The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
As a movie night with your child to explore the Christian themes undergirding the first Narnia film, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Connecting the dots between the Narnia stories and the Christian beliefs of Narnia author C.S. Lewis
- Rent or buy the Disney version of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe to watch with your child.
- Going Further Option: Get a copy of the book or radio theatre version (you can order an audio copy at www.radiotheatre.org).
Four English children enter the world of Narnia through an old wardrobe in the professor’s house. They meet many mythical creatures in a world ruled by a cold, heartless “Queen” known as the White Witch. There is a rumor that the great Lion “Aslan” is on the move and that the children have arrived to fulfill an ancient prophecy that Narnia will be freed from slavery to the Witch. As the story unfolds, one of the four children (Edmund) betrays the residents of Narnia, and Aslan offers himself to pay the boy’s penalty – which leads to a wonderful surprise in the end.
- Edmund’s festering attitude and appetite for sweets drives him into the deceptive clutches of the White Witch. How does Edmund’s betrayal echo a Christian view of the fall of humanity? (See “A” below)
- The Witch is the one who has made it “always winter and never Christmas” in Narnia. Who does she seem to personify from our world? (See “B” below)
- Aslan is a mysterious being throughout much of the story. The inhabitants of Narnia have long anticipated his arrival – but have never actually seen him. Who do you think Aslan reflects in our world? (See “C” below)
Think About It
- Read Genesis 3, Romans 3:23 and Romans 6:23 which tell us that all humanity carries a disease called “sin” that includes the consequence (penalty) called death.
- The White Witch reflects many of the characteristics of Satan, including the power of deception and her role as illegitimate ruler who enslaves people. Read biblical passages that describe how Satan works (Luke 4:1–13, John 8:44, 1 Peter 5:8) and discuss whether you think the White Witch reflects similar patterns.
- C.S. Lewis tried to imagine what Christ would be like if He entered a world of talking animals. Like Jesus, Aslan is the rightful king who has come to overthrow the power of evil through the “deep magic” of heroic self-sacrifice. (See John 3:16)
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