THE LION KING


The World, the Word & You! Broadcast
Commentary by Dennis L. Finnan

HAVE YOU HEARD OF PROPAGANDA? YOU KNOW WHAT IT IS, DON'T YOU? SURELY SUCH A THING DOESN'T GO ON IN AMERICA? NOT AMONG OUR YOUNGEST CITIZENS, OUR CHILDREN?

I’m Dennis Finnan, host and speaker on the World, the Word & Broadcast and in a moment we’ll talk about a subtle ongoing "propaganda" program geared toward America's children I the hopes of turning them away from the God of our Fathers….

… Everyone is familiar with the Walt Disney film and entertainment company. It is an American staple when it comes to entertaining our children, not to mention their parents who have for decades been enthralled by the many children's stories and films they have produced . However, in the last 25 years, it seems the Walt Disney company has been active in promoting more than good old fashioned family oriented entertainment. They have along with other Hollywood elitists been active in promoting a new world view and philosophy of life under the subtle guise of neutral children's entertainment. It is precisely on this subject I want to examine one of Disney's most recent and popular films ¾ the Lion King! But first let's pause one more time and listen to this wholesome and enjoyable moment of music…

… I opened the broadcast with the warning that a not so subtle invasion of America has begun in the last quarter of the 20th century. An invasion not with guns, nor troops, but with ideals, words, and most of all "propaganda" literature and films to subvert the minds of America's most innocent ¾ our children. Am I a fanatic, unprincipled, fear monger? Not at all, but I do want to give you an example of but one means whereby those who have a political and philosophical agenda are using this "mind-control" technique to gain access to the next generation of America's citizens, our children. How is this being done? Today it is through the arts and entertainment world, and particularly abusive in this area, is the Walt Disney entertainment company that produced the most popular of children's films ¾ THE LION KING!

Now permit me to share with you the gist of the problem you need to be concerned about.

The Lion King as most know today is an animated release from Disney studios geared to capture the minds and hearts of children worldwide. When it was released in the 90's, everyone admits it was a visually captivating, musically appealing film and story to woo the hearts of families worldwide.

And, that it did. The Lion King is an anthropomorphic animal story about Simba, the lion cub, who becomes an orphan after his father Mufasa, who is king of the jungle, is killed by his ruthless lion uncle. Young Simba is brainwashed to believe he is responsible for his father's death and in self-imposed exile, leaves the "pride." The adventures of Simba as he grows up outside of the lion fold is a delightful children's tale. Simba meets new friends (a warthog, a meerkat, and a baboon) who haven't a care in the world. However the subtle propaganda begins when Simba the lion cub is instructed by "Rafiki" the baboon shaman who helps Samba "look within himself," for answers to life and leads him to his destiny to be the rightful king in place of his father, King Mufasa who was assassinated. This Baboon shaman, begins his religious teachings, promoted heavily in the film, which speaks of the eternal state of life and Simba's connectedness with it. Simba is told to look up at the stars, for they are really former kings who have ascended to a higher state of life and now look down on the earth to guide its inhabitants. Simba, who is confused and frightened with life looks up at the stars and cries out for his father, who appears to him in a cloud, and reminds him of his destiny and deity. "Look within yourself," King Mufasa cries out to young Simba, "You are more than what you become." From there Disney works hard to teach the starry eyed children who watch, the greatest religious lessons one can receive in what has become known today as THE NEW AGE MOVEMENT.

Children and unknowing parents who feed films like these to their children for entertainment are unaware of the "propaganda" ministry they are performing in training their children to believe in the false gods of this new world religion. The Lion King is filled with the philosophy, teachings, and promotion of New Age symbolisms and its dangerous philosophy such as Shamanistic ritualism, evolutionary origins, occult manifestations and enlightenment, its pantheistic worldview, and a political agenda promoting a one world religion and government ¾ all reveal that this children's film is more than simple child entertainment.

Now saying all that some of you might say ¾ what an alarmist! But let me tell you, this beautifully done, touching story that has won the hearts of millions of children and parents alike has made inroads into the minds and hearts of impressionable children to turn them away from the "God of our Fathers," to the false and dangerous god of this world…. Let me tell you now about it.

