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When I was a little girl, I dreamed of one day being Cinderella. I would sit riveted in front of the TV as I watched my favorite Disney princess experience her happily ever after. Castles and fairytales, glass slippers and princes took up my five-year-old brain space and I was lost in the innocence and wonder of it all.
The power fairytales have upon young minds is nearly as strong as the power of the Enchantress to cast a spell upon the prince in Beauty and the Beast. But sadly, Disney knows the impression media has upon children and innocence and wonder are words that no longer describe the formerly family friendly company.
The Not-So-Secret Agenda
Videos were recently released in which Disney corporate leaders discuss how the “not-at-all-secret gay agenda” is inserted into children’s programming. Many families are now boycotting Disney after they announced the removal of all gendered language at their theme parks. Apparently “Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls” isn’t inclusive enough to be considered politically correct.
While many seem shocked and dismayed at this turn of events, the subtle (or not-so-subtle) signs have been present for years. The last thing we should be is surprised. It started out as minor characters portrayed as gay and progressed to entire storylines revolving around LGBTQ+ topics. The agenda has been making its way onto our screens for decades.
The famous 1987 strategy paper, “The Overhauling of Straight America” wrote, “The first order of business is desensitization of the American public concerning gays and gay rights. The visual media, film and television, are plainly the most powerful image-makers in Western civilization. . . . So far, gay Hollywood has provided our best covert weapon in the battle to desensitize the mainstream.”
But remember, this was written in the 1980s. It’s only increased in the 30 plus years since. And Disney is more than happy to play its part in indoctrinating the next generation. Disney employees have been quoted as saying that the company “has totally gone off the rails. From critical race theory to gender ideology, executives are pushing extreme left-wing activism in every facet of the company, from erasing the words ‘boys’ and ‘girls’ from its theme parks to tracking ‘canonical trans characters’ in its children’s programs.”
While the agenda isn’t new, it is becoming more overt and Disney is simply one player on this cultural stage. Everywhere we turn, we see evidence of a society attempting to rewrite the definition of marriage and disregard one of the most basic of human realities—male and female. Our society seeks autonomy over truth and preference over fact and the biological realities that define us all are now swept under the rug as options to pick and choose at will.
Here we see one of the greatest signs of a society in rebellion against God—a society where women desire to be the same as men, where true manhood is considered toxic, and where society says there’s no difference between the two. Share on XHere we see one of the greatest signs of a society in rebellion against God—a society where women desire to be the same as men, where true manhood is considered toxic, and where society says there’s no difference between the two.
How Should A Christian Respond?
So how should a Christian respond to Disney’s agenda and the larger LGBTQ+ movement?
While there are numerous actions we can take such as boycotting businesses that promote unbiblical ideas and choosing our entertainment with care, what I want to focus on here is simple—yet perhaps more difficult for its simplicity.
We need to tell God’s story as it was meant to be told—through both our words and our lives.
I’ve heard it said Christians are not called to change culture as much as they are called to be a culture. The world will always do what the world has always done—rebel against God. Culture will always be sin-ridden and broken because we live in a fallen world. If it’s our goal to turn this earth into a utopia, we will be sorely disappointed. Instead, we have a greater calling: to be salt and light in a dark and hurting world. (Matthew 5:13-16)
Unfortunately, many Christians are so deeply entrenched in the ways of the world that the cultures of their homes and churches look much the same as everyone else’s. Instead of being “blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation,” (Philippians 2:15) we absorb the ideas and mindsets around us and suddenly, we’re not changing culture, but culture is changing us.
Regardless of Disney, Hollywood, and the agendas around us, God’s story is still true and His plan is still good. Share on XThe good news is that regardless of Disney, Hollywood, and the agendas around us, God’s story is still true and His plan is still good. And it’s the responsibility of us, His people, to show the goodness of that plan to the world around us as we daily live it out. As I say in my book Stand Up, Stand Strong regarding the topic of gender: “In a culture that calls gender fluid, we can live with clarity. In a world that denies the differences between men and women, we can take a countercultural stance and embrace the beauty of God’s design for gender. Both men and women hold equal value to God. Our differences don’t add or detract from our worth but affirm our value in God’s sight. It’s good to be a man. It’s good to be a woman. It’s good to embrace the God-given gender we were born with. It’s good because God called it good and because the unique and intricate differences between men and women are a part of His stunning design for humanity.”
