The media profoundly shapes culture, values, and beliefs, especially for children, who absorb ideas from movies, television, and music. Among entertainment giants, Disney holds a special place in many families, known for its wholesome, family-friendly reputation. However, beneath the surface of its colorful animations and enchanting stories, many Disney films contain troubling themes of magic, witchcraft, and occult practices. While these elements are often presented as harmless or whimsical, they introduce children to ideas and practices that Scripture warns us to avoid.
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For Christians, this is not a matter of overreaction but a spiritual concern. Magic and witchcraft are consistently condemned in the Bible, and we are called to discern the content we allow into our homes and the messages it conveys to our children. This essay explores the promotion of magic and witchcraft in Disney films, offering ten concrete examples, biblical warnings, and a strong call to action for parents and the Christian community.
What is Magic According to the Bible?
The Bible is unequivocal in its condemnation of magic, sorcery, and witchcraft. These practices involve invoking supernatural powers apart from God and are associated with rebellion, deception, and spiritual harm. In Deuteronomy 18:10-12, God commands His people: “Let no one be found among you who… practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells… Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord.” Such practices are forbidden because they lead people away from dependence on God and toward reliance on powers that oppose Him.
Magic is not a neutral force; it represents rebellion against God’s authority. Leviticus 20:6 further warns: “I will set my face against anyone who turns to mediums and spiritists to prostitute themselves by following them.” Christians are called to reject these practices and protect their children from exposure to them. Yet, Disney films often portray magic as exciting, empowering, or even essential to a character’s identity.
The Four Classical Elements in Occult Traditions
Many occult traditions, including Wicca, alchemy, and certain Eastern philosophies, revolve around the concept of four classical elements: Earth, Water, Air, and Fire. These elements are believed to form the foundation of the physical and spiritual universe, each representing unique qualities. In occult practices, these elements are often personified, manipulated, or invoked in rituals to achieve specific outcomes.
The Four Elements and Their Meanings in Occult Practices
- Earth: Symbolizes stability, grounding, and physicality. Often used in rituals for abundance, fertility, or protection.
- Water: Represents emotions, intuition, and healing. Used in ceremonies for cleansing, renewal, or emotional balance.
- Air: Associated with intellect, communication, and the mind. Invoked in spells related to inspiration, wisdom, or clarity.
- Fire: Denotes transformation, passion, and energy. Central to rituals of destruction, renewal, or empowerment.
These elements often appear in Disney films, subtly introducing children to occult concepts. Below, we examine how these themes manifest across ten movies in chronological order.
Disney’s Persistent Use of Magic and the Elements
Hocus Pocus (1993, 2022 sequel)
In Hocus Pocus, the Sanderson sisters are witches who use spells, potions, and rituals to steal the life force of children. While comedic, the films heavily glorify witchcraft, presenting it as both entertaining and powerful. The sequel continues these themes, showcasing magical books, rituals, and a coven’s strength.
Biblical Concern: Witchcraft is never trivial or humorous in Scripture. Ephesians 5:11 commands: “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.”
Pocahontas (1995)
In Pocahontas, nature is depicted as a living, spiritual force. The character Grandmother Willow, a sentient tree, serves as Pocahontas’ spiritual guide, while the song “Colors of the Wind” glorifies the idea of hearing spirits within mountains and rivers. The film promotes animism and pantheism, attributing divine qualities to creation rather than the Creator.
Biblical Concern: Romans 1:25 warns against worshiping creation rather than the Creator: “They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator.”
The Princess and the Frog (2009)
This film introduces voodoo through the character Dr. Facilier, who practices dark magic by summoning spirits from the “other side.” Ritualistic scenes include chants, spells, and deals with spirits, presenting voodoo as both dangerous and alluring. Facilier’s shadowy spirit world ties directly to occult practices.
Biblical Concern: Isaiah 8:19 warns: “When someone tells you to consult mediums and spiritists… should not a people inquire of their God?” Facilier’s portrayal trivializes the dangers of engaging with demonic forces.
Tangled (2010)
Rapunzel’s hair has magical properties derived from a mystical flower. Mother Gothel uses incantations and rituals to maintain her youth, relying on the flower’s supernatural power.
Biblical Concern: Micah 5:12 warns: “I will destroy your witchcraft, and you will no longer cast spells.” Magic for personal gain and control reflects the manipulation condemned in Scripture.
