Product Description: A Biblically-based, entertaining and inspirational book that explores Christian values in the early Disney animated features (all those produced during Walt Disney's lifetime, from SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS to THE JUNGLE BOOK) with additional chapters on Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck. Each chapter concludes with a set of provocative questions appropriate for consideration or discussion by all ages. Foreword by legendary Disney animators, Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston. Unique, engrossing and inspirational reading for adults, families, study groups.
DO NOT BE DECEIVED! I have not read this book, I believe this author is using Disney's unchristian work and pulling examples from it to demonstrate christianity, but don't be confused. As far as Disney I cannot comment on the man, but only the actions and ideologies his company puts forth. The Disney Company seems to be deeply rooted in the theme of magic. Disneyland is referred to as the magical kingdom. Many of Disney's films and cartoons include magical representations such as casting of spells, divination, witchcraft and sorcery. A lot of times these representations are presented as "good" which is a lie. There is no such thing as good/white magic, even the Book of Satan testifies that there is not a difference between white and black magic. READ DEUTERONOMY 18:9-14!!! These things are detestable in the sight of God. Can Christians find entertainment or enjoyment in things that God considers an abomination? To the spiritually weak or unbeliever, at the very least these films and parks desensitize you and prepare you to more openly accept things within this realm that you normally would not have. The more you see something the more you get use to it and the less wrong you may find it. Do not be deceived! Another example are Pirates, as in the Pirates of the Caribbean, which in reality are thieves and drunkards, also an abomination in the sight of God, for we know that neither of them have a place in the kingdom of heaven. Are these the things we want to glorify or shine a good light upon? Are we confusing our children or giving them a misrepresentation of right and wrong, good and evil?
Clarification I have not read this book, however, I felt that there needed to be some clarification. I do not know the heart of Mr. Disney, but I do know that he grew up the son of a part-time preacher. His father, a carpenter, was a Christian who would, at times, preach at church. Mr. Disney also used to take his daughters to Sunday school when they were young. And finally, he had Disneyland blessed by both Christian and Jewish ministers on opening day. I am not saying that he was a Christian, though he could have recieved Christ as his Savior when he was younger. But he was open to the Bible and I believe put biblical morality into his works.
The irony is that Disney was not a Christian.... The irony of this book is that the author, and the readers, have completely misinterpreted the intentions of Walt Disney. Disney entertainment was never intended to "promote the ideas of Jesus Christ" it was intended to present an alternative to the Bible as a source of morality.
Disney used pagan imagery and stories to present stories of moral guidance that of course have much in common with stories in the Bible because the they are parables used to teach a moral lesson.
So, I just find it ironic, that Walt Disney, who was not a Christian and who intended to present an alternative to Christian based morality by providing non-Christian moral stories, is being hailed as a promoter of the Gospels. His whole point was to show that Chrisitians don't have a monopoly on morality.
Lessons in Life: The Gospel According to Disney In his letter to the Galatians, St. Paul decreed a particularly ugly fate for males who proclaimed any gospel, other than the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Rev. Anderson need not worry about that punishment. In fact, the title of his book is a bit deceptive: This is not "The Gospel According to Disney," nor is it a theological treatise of any sort. Rather, it is the Gospel of Jesus Christ, as seen in bits and pieces, through the work of Walt Disney, et al. In each of the 20 short chapters, Anderson lays out a sermon illustration, Sunday School or Vacation Bible School lesson, as seen in one of Disney's films or leading characters. The book is amusing, engaging, and restates the unchanging Gospel of Jesus Christ in a fresh way that is easily grasped by a modern audience. If there is any short fall to this valuable little book it is that the book can be a bit short on divine grace, and very long on perfectionism at some points. Ironically, sometimes (despite the title) rather than appealing to the Gospel, Anderson appeals to the Law. ...but a book that includes maxims, morals and ethical teachings is still a valuable text. Especially, when paired with opportunities to view the original films, this book can be a wonderful teaching tool for parents, Sunday School teachers, Vacation Bible School teachers, divinity students and clergy.
A Perfect Parenting Aid! The Gospel According to Disney provides a wonderful, authoritative starting point for parents to teach their children Christian morals and values. In each chapter, Rev. Anderson skillfully points out the parallels between the early Disney animated classic movies and the important lessons of Christianity. Included at the end of each chapter are study questions which nicely serve to stimulate and facilitate family discussions. Using the Disney movies, beloved by all children, Rev. Anderson has provided parents with an easy, relevant means to make important Christian teachings a part of their childrens' everyday lives. Thank you, Mr. Disney, for making the beautiful animated classics, and thank you, Rev. Anderson, for showing us their important religious significance!
Anything Goes Trivia
Megaton Man
Trevor
