Greetings!
I took a week off last week. To be honest, I wanted time to focus on other things, instead of the common communication of politics and current social issues.
Being in a new year, I would like to commit DHD to having content that does not reflect typical commentary of what everybody else is discussing. I’m sure I will touch on some current events, but I’m ready to break away from those saturated talking points. And don’t fear, I’m sure I will mention the Thunder once in a while.
I recently joined the streaming crowd and got Disney+. This has been a treat for me. Like many my age, I grew up watching the Disney movies, both animated and live, that came out of the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s and even ones older than that.
I didn’t realize how much enjoyment Karen and I would have, watching movies like The Apple Dumpling Gang. We laughed so hard watching Tim Conway and Don Knotts steal a ladder from the firehouse.
These movies are pure, wholesome fun—a much better alternative than many movies that come out today, even ones intended for families.
With that said, and since I’ve written a much longer intro than usual, I’m going to share six Disney movies that share a definite Christian reference.
- ‘Jungle Book’
I love the songs in Jungle Book. I can sing all the lyrics to “I Wanna Be Like You.” Why Jungle Book makes this list, though, is the quoting of John 15:13, “Greater love has no man than this that he lay down his life for his friends.” It’s a rather somber scene when it is mentioned, but it’s powerful to hear God’s Word recited by a panther.
- ‘Davy Crockett’
Fess Parker was a lovable actor. He represented strength and honor, when he portrayed the historic figure Davy Crockett. I recently watched Davy Crockett King of the Wild Frontier and loved reminiscing the times I watched this movie in my childhood. I confess, it’s hard to get the theme song out of your brain after watching this movie.
There’s a scene where Davy fights a Creek Indian Chief named Red Stick. Davy wins the matchup and spares Red Stick’s life. When Davy is asked why he let Red Stick live, he responded with one of the Ten Commandments, “Thou shalt not kill.”
- ‘Small One’
I can’t watch this movie any more. I get too attached and emotional toward the small donkey that is aging and deemed to be no longer useful for his owner. I’m tearing up right now, thinking about it. I do the same thing when I think of the scene in Dumbo when the flying elephant goes to meet his mother when she is locked up.
If you are unfamiliar with Small One, you should check it out. The ending may be obvious, given that the movie takes place in biblical times, but it’s still powerful.
- ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’
The oldest full-length animated Disney movie makes the list because of the scene that shows Snow White praying to God, asking Him to bless her newfound friends.
There are other animated short films that came out around the time of Snow White’s debut that have good moral messages. They wouldn’t be directly biblical, but they do offer wholesome entertainment that encourage viewers to work hard, treat others right and understand the difference between good and evil.
- ‘Robin Hood’
This is one of my all-time favorite Disney animated films. I love all the songs, and Roger Miller’s performance is so good and creative, as he plays the balladeer, the Rooster.
Why it makes the list is due to the influence of Friar Tuck, who represents the Christian faith in the movie. He tries to encourage the villagers, while they are locked up, by ringing the church bells. And his little helpers the mice are supportive too, playing the organ and giving their last coin as an offering to the church.
- ‘Pollyanna’
I conclude with what I believe to be the best live action Disney movie. Pollyanna, played by Hayley Mills, is a young missionary kid whose parents died overseas, and she comes to live with her wealthy and powerful Aunt Polly.
This little girl inspires a whole town of negative people who are fearful of Polly Harrington. Pollyanna shares much encouragement and even points out there are 800 happy texts in the Bible.
If you have Disney+ and have children, I encourage you to have them watch Pollyanna some time.
Let me know if you know of any other Disney movies that have Christian themes.
