Should LGBT characters be featured more prominently in children's entertainment? Disney seems to think so, a view reflected in their newest short film, Out. It's a groundbreaking work, for it marks the first time that an LGBT character has been the lead in any Disney film.
This all follows a commitment from Disney chief Bob Chapek earlier this year to “represent our audience” better, to showcase the lives of LGBT people in future Disney films, including in Marvel and Star Wars.
Out is about a young man, Greg, who’s on the cusp of moving in with his boyfriend Manuel. Greg isn’t out to his parents, however, and they show up unannounced to help him move. Greg, with a little help from his dog, tries to hide evidence of his queerness from his parents, including a framed photo of him and Manuel and a ‘sexy firemen’ calendar.
The story has a heartwarming ending, where both Greg and his parents come to appreciate each other more. Of course, that didn't stop some faith groups from rushing to condemn the film as "gay propaganda" targeting their children.
‘Out’raged
The faith-based parenting group One Million Moms said in a press release that “Christian parents who have a Disney+ subscription should seriously consider canceling it since Disney cannot be trusted. Disney is clearly supporting unbiblical values and promoting sin to children. We need to stand together to preserve the innocence of our children.”
LifeSiteNews, a pro-life news website, accused Disney and Pixar of promoting a sinister “gay agenda”.
And Ken Ham, founder of Ark Encounter and Answers in Genesis took to Twitter to decry the crumbling moral fabric of America… and hawk his own, "God-approved" streaming service.
Too Much, or Not Enough?
Disney has reaffirmed its commitment to LGBT representation in recent years. In last year’s Onward, they featured their first openly gay character in an animated film. And their commitment to representation is even extending to properties like Star Wars and Marvel. 2019’s Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker shows a lesbian kiss, and an upcoming Marvel movie will feature an openly-transgender character.
However, Disney’s pivot towards inclusivity has also been heavily criticized by progressives. Vanity Fair decried the two-second gay kiss between minor characters in the latest Star Wars film as not nearly enough, calling it self-congratulatory pandering so that Disney could check an ‘LGBT Representation’ box.
Similar blowback came for Marvel when it was announced that character Valkyrie from Thor: Ragnarok, is gay – despite a scene showing her in a relationship with another woman being cut from the film. In fact, critics point out, you probably wouldn't know Valkyrie's real sexual orientation unless you happen to read Marvel Studios press releases in your spare time.
In the eyes of many LGBT rights advocates, there is far too much back-patting going on in Hollywood and far too little real representation happening.
A Pixar Pickle
It seems as though no matter which direction entertainment companies go, they're going to leave some people unhappy. On the one hand, we have religious groups up in arms about their children being exposed to the so-called "gay agenda." On the other, advocates maintain that representation is still severely lacking and that more needs to be done to put LGBT identities in the spotlight.
Despite the slow rate of change, evidence indicates that the LGBT community is winning this argument. What does that mean for faith-focused families who insist on sheltering their children from such "radical" ideas? Will there be an exodus of Christian subscribers from Disney+ in the coming years, or is this just hot air from folks who aren't happy with current cultural trends?
91 comments
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Dave J
Keep in mind that One Million Moms is misnamed. It's really a front group for the conservative right wing American Family Association.
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Thom
Thanks for keeping them Honest since they can’t!
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Dan Anderson
If people only decided to learn the historicity and culture of the belief system and its writings, they would know that the real issue is NOT anything about homosexuality. A few examples would include:
Leviticus 18:22 & 20:13 - About the Canaanite use of male temple prostitutes in their religious ceremonies.
Romans 1:26-30 - About Paul's observations of an ancient Roman fertility ritual to the Goddess Diana for improved crops and increased calvings/lambings.
1Cor 6:9-10 - KJV1611 has NOTHING about the term "homosexual" in it. That is a later addition to the writings.
Some will say "Sodom & Gomorrah was about homosexuals wanting to have sex with angels." If they had read the passages, they would know that the whole story was about inhospitality and rape. There is nothing in there at all about people of the same gender loving one another. It also mentions how the people of Sodom & Gomorrah were not following the commandments of God, with God warning them numerous times to stop being inhospitable.
Even their rabbi Jesus never mentioned ANYTHING about homosexuality.
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Anisahoni
Thank you for your thoughtful post.
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amacooke
Thank you Dan, you wrote what I was thinking about.
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Rev Robert L. Barker
Comment removed by user.
