Christian Themes in Nancy Drew

Many are surprised to find out that Christian values are present in so many locations: books, stories, present day morals, and movies. You would expect this is Christian fiction, such as “The Chronicles of Narnia,” and movies based on Biblical stories, such “Evan Almighty,” but would you really expect it in a movie like “Nancy Drew”? It’s there.

Nancy has an earthly father who wants her to give up “sleuthing.” However, she continues to “sleuth” even once he tells her to stop. He wants her to become a more normal teenager. She tries to fit in, but it does not go so well and she cannot keep away from investigating the murder of a famous movie star. She discovers that should not give in to peer pressure and persecution, but should stay true to who she is. In the process, Nancy learns to put the needs of others above herself and to keep persevering no matter what. She follows her heart and tries to do the right thing, but also uses her mind to make sure she makes the right choices.

These lessons are very similar to the Biblical lessons we find in “Evan Almighty.”

1. Nancy has a purpose in life. She tries something different for a while, listening to the suggestions of her earthly father, but finds she cannot keep away from her true calling. Throughout it all she endures persecution, but pushes through to the end of the race. Like Nancy, we all have a purpose in life. We may stray from that purpose for a while, but God always gets His way. When we are persecuted, we can find shelter in God’s sovereignty.

Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:6)

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. (Psalm 139:13)

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4)

2. Nancy follows her heart and uses her mind. The Bible promotes using both the heart and mind. In our heart we must follow God in faith and believe what we profess. We must also become sober-minded and use our minds to meditate on God’s word.

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. (Romans 12:2-3)

Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours? (1 Kings 3:8-9)

My heart says of you, "Seek his face!" Your face, LORD, I will seek. (Psalm 27:8)
Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Selah. (Psalm 62:8)

I expand more on these themes in my review on “Evan Almighty.”


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