First of all what is the NEW AGE MOVEMENT? To begin , it is a new and growing religious philosophy of life centered on the divinity of man, and full rejection of the God of Christianity and the Bible. The New Age Movement although followed in a variety of differing ways has some basic theology which you should be aware of and watchful for. In simple form the New Age Movement teaches three major errors. First all who embrace the New Age Movement believe that,

1. The God whom they worship and follow is an impersonal, all pervading energy. In simplicity, the god of the New Age Movement is a renewal of the false religion of Pantheism. Pantheism teaches that all is god, and god is all. This means human beings, animals, even the planet and universe itself ¾ all matter is a part of god. Therefore, human beings the highest evolved form of life, is really divinity itself. Simba the Lion cub was taught to realize this in the film and act upon it. Secondly it is believed that,

2. Through mystical experiences, a human being can ascend to higher levels of life and deity through altered states of consciousness. By entering these states, the believer can come into contact with higher ascended beings and masters who are willing to guide the inquirer into new power, and purpose for their lives. Of course this is nothing short of the world of the occult. Now, I realize New Agers will resent being called "occultists," but then that is what they are when they seek to contact the "spirit" world that the Bible forbids. You see Scripture plainly tells us there "is" a spirit world beyond our normal human plane of earthly existence. But this spirit world Scripture says, is not a friendly, father type, nor guide. Rather, it is a fallen world of spirits or demons!

Deu 18:9-12 (NIV) "When you enter the land the LORD your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there. 10 Let no one be found among you …who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, 11 or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. 12 Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD, and because of these detestable practices the LORD your God will drive out those nations before you."

1 Cor 10:20 (NIV) "No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons."

1 Tim 4:1 (NIV) "The Spirit [of God] clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons."

Although Hollywood celebrities by the dozens have embraced the New Age Movement and its teachings, we must be careful not to allow this philosophy of life to be taught in propaganda to our children through the arts and entertainment world. Popular figures such as Shirley MacLaine, Tina Turner, Lisa Bonet, Sharon Gless, Linda Evans, Michael York and many, many others have turned to embrace the beliefs of this new "Eastern Mysticism" and "World of the Occult," that contacts the dead, through channeling, séances, and altered states of consciousness. And indeed theyb do contact spirit beings, but the Bible says they are "DEMONS!" Now a third belief of the New Age Movement is seen in its political agenda. The New Age belief system also promotes,

  1. A movement toward a one-world, religion and government where the environment, and the animal kingdom takes precedence over the needs of mankind.

The New Age Movement has spawned groups like Green Peace, and other radical environmentalists who are rabid when it comes to forcing their views of life on others. For them the entire world is god, and as such it must be worshipped and adored. They come in the name of "peace," but in reality are demon inspired. The bible says,

2 Cor 11:14 (NIV) "And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light."

Today the New Age Movement and its false religious teachings have captured all levels of society! We now find its doctrine and emphasis in education, health, psychology, the arts, business, industry, government, religion, science and now…the world of entertainment! Yes, even the children's film, THE LION CUB, is a masterful work of propaganda to teach the false view of life and eternity, called NEW AGE RELIGION. Now a fourth teaching of this movement is,

4. MYSTICAL POWERS CAN BE RELEASED BY THE USE OF CERTAIN OBJECTS SUCH AS CRYSTALS that vibrate in harmony with god. Beside the overt shamanism of the film, The Lion King, heavily promotes this concept of perfect harmony with god, through the songs and lyrics ¾ "Can't you feel the love tonight; the world in perfect harmony with all living things?" Once sucked into this belief that the world is moving toward perfect harmony, by man getting in touch with this nature god of pantheism, and the use of objects to vibrate in harmony with this god ¾ the belief is the world and individuals will become perfect and ready for a new level of life and living. New Agers mediate and hold these crystals, and think that being in their presence will release the energy and power of the god of nature to provide supernatural ability for psychic healing, contact with spirits or to develop higher consciousness and psychic power. However, these object no matter what they are have NO POWER to do anything! They only become "vehicles" for spiritual deception to work and enslave the minds of such foolish followers. The bible says again,

2 Cor 11:14 (NIV) "And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light."

1 Tim 4:1 (NIV) "The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons."

The Lion King gave credence to our innocent children to begin seeking this god of nature, and to follow up by getting into "perfect harmony," with this energy, and through such contact exhibit the extraordinary power of god!

Now the New Age Movement embraces much more than this, but in simplicity its teachings are dangerous to all humanity, not to mention being fed to our children in these supposedly innocent children's films and entertainment. Indeed, The Lion King was a fascinating entertaining film even adults enjoyed, but we must look beyond the tinsel and see its true hidden purpose of its producers ¾ to promote and encourage the next generation to seek the god of this world, and reject the one true god of our fathers, the Lord Jesus Christ. Now what's wrong with the New Age teachings, besides it is in serious conflict with the Bible and God's teachings there? The answer is plenty!

First of all, the New Age religion teaches its followers there is no such thing as sin, evil or immorality. As such, it introduces the deceived follower to embrace Satan and his demon world as their god of choice. We now see the effects, the demonization of America! Thee is now a great revival of witchcraft, occult practices, and demon possession growing among those who accept and enter this realm of religious deception. The result will of course be, the enslavement of the minds and souls of our children for generations to come.

