Why Do Atheist's Condemnation of Christianity Extend to Hating Universal Morals?
So when Narnia and other Christian themed novels are attacked, I'm curious what exactly atheists are condemning. Specifically, Dark Materials is challenging authority in general, with the ultimate challenge coming in the death of "God" himself, or the world's equivalent of him anyway. In many ways, as commented on by the director of the movie version, it is a criticism of the Catholic Church's erosion of its core principles for the sake of power, something even the Pontifex Maximus himself would admit in his own private quarters has occurred throughout history.
But when Christianity itself is attacked for making an appearance in novels such as The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, what exactly are atheists and agnostics challenging? Ask yourself, what is the Christian theme in that book specifically? It's pretty easy for a lot of kids to miss really. As the White Queen is on the verge of her assault on Aslan's loyalists, the talking lion sacrifices himself in accordance with a prophecy that would destroy the tyrannical queen.
The real biblical "references" end here, with Aslan's Christ-like sacrifice and resurrection which leads to the annihilation of the queen. Nevertheless, this was enough to warrant atheist angst.
What is it about these Christ-like depictions do atheists find so reprehensible? The most basic and obvious psychological answer is that anything that can be associated with Christianity in a positive light runs the risk of those people deciding that the "authority" (as they see it) isn't all that bad. But when they're condemning specifics, and not the authority of an organized religion, what types of things are they chastising?
Well in the case of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, the only Christian value they can really be attacking is the notion of self-sacrifice on behalf of others, though that's certainly not a Christian exclusive moral, nor is it inherent in the New Testament. In fact, it's not really a very good Christian undertone if you don't understand the theological context, since the sacrifice it is mirroring is that of a divine figure giving up their life for others - not just anyone giving up their own life, but that would be the clear message being given in a movie of this type.
So when an atheist chastises this film, this book, are they getting angry that Christians are encouraging you to be willing to make sacrifices for those you love, or are they just so supremely frustrated with anything Christian in nature, that good morals and values taught by them are expendable for the sake of preventing the growth of the religion?
Either idea is a rather startling one. Bigotry is the only true word for it if it's the latter, and any number of words ranging from cowardice to an absence of loyalty for the former.
So when an atheist decides they're going to blindly condemn something based on its solely Christian themes, perhaps they should consider what all they're condemning with it. If you don't like that it's encouraging people to put others before themselves, well, at least we know the quality of your character. The same can be said, however, if you condemn the tale of self-sacrifice, if only because a Christian said it.
Published by Chadd De Las Casas
I was born in Valencia, California in 1987. It's ironic that I turned out to be a writer, since my first exposure to it was an essay about why I hate writing. I am also the owner of the Content Producers Wiki. View profile
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21 Comments
Post a CommentI absolutely loved the Chronicles of Narnia, and I'm not even Christian as you know already. It was CS Lewis' world, and he had every right to make it as he wanted it, Christian undertones and all. I personally thought they were so subtle that I can't even understand why anyone would be upset. I also think it's great that some stories have been written with opposite undertone themes to them. That's those authors takes on religion and life and the world, and I think comparing them is interesting. I don't see why we have to be outraged by Athiesm in the Golden Compass or Christianity in Narnia or fake witchcraft in Harry Potter. Why can't books just be an interesting portrait of the writer's take on life?
Fantastic article.
Interesting piece Chadd. I have not seen the Golden Compass or whatever it is called and will probably skip it.
J1, you fail at understanding that I was pointing out the absolute unoriginalty of your arguments, along with the fact that they have no meaning outside of being cliches with which you truly believe you have some kind of "zinger" to beat people over the head with. Sadly, that doesn't fly with folks who are educated and know better. You've avoided the discussion of every topic you've brought up, because you know that your position will be annihilated, and frankly you don't want to be confused with the facts, your mind is made up.
Jeff, the fact that you truly believe religious theology is what triggered the Crusades doesn't speak ill of me - not at all. It shows you don't have the first clue about the Crusades whatseover, but I mean, that's fine, that's what happens when you grow up with the modern public school system. Perhaps you'd like to enlighten me as to why the Crusades were launched sir.
And Rallos, you are dead on...it is precisely what we try to do, show that you are not perfect..because the christo-neo-con mindset is that they are perfect, and anything they do or say is beyond reproach. The rest of us are smart enough to know we are not, and some of us are bold enough to challenge those who would make the world in the image of their twisted god.
A little late getting back to ya, but Jack spoke pretty well for me...I would add that I think most religions (especially the "big three" centered in Jerusalem) are evil. Christianity is the biggest threat America faces, as it is the prominent mythology here. Just as radical Islam is the biggest threat in Iran. As for trying to tell you why, I don't imagine how someone who thinks religion wasn't the main motivator in the Crusades can be open to logic.
Here, I'm JJ (Jeff and Jack)... "Blah blah blah hate Christains, blah blah crusades, blah blah inquisitions, blah blah abortion clinic bombings, blah blah other stuff I don't understand, blah blah it all boils down to someone telling me that I'm not perfect.
And in conclusion Jack, I daresay, I'm willing to bet I've interviewed and spoken to more Muslim figureheads in public positions than you, or Jeff. Heck, I'm willing to bet I've added more voice to Islam to Associated Content than most Muslims have tried. But yes, when the occasion calls for it, I absolutely advocate attacking Muslim countries - religion isn't a mitigating factor for bad behavior.
And in conclusion, quoting Scripture you likewise don't understand doesn't help your point any either. You're quoting specific commandments to specific people in specific points in time that aren't universal. The quote you specified, for example, is not an all-encompassing law that is meant to be considered at all points, to all believers, but a historical text that is referencing a law that existed several thousand years ago. It's not just a matter of age, it's a matter of that it wasn't meant to apply infinitely, only to the culture specified. In short, it was a pretty bad example of your problems with Christianity.