Entertainment

Film Furor: Narnia Star Says Aslan Can Symbolize Mohammed

Liam Neeson is a fine actor (I like the underrated “Taken”) but he is a lousy theologian. Neeson is the voice of Aslan in the Narnia fillms. “The Voyage of the Dawn Treader” launches next week. But now Neeson has angered many Christian fans of the books and films by declaring his Aslan to be way more ecumenical than C.S. Lewis ever intended.

Film Furor: Narnia Star Says Aslan Can Symbolize Mohammed

Aslan, of course, is a symbol of Christ.  It’s kind of hard to get around that.  Especially the death and resurrection thing in the first book.  This isn‘t stopping Neeson’s interpretation:

“Aslan symbolises a Christ-like figure but he also symbolises for me Mohammed, Buddha and all the great spiritual leaders and prophets over the centuries.

That’s who Aslan stands for as well as a mentor figure for kids – that’s what he means for me.”

This is not sitting well with Narnia fans and those who revere Lewis:

Walter Hooper, Lewis’s former secretary and a trustee of his estate, said that the author would have been angered by Neeson’s comments.

He said: “It is nothing whatever to do with Islam. Lewis would have simply denied that. He wrote that ‘the whole Narnian story is about Christ’. Lewis could not have been clearer.”

Mr Hooper attributed Neeson’s remarks to political correctness and a wish to be “very multi-cultural”.

And that’s saying it nicely.  Others are being a little more blunt:

William Oddie, a fomer editor of The Catholic Herald and a lifelong fan of the Chronicles of Narnia, accused Neeson of ‘a betrayal of Lewis’s intention and a shameful distortion’.

He said: ‘Aslan is clearly established from the very beginning of the whole cannon as being a Christ figure. I can’t believe that Liam Neeson is so stupid as not to know.’

Amen.  Let’s refocus on the Voyage:

Neeson did say that the Queen told him she cried at the film’s London premiere.

Oh, and I know where you can see an actual wardrobe from Lewis’ childhood home.  Click here for more.

Naria quote to ponder:

‘If there’s anyone who can appear before Aslan without their knees knocking, they’re either braver than me or else just silly.’

‘Then he isn’t safe?’ asked Lucy.

‘Safe?’ said Mr. Beaver. ‘Don’t you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.’

Comments (352)

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  • salvawhoray
    Posted on December 4, 2010 at 12:38pm

    its real simple people just stop seeing his movies, hell just stop going to the movies period.
    Read a damn book or go workout and lose some weight.

    Report Post » salvawhoray  
  • grandmaof5
    Posted on December 4, 2010 at 12:37pm

    I didn’t think Muslims liked Mohammed or Allah being portrayed as anything, hence the uprising over the cartoon. I hope they chalk this up to stupidity on the part of Neeson and don’t get all huffy or violent about his comments.

    Report Post »  
  • roberja
    Posted on December 4, 2010 at 12:33pm

    Jc, this is not what the Word of God says. Oh, God is a just a movie and has nothing to do with what Jesus says. Jesus is the only one with an empty tomb. Aslan is Christ Jesus and none other.

    Report Post »  
  • pilgrim2497
    Posted on December 4, 2010 at 12:31pm

    Mr. Neeson’s comments are a huge betrayal of the genius and spiritual foundations of C.S. Lewis.

    Report Post »  
  • bobbezza
    Posted on December 4, 2010 at 12:31pm

    I hope Liam is not infering that the lion is a picture of Muhammad..if so he may be TAKEN!!

    Report Post »  
  • guyperram
    Posted on December 4, 2010 at 12:29pm

    Now don’t get your blood pressure up. Liam is a good actor, and that is what he should stay. Otherwise he is very prone to open his mouth and shoving his foot into it.

    Report Post »  
  • overlumber
    Posted on December 4, 2010 at 12:25pm

    There is no PC in the Narnian Chronicals – they are about what Lewis said they were about, nothing less, nothing more. They do not embody anything/body other than Christ and to say they do is an ignorant insult to both Christ himself and His devoted follower, C. S. Lewis.

    Dialogue, of course, is always welcome in the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom; dialogue with troglodytes leads neither to knowledge nor to wisdom just as dialogue with those whose interest is the destruction of the foundations of Western Civilization is and will be forever futile.

    Neeson is welcome to his interpretation of any of his screen parts no matter how far from the truth he may stray.

    Report Post »  
  • MAULEMALL
    Posted on December 4, 2010 at 12:23pm

    Good…Gives me a reason not to take my ….