Secondly, the goal of New Agers as taught by these demon spirit guides, is the political upheaval and overthrow of America law, and philosophy of life. America is founded upon the Judeo-Christian philosophy where man is the highest form of life, and all law, morality, and political organization is to be subservient to the God of the Bible and His teachings for life and living.

The New Age Movement, with its evolutionary teachings of rejection of the one true "God of our fathers," has brought in a whole new political agenda which we see evident today. Christianity is but almost outlawed in public life,. Even our court justices are bent on rooting out every semblance of Christian thought in law and public life. Satan is hard at work to destroy what made America great ¾ the faith of Christianity.

Yet Christianity denies the teachings of the Lion King, and its makers. The true Christian faith alone teaches that there is but one true God, who is transcendent over His creation. He is the eternal God Jehovah, of the Bible who in these last day has revealed Himself in the Person and Work of God the Son, Jesus Christ. Mankind is created, not evolved, and created in the specific "image" of God, and therefore is above the creation and the animal kingdom. Yes, everything is here to serve man, not the opposite. And, man is here to serve God! The bible says we live in a fallen world. The bible teaches,

Rom 3:23 (NIV) "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,"

Rom 6:23 (NIV) "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

There are no higher beings, guides or forces that can lead us to a higher plane of existence without our confession of sin, and our willingness to surrender our heart and lives to our Creator.

Jesus Christ said,

Luke 13:3 (NIV) "I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish."

John 1:12 (NIV) "Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—"

To "repent" means to change your mind about who you are, and where you came from and where you are going. It means to turn from believing in the false gods of man's making, such as the Lion King, and the New Age Movement presents, and turning to the one true God Jesus Christ. Have you my friend? Or have you been deceived to believe you are a god, who just needs to get in touch with your self, or to feel the harmony with all living things? Universal peace, perfect harmony with nature will NEVER come about by man's efforts for we live in a fallen world. Real life wild animals are not peaceful, nor will they ever be in the present fallen state of being carnivorous. They are either preyed upon or they are the prey! All the teaching in the world will not bring them to harmony with others. Only God can do that, and friend He has promised to do that when God ushers in the New World and Kingdom of God coming. The question is will you be a part of it? The only way that will happen is if you become a child of god through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ who died for our sins. Know this. God is in control of this world, and your life. But Hollywood and its propaganda films doesn't want to believe that and like millions before them that have rejected God and His truth the Bible try desperately to formulate their own divinity. But like the film it is fiction, and fiction that simply doesn't nor cannot ever come true!

So I warn you parents, be careful what you feed your children formative minds. Watch out for the subtle teachings of the godless arts and entertainment crowd. They are out to "capture" the mind and soul of your children and the next generation. And do you know what? If we are not careful they will achieve it. You know this happened once long ago, and as a result faith and following of the one true God and His Word was rejected by an entire world of humanity save eight souls. God destroyed that world, and gave us another chance to seek and follow Him. The Lion King will not lead you there. It will lead those who believe its philosophy and religious persuasions to an eternity in Hell when Christ comes in judgment of this world. Therefore I beg you turn to Christ, turn away from the demonism of religion without the God who created us. Unless you do, you and our world will be doomed to destruction and judgment. May God open your eyes to see Jesus clearly and enter His promised blessings and grace. Amen.

Yes, the Lion King was an exceptionally entertaining movie for children filled with artistic merit and grace, but it is based on a damning lie ¾ man is god, and by seeking god within, he will find peace, harmony, and perfection! That my friend is the "hiss" of Satan who came to Eve in the Garden and said,

Gen 3:4-5 (NIV) ""You will not surely die," the serpent said to the woman. 5 "For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God …""

SOME RESOURCES & FURTHER SUGGESTED READING:

_____________________________________________

The World, the Word & You! Broadcast is a non-denominational ministry based on the historic fundamental evangelical interpretation of the Scriptures. A copy of our doctrinal statement is available upon request. These weekly radio commentaries are not exhaustive studies of any particular subject due to the time limit of broadcasting. Actual broadcasts can be heard in selected areas around the nation, as funding provides. Dennis Finnan has been the speaker for over 18 years, and serves as General Director.

These transcripts are available free of charge to all who desire them. Also available are actual radio cassette tapes and printed booklets of each message. A free listing of recent messages is available upon request also.

For further information, reprints, or a listing of all topics, please write to our speaker, Dennis L. Finnan(dennis@wwy.org),or visit our webpage at http://www.wwy.org/