Brave (2012)
In Brave, Merida turns to a witch to solve her problems, resulting in a spell that transforms her mother into a bear. The film subtly teaches that magic can be a solution to human struggles, though with unintended consequences.
Biblical Concern: Turning to magic rather than God in times of need is rebellion against His authority. Jeremiah 33:3 reminds us: “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”
Frozen (2013)
Elsa’s magical powers over ice and snow are central to the plot. While the film does not explicitly connect her abilities to witchcraft, the song “Let It Go” celebrates unrestrained power and rebellion against accountability, singing, “No right, no wrong, no rules for me. I’m free!”
Biblical Concern: Galatians 5:13 reminds us: “Do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” Elsa’s narrative normalizes the concept of self-reliant power, divorced from moral responsibility.
Moana (2016)
In Moana, the ocean itself is personified and interacts with the protagonist, guiding her journey. The film also features Maui, a demigod, who uses his magical fishhook to shape the world. Polynesian mythology is woven throughout the story, blending spiritual themes with nature worship.
Biblical Concern: Exodus 20:3 commands: “You shall have no other gods before me.” The reverence for demigods and mystical forces encourages idolatry.
Raya and the Last Dragon (2021)
Raya’s journey to restore harmony involves mystical dragons and magical stones. The dragons are depicted as divine beings, capable of controlling elements and bringing salvation. Sisu, the dragon, is revered for her wisdom and power.
Biblical Concern: Revelation 22:8-9 rebukes worship of created beings, reminding believers to “Worship God!” Raya and the Last Dragon promotes reverence for mythical creatures in place of God.
Encanto (2021)
The Madrigal family derives its identity from magical gifts granted by an enchanted candle. Each member uses their abilities to serve their community, but the focus on supernatural gifts subtly diminishes reliance on God.
Biblical Concern: Psalm 139:13-14 emphasizes that our worth and identity come from God, not magical abilities. The film promotes self-reliance over divine dependence.
Elemental (2023)
In Elemental, the classical elements—Earth, Water, Air, and Fire—are personified as residents of a city, each with unique powers and traits. Ember, a fire element, and Wade, a water element, navigate their differences in a story deeply rooted in the concept of elemental harmony. The film romanticizes the idea that the elements themselves possess consciousness and spiritual significance.
Biblical Concern: The personification and glorification of the elements align with occult traditions that use these forces in rituals. By presenting these themes as playful and relatable, Elemental risks introducing children to concepts that conflict with biblical teachings.
Wicked: Part I (2024)
Wicked: Part I tells the story of Elphaba, who becomes the Wicked Witch of the West, and her relationship with Glinda, the Good Witch. The plot delves deeply into Elphaba’s inherent magical abilities and her mastery of sorcery. The portrayal of magic as integral to identity, combined with moral ambiguities surrounding witchcraft, positions this film as another Disney-linked work promoting themes that oppose biblical principles.
Biblical Concern: The Bible consistently condemns the practice of sorcery. Revelation 21:8 warns: “But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile… those who practice magic arts… will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur.”
A Call to Action for Parents and Christians
Christians must take a stand against media that normalizes the occult. By continuing to support Disney through its products, movies, and theme parks, we unintentionally endorse their promotion of ideas that conflict with our faith. Boycotting Disney is a powerful way to demonstrate our disapproval and protect our families from these harmful influences.
- Avoid Disney Products and Productions: Refuse to purchase Disney merchandise, stream their movies, or visit their theme parks.
- Seek Alternative Entertainment: There are numerous options for children and families that do not promote occult themes, such as Christian media companies like Pure Flix or other faith-based films.
- Educate and Discuss: Teach children about the dangers of magic and why it contradicts God’s Word.
- Pray for Wisdom: Ask God for discernment to guide your family’s media choices and for strength to stand firm in your convictions.
Ephesians 5:11 reminds us: “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” Boycotting Disney is not just a symbolic gesture; it is a way to prioritize holiness in our homes and send a message that Christians will not compromise on their values.
A Biblical Call to Holiness
The Bible calls Christians to be set apart from the world. Romans 12:2 exhorts: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Instead of allowing Disney’s portrayal of magic and witchcraft to shape our children’s imaginations, we should fill their hearts and minds with what is pure, noble, and true (Philippians 4:8).
Joshua’s declaration remains a fitting conclusion: “But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). May we take this stand, protecting our families from the subtle dangers of entertainment that glorifies what God condemns.
All Scripture quoted from:
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
