Paddington in Peru Christian Review: 5 Steps to Using the Film as an Easy Guide for Family Devotionals

Category: Christian Media & Content

Hey there, friends! Layne here. If you’ve been following our journey here at Layne McDonald, you know that we are all about finding "Digital Tabernacles" in a world that often feels like a digital desert. We want to move away from mindless scrolling and toward intentional, Gospel-centered media consumption.

Today, we’re diving into a film that has captured the hearts of families worldwide: Paddington in Peru. While many see a simple story about a bear in a blue coat, as Christian parents and mentors, we have a unique opportunity to see something deeper. We can use this film not just as ninety minutes of entertainment, but as a springboard for spiritual growth.

In this post, I’m going to give you a full Christian review of the film and a practical, 5-step guide to turning your movie night into a family devotional that sticks.

The Review: A Journey of Faith, Family, and Marmalade

Paddington in Peru follows our favorite bear as he returns to his homeland to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy at the Home for Retired Bears. However, upon arriving, he discovers she has vanished on a mysterious quest. Alongside the Brown family, Paddington embarks on an adventure through the Amazon rainforest and up the mountain peaks of Peru.

From a faith perspective, this film is a breath of fresh air. In an era where family movies often lean into cynicism or "edgy" humor, Paddington remains steadfastly kind, polite, and full of grace. The film introduces us to the Reverend Mother (played by Olivia Colman), a guitar-playing nun who runs the retirement home. While played for some comedic effect, her character highlights themes of stewardship, calling, and the redemptive power of service.

One of the most striking elements for Christian viewers is the presence of the St. Christopher medallion. For those familiar with church history, St. Christopher is traditionally known as the patron saint of travelers. In the film, this symbol represents divine protection and the idea that we are never truly walking alone, even in the deepest "jungles" of life.

Christian Safety Rating: 5/5 Stars

As a "Digital Tabernacle" steward, I take safety ratings seriously. We want to ensure that what we put before our children's eyes aligns with our values.

• Violence/Gore: 1/5. Very mild slapstick adventure peril. No blood, no realistic violence.

• Profanity: 0/5. Paddington is the epitome of polite speech.

• Nudity/Sexual Content: 0/5. Completely clean.

• Spiritual Sensitivity: High. Positive portrayal of religious figures (the Reverend Mother) and themes of prayer, protection, and faith.

Content Warning: There are some moments of "peril" involving storms and jungle traps that might be slightly intense for very young toddlers, but for most children, it’s standard adventure fare.

If you’re looking for a way to filter even the smallest concerns in other films like the upcoming Minecraft Movie or Superman 2025, I highly recommend using services like VidAngel or Enjoy Movies Your Way to customize your viewing experience.

5 Steps to Using Paddington in Peru for Family Devotionals

The fifteen minutes after a movie ends are the most fertile ground for discipleship. Don’t let the credits roll and everyone just scatter to their phones. Instead, use these five steps to bridge the gap between the screen and the Scripture.

Step 1: The "Three Question" Opener

Before diving into deep theology, start with simple observation. Use the "Three Question Method" to get the gears turning:

1. What was Paddington’s biggest challenge, and how did he treat people while facing it?

2. Which character showed the most "fruit of the spirit" (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness)?

3. Was there a moment where a character had to trust something they couldn't see?

This helps children move from being passive consumers to active discerners. It teaches them that every story has a worldview.

Step 2: Identify the "God Moments"

In Paddington in Peru, the "God moments" are everywhere if you look for them. Discuss the symbolism of the St. Christopher medallion. Ask your kids: "Who is the one who truly protects us when we travel?"

Talk about the Reverend Mother. Even when things looked dire, she remained focused on her mission and her community. This is a great time to explain that being a Christian doesn’t mean we don't have adventures or challenges; it means we have a Guide through them. You can find more ideas on launching your own faith-based media discussions on my creativity blog post.

Step 3: The Scripture Pairing

Every good devotional needs a solid Biblical foundation. For Paddington in Peru, the clear winner is Hebrews 13:2: "Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it."

Paddington himself was once a stranger in London, and in this film, he continues to treat everyone: from the Reverend Mother to the grumpy boat captain: with radical hospitality. Discuss how we can show "Paddington-style" kindness to the "strangers" in our own lives (the new kid at school, the neighbor who lives alone, etc.).

Step 4: The Prayer Pivot

Turn the themes of the movie into a conversation with God. In the film, prayer and belief are treated with respect.

Lead your family in a short prayer focusing on:

• Protection: Thanking God for being our "St. Christopher," the one who watches over our going out and our coming in (Psalm 121:8).

• Guidance: Asking God to help us find our "Aunt Lucy": the people in our lives who need to be found, loved, or brought back into the fold.

Step 5: The "Paddington Act" (Service)

Discipleship isn't just about what we know; it's about what we do. End your devotional with a "Takeaway Action."

Maybe your family can bake some "hospitality treats" (marmalade sandwiches optional!) for a local nursing home or a neighbor. Paddington’s goal is always to leave a place better than he found it. How can your family do the same this week in your city? This aligns perfectly with our mission of outward city outreach and loving like Jesus.

Takeaway / Next Step

The goal of watching Paddington in Peru shouldn't just be to "kill time." It’s an opportunity to practice media discernment. By following these five steps, you are teaching your children that God is present in all areas of life: even in a movie theater.

Your Next Step: Schedule your family movie night this weekend. Use the questions in Step 1 immediately after the movie, and pick one "Paddington Act" of service to complete by next Sunday.

If you’re looking for more ways to grow your family’s faith or want to explore how to balance family time with ministry, check out our about page to see how we’re helping leaders navigate these waters.

---

I hope this guide helps you turn a simple movie night into a lasting spiritual memory. We are called to be in the world but not of it, and that includes the media we consume. Let’s steward these stories for the glory of God!

visiting helps raise funds for families who lost children at no cost.

reach out to me on the site.

Stay Connected:

• Explore more resources: www.laynemcdonald.com

• Join our community: boundlessonlinechurch.org

• Need prayers? Text us day or night at 1-901-213-7341.