@courtenay, absolutely. There is no need to spend time arguing and posturing. I suppose I like to get into the nitty-gritty. And certainly, if I hear a different, opposing belief, I like to try it against my own, with the hope that everyone with be edified, and drawn closer to Jesus.
But as you said, once we begin asserting that our opponent is outright wrong (even if they are), we begin to break down possibility for growth; and we begin something which is outside the scope of NarniaWeb.
I will add one more thing which may be of some interest, and is certainly of some relevance the topic at hand. I have stated, in no unclear terms above that I am opposed to calling/suggesting Jesus a woman (in fact, the thought makes me sick), but nevertheless, let me give one argument I have not yet heard for why it might be theologically ok to have a female Aslan at the beginning.
In Proverbs, Solomon says Wisdom, who is personified as a woman, was with God at the beginning, before creation.
Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice? She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths. She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors. Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man. Proverbs 8: 1-4
And later:
The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was. When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when [there were] no fountains abounding with water. Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth: While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world. When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth: When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep: When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth: Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him; Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men. Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways. Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD. Proverbs 8: 23-35
Certainly, there are similarities between this woman, and Jesus, but I strongly think saying anything beyond that is too much. Additionally, certainly, there was a woman at creation. Note she was there with God at creation, but note also that she was there "when he prepared," and "strengthened," and "established" everything. She did not create or establish, he did. In the gospel of John, we find that Jesus was there in the beginning, as "the Word."
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. John 1: 3-5
And:
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1: 12-14
In contrast to Wisdom, the Word actually created, while wisdom stood by. So I think they are similar, but different. If they were able to make this distinction, a female at the beginning (besides Jadis) might make sense. But then, Lewis was very clearly putting Aslan there as a creator of the world, not just a bystander.
I guess that's not so impressive. I've succeeded in providing an hand picked opposing argument, and disagreeing with it!
But maybe somebody will see something I haven't and can run with it.
"I believe in Christianity as I believe that the Sun has risen: not because I can see it, but because by it I see everything else." C.S. Lewis