Refuse to bow to the agenda. Be wise and discerning about what you allow to fill your home and mind. Don’t brush off subtle ideas as no big deal, but recognize them and counteract them with truth. Seek to be a culture that proclaims God’s truth and daily lives it out. While we may not be able to turn back the clock and bring back the “good ol’ days” many remember, we can always make the choice to live by the timeless truths of the Word of God.
Because neither the Enchantress nor Disney itself has the power to cast its spell and turn the beauty of God’s design into the beast society has created.
For more, check out Stand Up, Stand Strong: A Call to Bold Faith in a Confused Culture.
Trade confusion for clarity…and live boldly for God in a world gone crazy
How do I navigate LGBT+ issues as a Christian?
How can I know who I am in such a “be yourself” world?
How should I think about things like Critical Race Theory? Abortion? Transgenderism? Media?
How can I apply biblical truth to the hot-button issues of today and remain faithful to God…even in an anti-Christian world?
Stand Up, Stand Strong tackles all these questions and more. With powerful examples from Scripture and stories from teens today and through the centuries, Sara Barratt, Editor-in-Chief of theRebelution.com, equips teens to live with a biblical worldview, approach today’s hot-button issues with godly wisdom, and influence their generation for the glory of God. Tackling tough topics like sexuality, addiction, injustice, identity, media, and much more, Sara offers practical ways to stay rooted in God’s truth while engaging culture with the redemptive story of the gospel—no matter the cost.
Because, after all, if we live according to the gospel, we’re going to make waves. The way of Christ is countercultural. It doesn’t go with the flow, compromise on truth, or stay silent in the face of injustice….so neither can we.
It’s time to stand up, stand strong, and live with bold faith in a confused culture.
I know theReb is only doing their best to spread truth, but I’m worried that articles like this will only contribute to actions and attitudes that increase suicide rates among LGBT people. I love Jesus but I also don’t want to see His children feeling irredeemable because of who they experience attraction to.
Please consider the possibility that your own Biblical interpretations could be culturally-informed and biased and that the issue of homosexuality is not this clear-cut and deserves to at least be considered in a more thoughtful and nuanced way: https://www.hrc.org/resources/what-does-the-bible-say-about-homosexuality
I know you will likely see this as an attack on truth and on your faith—I do not wish it to be so. I believe that Jesus is Lord and I’m trying to wrestle with these issues in a way that honors Him and the inherent dignity found in everyone, including gay people.
Sara, I so appreciate this article! It is so necessary for believers to be aware of the agendas that have infiltrated our society. It should cause us immense grief that our society is actively rebelling against God and His standards that are found in the Word of God. Current gender ideology not only places us at the center, but it also undermines God’s perfect design for marriage and gender that is meant to portray the gospel and represent Christ and His church. This is such a needed article on such a hot topic. Thank you so much, Sara, for writing this!
Aww, thank you, Kyla! That means so much to me coming from you! I absolutely agree on everything you said! Thank YOU for being such a bold voice for truth!
Hi, Julia, Thank you so much for reading this and for your comment! I so appreciate your attitude of grace and humility. That’s really rare to see in conversations about this and I appreciate seeing that in this comment! I also am grateful for your concern over the wellbeing of the LGBT community. I agree with you that those who are LGBT have inherent dignity. According to God’s Word, we are all made in the image of God–the imago Dei and that gives every human life value. If my article made someone feel condemned or irredeemable, that would break my heart as it wasn’t my intention whatsoever. This article was meant much more as a commentary on the agenda of society and not a nuanced look at the experience of someone who is LGBT. For that, I encourage you to check out the chapters in my new book Stand Up, Stand Strong. I go much deeper into what I believe there. I do believe that Scripture is very clear on the matter and that it is not a cultural bias to say that passages such as Romans 1 or 1 Corinthians 6 clearly show that homosexuality is a sin in God’s eyes and a distortion of His plan for sexuality. While I have no desire to cause distress to any member of the LGBT community be saying that, my primary goal is to be faithful to God’s Word.
