Are there really hidden Christian messages in Disney films?
Crosswalk's Entertainment and Culture editor Ryan Duncan for one seems to think that five Disney movies have just that. In an article, Duncan cited Snow White, The Lion King, Tangled, Cinderella, and The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
Duncan said that the first animated Disney feature, which is Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, is the only Disney movie to feature a Christian princess. It was released back in 1937 and showed Snow White praying with her hands clasped and her head bowed, asking God to bless the seven little dwarves who have opened up their hearts and home for her.
"It's a short, but nonetheless poignant display of faith that you won't find in most modern films," he said.
As for The Lion King, Duncan compared it to the Biblical story of The Prodigal Son. He said that Simba is very similar to the prodigal son in the beginning of the movie, since he ignored his responsibilities and cared more about having fun. And while it was the prodigal son's decision to leave his family and squander his wealth, Simba was forced to leave his home and learn the hard way his duties and responsibilities.
Duncan said that the animated film "captures the stark emotion of a father waiting for his wayward son to come home."
Meanwhile, he considers Tangled which stars Rapunzel as a Gospel allegory. "Rapunzel represents humanity, who has grown comfortable in her prison but can't ignore the light that shines in the darkness. The devil is signified by the witch, who tries to convince Rapunzel to forget the lights and stay locked away in her tower," he said.
Rapunzel's parents can be compared to God, who relentlessly shine their light in hopes of bringing their lost child back home.
The next film Duncan tackled was Cinderella, who best represents God's grace. A lot of people have slammed Cinderella as a pushover, and many do not believe she deserves a happy ending because of her meek personality. But the writer said that this is actually the whole point of God's grace - that it goes to the people who don't deserve. Duncan said that we do not deserve the sacrifice of Jesus Christ but still gave it to us.
Lastly, he said that the message of God is more prominent in The Hunchback of Notre Dame. "Christian imagery is everywhere in this film. The movie opens with the main villain trying to kill the protagonist as a baby, only to be stopped by a Church deacon who invokes the true power of the Holy Spirit," he said.
Even the female lead Esmeralda sings a song that reminds audiences what prayer truly looks like.
Meanwhile, Collin Garbarino, assistant professor of history at Houston Baptist University told The Guardian that Frozen might be Disney's most Christian movie yet, and Princess Anna is a Christ-like figure since she never gave up on her sister Queen Elsa.
The professor said that children need to realize that sometime the act of love has to come from the person who has been wronged, just like Jesus Christ. Even though mankind has turned its back on Him, He still gave up His life to wash away the world's sins.