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flugo
'dundersome': Your academic deficiencies are readily obvious.l You suggest the Jesus is silent on the topic of homosexuality. The Bible doesn't mention the term Trinity', either.. But, most legitimate Biblical scholars can easily find evidence of the Trinity.in the Bible.
Jesus affirmed that He and God are 'one'. Since God, in early Genesis, clearly ordained the male/female relationship, AND God hates adultery and fornication, Jesus is of the same mind. Hence, Jesus,too, finds homosexuality an abhorrence.
MANY references in the Bible find the lifestyle of the LGBTQxyz-ers an abomination to God, . . . . sin. But, through Jesus, and ONLY Jesus, forgiveness, reconciliation and restoration are available... :
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Clifford
Man, Woman and the Holy Spirit. Or Great Spirit. Thus the journey towards Truth continues. " Let thine Eye be Single." Though it's more about seeing with ones Soul.
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Vern Dee Wall
Some people don't want to know the truth because they are so brainwashed by their tradition.
New Catholic Encyclopedia, 1977 Edition, Vol. 13, p. 1021 -- The first use of the Latin word "trinitas" (trinity) with reference to God, is found in Tertulian's writings (about 213 A.D.) He was the first to use the term "persons" (plural) in a Trinitarian context.
Encyclopedia Americana, 1957 Edition, Vol. 27, p. 69 -- The word "Trinity" is not in Scripture. The term "persons" (plural) is not applied in Scripture to the Trinity.
The New Catholic Encyclopedia states: "The formulation 'one God in three Persons' was not solidly established, certainly not fully assimilated into Christian life and its profession of faith, prior to the end of the 4th century. But it is precisely this formulation that has first claim to the title the Trinitarian dogma. Among the Apostolic Fathers, there had been nothing even remotely approaching such a mentality or perspective." - (1967), Vol. XIV, p. 299.
Nouveau Dictionnaire Universel: "The Platonic trinity, itself merely a rearrangement of older trinities dating back to earlier peoples, appears to be the rational philosophic trinity of attributes that gave birth to the three hypostases or divine persons taught by the Christian churches. . . . This Greek philosopher's [Plato, fourth century B.C.E.] conception of the divine trinity . . . can be found in all the ancient [pagan] religions." - (Paris, 1865-1870), edited by M. Lachatre, Vol. 2, p. 1467.
World Book Encyclopedia, 1984 Edition, Vol. T, p. 363 -- Belief in Father, Son and Holy Ghost was first defined by the earliest general council of churches. This was the First Council of Nicaea in 325 A.D.
New International Encyclopedia, Vol. 22 p. 476 -- The Catholic faith is this; We worship one God in Trinity, but there is one Person of the Father, another of the Son and another of the Holy Ghost. The Glory equal -- the Majesty co-eternal. The doctrine is not found in its fully developed form in the Scriptures. Modern theology does not seek to find it in the Old Testament. At the time of the Reformation the Protestant Church took over the doctrine of the Trinity without serious examination.
Life Magazine, October 30, 1950, Vol. 29, No. 18, p. 51 -- The Catholics made this statement concerning their doctrine of the Trinity, to defend the dogma of the assumption of Mary, in an article written by Graham Greene: "Our opponents sometimes claim that no belief should be held dogmatically which is not explicitly stated in Scripture ... But the PROTESTANT CHURCHES have themselves accepted such dogmas as THE TRINITY, for which there is NO SUCH PRECISE AUTHORITY In the Gospels."
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Thom
We need more Clergy like you. It would be nice to have a class to take about these topics. Ever consider teaching? I’d be interested. Brother TLH
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flugo
'dundersome': Your last sentence, above, suggests God asked numerous times for Sodom and Gomorrah to be hospitable. Scripture reference, please..
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Rev Robert L. Barker
flugo - Ezk 16:49 - New International Version "'Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy.
New Living Translation Sodom’s sins were pride, gluttony, and laziness, while the poor and needy suffered outside her door.
English Standard Version Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had pride, excess of food, and prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and needy.
Berean Study Bible Now this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed, and complacent; they did not help the poor and needy.
New American Standard Bible "Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had arrogance, abundant food and careless ease, but she did not help the poor and needy.
New King James Version Look, this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: She and her daughter had pride, fullness of food, and abundance of idleness; neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.
King James Bible Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.
Christian Standard Bible Now this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters had pride, plenty of food, and comfortable security, but didn't support the poor and needy.
