling what Paul says about giving in 2 Corinthians 8:7-8, “Since you excel in so many ways—you have so much faith, such gifted speakers, such knowledge, such enthusiasm, and such love for us now I want you to excel also in this gracious ministry of giving. I am not saying you must do it, even though the other churches are eager to do it. This is one way to prove your love is real.” Paul was talking to the churches who were giving him gifts (financial) so that he could keep on in the ministry. We can apply this same lesson to our own lives by being giving to others, not just at Christmas, but year round!

So, can gift giving become the focus of Christmas instead of thanking the Lord for the gift of His Son (John 3:16)? Absolutely! Does giving gifts have to take away from the true meaning of Christmas? No, it does not. If we focus on the wonderful gift of salvation the Lord has given us (Isaiah 9:6), it is a natural expression of that gratefulness for us to give to others. The key is on our focus. Is your focus on the gift, or the ultimate gift-giver – our gracious Heavenly Father? “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights…” (James 1:17).

Recommended Resource: The Gift of Christmas by R. Kent Hughes.

(From: Got Questions? The Bible has Answers! We’ll find them for you! www.GotQuestions.org)

"Could God create a rock so heavy He could not lift it?"

Answer: This question is frequently asked by skeptics of God, the Bible, Christianity, etc. If God can create a rock that He cannot lift, then God is not omnipotent. If God cannot create a rock so heavy that He cannot lift it, then God is not omnipotent. According to this argument, omnipotence is self-contradictory. Therefore, God cannot be omnipotent. So, the question, could God create a rock so heavy He could not lift it? The quick answer is “No.” But the explanation is far more important to understand than the answer…

This question is based on a popular misunderstanding about the definitions of words like “almighty” or “omnipotent.” These terms do not mean that God can do anything. Rather, they describe the amount of God’s power. Power is the ability to effect change – to make something happen. God (being unlimited) has unlimited power, and the Bible affirms this (Job 11:7-11, 37:23; 2 Corinthians 6:18; Revelation 4:8; etc.). Therefore God can do whatever is possible to be done. God cannot, however, do that which is actually impossible. This is because true impossibility is not based on the amount of power one has, it is based on what is really possible. The truly impossible is not made possible by adding more power. Therefore, unless context indicates otherwise (e.g. Matthew 19:26 where man’s ability is being shown in contrast to God’s), impossibility means the same thing whether or not God is involved.

So, the first part of the question is based on a false idea – that God being almighty means that He can do anything. In fact, the Bible itself lists things God cannot do – like lie or deny Himself (Hebrews 6:18; 2 Timothy 2:13; Titus 1:2). The reason He cannot do these things is because of His nature and the nature of reality itself. God cannot do what is not actually possible to be done, like creating a two-sided triangle, or a married bachelor Just because words can be strung together this way does not make the impossible possible – these things are contradictions, they are truly impossible in reality. Now, what about this rock? A rock would have to be infinitely large to defeat an infinite amount of lifting power. But an infinite rock is a contradiction since material objects cannot be infinite. Only God is infinite. There cannot be two infinites. So the question is actually asking if God can make a contradiction – which He cannot.

Recommended Resource: Knowing God by J.I. Packer.

(From: Got Questions? The Bible has Answers! We’ll find them for you! www.GotQuestions.org )