    Eff amoe

    Report Post » MAULEMALL  
  • nummy1
    Posted on December 4, 2010 at 12:22pm

    I‘d say it’s as much of an adult movie as a kids movie. But yes, I agree, let’s not try to change the meaning of what C.S. Lewis originally meant. No need to be PC with anything and everything.

    Report Post »  
  • J.C. McGlynn
    Posted on December 4, 2010 at 12:21pm

    George Burns: Oh,God II…. One of the last scenes…” I am Christ, I am Budda, I am Yahweh, and others. All people worship me in their own way.” To me, this makes the same difference.

    Report Post » J.C. McGlynn  
    • firstHat
      Posted on December 6, 2010 at 11:03am

      Well, Lewis does do something similar with Aslan. Only when GOOD things are done in the name of Tash, do they become deeds done in the name of Aslan. It is NOT that Tash and Aslan are the same, it is that no good can be done in the name of the inherently evil Tash so that Aslan may lay claim to good done in Tash’s name.

      Report Post »  
  • tiredofdeception
    Posted on December 4, 2010 at 12:21pm

    The world has been sold a bad lie about the Islam. Hey, Liam, you like slavery? Do you think it is okay for girls under the age of 10 to be sold in marriage? Do you think hatred of all infidels is cool? Why would you embrace a religion that kills homosexuals? Mohammad and the word “children” should not be said in the same sentence as Mohammad was a pedophile. I find it ironic that progressives fight so hard for this religion and a political system designed to regress man back to the stone age. I am tired of Islam being shoved down my throat.

    Report Post »  
  • megaman
    Posted on December 4, 2010 at 12:21pm

    I dont believe Liam Neeson comment that aslan can resemble Mohamed or other prophets or Buddha. Aslan definably only resembles Jesus Christ in everything he does. like willing to die in Edmond place.

    Report Post » megaman  
  • aicardi
    Posted on December 4, 2010 at 12:20pm

    Actors should keep their opinions to themselves. They seem to not be very bright just very entertaining. Anyone who has ever read the series knows that it is a Christian series and that Aslan represents Christ. Great actor trying to be pc… so sad.

    Report Post »  
    • TonyB_84
      Posted on December 4, 2010 at 12:44pm

      So, um, you should keep YOUR opinion to yourself then too? He can say what he wants and BELIEVE what he wants.

      Report Post »  
    • aLinedog
      Posted on December 4, 2010 at 1:00pm

      Actually Tory, if one is incorrect in his beliefs he should be corrected immediately. Otherwise, you end up with a false religion spewing hatred, intolerance, and demeaning/lowering women. All the while advocating violence against non-believers and in a great charade accusing the same of being ‘evil crusaders’ bent on Islam’s destruction. Oh darn, outed myself.
      Newsflash my muslim ‘friends’, if that day does come, you‘re guarandamned right I’ll be a Crusader.
      -line

      Report Post »  
    • MrButcher
      Posted on December 4, 2010 at 1:01pm

      right on, Tony!

      Report Post » MrButcher  
    • MeteoricLimbo
      Posted on December 4, 2010 at 2:38pm

      well put

      Report Post » MeteoricLimbo  
    • tierrah
      Posted on December 4, 2010 at 3:09pm

      I think there is one point that hasn’t been made about “freedom” to speech. We all have that right by the Constitution, at least for now. There is an imbalance, to me, when someone of Mr. Neeson’s status speaks his opinions, all the world hears them. When you or I speak our opinion, only a few hear them. In controversial social issues such as religion, I think those of stardom should keep their mouths shut since everything they say and do is broadcasted to the nines!!

      Report Post » tierrah  
    • TonyB_84
      Posted on December 4, 2010 at 6:07pm

      Who’s to say his beliefs are wrong?? You? I believe that Aslan is Satan. Now what? I can see where Mr. Neeson is coming from. I‘m not a Bible thumpin’ Christian who’s damning everyone to hell. That‘s God’s job. Not mine. Remember, we’re talking about a fictional Lion here. Calm down and go have a Coke and a Smile.

      Report Post »  
  • Resolved
    Posted on December 4, 2010 at 12:19pm

    If Liam Neeson wants to see Aslan as representing any or all of the “great spirtual leaders” of our time, I guess that’s his right, especially since he qualified his statement “This is what Aslan means TO ME.” But C.S. Lewis made it pretty clear what the intent was, and like the story says, his death on the table pretty much solidifies the Christ metaphor. I could be wrong, but pretty sure none of the other spirtual leaders Neeson mentioned ever came back from death.

