‘A Wrinkle In Time’ is a piece of classic Christian children’s literature focused on love (more specifically, the love of God) being the light that pushes back the darkness of this world. A ‘Wrinkle in Time’ explores this theme through a sci-fi narrative, along with the themes of divine providence, and our role as people of the Kingdom in shining God’s love in this world. Though this book is not without controversy (more on that below). It is a tool that can be used to explore the realities of spiritual warfare and the role we as believers play in partnering with the Holy Spirit to usher in the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth.
Which Movie to Watch
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. However I only link to items I really love and think you will too.
A Wrinkle in Time (2018), Ages 8+: You are probably familiar with Disney’s 2018 version of A Wrinkle In Time. It did not do great at the box office. However, regardless, when my 8 year-old watched it, she loved it. I also had a deep appreciation for the racial diversity represented in this film. So for these reasons, I really like it. I know some may be wary of this version, because Ava DuVernay removed the Biblical references in the book from her film adaptation. However, the over-arching theme is one founded in Christianity. This theme cannot be erased: ‘the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it.’ (John 1:5). We, as Christians, understand this light is the love of God. And this love is the light he has given us to shine in this dark world. We are ‘children of light.’ (1 Thessalonians 5:5). This made the 2018 movie a good spring board for discussing with our family who the Light of the world is, and how we can partner with the Holy Spirit in pushing back the darkness.
A Wrinkle in Time (2003), Ages 8+: Few know that Disney actually had a Disney Channel adaptation of A Wrinkle in Time released in 2003. If you’re looking for an adaptation that stays closer to the book, I recommend this one. Alfre Woodard plays Mrs. Whatsit and brings all the whimsey and love of Mrs. Whatsit from the books. I also like that they don’t avoid the idea that Charles Wallace is unable to defeat the darkness, because of his pride. Though he is very special, and intelligent he can’t defeat the darkness, because only love can do that. ‘Love is not proud, it is not rude, it is not self seeking…’ 1 Corinthians 13: 5.
One note that parents should make about this film is at one point Mrs. Who and Mrs. Whatsit are describing the light in the darkness and a reference to Jesus is made:
“Who have our fighters been?” Calvin asked.
“Oh, you must know them, dear,” Mrs. Whatsit said.
Mrs. Who’s spectacles shone out at them triumphantly, “And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.”
“Jesus!” Charles Wallace said. “Why of course, Jesus!”
“Of course!” Mrs. Whatsit said. “Go on, Charles, love. There were others. All your great artists. They’ve been lights for us to see by.”
“Leonardo da Vinci?” Calvin suggested tentatively. “And Michelangelo?”
“And Shakespeare,” Charles Wallace called out, “and Bach! And Pasteur and Madame Curie and Einstein!”
Now Calvin’s voice rang with confidence. “And Schweitzer and Gandhi and Buddha and Beethoven and Rembrandt and St. Francis!”
This is actually a direct quote from the book, and is one of the reasons it was so controversial when first published. For non-Christians, this very reference to Jesus as the Light of the World was offensive. For Christians, they were alarmed at what appears to be Madeleine drawing a universalist theology of Jesus, Buddha, and Ghandi all being the same.
I think listening to Madeleines own thoughts expounded in her book ‘Walking on Water‘ helps shine some clarity on her theology:
to be truly Christian means to see Christ everywhere, to know him as all in all. I don’t mean to water down my Christianity into a vague kind of universalism, with Buddha and Mohammed all being more or less equal to Jesus — not at all! But neither do I want to tell God (or my friends) where he can and cannot be seen!” We human beings far too often tend to codify God, to feel that we know where he is and where he is not, and this arrogance leads to such things as the Spanish Inquisition, the Salem witch burnings, and has the result of further fragmenting an already broken Christendom.
Some may still feel that this piece of literature is not a good fit for their family faith. Each family must discern what will be helpful. I think that, with the context of understanding Madeleine’s own perspective, this passage can present an opportunity to foster conversation with older children and teens about the ways we sometimes put God in a box, and fill us with wonder of how God may be calling to us in the everyday.
Menu
For our Wrinkle In Time Movie Night we ate jelly sandwiches and drank hot chocolate, just like Charles Wallace on that dark and stormy night.
This is a combo my kids often ask for anyway, so it was fun to make it a part of family movie night.
Other options could include space-themed snacks, such as:
Extra Fun
When Disney released their 2018 version of A Wrinkle in Time, they also released coloring and activity pages free to download. Available at Highlights Along the Way:
A Wrinkle in Time Coloring Pages
Rave and Review also has a wonderful round-up of activities:
Baby Devotions 