Torah, Good Samaritans, and Lewis -- Mimetic Theory and Literary Study

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Date Posted: 17:15:44 04/10/08 Thu
Author: Shannon
Subject: Torah, Good Samaritans, and Lewis

Yes, I know this is the millonth post on C.S. Lewis...but our discussion of Torah in class shed some light on a rather confusing passage in Lewis' The Last Battle.

After Narnia ends and the true Narnias are traveling in "Aslan's Land" they meet up with a Calmorene (Narnia's pagan enemies). He recognizes Aslan as the true God, and acknowledges his own misplaced aligence to Tash. Alsan accepts his service, explaining that the man's actions, though done in the name of Tash, had actually been a service to Aslan.

Apparently this is a very controversial passage, and I did find it confusing as a child. I don't mean to consider the questions of salvation which this passage prompts. But our discussion of Torah as an "existential catagory" and the story of the Good Samaritan as the one who actually obeys Torah brought the passage to mind.

Lewis' story does seem to parallel Christ's parable of the Good Samaritan. Like the Samaritan who, in caring for the stranger and sacrificing his own well-being, better lives Torah, the Calmorene, by living honorably and righteously, truly served Aslan. The focus for both, clearly, is on living the sacrifical life as God has instructed, rather than just bearing the name (symbolizing the outward trappings of righteousness like those Christ accused the Pharisies of).

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