I sent the following to Time Magazine regarding the 4-12-04 story, "Why Did Jesus Die?"
Linking Aslan, the Christ figure in C. S. Lewis's "Chronicles of Narnia," with the exemplary theory of atonement (p. 61) is outrageous. Aslan's death is payment to secure the release of the guilty traitor Edmund from the White Witch; the Lion dies in place of the offender. What's more, throughout the seven fantasy stories Lewis highlights the uniqueness Aslan, and the key issue for the main characters is not emulating but obeying their king and deliverer.
Peter K. Nelson, Ph.D.
Visiting Assistant Professor of New Testament
Wheaton College
501 College Ave.
Wheaton, IL 60187
