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5 Christian Books That Deserve Their Own Movie

  • Ryan Duncan Crosswalk.com blogspot for ChristianMovieReviews.com and Ryan Duncan, Crosswalk.com Entertainment and Culture editor
  • Updated Apr 15, 2015

There’s no denying that when done right, Christian fiction can be very, very good. C.S. Lewis still enchants readers to this day with The Chronicles of Narnia, and you’ll be hard pressed to find anyone who doesn’t love Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. In fact, both series’ went on to become major motion pictures. It kind of makes you wonder what other Christian books could make for great potential films. Here a just five we’d love to see in theaters someday,

 

A Wrinkle in Time – Madeleine L’Engle

C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien get all the credit for Christian fiction, but Madeleine L’Engle’s Time quintet could give them both a run for their money. The first book, A Wrinkle in Time, revolves around a young girl named Meg Murry whose father, a government scientist, has gone missing. When Meg is approached by three mysterious women named Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which, she realizes she must set out on a journey to save her father from a terrible power. Whimsical and beautiful, A Wrinkle in Time would be an excellent film for the holidays.
 

The Wise Woman – George MacDonald

I think it’s safe to say George MacDonald’s thoughtful fairytale doesn’t fit your classic Disney mold. Instead of starring a talented, empowered princess, the royal Rosamund is spoiled, selfish, and a terror to everyone she meets. That is, until the Wise Woman spirits her away to a magical cabin, and begins to instruct her in the ways of grace and kindness. If paired with the right animators, this elegant story could become an amazing film. One that would appeal to audiences of all ages.
 

Father Brown – G.K. Chesterton

Hollywood has given Sherlock Holmes plenty of star treatment over the years, but he’s not the only detective with a nose for mystery. Father Brown, one of G.K. Chesterton’s greatest creations, is an unassuming priest with a keen understanding of the human soul. His sharp eye and calm demeanor have caught many a foe, but it’s his heart for God that really sets him apart as a character. You see, Brown doesn’t just try to right wrongs, he tries to save souls as well. Frankly, the biggest mystery is why he hasn’t gotten a movie already.
 

Vinegar Boy – Alberta Hawse 

This humble book is much more than it appears. Set in the days leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion, it tells the story of a young boy in search of a miracle. Abandoned by his parents and shunned from society, the boy knows he will never be adopted so long as the ugly birthmark scars his cheek. It’s said the man of God can heal anything, but can the boy reach him in time? Small but powerful, Vinegar Boy could give viewers a new and moving perspective on the story of Christ.
 

The Pilgrim’s Progress – John Bunyan

Allegorical films are a bit tricky, but The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan is worth the risk. The story features characters who are the literal embodiment of spiritual forces (faith, hope, envy, hate), and a protagonist whose lifelong trials manifest into physical places. Given the everyman nature of the hero, it also leaves a film open to a number of creative opportunities. It’s a stunning metaphor for the Christian journey, and with the right director at the helm, Bunyan’s famous novel could receive the epic treatment its due.

*Published 3/26/2015