The Endurance of Myth - Myth Became Fact and Narnia - Blake Bauserman

In his essay, "Myth Became Fact," C.S Lewis writes, "The modernist–the extreme modernist, infidel in all but name–need not be called a fool or hypocrite because he obstinately retains, even in the midst of his intellectual atheism, the language, rites, sacraments, and story of the Christians" (65). This passage has been on my mind throughout much of the semester.

To connect this to the Last Battle, we must return to the train ride where Polly, Diggory, Eustace, Jill, Edmund, Peter, and Lucy. They all reunite to discuss their times in Narnia and are killed all at once in a train accident and sent to Aslan's Country following their deaths. Though by the times of their death, it had been nearly seven years since the most recent visit of any group member to Narnia, they still hold true to their beliefs in the otherworldly realm. Peter, especially Polly and Diggory, are to be commended for their continued belief, especially after Susan fell away.

This passage has been encouraging, especially after having several major crises in my personal faith, including two near conversions to paganism, during the semester. I have been reminded of the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints and John 10:28, which reads, "I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand." Even as I have struggled this past semester and continue to by exploring new beliefs, some of which may on judgment day turn out to be heretical, my rugged persistence to the myth of Christ reminds me of the strength of my faith all the same.

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