White Horse Inn The Theology of the Chronicles of Narnia
Sophia Holcomb, a high-school scholar deeply versed in C.S. Lewis, joins the discussion to reveal the rich theological layers in The Chronicles of Narnia. She dives into Lewis's transformation from atheism to Christianity and how it influenced his writing. Key themes include Aslan's creation song and the symbolism of sin and redemption through characters like Edmund and the White Witch. Their conversation also touches on Eustace's painful transformation and the hope embodied in The Last Battle's vision of heaven—a celebration of renewal and divine beauty.
45:55
Guest's Lewis Credentials
- Sophia Holcomb is introduced as an accomplished young Lewis scholar who studied at Wheaton and the Wade Center.
- She has read nearly all of Lewis's works and presented papers at Lewis conferences, making her a knowledgeable guest.
Lewis's Personal Conversion Story
- C.S. Lewis began as a materialist who later converted after encounters with books and friends like Tolkien and Chesterton.
- He described his conversion as waking up and admitted 'God was God' before fully embracing Christian belief.
Imaginative Supposal, Not Allegory
- Lewis wrote from images that 'bubbled up' rather than plotting out allegories first.
- He called Narnia an imaginative supposal asking, 'What would Christianity look like in Narnia?'
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Intro
00:00 • 2min
Who Was C.S. Lewis and His Background
02:21 • 6min
Lewis's Conversion to Christianity
08:26 • 7min
How Lewis Began Writing Narnia
15:03 • 2min
Tolkien, Myth, and the Narnia Debate
16:47 • 2min
Recommended Reading Order for Narnia
18:31 • 58sec
Ad break
19:28 • 45sec
Creation in Narnia: Aslan's Singing
20:13 • 8min
Aslan, Pagan Truths, and Christian Supremacy
28:16 • 2min
Sin Enters: The White Witch's Curse
30:22 • 5min
Atonement and Substitution in Narnia
35:22 • 3min
Sanctification: Eustace's Transformation
38:11 • 2min
The Last Battle and Lewis's Vision of Heaven
40:14 • 4min
Narnia's Theology: Renewal Not Replacement
44:24 • 1min
Outro
45:40 • 13sec
#1895
• Mentioned in 20 episodes
The Discarded Image
Stratford Caldecott
#1825
• Mentioned in 21 episodes
The Silver Chair
C.S. Lewis
The Silver Chair is the fourth published book in 'The Chronicles of Narnia' series.
It follows Eustace Scrubb, who returns to Narnia along with his classmate Jill Pole, on a mission from Aslan to find Prince Rilian, the son of King Caspian.
The story involves their journey through the underground world of Narnia, facing various dangers and encountering the Lady of the Green Kirtle, who has enchanted Prince Rilian.
With the help of Puddleglum the Marsh-wiggle, they manage to break the curse and free Rilian, leading to the defeat of the Lady of the Green Kirtle and the return of Rilian to his father's kingdom.
#457
• Mentioned in 57 episodes
The Lion, The witch and the Wardrobe
C.S. Lewis
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is a portal fantasy novel that follows the story of four English siblings - Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy - who are evacuated to the countryside during World War II. While exploring the large, old house of Professor Kirke, Lucy discovers a wardrobe that serves as a portal to the land of Narnia.
In Narnia, they encounter various magical creatures and the evil White Witch, who has cast a spell to keep Narnia in perpetual winter.
The siblings soon learn that they are part of an ancient prophecy to save Narnia, aided by the lion Aslan.
The story is an allegory of Christianity, with Aslan's sacrifice and resurrection mirroring the story of Jesus Christ.
The novel also incorporates elements from Germanic, classical Greek and Roman, and Celtic mythology.
#301
• Mentioned in 76 episodes
The Great Divorce
C.S. Lewis
In 'The Great Divorce', C.S.
Lewis presents an allegorical narrative where souls from a gray, dreary town (representing hell) are given the opportunity to visit heaven.
The story follows the narrator and various ghosts as they encounter spirits in heaven, engaging in dialogues that reveal the nature of their choices and the reasons they remain in hell.
The book emphasizes that hell is a self-imposed state, and individuals choose to remain there due to their inability to let go of their earthly attachments and sins.
Through these encounters, Lewis explores themes of redemption, the afterlife, and the importance of spiritual choices, underscoring that true joy and salvation are available to those who seek them sincerely.
#3430
• Mentioned in 12 episodes
The Last Battle
C.S. Lewis
In this final installment of 'The Chronicles of Narnia', a false Aslan is set up in the north-western borderlands of Narnia, leading to conflict between true and false Narnians and between Narnia and Calormen.
King Tirian, with the help of Eustace and Jill, uncovers the plot and fights back.
The story concludes with Aslan terminating the world of Narnia after a 'last battle' and leading the faithful to a new, perfect Narnia.
The novel explores themes of faith, deception, and the ultimate redemption of Narnia.
