The Lion King

Biblical Parallels in The Lion King

William J Garrett
Christianity and Film
Dr David A King
February, 2009

Walt Disney and his brother Roy, made it a firm policy that their animated films were designed to appeal to a mass market. In order not to offend any group, Disney did his best to keep religion and God out of his enterprises.1 Those who have inherited the Disney legacy are tying to live by the same motif, albeit with a more humanistic, politically nuanced and multi-cultural prospective.2
Mark Pinsky, a writer on religious content from the Orlando area, researched the Disney organization thoroughly and concluded that there is a Disney Gospel and it should be called “Secular ‘Toonism”.   Pinsky notes that, “while religion was never at the center of Disney’s animated features; faith was often the unseen framework”. Disney does have “… a consistent set of moral and human values in these movies, largely based on Western, Judeo-Christian faith and principles … Good is always rewarded; evil is always punished. Faith is an essential element – faith in yourself, and even more, faith in something greater than yourself, some higher power”.3   The supreme force in the Disney world order is not God but often providential magic. The characters must reach deep into themselves for strength but once they do that, they are aided by a more eminent power. This is certainly evident in The Lion King.   While Simba is living the good life in Hakuna Matata, he is confronted by his future mate, Nala who challenges him to return to the Pride Land. As Simba struggles with his decision, he reaches a low point in his life crying out to the stars in heaven (where his father Mufasa told him he would be).   Simba laments that he has been deserted by all, most especially Mufasa.   Than, just like magic, Rafika appears and literally knocks some sense into him and sets Simba on the correct path towards greatness.   Simba still has numerous challenges to overcome, but essentially he plays... [continues]

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