    Report Post » Resolved  
    • robert5635
      Posted on December 4, 2010 at 4:29pm

      Much less ascended to heaven, to sit at the Right Hand of God, til He returns to claim His Children/Bride. Talk about a good day!

      Report Post » robert5635  
    • David Foxfire
      Posted on December 8, 2010 at 7:19pm

      That’s right, Liam did qualify that, so what he said about Aslan being Mohammad, I’ll take it with the proverbial grain of salt. Preferably the low sodium kind.

      Me? I’d like to see Mohammad get killed off by the Taliban and get up after a day or so. That’s pretty much what happened in the Passion Play. Or for that matter, Jesus pounding a Pharisee into pate, like what Aslan did at the end of “Lion Witch and Wardrobe.” I wanted the lion to just nom her myself.

      (Personally, I could see Aslan having a part/several parts of Jesus, a part of Mohammad, a part of Bhudda, I can go on. But again, that’s just me.)

      I’ll shut up now.

      Report Post »  
  • srmumz
    Posted on December 4, 2010 at 12:18pm

    Mr. Neeson is more than welcome to make the short 10 minute drive from his home to our non-denominational church where we would be more than willing to discuss Christian theology with him.

    Report Post »  
  • conservativejazzman
    Posted on December 4, 2010 at 12:14pm

    What the hell?

    Report Post » conservativejazzman  
    • T.E.A.PARTNER
      Posted on December 6, 2010 at 11:27pm

      Actually you can find that place in ‘THE GREAT DIVORCE’. Hope it‘s as nice as Neeson’s dreams.

      Report Post »  
  • navychick
    Posted on December 4, 2010 at 12:14pm

    aslan is symbolic of Christ. Lewis would NEVER had it another way. I love this books and to have this cat say this about this caracter is disgraceful. HE SHOULD BE FIRED and all the movies redone. Neeson DOES NOT deserve this part. I hate the fact that he said this.

    Report Post »  
  • Silversmith
    Posted on December 4, 2010 at 12:13pm

    Another actor who speaks without thinking.

    Report Post » Silversmith  
    • mrlogan3
      Posted on December 4, 2010 at 12:46pm

      It’s not just actors, J.K. Rowling did it too, declaring Dumbledore to be gay. I think things like this should be left to conspiracy theorists.

      Report Post » TRUTH  
  • MrButcher
    Posted on December 4, 2010 at 12:13pm

    i agree, snow.

    this is silly.

    Report Post » MrButcher  
  • sean_m.
    Posted on December 4, 2010 at 12:12pm

    Exactly. They’re not going to hear what Liam Neeson says anyway.

    Report Post »  
    • Paul Ryan for Pres
      Posted on December 6, 2010 at 7:47pm

      I‘ve heard what he’s said and he’s wrong. There is nothing more important in my life than my walk with Christ. If that is not the case for you, imagine if what you held dearest in life (your mother, or child, or whatever) was continually slandered and denegraded and distorted. It gets old. If you have read the books (which I recommend because the movies have done them no justice) you would see the author’s intent on who Aslan represents: Christ. In “The Last Battle”, an ape spreads lies about Aslan and tells Narnians that he is one and the same as the god “Tash.” In fact, the Ape begins to decieve them by referring to the two beings as “Tashlan.” This is the great evil that C.S. Lewis portrayed so artfully. You don’t have to agree with either faith, but you are being decieved if you believe Christ Jesus and Muhumad are one and the same. I love his voice, but mabey they should have cast Nielson as the ape…

      Report Post »  
  • AlaskaRick
    Posted on December 4, 2010 at 12:12pm

    Aslan also symbolizes the Muslim Terrorist who in order to start winning wars again made up a lie that his men would receive 72 virgins if they died in battle? Seriously?

    Report Post » AlaskaRick  
    • snowleopard3200 {mix art}
      Posted on December 4, 2010 at 12:53pm

      Asland and the terrorist speak…

      (Asland: “Burp!!!”

      Update: No comments made on the disappearance of the terrorist, or of the suddenly bulging belly found on Asland.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • CaptGregg
      Posted on December 4, 2010 at 1:26pm

      May those 72 virgins have the beauty and charm of Helen Thomas.

      Report Post »  
    • King4wd
      Posted on December 4, 2010 at 5:54pm

      As Achmed says- no one said those virgins were going to be girls!

