(11/29/2005)

Catholic Guide to Chronicles of Narnia Available

Catholic experts explore Biblical parallels, moral lessons in C.S. Lewis classic

PHILADELPHIA, Penn., Nov. 29 /Christian Wire Service/ -- In two weeks, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe hits theaters nationwide. People are talking . . . and asking . . . just what is this story all about?

Does the Lion represent Jesus Christ? Is the Witch a metaphor for Satan? What are the parallels to the crucifixion and the salvation story? Who is Father Christmas? What makes the Wardrobe magical?

Beginning December 9th, these and a hundred other questions will be all the talk at water coolers and across playgrounds.

To help Catholics unlock Narnia's many secrets, the editors of the NY Times bestseller A Guide to the Passion of The Christ, have just released the definitive Catholic travel guide to Lewis' fictional land. A Guide to Narnia: 100 Questions about The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is available through Ascension Press and Catholic bookstores nationwide.

The highly anticipated film is being hailed by Christian and Catholic leaders as a faithful rendering on Lewis' tale about the heroic adventures of four English children who journey through a secret wardrobe into the land Narnia. There they meet The White Witch who has cast Narnia into a spell of perpetual winter. Through a series of captivating adventures, they help the lion king Aslan reclaim Narnia through a redemptive sacrifice. "Beneath the surface of the story lies a beautiful metaphorical tale of Jesus Christ and God's plan for humanity," contends Mark Shea, co-author of the book and Senior Editor at Catholic Exchange. "Through 'A Guide to Narnia,' Catholics will learn the true meaning of this classic tale."

Catholic Exchange, in cooperation with Catholic Outreach, has also produced three companion study guides and a youth activity guide to the book. These resources are available for free at www.NarniaOutreach.com, a fan site and resource center for parishes, schools and groups who want to use the film as a faith-formation opportunity.

"The movie is destined to inspire Catholics, especially youth, to face evil in their lives and respond with forgiveness, courage and honor," said Matthew Pinto, President of Ascension Press. A Guide to Narnia is the perfect resource for individuals, schools, and parishes who wish to pass on the life-changing lessons that can be learned in this epic film."