Musings from Disney World
Posted by theologyandsteak on October 12, 2007
Ok, my family and I just returned from a Disney World vacation in Orlando, Florida. It was warm, and we had a great time with all of the attractions, rides, and shows. Disney World certainly knows how to entertain a family. Yes it was expensive, but I as the ultimate tightwad didn’t seem to mind. The kids were loving it, and we as parents even had a great time.
But there was one thing that seemed to bother me, and that was the constant barrage of magic and supernatural. Now, magic has been a part of Disney since day 1, and if you watch Fantasia, you will see how magic was a big part of that (among other things). This is not meant to be a Disney bashing, nor am I advocating we boycott Disney or anything like that. What I would like to do is open a dialogue for intelligent discussion and reflection on the Biblical passages against magic, divination, and witchcraft, and contrast that with what is going on with Disney in the past and at present.
Some Biblical passages include the following: Leviticus 19:31, Leviticus 20:6, Deuteronomy 18:9-14, Galatians 5:20, Micah 5:12, 2 Kings 21:6, and 2 Chronicles 33:6, and Luke 16:26-28.
Basically the Bible prohibits the use of magic, divination, communication (or attempted communication) with the dead, and sorcery. Disney, however, promotes these things, glorifies these things, and makes them seem normal to some extent. Raven is a girl that can see short visions of the future. Twitches and Twitches Two is a set of twins that are teen witches. Wizards of Waverly Place is about wizards and witches in training. In the Lion King Simba sees his dead dad in the sky, and he seems to talk with Simba. Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, and Cinderella are all based on magic, divination, and necromancy.
So how do Christians relate with Disney? You can’t turn on TV or go see a movie or even go to a store without interacting with something Disney. So how do Christians interact with Disney? I guess the question before the question would be, are the Biblical prohibitions against sorcery and magic still applicable to Christians today? I would submit yes, they are, given the fact that there are both Old Testament and New Testament scriptures that prohibit or describe prohibitions on these things. So what do we as Christians do with Disney, Raven, and even Pirates of the Caribbean? I remember when Harry Potter came out, and there was a fundamentalist Christian opposition, the world didn’t spare any ammunition against the prudish and fuddy-duddy Christians. Even some Christians attacked other Christians for their strict fundamental views. So how do we engage in an unemotional, intellectual, and level-headed discussion about this issue?
I think we as Christians need to engage in this discussion. Maybe we don’t participate in magic and divination, but what about watching it? What about reading about it as entertainment? Does this type of entertainment affect the way our kids think about the world? And if our kids are constantly engaged in a diet of unbiblical yet “harmless” entertainment, who then hold their minds? God, or the world? Disney, or the Bible? If we are serious about the Bible, and serious about God, then we need to answer these questions.
Kristin said
We have long steered clear of Disney – until in recent years they changed their tune and began eliminating the magic element from the films they support (Nemo, Toy Story, Cars etc.) Some believe this in response to their retail stores losing profit due to the boycott. I had a hard time even allowing our children to watch these newer/non-magical movies b/c I knew Disney was the powerhouse behind them. But then I was reminded that we can’t expect sinners to do anything else except sin and if they start to change their ways to move closer to righteousness then we should support that. Ok, but aren’t we supposed to stay away from even the appearance of evil? (I Thess. 5:22) I would think that would mean a boycott (non-violent/non-vocal) or something like it. But, we should focus on what we ARE supporting instead of what we are boycotting?
This is the same discussion as “Should Christians participate in Halloween?” I think not. And lots of other Believers feel that way as well. So why have churches embraced this holiday? Today’s Fall Festivals look every bit like the original Druid celebration of wearing costumes, telling fortunes and sacrificing to the dead only with a few prizes and pieces of candy thrown in for good measure. If God calls us to be in this world but not of it, He’ll have a hard time finding His bride on Oct. 31.
This is the constant struggle I have. How Now Shall I Live in this society and balance my faith with cultural customs? Lock my doors on Halloween? Boycott every movie that has magic in it? Unplug my television? (Doesn’t sound to crazy to me anymore.)
Phil 4:7-9 says, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
What is the Lord’s definition of purity? I don’t think observing witches cast spells, or spirits giving dreams, or wizards fighting evil is what He means by pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy.
beaconlight said
Hey T-Bone,
I thought things were a little too quiet around here last week. I went to Disney World two summers ago. My brother works there so It ended up being a fairly cheap vacation!
My overall observation after three days of fun and festivities was this:
If Disney World is the happiest place on earth why did I see so few people smiling? I saw exhaustion, frustration and intemperance much of the time. In fact some woman just about took a swing at my wife because she accidentally bumped into her foot with a stroller! Good times…
This article stirs up a lot of thoughts and concerns for me personally, I will comment on those a little later.
God Bless
Brandon L.
Laz said
When we visited Walt Disney World for our honeymoon, the wife and I both sensed (while we were there) that something wasn’t right about the whole place.
It seemed spiritually oppressive, other times I’ve felt this is when visiting relatives in Mexico who are steeped in the worship of Mary.
