A Wrinkle in Time

The 2018 film adaptation of 'A Wrinkle in Time' presents a narrative steeped in themes that resonate with certain biblical values, yet significantly diverges from the explicit Christian allegory of Madeleine L'Engle's original novel. Core messages promoting unconditional love, forgiveness, courage, perseverance, and the battle between light and darkness align positively with Christian principles. Meg's ultimate victory, driven by her tenacious love for her brother, echoes the biblical truth that 'perfect love casts out fear' (1 John 4:18). The film also emphasizes strong family values, portraying a caring, though broken, family unit whose reunion is a central motivation. Characters are generally rewarded for virtue, with Meg's journey highlighting the importance of embracing one's unique identity and inherent worth, which can be seen as reflecting Psalm 139:14's declaration of being 'fearfully and wonderfully made'. Moral accountability is evident in the clear distinction between the forces of good and the insidious influence of 'The It,' which seeks to promote conformity and fear. However, a crucial point for Christian parents is the film's deliberate omission of the novel's overt Christian references, including direct biblical quotations and the explicit mention of Jesus Christ as a 'warrior of light.' Screenwriter Jennifer Lee indicated this was to foster a more inclusive and universal message, replacing specific Christian figures with a broader list of historical and spiritual icons like Buddha, Rumi, Nelson Mandela, and Maya Angelou. This shift results in a worldview that, while acknowledging a transcendent battle between good and evil, often leans towards a New Age perspective, emphasizing self-belief and the power of one's own internal energy or 'being one with the universe' as the primary source of salvation and transformation. While themes of sacrifice and redemption are present in Meg's willingness to risk herself for her family and the restoration of familial relationships, the ultimate source of strength for overcoming evil is frequently attributed to individual resolve and love, rather than explicit reliance on a divine Higher Power as understood in traditional Christian theology. Consequently, while 'A Wrinkle in Time' offers many commendable moral lessons and positive family dynamics, Christian parents should be aware of its departure from its source material's Christian underpinnings. The film's representation of faith is generalized and inclusive of various spiritual paths, rather than respectful of specific Christian doctrine, and largely avoids explicit Christian depiction. This presents an opportunity for discussion with children about where true strength and ultimate hope originate, contrasting the film's emphasis on self-empowerment with the Christian understanding of God's sovereignty and grace.