Everytime I read a patronizing article like this about Narnia, it makes me wonder how so many people, namely Tilda Swinton, can get it so very wrong.
But the more I think about it, and specifically, comments such as these from Swinton — “I am very intrigued by the idea of the righteous. I am suspicious of it, being human. I think that human nature is so much more interesting than that; doubtlessness is not helpful to human beings.” — I don’t know who to be more perturbed at.
Folks who can make such dismissive statements about Christian faith — about it being at odds with humanity and compassion, about it having no room for doubt or questioning — with a straight face, or Christians who have done such a terrible job of representing the faith that the former group has some actual credence to their statements.
Alas, I suspect it is the latter group.
On a different note, it is increasingly interesting to read articles like this from a non-American viewpoint. Interesting, as well as eye-opening and alarming. It frightens me that Christianity is becoming increasingly seen as an American entity, and as such, appears subjugated to the whims and follies of our culture, society, politics, etc.
As much as I wish I could just roll my eyes after reading an article like that, after reading comments like Swinton’s, I don’t think I can.