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Howard Pippin
Any reason you didn’t include verse 50 which tells the rest of the story of why God came down on them?
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Chris
You mean where it mentions unnamed "detestable actions"? That again has been used to claim homosexuality was the cause, but no such thing has been proven. It's only been assumed because some people find it icky.
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Ilmenheru Terikson
Actually most biblical scholars and theologians agree that the detestable actions simply means all acts that would be deemed inhospitable. I think we can all agree forced intercourse is wrong no matter the gender, or age of those involved.
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Howard Pippin
I reckon you can read anything into it that you want to.
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Carl Bernard Elfstrom
Some fools, like fluki fluke Worm Flugo, who foolishly profess to having book smarts, without a shred of evidence to support that claim, overlook the most common sense and obvious answers that are before their eyes in plain sight, such as how Jesus and the twelve merry men of his coven, who left their wives to be with him (hint, hint), were in an openly gay relationship.
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Lori Mongillo
Yup, you're funny Carl. As for flugo whatever. He's an idiot. I stopped reading his BS comments. Just skip right over them. He never has anything constructive to contribute anyway.
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Parson Golden
I really could not care less what “faith groups” think. Any “faith group” it has an issue with the cartoon character in the film is really a front for yet another American hate group.
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Rebecca L Tice
I agree with Dan Anderson. I've been reading and studying.... I see more in the Bible about child sacrifice than I do about homosexuality. I wonder.... Daniel went through quite an ordeal.... if people today saw him do you think they would have compassion or be afraid and exclude him. Then there's good old Wise King Solomon that was such a good man.... he had 300 wives and 700 concubines.... what's that compared to a gay man who is kind to his neighbor.
Geeze.... sometimes those money grubbing hate mongers need to give kids a break... it's a Pixar film.... they use to think having the two dogs eating spaghetti was too racy for crying out loud....Remember the bedroom scenes from the Dick Van Dyke show? Twin beds... same for I love Lucy..... and now kids see so much on the 4-5 and 6 o'clock news.... give kids a break.....
Thank you .... and please pray for our first sons and daughters who are working on the COVID wards.
Becky
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James Grainger
I don't think God cares who you sleep with, as long as you are a good, decent person and obey the law. Children will figure out their own sexuality, they are a lot smarter than most of us think. A vast amount, if not, all homosexual men and women come from straight families.
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Anisahoni
It is amazing how these hypocritical christian groups justify discrimination. For them, it is only about control and money. They have failed in making people who follow them any better, any more loving and accepting. These religious groups are nothing more than cults with their leaders living lavishly and begging for more money to talk to their guy in the sky. Oh yes, they needs more private jets and mansions; The world is not better because of Christianity. Its followers are pathetic.lost little birds who believe their guy at the pulpit has a private line to their angry, jealous, vengeful and hateful creator. So glad I learned about Christianity beyond theology. Woke up.
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Alexander Clarke
But "they" all profess to be the one and only faith group and all others are damned.
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Philip Joseph Ryan
All of this hatred, lack of consideration, and the abuse that is shown here is extremely unedifying, and serves only to diminish the respect that others will have, both in those who engage in it, as well as those who seek to generate it.
It is this kind of hatred and Intolerance that causes many gay people (or as I call them - people) to still live in the shadows for fear of this hatred and bile, despite this being the 21st century.
The purpose of the film is to show empathy toward people whose lives only differ from the remainder of society through who they love.
Perhaps it has served its purpose by showing the level of hatred that some people have toward gay people.
No religion, and no person, ought to stir up hatred against them, they ought to love them and show them compassion, in short, treat them as normal, because they are.
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Daniel William Fenning
If your "Religion" preaches anything less than love and acceptance of Self, then you need a new Religion
Same-sex relationships/encounters happen in many species. Mankind can validate it for thousands of years, if not longer, in our own society. Including the Roman Sword Brothers, and the Roman Catholics are the core of this extreme line of thinking 🤔
In our current society, I believe it's actually helping our massive population problem and... Love is love! Leave animals and children out of it, and it's hard to get wrong
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Master Wolf KSC
From what I have read, “One Million Moms” group is a single individual with a right-wing agenda.
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T Kosse`
maybe the reason She call herself “One Million Moms” is because she has multiple personality disorder, also called Dissociative identity disorder. Dissociative identity disorder is characterized by the presence of two or more distinct personality identities. Each may have a unique name, personal history, and characteristics. Treatment is talk therapy.
