Biblical Perspective on Disney World as a Christian
Biblical Perspective on Disney World as a Christian
The Bible does not directly address visiting places like Disney World, but it provides principles for Christians to navigate their engagement with the world. According to the early Christian writer Tertullian, "To sum up all in one word--what the soul is in the body, that are Christians in the world. The soul dwells in the body, yet is not of the body; and Christians dwell in the world, yet are not of the world" [4]. This perspective suggests that Christians can be present in secular environments without being defined by them.
Christians are called to be faithful and to hold fast to their confidence and hope in Christ [1]. This involves being mindful of their surroundings and ensuring that their actions and attitudes reflect their faith. The apostle Paul encourages believers to examine themselves and to consider whether they are truly Christ's, implying a need for self-reflection and accountability in all aspects of life, including leisure activities [2].
The Bible teaches that Christians should focus on things that are true, noble, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8, not cited but a relevant biblical principle). In the context of visiting Disney World, this means that Christians can enjoy the entertainment and family-friendly aspects while being discerning about the cultural and moral messages they encounter.
Reformed theologian John Calvin notes that God's presence and power are evident in the world, and believers can appreciate the beauty and order of creation [5]. Disney World, with its elaborate displays and attractions, can be seen as a reflection of human creativity, which is itself a gift from God. However, Calvin also warns against being infatuated with worldly desires and losing sight of spiritual priorities [6].
Ultimately, a Christian's visit to Disney World should be guided by their faith and values. By being aware of their surroundings and maintaining their focus on Christ, believers can navigate such environments in a way that honors their faith. As the author of Hebrews encourages, Christians should "look to Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith" [3], even in the midst of secular entertainment.
The patristic tradition reminds Christians that their godliness remains invisible to the world, even as they are present in it [4]. This tension between being in the world and not being of it is a recurring theme in Christian thought, and it is relevant to how Christians approach places like Disney World. By being mindful of their faith and its implications for their actions, Christians can engage with such environments in a thoughtful and principled manner.
Sources
- Hebrews “but Christ is faithful as a Son over his house; whose house we are, if we hold fast our confidence and the glorying of our hope firm to the end. -- Hebrews 3:6”
- 2 Corinthians “Do you look at things only as they appear in front of your face? If anyone trusts in himself that he is Christ’s, let him consider this again with himself, that, even as he is Christ’s, so also we are Christ’s. -- 2 Corinthians 10:7”
- Hebrews “looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. -- Hebrews 12:2”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “ANF Vol 1: Clement, Polycarp, Ignatius, Barnabas, Papias, Justin Martyr, Irenaeus — CHAP. VI.--THE RELATION OF CHRISTIANS TO THE WORLD.: To sum up all in one word--what the soul is in the body, that are Christians in the world. The soul is dispersed through all the members of the body, and Christians are scattered through all the cities of the world. The soul dwells in the body, yet is not of the body; and Christians dwell in the world, yet are not of the world.[7] The invisible soul is guarded by the visible body, and Christians are known indeed to be in the world, but their godliness remains”
- CCEL (Reformed) “John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, section 32: examples. 1. It were cold and lifeless to represent God as a momentary Creator, who completed his work once for all, and then left it. Here, especially, we must dissent from the profane, and maintain that the presence of the divine power is conspicuous, not less in the perpetual condition of the world then in its first creation. For, although even wicked men are forced, by the mere view of the earth and sky, to rise to the Creator, yet faith has a method of its own in assigning the whole praise of creation to God. To this effect is”
- CCEL (Reformed) “John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, section 33: so that they cannot undertake anything soundly or soberly. In this ways he sends Satan to be a lie in the mouths of all the prophets in order to deceive Ahab ( 1 Kings 22:22 ), by the counsel of the young men he so infatuates Rehoboam, that his folly deprives him of his kingdom ( 1 Kings 12:10 , 15 ). Sometimes when he leaves them in possession of intellect, he so fills them with terror and dismays that they can neither will nor plan the execution of what they had 190 designed. Sometimes, too, after permitting them to attempt what ”