And Our Family’s Response
In light of the recent events coming out of Disney, and in response to numerous questions and inquiries about how we feel and how we are proceeding in the future, we felt led to share with our friends and Disney community, some thoughts about what should Christians do about Disney and how our family is responding.
If you are unaware of what is going on, I would suggest you read this blog post entitled Disney’s Woke Agenda and the Culture War on Christians. After reading, most of what I am talking about will make more sense to you.
What is Disney’s Agenda?
First, it is no secret that an agenda has been brewing at Disney for some time. From the theme parks to Disney movies, a liberal, anti-Christian faith agenda is full steam ahead. From the early days of planning a Disney park, Walt Disney wanted a safe environment that families could enjoy together. He centered much of what he created around classic fairy tales and sprinkled in his iconic characters such as Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck.
However, that was long ago. Now the Walt Disney Company has decided to go down a path that not every Christian will feel called to follow. The important thing is to move in faith. This is how every Christian should proceed – in careful prayer and guidance from Holy Spirit. Not every Christian will respond in the same manner. While some may be called to boycott, others will be called to immerse themselves in a ministry that serves the Disney community.
As Christian parents try to navigate the world that we now live in, our main responsibility is to raise up children that love and serve God. The young children God has entrusted to us have to live in this world, but we need to raise them to be focused on the Kingdom of God. For some Christian families, particularly those with very young children, we need to protect their ears, eyes, minds, and hearts. You may feel called to total abstinence from all things Disney – Disney films, Disney characters, Disney theme parks. However, other families may feel called in a different direction.
Our Christian Family’s Response to Disney
We have viewed the work that we do surrounding Disney as a ministry. Furthermore, we try to help families of special needs children specifically autistic children navigate the world. We encourage homeschooling families to teach their children in a way that is honoring and pleasing to God. Additionally, we try to offer some light in a world that is increasingly becoming dark.
It is our desire to help as many people come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Furthermore, we want to encourage others in their quest to serve God. Knowing that there are many Christians that work at Walt Disney World and the Disney companies, and many of these employees (or cast members) are left feeling isolated and alone, and we strive to be a light and presence.
Our family feels a call to continue ministering to people who watch the children’s movies and shows produced by Disney, and who work, live, and visit what has been deemed the happiest place on earth.
Sometimes some of the saddest people are in a search for happiness. Many of those people are attracted to the joy that is found at Walt Disney World which is a magical place filled with wonder. Pursuing relationships with those lost and hurting is our goal.
Following God’s Path
Many Biblical prophets and disciples were called to go into places that people didn’t understand. We sit under the teachings of great Biblical leaders that know our hearts and we seek their input regarding our associations and ministry.
In God’s word in the Old Testament book of Genesis, it tells the story of Lot and his wife. They settle in Sodom and Gomorrah. While Lot and his wife were in the midst of Sodom and Gomorrah they did not stay connected to God. In fact, Lot’s wife was so entrenched in the world that she looked back to see what she was leaving behind.
Abraham bargains with God to spare Sodom and Gomorrah. “Then Abraham approached him and said: “Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked? What if there are fifty righteous people in the city?”…The Lord said, “If I find fifty righteous people in the city of Sodom, I will spare the whole place for their sake.”
Abraham continues to bargain with God and lowers the number. Finally, Abraham asks the Lord to save the city for 10 righteous people. God responds, “For the sake of ten, I will not destroy it.”
God agreed to spare Sodom and Gomorrah if 10 righteous people could be found. We know many righteous people that work and live within the Disney empire.
We Serve God and His Kingdom
As Christians, God is the Lord of our lives. We know who rules over the entire Kingdom. Ironically, at Magic Kingdom, there is a tour called Keys to the Kingdom which takes you behind the scenes of the Magic Kingdom. There you learn the secrets of Walt Disney and Walt Disney World. However, those keys are earthly.
Do you know who holds the Keys to the real Kingdom? Hint: It is not Disney. In Matthew 16, Jesus gives Peter the Keys to the Kingdom. “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” (16:19).
Jesus gave Christians the authority and power to use those keys and preach salvation to the world.
