Disney’s Hidden Secrets: 12 Disney Movies You Never Knew Had Christian Messages

Step into the enchanting world of Disney, where magic and stories come together to create timeless classics. While the magic of Disney is universally celebrated, there’s a hidden layer with profound Christian messages waiting to be discovered. In this exploration, we uncover the spiritual meanings in 12 Disney movies that might have slipped under the radar.

Whether it’s princess tales or animated adventures, Disney’s hidden gospel invites you to see these beloved stories in a new light. It’s not just about the animation. It’s about the messages that echo timeless biblical themes. So, get ready to uncover the unexpected Christian stories woven into the heart of Disney’s most beloved films.

1. “The Sword In The Stone” Mentions the Church and Heaven

“The Sword in the Stone” is often overlooked by Disney fans. It’s a collection of loosely connected stories and doesn’t make many “Top 10” lists. However, a significant moment happens near the end.

In the beginning, the legendary sword in the stone was considered to be a miracle but was forgotten over time. Later, a young Arthur finds the sword in a churchyard, showing where true authority lies. When he pulls the sword from the stone, it’s called “a miracle ordained by heaven,” carrying a powerful Christian message.

2. “The Jungle Book” Quotes Scripture

The classic Disney movie “The Jungle Book” shows a big fight between the villainous Shere Khan and the lovable Baloo. After the fight, the animals gather to mourn Baloo, who they think is dead. That’s when Bagheera, the panther, surprises everyone.

Bagheera takes Mowgli, who is crying, aside and gently tells him there’s no greater love than someone who sacrifices their life for their friends. Some viewers might not know that Bagheera is actually quoting a verse from the Bible, specifically John 15:13.

3. “The Lion King” Symbolizes The Prodigal Son

“The Lion King” is often compared to “Hamlet,” but it could also be seen as resembling the story of the Prodigal Son. Like the younger son in the parable from the Bible, Simba enjoys a life of privilege and avoids responsibility. He’s focused on the day when he won’t have to listen to anyone. After a series of events takes him away from home, Simba chooses to live a carefree “Hakuna Matata” (foolish) lifestyle.

While the prodigal son eats pigs’ food, Simba dines on grubs. Eventually, both of them realize they need to return home and face the consequences of their actions. Although the reunion between Simba and his father differs from the Bible story in Luke 15, it still captures the intense emotions of a father waiting for his wayward son to return.

4. “The Small One” Represents The Story of Jesus

Admittedly, “The Small One” is a bit different. It’s not a full-length movie but a short animated film based on a book by Charles Tazewell. It’s about a young boy who has to sell his beloved old donkey. At the market, he’s about to sell it to a tanner, but a kind man comes along and offers to buy the donkey.

The man needs a gentle donkey to carry his pregnant wife to Bethlehem, and as they leave, a bright star appears in the sky. “The Small One” may not be well-known, but it’s a touching story that can touch the hearts of both Christian adults and children.

5. Friar Tuck in “Robin Hood” Represents Dedication to Christ

In the world of “Robin Hood,” Friar Tuck is an unsung hero. He represents truth, justice, and support, helping to mend relationships and stand up against injustice. Disney’s version of Friar Tuck serves as a role model for Christians.

His impact on the story is so significant that his potential loss inspires Robin and others to fight for their home, showing how a dedicated follower of Christ can change the course of a kingdom. Also, a friar is a member of any of certain religious orders of men, so his presence in the movie is a hint towards Christianity.

6. “Cinderella” Symbolizes God Transforming Our Lives

Cinderella is often considered at the bottom of the list when it comes to strong female characters. For a long time, she’s been criticized for appearing passive, letting others control her, and not taking action to help herself. Some people wonder why she deserves a happy ending. After all, shouldn’t happy endings be reserved for those who earn them? Well, that’s not what Jesus taught.

