I've been quiet long enough. We're looking at the wrong Beauty and the Beast facts!
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Disclaimer: I have not seen the full preview of the 2017 Disney film. This post is written to parents of the Christian Faith. It is not my intention to pick a fight, but to ask you to consider what you are willing to fight about. If this article motivates you to go fact-finding, or to be more discerning in your choices for your family, then it has served it's purpose. You are welcome to join in this discussion on our Facebook page.
Beauty and the Beast Facts
Friends, the whole Beauty and the Beast story starts with
- two selfish people
- an unsupervised kid opening the door to a stranger
- a sorcerer
- and a curse…
Why do I think those things are ok for my children to see while seeing “that” lifestyle will ruin them? Is selfishness and sorcery ok?
So many of us seem to be acting like”it's Thursday, I'll choose to overlook A and fuss about B today.” Tomorrow will be another story? I can't do that when I've been given a sovereign standard of good and evil and a Holy Spirit to guide my decisions.
Every story has good qualities and bad. I, you, we, must all use discernment when making choices for our families. Choices must be made based on the standards of Scripture, as well as gratuitousness, explicitness, and moral tone of the objectionable elements of the materials, and the maturity (physical, mental, emotional and spiritual) of our children.
It's a fallen world. We live in it. Yet if we have been redeemed, adopted, made new in Christ, we are not of it. We live surrounded by hidden and visible evils on every side. We must be discerning and choose righteousness as much as possible at every decision.
Should I Watch Beauty and the Beast?
You have to answer that for yourself. I am neither advocating for nor against the new Disney live action film. However, I do suggest that you also read the linked resources below before you make a final decision. The movie comes out in theaters March 17th, and is rated PG.
If you choose to watch the movie, use it and it's characters as a teaching tool, but please don't lose friends and potential influence with people because you're angry over a story you didn't write and can't control.
If you choose not to watch it, use your explanation to your children as a teaching tool as well and enjoy the old cartoon version instead. There are teaching moments in that one as well.
Ultimately, you are responsible before the Lord for you and your children, not everyone else's.
Is there a Better Option?
There IS another story that matters MUCH more and also contains themes of love, a curse, sacrifice, misunderstanding, transformation, and a happily ever after. That's the STORY we should be sharing. We didn't write it either, but are all invited to play a part.
That's the happily ever after I want for all the Beautys, for the Beasts, and for the Le Fous.
Want to discuss? Keep it kind and join us on our Facebook Page: Paradise Praises
Thank you, Katie, for getting to the most basic of facts. All the bickering lately has saddened my soul, and I have felt we’ve all been missing a deeper conversation. Thank you for speaking up and starting that conversation.
You’re welcome Linda. Thanks for your comment.
While I haven’t seen the new version yet, the themes from the original version that stood out with my family were:
That a girl could be smart and pretty and brave and strong. She didn’t need the prince to rescue her.
Friendship and love goes deeper than looks, it goes to attitude and values.
People can change, especially when shown kindness.
The handsome popular guy isn’t always the good one, and the “beastly” mean guy isn’t necessarily the bad one.
Reading is important!
Great themes!
Thank you for writing this.
You’re welcome Phyllis. Thanks for commenting.
Wonderful insight!
Thanks Dawnita
Great thoughts, Katie!
Thanks Liza