The Family Reading Hour: A Review of Peter Pan
My family recently took an over the road trip that covered seven states. Previous to our departure, we paid a visit to the library to arm ourselves with audio books to while away the hours. One of our choices was the classic, unabridged version of Peter Pan. After reflecting on this story, I wished I would have read it before sharing it with my family. That prompted me to want to share my review of this novel with you, based on the following areas: Biblical Accuracy/Worldview, Family Friendliness, Educational Merit and Enjoyment Quality.
Brief Book Description:
The three Darling children are visited one night by an unusual visitor: a cocky boy who can fly, lives on an island with pirates and Indians, and most of all never, ever wants to grow up. While on the shores of Neverland, Peter Pan and the Darlings engage in many adventures and learn the value of family. Written by playwright, J.M. Barrie in 1911.
Biblical Accuracy/Worldview
Like most literature of this era, Peter Pan has a humanistic viewpoint. God, Jesus Christ, and the Gospel are wholly absent, leaving the reader with a distinct impression that life lived without the Creator is good. While there are no open attacks against the authority of Scripture, parents will want to be aware this story will do nothing to encourage their children’s faith, unless they have a strong Biblical worldview.
The story contains magic, similar to The Chronicles of Narnia. Again, parents will want to be sure their children are grounded in the Biblical understanding of magic if they choose to spend any time in Peter Pan’s world.
Family Friendliness
It took about ten minutes for me to see why Peter Pan has been such an enduring classic. The tone is very lighthearted, giving a bright and often humorous twist on family life, specifically the parent-child relationship. The story is told mostly from a child’s perspective, balancing the simple trust and selfish love that children have toward their parents. Likewise, Mr. and Mrs. Darling appear imperfect; yet tender and unconditional in their love for their children.
The arena of language brings the score down though, as there is some profanity throughout the book. God’s name is never taken in vain.
Educational Merit
Written in the early 20th century, Peter Pan is a great way to familiarize children with the beautiful English style of writing and storytelling that belonged to an era when writing was an art form. Peter Pan holds all the stars that cause classics to delight multiple generations, including a lively story-line, endearing characters, and dialogue seasoned with wit and depth. All qualities not found in many children’s stories today.
Enjoyment Quality
Excluding the above objections that many Christians find difficult to swallow; rightly so, Peter Pan would be a delightful family read aloud. The characters are endearing, the story simple enough for children to appreciate, yet intriguing enough to entertain adults. However, if one were to introduce Peter Pan to their child for the educational merit, I would strongly encourage you to do so after he/she is firmly rooted in a Biblical worldview.
As an aside, a future J.M. Barrie would be splendid, as long as he crafts his stories in Godliness as well as wit and style.
Kenzi Knapp is a follower of Christ, homeschool graduate and student of history. A fourth generation Missourian she enjoys writing about daily life enrolled in Gods great course of faith and His story throughout the ages at her blog, Honey Rock Hills.
