Do the movies ever provide opportunities for evangelism? The release of movies such as The Passion of the Christ, The Lord of The Rings trilogy, and The Gospel of John stir up spiritual conversations well beyond the confines of movie theatres. While the aforementioned movies spurred conversations among adults, the December 9 release of C. S. Lewis's classic, The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe will generate curious questions among children. The book of the same name is from Lewis' seven-book collection called The Chronicles of Narnia.

What Is The Chronicles of Narnia?

The Chronicles of Narnia is a seven-book collection of fantasy novels written for children. The collection depicts the adventures of children who enter a world called Narnia. The novels carry a common good-versus-evil theme. But beyond that, The Chronicles of Narnia presents many allusions to Christian ideas in ways that are easily accessible to younger readers. Because of this, The Chronicles of Narnia novels have become the favorites of both children and adults, Christians and non-Christians.

Who Was C. S. Lewis?

Lewis, whose life spanned both world wars, was a prolific writer and a contemporary of so-called "neo-Christians" J. R. R. Tolkien and T. S. Eliot. Lewis wrote Surprised by Joy, which underscores his watershed conversion from atheism to Christianity. Some are more familiar with Lewis's The Screwtape Letters, a fictional account of written correspondence from a senior devil to his nephew Wormwood. The book exposes common ploys used by "The Enemy" to keep Christians from practicing an active faith in Christ.

Personally, Lewis embraced Christian principles. He gave away two-thirds of his income, sat at the bedside of the sick, and personally served the poor.

Talking with Children About The Chronicles of Narnia

Encourage children to talk about the movie. Ask children questions such as:

• What did you like about the movie?
• What interested you?
• What did you think about the movie characters?
• What good and bad things happened in the movie?

C. S. Lewis's writings touch the imagination of children, so allow children the necessary space to express what they experienced through watching the movie or reading the book.

If you want some help with making comparisons between The Chronicles of Narnia and biblical concepts, see the resources listed below.

Whatever you do, keep conversations with children fun and upbeat. The Chronicles of Narnia can and should serve as a wonderful conversation starter with children (and adults) about Christian spirituality. Don't miss the opportunity.

Resources

• Multiple Resources on C.S. Lewis and the Chronicles of Narnia at www.umc.org
  
• 7-Week Study on The Chronicles of Narnia from Alive Now!
  
• A Family Guide to Narnia: Biblical Truths in C. S. Lewis's the Chronicles of Narnia by Christin Ditchfield
  
• Roar! A Christian Family Guide to the Chronicles of Narnia by Heather Kopp
  
• Sharing the Narnia Experience: A Family Guide to C. S. Lewis's the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by Paul Friskney
  
• Chronicles of Narnia Bible Studies
  
• C.S. Lewis: Beyond Narnia
  Hallmark Channel airs December 9, 2005
  
• Companion to C.S. Lewis Hallmark Channel Docudrama
  
• A Celebration of Joy: Christian Romanticism in the Chronicles of Narnia by Mike Bellah
  
• The Movie: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (official movie website)
  
• C. S. Lewis Biographical Data
  
• Narnia Books and Resources from Cokesbury
  
• Works by C. S. Lewis available from Cokesbury

Kwasi Kena is the Director of Evangelism Ministries for the General Board of Discipleship. Please direct suggestions and comments to him at kkena@gbod.org.

Copyright © 2005 the General Board of Discipleship.

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Posted 11-30-05.