It should shock no one that movie studios are interested only in the bottom line when it comes to selling their wares. That Disney is pitching a movie based on a series of books with strong Christian allusions to a Christian audience shouldn't be making headlines. But alas, it is.

From the Associated Press:

While refusing to call it a religious movie, Disney is using the same company that promoted Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ" to publicize "Narnia" through churches across the country. The goal is to create the perfect Christmas blockbuster, appealing to both secular and religious audiences…Rice said only 5 percent of the marketing budget for "Narnia," which opens Dec. 9, targeted faith-based groups. Still, there were eight showings for church groups nationwide, including one in November for about 700 pastors and church staffers at the Colorado Springs headquarters of the conservative Christian group Focus on the Family.

There are Christian allusions throughout, from spiteful brother Edmund (Judas) and his noble brother Peter, a fellow "son of Adam." The heroic lion Aslan, an obvious symbol of Jesus Christ, sacrifices his life to save Edmund and is resurrected the next day in plenty of time to defeat the White Witch and her evil minions.

In October I wrote about "Christian" elements in fiction, one of my favorite new subjects.

Just as "The Passion of the Christ" was well-received in churches across the country, I predict The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe will receive much more support and break box office records. Movie-going and viewing are part of American life, and I'm glad to see stronger spiritual themes emerging.

See related Barna study.

Narnia Resources:

• The Narnia Academy
• Narnia Fans
• Narnia Web