I so wish we could have a more nuanced conversation about this! Unfortunately, comments are a hard place to do that! Haha. But again, thank you so much for taking the time to share and thank you for your gracious demeanor in your comment. God bless!
Thanks for writing this. I am just so disappointed in Disney right now. This is not what Walt wanted, but the company no longer cares. I have to be honest, just five months ago I was so angry about what LGBT+ was doing to our country. I was asking God to show me a way to stop the insanity which was plaguing our society. But you showed me that we can’t drastically change the world around us like superheroes on TV. That’s not what God has planned. Not yet. God has just really humbled me over these past few months, and I want to thank you for publishing this article. Let’s face it: humility isn’t my base attribute. I’m a fighter, ready and raring to go, even when God has to literally tie me to a chair and try to calm me down. But I thank God for brave, humble women like you who aren’t afraid to whack people over the head with the Bible! (I mean, it is the Sword, right?) Thanks so much!
Aww, Sierra! You’re so welcome. I’m so thankful it was encouraging to you. That’s such a blessing to me. May God give you wisdom and grace to faithfully serve and follow Him even in the midst of this crazy world. <3
Hi, this is Owen, Sierra’s younger brother. I was wondering if, since Disney’s starting to tumble of the cliff, should I keep watching it? I mean, I love most of the movies. But, should I keep watching it, because the more I watch on Disney+ and the more I buy their movies, it seems like I’m supporting them. So could you give me any advice?
Hey, Owen! Thanks so much for your comment! GREAT question. And it’s kind of a tough one to answer. Because is watching all Disney an outright, black and white sin? No, I wouldn’t say so. Is it always edifying? Nope. Will it help you grow in holiness? Probably not. But it would be a legalistic approach for me to say, “All Christians need to ban Disney.” “All things are lawful, but not all things are helpful,” as Paul would say. But because of Disney’s agenda and because we, as Christians, should not support or participate in evil, I strongly encourage you and others to consider discontinuing supporting them. By subscribing to Disney+ and buying their movies, that does, in a way, show approval for their message and values. But I want you to think it through for yourself. So ask yourself some questions. Questions like: “Is my conscience bothered by Disney? Is watching Disney pulling me away from God? How is it influencing me? Can I support Disney with a clear conscience?” I think answering those questions will help give you clarity moving forward. 🙂
Thank you Sara for that brilliant answer. It will be hard to quit Disney but, HEY, good thing my friends and I are reading Do Hard Things together.
You are so welcome! And you bet! That is definitely a very hard thing! And I’m proud of you and cheering you on!
Thank you for writing this article. What the Disney company had done made me very upset. Not only did I like Disney and Pixar growing up, but Disney movies were my go-to for family-friendly stuff. So the fact that Disney decided to cater to the LGBTQ+ people instead of their real target audience (families), made me angry. I stopped renewing Disney plus because of that. This is not what Walt (the man) would want. In his days, he didn’t cater to the Nazi sympathesizers, the Communists, the hippies, or people who did critical race theory. He hated politics and made his movies to be escapism for families who wanted to get away from the horrible things they see or hear in the news, for a while. The fact that Disney decided to put in their LGBTQ agenda into thier future movies, ruined Walt’s purpose. While I have no plans on seeing any of the future Disney and Pixar films (Encanto was Disney’s last good film and Toy Story 4 was Pixar’s last good film), my question is should I watch the old ones (from Snow White to Encanto)? I know the old ones had other stuff that is not biblically correct (like Follow Your Dreams), at least they weren’t “woke.” They didn’t really have LGBTQ+ agenda (or even subtle ones) in it.
Would you be able to explain what you meant by ‘a society where women desire to be the same as men’ ? I don’t really understand what you were saying there.