Sharing the Gospel with Narnia

by Michael Epps Utley

Sharing the Gospel can be awkward - especially with those closest to us. When we rely on our own strength, we believe we must justify the salvation message with perfect lives and flawless reputations. The problem is that our friends and family know us too well!

For those of us who have not been completed in our sanctification, an opportunity to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ is coming soon to a theater near you.

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and The Wardrobe

This film offers believers an easily shared picture of the salvation in Christ. The story is of four children on an unexpected adventure to another world where they meet fantastic creatures. This magical world is ruled by the White Witch who has made it always winter but never quite Christmas - a torturous thought.

The great lion Aslan returns as ruler of Narnia but something happens. Expected to lead the creatures of Narnia to overthrow the Witch, Aslan is killed upon the Stone Table. The children are stunned but soon learn there is a deeper truth at work. Aslan returns and brings with him the Spring making all things new.

How to Discuss the Gospel with Narnia

First, pray. Pray God would prepare your heart in this endeavor and show you who to approach.

Consider one or two people who do not know the Lord. If you have a spouse or Christian friend who wants to help, consider a larger group of three to four. Invite them to attend the movie with you. Plan to meet afterwards in a place where you can reasonably discuss the film.

Raise general questions to open discussion. Begin with open-ended questions to allow free expression.

Conversation Starters:

What did you/everyone think of the film?
Which child did you most identify with?
What was the nature of deception in the film?
What was the nature of evil among the creatures of Narnia?

Going Deeper:

How are we like Susan in not believing Lucy?
How are we like Edmund? What Turkish Delight have we set our hearts upon?
Why did Aslan sacrifice himself to the White Witch?
How was Aslan like Jesus Christ?

After a time of discussion, share specific points of the Gospel. Even if you are not entirely comfortable, most people will respect that you want to share something on your heart. Use an index card or, better yet, commit the following points to memory. Then share them.

Key points of the Gospel:

1) All have sinned and are doomed to eternal separation from God.

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23) and "Unless you repent, you too will all perish." (Luke 13:3)

2) God made a way back to Him.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16) and "In Him (Jesus Christ) we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins." (Ephesians 1:7)

3) We can accept this redeeming love.

"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 7:21) and "That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9)

4) Accepting Christ produces full life and prepares us for heaven.

"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (John 10:10) and "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." (John 14:3)

Having shared these points, offer an invitation to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Remember, God is preparing hearts all the time to hear His Word. It is not about you, so relax. You are just a part of what God is already doing.

Follow up later to answer questions that have arisen. It's always alright to say, "I don't know the answer. I'll get back to you." Seek out mature Christians to help answer questions for which you do not have a biblical answer.

When you lead someone to Christ, help them connect with a church. Take them to church with you, or help them find a Bible-believing church where they live.

For further reading, discover these works that explore Narnia and C. S. Lewis in more detail.

Further Up & Further In: Understanding C. S. Lewis's The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

Jack's Life: The Life Story of C. S. Lewis

Narnia Beckons: C. S. Lewis's The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe-and Beyond

The Keys to the Chronicles: Unlocking the Symbols of C. S. Lewis's Narnia