How You Can Partner With Us:
First, and foremost, pray for our family as we work out God’s will for our lives.
Next, when a new movie is released, read movie reviews to see if this is content that you and your children want in your homes.
Pray for the Christians that work for Disney and their subsidiaries. Do you know a Disney cast member that would like prayer or a safe place to share? We can help them find a ministry, especially for Disney cast members.
Pray for the lost who truly believe they are following their path to making the world a better place.
Share our pages and posts to inform others and to help spread Christian values.
Before visiting Walt Disney World, ask God to show you people or a person to minister to.
While in Disney, walk with the knowledge that wherever your feet roam, you are an agent of change.
Follow us on our social channels to partner with us for encouragement and additional ways to support furthering God’s kingdom throughout the lands.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why are people boycotting Disney?
For more information about Disney’s Woke Agenda, read here!
Additionally, there have been boycotts off and on for years. For instance, the Southern Baptist Convention and the American Family Associated (AFA) had an 8-year boycott of Disney that began in 1996 over what they deemed to be a gay agenda at that time.
Haven’t there been issues with Disney movies in the past?
Yes. With The Lion King, there was an issue with the clouds in the sky spelling S-E-X, and the VHS cover of The Little Mermaid had a phallic symbol embedded in the castle. However, in both cases, these were the works of individual artists.
In March 2017, the live-action Beauty and the Beast had a brief scene at the end with two male characters dancing with one dressed in women’s clothing. It was short and had a comedic element to it.
Should Christians Cancel Disney+?
Pray and seek God’s wisdom regarding any boycott or canceling of Disney+. Each family needs to follow God’s will for their lives. Does your family still have Netflix or another streaming service? Often times we target one company and give a pass to another. While our family canceled Netflix, we still currently have Amazon Prime and Disney Plus. We will keep Disney+ for reviewing movies and shows.
Are there other Family Friendly Streaming Services?
Pureflix is a Christian-based streaming service and the Daily Wire is launching DW kids. If you know other streaming services that are family-based, drop me a line.
Was there any Disney content with Christian themes?
Yes. Walt Disney’s first animated movie, Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs depicted Snow White praying. Additionally, there have been a few movies that have some Christian themes. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is based on a book written by C.S. Lewis and is a Christian allegory. Then there are other movies with religious themes such as The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
Does Disney sponsor Christian events?
Walt Disney World used to sponsor a Christian music concert entitled Night of Joy. It was canceled in 2018. Walt Disney World continues to offer the Epcot Candlelight Processional which features a celebrity narrator telling the Christmas story.
Does Disney Sponsor Gay Days?
Disneyland and Walt Disney World do not officially sponsor Gay Days. Gay Days Orlando is an annual event for the LGBTQ+ community. Gay Days are generally held at the beginning of June. Participants wear red shirts and visit different theme parks each day.
Reviewing movies for parents from a Christian perspective since 2005. Know Before You Go!
Christian Homeschooling mom – 30 years and counting
Autism Mom & Disney enthusiast
Disney apparently has some opinions and cultural beliefs that My family and I do not adhere to; however, there is also content that does not push this “agenda.” If your family had prayed on this and you are putting God first, and “shining your light for the [Disney]world to see” and glorify God, then continue on your mission.
Saying if she supports Disney with her money she is supporting their sin and is somehow “less Christian” is not only wrong and immoral,
It’s legalistic and non-biblical.
We pay taxes to a government that commits actions we don’t agree with. We donate (and vote) for politicians who we agree with from a policy perspective, but don’t agree with their personal behaviors (I had to come to grips with that as a Trump supporter). So let’s not cause divisions in God’s house. That’s exactly what the enemy wants us to do. Instead, let’s discuss, maybe disagree, and show each other the grace and love Jesus commands of us.
Thank you for your comments. It is never easy to take a stand for God. Criticism comes from outside the church and also from within no matter what we, as Christians, try to do. But even Christ was ridiculed, so we should expect it.