The Bible essentially tells a story of God’s grace, and the central idea of grace is that it’s given even when it’s not earned. Jesus used parables to show that his grace wasn’t based on good deeds. Just like Cinderella, humanity didn’t deserve the blessings they received. We might find it hard to believe when the fairy godmother transforms Cinderella, but the truth is that Christ does something very similar for us.

7. Lilo in “Lilo & Stitch” Prays to God For a Friend

“Lilo & Stitch” is an underrated Disney movie that brings a fresh perspective with its introduction of Lilo, a unique Hawaiian girl. She’s socially awkward and lonely, leading her to ask God for help.

Lilo prays for a friend, perhaps even an angel, who won’t run away. In an interesting twist, the movie immediately shows Stitch, the mischievous alien Lilo later adopts, thinking he’s a dog. Stitch eventually plays a crucial role in saving Lilo and reuniting her family, making you wonder if the Lord may have answered her prayer in a mysterious way.

8. “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” Has Many Mentions of Christianity

Upon closer examination, it would be wrong to say that the Christian message in “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” is hidden. Christian symbolism is abundant in the film. The story begins with the main villain trying to kill the protagonist as a baby but being stopped by a Church deacon who calls upon the Holy Spirit’s true power.

Later in the film, the heroine sings a song where she communicates with God, offering an authentic portrayal of prayer. Even the villain grapples with faith, mistakenly believing his religious devotion makes him a better Christian.

9. “Tangled” Symbolizes The Gospel of Christ

In Disney’s “Tangled,” the story begins with Rapunzel, who is initially a princess but is later kidnapped by an evil witch and confined to a distant tower, far from her parents. To help find their missing daughter, the king and queen release lanterns every year, hoping they will guide her back home.

Rapunzel represents humanity, who has become accustomed to their confinement but can’t ignore the light that shines in the darkness. The evil witch symbolizes the devil, who tries to persuade Rapunzel to forsake the light and remain imprisoned. Finally, God is reflected in the parents, who persistently shine their light with the hope of bringing their lost child back home.

10. “Snow White” Is a Devout Christian

Disney’s very first animated movie, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” has stood the test of time. While it may not be as consistent or empowering as more recent films like “Frozen,” it stands out because it’s the only Disney movie featuring a princess who openly practices Christianity.

Some might remember a moment in the middle of the story where Snow White is shown praying. She’s depicted with her head lowered and her hands clasped, asking God to bless the seven dwarfs who have been so kind to her. Although this scene is short, it is a significant display of faith that you don’t often see in modern movies.

11. Sleeping Beauty Mentions The Resurrection

Sleeping Beauty tells the story of King Stefan and Queen Leah, who, after years of longing for a child, have Princess Aurora. The biblical similarity to Abraham and Sarah’s story is apparent in Aurora’s birth, protected by three fairies.

Despite Maleficent’s curse aligning with the biblical concept of death losing its sting (1 Cor. 15:55), Aurora surrenders to a sleep of death on her sixteenth birthday, reflecting the theme of temptation and the fall. The fairies cast a kingdom-wide sleep, similar to the “Bosom of Abraham,” where those asleep await the Messiah (Luke 16:19-31). Prince Philip, symbolizing Christ, overcomes thorns, slays the dragon, and resurrects Aurora, symbolizing Christ’s triumph over death and union with the Church.

12. Moana References Baptism and Moses

While Moana introduces themes that don’t align with Christian beliefs, it surprisingly echoes biblical teachings, particularly illustrating salvation through baptism. Moana, a Polynesian princess, experiences a form of baptism as a child when the ocean opens for her, similar to God’s approval of Jesus after his baptism.

Breaking free from a restrictive island society, Moana embarks on a quest to restore a goddess’s heart. The scene where Moana raises a stone, parting the sea and saving her people, mirrors Moses parting the Red Sea. In this story, Moana represents baptism in action and through symbolic representations, representing freedom from captivity and echoing Jesus’ command to baptize all nations.

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