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Safe or Good?


Aslan | The Chronicles of Narnia Wiki | Fandom
Here’s a conversation in “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” between Susan and Mr. Beaver that happens just before she is to meet Aslan. Mr. Beaver starts the conversation by explaining to a surprised Susan that Aslan is a lion:
"Ooh" said Susan. "I'd thought he was a man. Is he … quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion."
After a confused pause, Mr. Beaver responded, "Safe? ... Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good.”

It is clear during these times that some want “safety” at any cost. They have forgotten that safe is not synonymous with good. And good is certainly not always safe. In fact, pursuing “safety” as an overarching goal and an end in and of itself can be a dangerous endeavor.

This is especially true because life is inherently treacherous, and nothing is truly “safe.” It’s impossible to eliminate all risks. So, what people mean when they say they are seeking safety is that they want to feel safe, even if they are still exposed to significant hazards. They have come to a place where feelings have become more important than the facts. That is indeed a perilous place to be.

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