Christopher Cowan at the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood sent Russ Moore over at Mere Comments the following observation about the upcoming Disney film version of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe:

I just finished reading The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe to my four-year-old son, Zachary.

When Father Christmas presents gifts to the children, he gives Peter a sword and shield. To Susan, he gives a bow and arrows and a horn. He then tells her, “You must use the bow only in great need, for I do not mean you to fight in the battle.” Next, he gives Lucy a bottle and a dagger and says, “The dagger is to defend yourself at great need. For you also are not to be in the battle.”

Lucy responds, “Why sir? I think—-I don’t know—-but I think I could be brave enough.” To which Father Christmas replies, “That is not the point. But battles are ugly when women fight.”

During the battle at the end, Peter and Edmund—-not Susan and Lucy—-are the ones waging war against Aslan’s enemies.

I have read good reports from Gene Veith that Douglas Gresham (C. S. Lewis’s stepson) has sought to keep the movie faithful to the book. I cannot wait to see the film. But I will be thoroughly shocked if Lewis’s vision wins out over contemporary feminism (particularly since I have seen clips of Susan wielding her bow). I hope I am wrong.

I will be greatly surprised if Lucy and Susan aren’t playing the role of Zena during the battle scene.

Peter Jackson deemed it necessary to rewrite Arwyn’s role in his portrayal of Lord of the Rings. After all, egalitarianism and feminism require everyone be equal—equal killing, equal time on stage, ...

For my readers: pay attention to the gift scene when you see the movie. Will Father Christmas say “battles are ugly when women fight”? I’ll buy a round of drinks for the entire BHT if that line is in the movie!