Local churches respond to 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe'

Narnia has come to Cape Girardeau.

When the new movie based on C.S. Lewis' "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe" opened in Cape Girardeau Friday night, the Rev. Mike Parry was in line with 280 members of his congregation from Fruitland Community Church.

In the fashion of "The Passion of the Christ," the film has attracted widespread attention from Southeast Missouri area Christians, prompting special sermons, mass viewings and group discussions.

"It's a classic story and has been a favorite of mine for a long time," said Parry.

Parry did a three-week sermon series on the movie and also planned a group discussion for his parishioners.

Similar events have taken place in other area churches.

"Is it possible to find God in a movie theater?" is the question the Rev. Ron Watson is asking in a series of sermons he's preaching at La Croix United Methodist Church.

Watson's sermons discuss movies such as Harry Potter, Star Wars and the Polar Express. This Sunday, he'll discuss the Chronicles of Narnia.

"The Christian message comes through loud and clear," said Watson. "C.S. Lewis wrote it to say, suppose there was a make-believe land and God redeemed that land like he did here."

Watson said he also purchased tickets ahead of time for the opening night of the movie in Cape Girardeau. He remembers reading the book as a child, and also reading it to his own children.

Last week, his church showed a preview of "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" during the service. Watson says the book is a sort of allegory to the life of Jesus Christ.

"Stories help us understand better. That's why Jesus told so many stories," said Watson.

cmiller@semissourian.com

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