      Report Post »  
    • JJ Coolay
      Posted on December 5, 2010 at 3:42am

      @ King….. That’s beautiful! What an awful surprise that would be! lol

      Report Post » JJ Coolay  
  • GJPinks
    Posted on December 4, 2010 at 12:12pm

    Perhaps someone might send the Narnia Collection to Mr Neeson. If that is to difficult, perhaps the Screwtape Letters.

    Report Post »  
    • Rn mom
      Posted on December 4, 2010 at 2:57pm

      Exactly what I was thinking. C.S, Lewis is one of my favorite authors. I am sure Liam has come across the other works of C.S. Lewis, like Mere Christianity or Screwtape Letters. I think Neeson should have worked on Tolkien’s movies instead.

      C.S. Lewis was an atheist who found Jesus, and his works were dedicated to that end. Liam should read the Bible and maybe the symbolism of C.S Lewis wouldn’t be lost on him.

      Report Post » RN MOM  
    • King4wd
      Posted on December 4, 2010 at 5:09pm

      @RN MOM-
      We’d have a similar result if Neeson had worked on the LOTR or Hobbit movies. Tolkein was the one who convinced C.S. Lewis to accept Jesus.
      Aside from that, I find Liam Neeson to be an outstanding actor. He’s just doing the regular Hollywood thing and covering all PC bases. Coming out as a Christian can be hazardous to one’s career in Hollywood. Especially for supporting character actors like Neeson.
      BTW if you haven’t seen it, check out A Prayer For The Dying. A highly under-rated IRA thriller from the ’80s with Liam Neeson, Mickey Rourke and Bob Hoskins.

      Report Post »  
  • SHOOTnCRASH
    Posted on December 4, 2010 at 12:11pm

    I agree.

    Report Post » SHOOTnCRASH  
  • Star Spangled
    Posted on December 4, 2010 at 12:11pm

    Mr. Neeson is a fine actor , too bad he doesn’t understand the authors message .

    Report Post » Star Spangled  
    • navychick
      Posted on December 4, 2010 at 12:16pm

      Isn’t a “good” actor suppose to understand the writer also not just the script. I am sorry but I have to disagree with you

      Report Post »  
    • Chet Hempstead
      Posted on December 4, 2010 at 1:51pm

      Ernest Hemingway once said that a writer cannot write a character who is smarter than he is. Fortunately, this is not true of actors playing characters smarter than they are, or there would be almost no movies made anywhere in the world.

      Report Post »  
    • Taquoshi
      Posted on December 4, 2010 at 10:01pm

      Since I minored in Speech and Theater in college and spent an entire semester doing independent study on C.S. Lewis, I‘m surprised that Neeson failed to comprehend that the actor’s job is to understand the author’s worldview and/or social framework in order to portray the character in the manner that the author created him/her. There are interpretations of how that character should be presented,(Clark Gable as Rhett Butler; Marlon Brando as Brick in A Streetcar Named Desire and many others that I could name who created unforgettable portraits of the characters) but the central core of who the character is must remain consistent in order to retain the identity of the character and the chemistry between the other characters in the play/book/poem.

      I know we’ve seen lots of “adaptations” of classics into “contemporary” renditions, but most of the time, too much is lost in the translation. While some may see Captain Ahab as a Greenpeace activist, and Queequeg as a social commentator, it would totally destroy the story of Moby Dick. It may provide an interesting tale, and possibly one that was even entertaining, but it would cease to be Moby Dick.

      Fortunately, it appears that Neeson only verbally expressed this. IMHO, Neeson not only totally missed the boat on this one, but possibly the dock and harbor by trying to incorporate things that Lewis never intended into Aslan. He may like his interpretation of the role as the god of the Buddists, Hindus, Muslims, anamists and what have you, but his personal interpretation sure ain’t Aslan. Maybe he confused Aslan with the role of the the giant polar bear Iorek Byrnison from the Golden Compass.

      Report Post » Taquoshi  
    • Lonescrapper
      Posted on December 5, 2010 at 9:16am

      He probably hasn’t even read the book or about CS Lewis. Just a skimming over Lewis’s biography would have clearly indicated his story was meant to be an analogy – and his inclusion of Mohammad in a Christ analogy is as much an insult to Islam as it is to Christianity. So much for ‘inclusiveness.’

      Report Post » Lonescrapper  
  • M31Sailor
    Posted on December 4, 2010 at 12:11pm

    Good thing Aslan wasn’t a dog , playing the role as Aslan. Billions of “Peaceful” musselmen would be rioting all over the planet. And Always listen to Mrs. Beaver
    Sailor

    Report Post » M31Sailor  
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