#14757
• Mentioned in 3 episodes
English Literature in the 16th Century
English Literature in the 16th Century
C.S. Lewis
string
#21322
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
Spencer's images of life
C.S. Lewis
#41
• Mentioned in 237 episodes
Mere Christianity
C.S. Lewis
In 'Mere Christianity', C.S.
Lewis argues for the existence of God and defends Christian theology.
The book is divided into four parts: the first argues for the existence of God based on the 'law of human nature'; the second defends Christian theology, including the 'Liar, lunatic, or Lord' trilemma regarding Jesus Christ; the third explores Christian ethics, including the cardinal and theological virtues; and the fourth discusses the Christian conception of God, particularly the Holy Trinity.
Lewis also addresses topics such as free will, morality, sexual ethics, and the institution of marriage.
The book is known for its clear and logical presentation of Christian apologetics and has been praised for its straightforward and humorous writing style.
#15639
• Mentioned in 3 episodes
Between Heaven and Hell
Peter Kreeft
#249
• Mentioned in 86 episodes
The Chronicles of Narnia
C.S. Lewis
#7307
• Mentioned in 6 episodes
Prince Caspian
C.S. Lewis
In 'Prince Caspian', the four Pevensie children are transported back to Narnia, where they find that 1,300 years have passed since their last visit.
They join forces with Prince Caspian, the rightful king of Narnia, who is fighting against his uncle, King Miraz, who has usurped the throne.
The story involves battles, magical creatures, and the return of Aslan, as the children and Caspian work together to restore peace and justice to Narnia.
The novel explores themes of chivalry, courage, and the struggle between good and evil.
#15010
• Mentioned in 3 episodes
The Allegory of Love
C.S. Lewis
#3790
• Mentioned in 11 episodes
The Magician's Nephew
C.S. Lewis
The story follows Digory and Polly, two children who meet while exploring the attics of their adjacent homes in London.
They stumble upon Uncle Andrew's study, where they are tricked into using magical rings that allow travel between worlds.
Their adventures take them to the desolate world of Charn, where they awaken the evil queen Jadis, and eventually to the creation of Narnia by the lion Aslan.
The novel explores themes of creation, good vs.
evil, and redemption as Digory and Polly navigate these new worlds and their consequences.
#2104
• Mentioned in 18 episodes
Voyage of the Dawn Treader
C.S. Lewis
In this adventure, Lucy, Edmund, and their cousin Eustace are transported back to Narnia, where they join Prince Caspian on his ship, the Dawn Treader.
Their journey takes them to various islands, each with its own unique challenges and wonders.
Along the way, they encounter a sea serpent, an island where anything turns to gold, and a mysterious Dark Island.
Eustace's transformation into a dragon and his subsequent redemption are pivotal moments in the story.
The crew's quest to find the seven lost lords and reach the edge of the world is filled with trials, temptations, and the guidance of the lion Aslan.
#10137
• Mentioned in 4 episodes
Preface to Paradise Lost
CrossReach Publications
C.S. Lewis
Gustave Doré
C. S.
Lewis's "Preface to Paradise Lost" serves as an introduction to John Milton's epic poem.
It delves into the nature of epic poetry, distinguishing between primary and secondary epics.
Lewis explores the concept of virtue and its portrayal in epic literature, examining Milton's theological perspectives within a contemporary context.
The preface offers valuable insights into understanding the structure and themes of Paradise Lost, enriching the reader's experience.
It's a crucial text for understanding Milton's work and the broader landscape of epic poetry.
#6
• Mentioned in 460 episodes
The Lord of the Rings
J.R.R Tolkien
The Lord of the Rings, written by J.R. R.
Tolkien, is an epic high fantasy novel set in Middle-earth.
The story follows Frodo Baggins, a hobbit who inherits the One Ring from his uncle Bilbo.
The Ring, forged by Sauron, holds the power to control all other Rings of Power and must be destroyed in the fires of Mount Doom to prevent Sauron's return.
Frodo is joined by a fellowship of other characters, including Gandalf the Grey, Samwise Gamgee, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and Boromir, as they embark on a dangerous quest across Middle-earth.
The novel explores themes of good vs.
evil, the corrupting influence of power, and the struggle between fate and free will.
#940
• Mentioned in 34 episodes
Till We Have Faces
C.S. Lewis
This novel is a retelling of the ancient myth of Cupid and Psyche, narrated by Orual, the ugly and bitter older sister of the beautiful Psyche.
Orual's story is a complex exploration of envy, betrayal, loss, and the journey towards self-awareness and redemption.
The book delves into Orual's life as she grapples with her love for Psyche, her anger towards the gods, and her eventual realization of her own flaws and the true nature of her feelings.
The narrative is divided into two parts, reflecting Orual's transformation from a state of bitterness and self-deception to one of understanding and mercy.
Sophia Holcomb joins Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, Walter Strickland, and Bob Hiller to explore how C. S. Lewis portrays a theology of creation, sin, redemption, sanctification, and new creation throughout The Chronicles of Narnia. From Aslan's creation song and the White Witch's curse to Aslan's substitutionary death and final restoration in The Last Battle, they trace how Lewis communicates the gospel through his most well-known books.
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