Learn How to Use The Chronicles
of Narnia to Witness for Christ

By Jim Day

“A faun in a snowy forest holding an umbrella and carrying packages…” So began the vision that noted Christian apologist C. S. Lewis would one day bring to life in the first book of the Chronicles of Narnia series – The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. On December 9th the book that came to life decades ago will now begin a new life as it releases in theaters across the country.

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe has become a classic in literature as a beautifully crafted story that touches hearts both young and old. However, Christians have recognized the rich symbolism and Christian worldview that pervades the entire series. It goes beyond being a work of mere fantasy literature and instead delves into the richness of a life filled with a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

For those not familiar with C.S. Lewis’ timeless classic, The Chronicles of Narnia, the Chronicles follow the exploits of the four Pevensie siblings – Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter – in World War II England who enter the world of Narnia through a magical wardrobe while playing a game of hide-and-seek in the rural country home of an elderly professor. Once there, the children discover a charming, peaceful land inhabited by talking beasts, dwarfs, fauns, centaurs and giants that has become a world cursed to eternal winter by the evil white witch, Jadis. Under the guidance of a noble and mystical leader, the lion Aslan and the children fight to overcome the white witch’s powerful hold over Narnia in a spectacular, climactic battle that frees Narnia from Jadis’ icy rule forever.

As believers search the books, the numerous Christian images spring forth to life: Mrs. Beaver marveling with anticipation at the fulfillment of the prophecy (Luke 2:29-30); Lucy, the young innocent, driven with curiosity towards the light (John 8:12); Aslan, the lion sacrificing his own life in order to pay the debt the law required for sin (Hebrews 9:22), and Edmund’s repentant return to Aslan (2 Peter 3:9). And, the examples continue as you open your eyes to the truths scattered like seeds throughout the story. The gifts given to the children, the mocking of the Savior, the feeding of the multitude, and on and on and on.

What are Christians to do with the movie’s release? The release of the Wardrobe presents a challenge for Christians to seek ways in which they might use it as a springboard to communicate the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. To that end, LRM (Lay Renewal Ministries), Christian Radio Station KSIV (AM 1320 & FM 91.2), First Evangelical Free Church (Manchester, MO) and Christ United Methodist Church (Fairview Heights, IL) have partnered to bring two special, free, equipping events together featuring Gene Veith, noted author, columnist and cultural editor for World Magazine and Christin Ditchfield, author, speaker and Director of Take it to Heart! Ministries.

Veith has been unabashedly tackling cultural issues with the fervor of a Rams linebacker for years through his work as a professor, author, speaker and writer with World. Through his newest book, The Soul of the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Veith guides readers through the wonders of Lewis’ book and addresses the cultural issues presented by the works of atheist Philip Pullman in his Dark Materials series. The book also includes a practical reader’s guide for personal or group study.

Christin Ditchfield likewise desires to bring the beauty of Narnia forward in loving communication to families. Christin is the host of the syndicated Take it to Heart! radio broadcast and a noted conference speaker and author of more than 40 books. Her book, The Family Guide to the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, brings out a chapter-by-chapter look at the work, highlighting biblical truth, providing reflection, questions, and Scriptural parallels.

These two events will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on successive nights in December and follow the same format. On Saturday, December 3, Christ United Methodist Church (339 Frank Scott Parkway East, Fairview Heights, IL) will host and on Sunday, December 4 the event will be at First Evangelical Free (1375 Carman Road, Manchester, MO). Gene and Christin will both speak and then serve on a panel discussion with local pastors and area leaders. These two events will equip Christians to communicate the rich spiritual themes in the Narnia stories to family and friends.

Rarely is such an incredible opportunity presented to the Body of Christ to springboard off of a cultural event and present the Gospel message so clearly. Let us step through the doorway for God’s glory!

For more information contact Lay Renewal Ministries at (314) 647-0717 or visit their web site at www.layrenewal.com.