Rare. Fewer than 200,000 US cases per year. Treatment can help, but this condition can't be cured. Chronic: can last for years or be lifelong. Requires a medical diagnosis. Lab tests or imaging not required.
Dissociative identity disorder is characterized by the presence of two or more distinct personality identities. Each may have a unique name, personal history, and characteristics.
People may experience: Behavioral: impulsivity, self-destructive behavior, or self-harm. Mood: anxiety, feeling detached from self, or mood swings. Psychological: altered consciousness, depression, or flashback. Also common: amnesia or blackout.
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Thomas Goodrich
Bible Gateway Matthew 7 :: NIV. "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
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Clifford
God is Perfect Love. And quite the painter. One only has to look deeply into the palette of colors that surrounds him or her. Duality is perhaps a lesson to be learned?
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Marquita Phyllis Greig
I think it is about time. God made EVERYTHING, not just some things and then Satan took over. Too many people give Satan equal power as God, forgetting that God made Satan. God is the judge, not human beings. We are to love, Jesus' message was for us to love, not to judge. That is God's job, not ours. We are to love. That means homosexuality as well. This too, was created by God as was EVERYTHING. LOVE not judgement.
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Linda L Capps
To have a character in a show or movie that represents you means you aren't alone in the world. Its awesome. LGBTQ+ isn't ruining children, families or the world, what is is having a misogynistic president, who disrespects women, LGBTQ+, POC, Minorities, the Poor, or anyone else who isn't like him. That is far more harmful, especially when he promotes his followers to do the same.
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George Thomas Duvall Burroughs
History shows that is taking this nation a long time to get over Irish Italian's, Blacks I know their peoples of color or nationalities. It is in historical fact that all these people exist and that the only difference between us and them is their skin color or nationality . As a country we need to grow up and accept the historical fact that they are ALL the Almight's creation . Sexual preferences are no different ! If you claim to be a representative of the Almight's faith , acceptance and, tolerance needs needs to become part of your vocabulary . Please do not text or e-mail me a book ,, I do not have time to read it !
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Adam Kraus
I feel that as both a gay minister I feel that Disney should produce more LGBT movies and shows and we need to accept this as a normal thing
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Alexander Clarke
You sir, have an uphill battle. Most religions teach that homosexuality in any form, though or action is a mortal sim. The largest worldwide religion demands death as a penalty for being gay. There are few places in the world that being gay is acceptable. Maybe generations from now the attitudes will be different but not until religions accept homosexuality as normal. Good luck with that.
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flugo
'cat orgi': Your expressions: 'only about', 'are nothing buy', 'are nothing more', all show your stunted use of the English language. These expression represent sweeping generalizations, lies, and distortions. They're frequently used by the uneducated, the inarticulate and the careless 'denunciator'. Therefore, your posting lacks credibility, substance and validity . . . . . essentially a waste of space.
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Lori Mongillo
Oh yes, and your main purpose here is to trash others for saying anything that doesn't agree with your concepts of reality and spirituality. Your superior attitude and arrogance is sickening.
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Thomas Goodrich
and since when did you replace God in judging those he created? Your arrogance is very disterbing in this conversation. You have an opinion, you have expressed it stop casting stones at other opinions.
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Anisahoni
Flugo, fugue don'; you know we can't stand you? You bring nothing of value here and are only capable of name calling others. Actually, your very existence is a wast o f space, so STFU and go away. good riddance to a troll.
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flugo
hopin':YES, YES! When it's all said and done; where the rubber meets the road; when the dust settles; come hell or high water . . . . the final, the only criteria will be: 'WHAT SAYS THE WORD'?
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Clifford
I would suggest the documentary “The Gift”. Presence became Christmas Presents and it’s ones Essene’ce that truly creates a Halo. 🙏🏻❤️
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Michael Chandler
I have read some interesting comments here. So my comment is this. I walk my path with the aim of developing my understanding of the universe in which I live. I try, for that is all I can do, to do no harm to other. I try to support others, on their paths, when they need or ask me for help then allow them to continue on their way. So go placidly amid the noise and haste of those around you, on their chosen paths, and may your Gods, however you perceive that energy, go with you.
