Narnia Outreach Possibilities

C.S. Lewis series The Chronicles of Narnia is one of the great classics of the twentieth century. This is not just a kid’s movie. C.S. Lewis, the author of the Chronicles of Narnia series, believed that a book worth reading only in childhood was not a book worth reading at all; many people of all ages will want to see this movie. This is a wonderful outreach opportunity, because most of the important parts of Christianity have been recast into an exciting, new fantasy world; and yet the truth of the gospel is not hard to see.

1. The first thing to do is target a few people that you know who may be interested in seeing the movie, and begin praying for them regularly. Pray that they would see the movie and see “the story within the story”.

2. Invite your target person(s) to see the movie with you, or buy some tickets for them. Plan on going to an early showing so that you can go out to eat afterwards and talk about the movie and its meaning (see discussion starters).

3. Go see the movie with your Cell Group and meet at a home afterwards to discuss the movie (see discussion starters). You can use it as a cell group outreach to get others interested in your group.

Discussion Starters

1. Have you ever read the book The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe? What did you think of this story then?
2. C.S. Lewis wrote about 30 other books. Did watching the movie make you want to read some his other works?
3. C.S. Lewis was a deeply committed Christian. Did you see any scenes that might parallel Christian themes?
4. What universal themes can everyone enjoy? What are the deeper themes that are worth thinking about?
5. What is your favorite part of the story?
6. What differences are there between the Lion and the Witch? What kinds of power do they have? How do they exercise their power? How do they treat others? What are their goals?
7. What do you think is the most courageous act shown in this movie? Why?
8. In what ways was the professor an unusual grownup? What do you think of his “logic”?]
9. Which of the children do you most identify with?

Lucy: The adventurer who discovered Narnia.

Edmund: Independent betrayer, addicted to Turkish Delight.

Susan: Courageous big sister who struggled with belief in Narnia.

Peter: Brave warrior who fought against the White Which.

10. Why do you think Edmund lies about having been in Narnia? How does lying affect him?
11. How does Edmund justify his choice to leave the others at the beaver’s dam and go to the Witch? Why do you think people make up reasons in their minds to excuse doing something they know is wrong?
12. Edmund’s life is a compelling picture of someone on a spiritual Journey. I can identify with parts of his experience. Can you?
13. This movie contains a powerful symbol of a cosmic battle between good and evil. Did you notice any differences in the tools each side used to support its cause?
14. What do you feel is special about Aslan? Why do you like him?
15. At the end of one the last episodes of this series the children are sad because they have to leave Aslan to return to our world. But Aslan says that he is in our world with a different name and that they should learn to know him here by that name. Who do you think Aslan is in our world? (Hint: arrived at the same time as Father Christmas, son of the great emperor, died in someone else’s place & came back to life.)
16. Throughout the story there is a paradox about Aslan, which the beavers especially talk about. They say he is good and terrible; good but not safe. How is that possible? What do you think C.S. Lewis is trying to say about God?
17. How did the stone table scene affect you?
18. Since Aslan has so much power why do you think he chose not to resist when they bound and shaved him?
19. At the end the professor tells the children not to try to go back through the wardrobe, because you can’t get into Narnia the same way twice. What do you think C.S. Lewis is trying to say about our experience with God?
20. What do you think the overall message of this story is?