After our trip there, we will think long and hard about taking our child there.
One thing I will not forget is an attraction in Animal Kingdom where Flik the Ant informed us that “millions and millions of years of evolution” have produced insects of all types that are able to adapt to any environment.
There is something spiritual going on at Walt Disney World, just not sure it’s the type of spirit we want to be messing with.
Stephanie said
My step mother likes to make comments about my kids and nieces as she says “Devil worshiping” when we let them participate in Halloween activities such as trick or treat or Halloween parties. I don’t feel my kids are worshiping the devil by participating in these activities and the Harvest party that our church had at my step-mothers house was no different than the Halloween party, my family attended at a Christian home. NO one is particpating in witch craft or devil worshiping or anything of that nature.
How is Halloween different from Disney? Disney promotes witchcraft, wizadry etc. The sword and the stone etc.. These are recent disney movies not old ones. It is called the “magical Kingdom”. I am not against Disney or Haloween if you aren’t participating in devil worshiping.
I just really don’t understand why she has the right to judge me (judge not least ye be judged) when she is allowing her foster kids to go to Disney world?
Help me to understand in Christ.
irishvicar said
It is interesting that I found your site when I did. Recently I’ve had discussions with several Christian friends from a Bible study. It really is interesting to me how hotly debated Disney is between Christians. I agree that the magical aspects of Disney are overwhelming at times, and I do have difficulties with them. However, I’m probably more upset that Disney has such a monopoly on the children’s entertainment world than by my kids thinking magic is anti-God. We teach our kids its all fake anyway so I don’t think they “believe” anything about Disney.
As for the entertainment value of the magical aspects of Disney, it is difficult for me to be anti magical when we have two of the greatest Christian authors, C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, who use magic and extrawordly creatures to tell the story of Christ. Again, I think this is where Disney seperates itself from Lewis and Tolkien because I don’t think the premise behind the authors was to make stacks of cash; rather to allegorically tell the story of Christ. I am interested to see if you reply; seeing how this post is a year after the original I doubt you will.
theologyandsteak said
Hi Irishvicar;
Fantasy and magic are differnt things. Fantasy literature such as Narnia and Lord of the Rings are great pieces of literature. Much of Disney’s stuff is great entertainment. My point was the issues with sorcery, communication with the dead, and the portraying of dark magic as good or light. One must be discerning and differentiate. LOTR is grreat as it teaches a distinct line between good and evil. Witches of Waverly Place makes divination, sorcery, witchcraft, and other things prohibited in the Bible out to be good, something kids should like or want to do, as cool. There is a difference between what Christians can see as entertainment and what should be prohibited.
wdw4christians said
I’m launching a blog on this very thing today. I was doing a google search on “Disney World for Christians” today, just to see what is out there, and came across your post. It confirms what I suspect might be some of the issues and controversies that could come to my door. I appreciate your musings. Some times it seems like “in the world but not of it” would be easier if it was a bit more specific. Of course, then we’d try to figure out how far is too far and might skip over the whole seeking God in the walk through this life.
christina said
wow, all of these comments have been helpful! i’m a college student and have the opportunity to work at Disney World in their college program. I am a Christian and try to make every decision based on God’s will. This opportunity could greatly help my career- i am studying hospitality (hotel mgt.), but my fiance doesn’t think that i should be a part of the program. He has discussed the issue w/his christian friends and they are against Disney due to their support of the homosexual community. They do not financially support Disney for this reason. I completely understand where they’re coming from- homosexuality is clearly wrong according to God.
I explained to my fiance that I would not be there to financially support Disney, rather Disney would be paying me to be a Godly witness to other Disney employees. And for any negative support that Disney provides, they also do a lot of good through financial and volunteer support of honorable charities. I know that my strong faith in a strong God will keep me safe from any worldly influence at Disney. But reading everyone’s opinions about the magical aspects of the company raise new questions for me.
Growing up, I was allowed to watch Disney movies and programs, and I have been to Disney World multiple times. There are some positive messages to be learned from Disney, such as the use of imagination, reach for your dreams, be the best that you can be, etc. Despite this involvement with Disney’s negative “message”, I have never believed that magical and evil worship are true and spiritually correct ways to live. I always have and always will stand strong in my faith in God and live according to His word. My parents allowed my brother and I to enjoy the fun and imagination of Disney, but made the effort afterward to always teach us THE Truth and God’s teachings against evil. This is what Christian parents should do, not just about Disney, but on a daily basis about every subject possible.
So I suppose I still have mixed feelings. I think that Christians can still be Christians in a Disney world, but how much exposure to such evils can our spirits handle? And, even if we’re not exposed to it by Disney, we will have to face such issues elsewhere. So I guess my question is: do i stay at home in my small town w/little career advancement opportunity, or do i go to Disney and do my best to show them the love and truth of God? Hopefully someone has some Godly guidance that they’re willing to share; in the meantime I will definitely be praying for God’s calling in this situation. Thanks to everyone for your thoughts on Disney!