So my issue with this is by consuming disney content and going to disney you are feeding money into them. This supports their agenda. I feel like this feels like a justification to still give disney money. I’ve been struggling with this alot because I enjoy disney, but it’s becoming more clear each day they we shouldn’t support them. The only way disney will change is if they start losing money. I’m debating on canceling my trip next year even though that means we will lose some money. It’s kind of like target. We stopped going to target after them promoting and supporting a Satanist. This would be like me saying oh I’ll still do all my shopping there because some christians may work there. This isn’t like going to a third world country and teaching the gospel, or going door to door to inform and teach. You’re financially supporting a company that is doing things not in line with the Bible. And by giving them money you’re saying I support you.
When you go to a third world country, most the time you are financially supporting that country and businesses that are not in line with the Bible. How is that any different than going to Disney and reaching out to the employees there? I do feel that this is a decision each person has to make for themselves. We are prayerfully considering our trips. We are also watching where and how we are spending money
It is not Christian to sit in judgement of others. It is just shameful.
By telling me it is shameful, isn’t that judging?
My bigger issue is disney promoting anything to children. It was great when Disney was a company that entertained and just based on the fact that it was Disney you felt safe that your children could watch because you knew they didn’t have an agenda. An agenda? Most of the groups , in history, that had an agenda where not good. By having this agenda disney is stating I know better what to teach your children then you do. So, with Disney it lost that trust and it lost its name that was associated with safe for children. Just based on this if I had young children I would avoid at all cost any disney charecters and nip innthe bud any desire for anything Disney. They will be quite well without Mickey. As for myself I would watch Disney and go to Disney world but if I had young children and one of their friends mentioned Mickey my child would be like Who? Who is Mickey?
Beware of the angel that comes like an angel of light who is the deceiver. instead of going and supporting this company which is definitely going down the wrong path take the money you would spend and use it for God’s Kingdom. Make believe is just that. There is so much more your children could do to further Jesus kingdom. We have no clue when we will be called to judgement. May our Lord direct you on the right path. People starving to death could care less about entertainment.
Agreed,
She is making excuses for going to an evil company that care nothing for your children. You can put a pig in a dress and that doesn’t change it from being a pig. Walt Disney was a Free Mason and Disneyland screams that in its architecture and polices. They are perverted towards children, shame on people who claim to be Christians but support the darkness.
Disney is NOT evil!! You’re evil!!
Well Walt Disney was a member of DeMolay’s, which is an international fraternal organization sponsored by the Freemasons for young men ages 12 to 21. Most DeMolay members do go on to join Freemasonry later in life, but Walt Disney did not.
He is often cited as being a Freemason, especially a 33rd degree Freemason, however there is no credible proof of that, nor could I find his name in any of the official listings.
Thank you for your insight. As far as religious or other organizations, it is hard to find much about Disney. I think he was deeply connected to his family and worked to make a family experience for others.
People criticized Jesus for dining with sinners. But Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice. For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
God calls us all to walk different paths. While you may not agree with the path we have been called to be on, please understand our desire to serve God and love others looks different than what God has called you to, and please pray for our family because our path is not easy and is full of people judging our hearts.
I feel like the difference here is that Jesus dinning with sinners was to tell the they were wrong and needed to repent. He didn’t give the them money to support their agenda and then go have a great time in their temples and hope to contect with a person or two while there.
If you are using this context as your reasoning than your trip should be full of going to nonbelievers and telling them they need to repent and turn from their ways.
It’s clear you see the conviction here but you’re trying to justify not following your convictions of not supporting disney. And ultimately you will have to come to terms with that.
Thank You so very much. I was worried as a christian myself who is a huge fan of Disney, I was kind’ve aware that Disney is going into a different path and makes me think my family has to force me to give up on Disney, but after reading this, I don’t feel ashamed anymore. I can always continue to be a Disney fan and always be a believer of God. God bless you.
Patty,
Your words of wisdom and encouragement come to me in a time of need. I have been wondering and worrying what my future with Disney will look like. I have always chose to only focus on how Disney makes us feel and the happiness, memories, great food and fun attractions. However, I often have doubts and guilt I may not be doing the right thing by supporting a company who is so clearly going down a different path than what I believe. Thank you for reminding us that doing the right thing looks differently and that we still can be a positive light.