Hi all, this post is written by a special guest, Ros Cree…

Well I figured that if Lucy can be almost as brave as a lioness then I could probably muster the courage for my first blog. So, here I stand with a small dagger in my hand, rather than a mighty sword and shield. But I do love C.S.Lewis’s stories (and the films) as they help us engage with noble themes. I think the challenge with the fantasy genre is to not think too hard about every detail or analyse too much but just ‘jump right in’ to the story and the world it depicts and then let the themes engage you.

While some of the Narnia books have identifiable links to the Bible narrative, “Prince Caspian” tells a story where the children learn important truths and lessons as the adventure unfolds.

Here are some that sprang to my mind after seeing it…

When Lucy sees Aslan, and remarks that he looks bigger, he tells her “every year you grow older, I grow bigger”. Maturity as a Christian brings us to a bigger picture of who God is & a greater appreciation for his power and strength.

Lucy learns that she should have followed Aslan whether or not the others were prepared to believe her and come with her. A hard lesson for all of us is to follow God’s way when those around us don’t “see it”.

Aslan’s plan for all the children is that they learn the things they need to. Going to Narnia is all about teaching them how to live well and be their best selves in this world. God’s plan for us – his greatest concern for us – is always that we grow more Christlike & be our best selves in Him as we live in this world.

Peter and Caspian both learn important lessons about not trusting in their own strength. They learn that being led by pride instead of faith leads not only to defeat but also unnecessary casualties.

The temptation to win by using evil means is a powerful one, especially when we feel we’re losing on the battlefront. Peter saved Caspian from this temptation & then almost succumbed himself. Just when we think we’ve “got it sorted” we may need others to bring us to senses. (yay for Edmund!)

Perhaps the thing I loved most is the reminder that it’s all about our relationship with a fantastic God – living, personal and real, who we can delight in as the essence of all that’s good, pure, right, noble, strong & true, and who actually takes delight in us. He wants us to come before him as trusting children who know that he is bigger and better than us in all ways, and who will follow him even when we don’t really know that the path is heading anywhere other than a deep ravine….

Ros Cree