Reply #38: OK, to clarify ...

[Mechatanketra]

His most famous works, the Chronicles of Narnia, contain many strong Christian messages. These are often mistaken for allegory, but, as Lewis himself said, are certainly not allegory. Lewis is said to have stated that he wrote the novels when he wondered what it would be like if Jesus Christ was incarnated on another world or planet to save the souls of those inhabitants. (Wikipedia)

Christ wasn't a lion here, on Earth. However, if you believe (as presumably Lewis did, being a Christian) that Jesus was essentially God, then it follows that (a) he wasn't always Jesus son of Joseph, either, but rather some eternal divinity and (b) he can be whatever he wants or needs to be as the situation warrants.

Aslan (at least in my understanding) wasn't intended as a symbol representing Jesus, but as an avatar/incarnation of that same divinity. In other words, yes, he is literally Christ. That understanding might be wrong, and I'll accept any contrary cite someone throws out -- but I do know what I'm saying (i.e. it's not that I'm misunderstanding the definition of "allegory").

In re "snuff film" ... hey, I remember the stone table sequence. ;-)