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Dan Kuziej
The propaganda isn't initiated by films like these or having positive reinforcing conversations about being gay, that is an exclusive practice of those who rush to quiet or censor anything or anyone who simply shows or speaks about human beings in a daily regular life. Growing up gay (worse, in the 60's!) I had no one ever to use or listen to as a role model or wondered if there were others like me, not the monsters that people where making them out to be. I certainly never felt I was a bad person or would "do" the terrible things I was told would happen if I "chose" that "lifestyle." Addressing these rights of passage with positive conversation, images, and support will help young gay folks feel better and more empowered about themselves than other decades of repression, fear, ignorance and lies. Bravo Disney!
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Jennifer A Stauffer
Jesus did not condemn them, so we as humans should not.
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Gregory P Bartley
I’ll say what I’ve always said.....Thank GOD we live in a country that gives you the freedom to CHANGE THE CHANNEL!!!!!! And it doesn’t take a godly person to make it happen....just a finger and a remote....... Jeez people.....don’t we have enough to worry about right now?? In other words...more important stuff????? We all need to calm down, refocus, and spend more time doing what God says is more important.....meaning “Love Thy Neighbor”!!!!!!
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Theresa Marie Smith
Do I think that Disney has to make a point of showing whom in their shows is LGBT? No. I do however feel everybody is entitled to assume what they want. We were raised watching Disney movies and at no time did I ever believe that when I was an adult I would actually live in a tower until a prince came to rescue me. I think as parents we choose what to point out to our children. I doubt Disney can influence any child with an involved parent. Family is made of if many different people. Each child has the right to see themselves represented. As for the "God opinion" all of our holy books were written by someone from their own perspective. I truly believe God would welcome an LGBT person with the same open arms as the so called righteous person, who is pointing out everyone's sins.
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Rebecca Ann Benson
LGBT community is not targeting children....far from it!!! I'm so sick of holier than thou Evangelism!!!
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Howard Pippin
Any reason that you didn't post my last question to Mr. Lionheart concerning the Bible? It's been at least four or five days now.
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Lori Marie Ramirez
Ok guys here is what I have always been told and have always believed. One thing that was always drilled into my brain is that we are made in the image of god. So doesnt that mean that since there are people who are gay, straight, lesbian, transgender, bi-sexual, and any other sexual orientation out there that God must be ok with it since if we are made in his image that he is also everyone of the sexual orientations out there. Second thing drilled in to my head is that God lives everyone. So how can not being straight a sin or as I hear some say an unforgivable act. Specially that God forgives. It's also said that we are to love our neighbors. Since it seem that everyone has a different interpretation of some of what the bible says I read that as it dont matter if your neighbor is of the same sex your to love them. And sense there is not level of love indicated it can be interpreted as love as in sex. So my final determination in this is who cares if you are with someone of the same sex or opposite sex. It does not hurt you in anyway and if everyone is happy why should it matter. And what goes on behind closed doors is none of our business anyhow. I am a straight woman but I fully support and stand by my fellow human no matter their sexual orientation. If they are happy with them selves and the one they choose to be with then that's great. As far as Disney and Pixar's goes it's about time that all this discrimination and racism stop and Disney is doing a great job showing acceptance and love for all humans. Thank you Disney. And love to everyone
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Howard Pippin
What does the Holy Bible say?
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Lionheart
Are you referring to that book of tales and myth, written and compiled by men, that talks about a talking snake, a woman that came from the rib of a man, and a jealous deity that had huge anger management issues that condoned slavery, and loved killing people?
Just asking!
🦁❤️
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Lori Mongillo
Yup. Can't argue with that. And lets not forget the multiple ways the bible gets interpreted. It is twisted and distorted to suit the mind of the PREACHER and the congregation almost always believes what they're being told.
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James Grainger
Amen
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flugo
'lying fart': ' . . . . . loved killing people', you say. Scripture, please, that supports God's 'LOVING' to kill people..
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Lionheart
Are you not aware of your mythical god killing the first born children due to his anger with Pharaoh when it would have been easier to take Pharaoh out?
Are you not aware of the mythical great flood which would have drowned men, women, and children, even pregnant mothers?
Are you not aware of his condoning stoning people to death?
Are you not aware of his condoning slavery?
I can provide biblical references if you so wish of your so-called omnipotent loving god that couldn’t contain his anger?
🦁❤️
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Carl Bernard Elfstrom
Bravo, Sir Lionheart! That shut up flugo.
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Anisahoni
Amen Lionheart.. Now you do know that he can;'t handle facts. Next he will start calling you names. He's such a good, loving Christian.
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Howard Pippin
You surprise me Mr. Lionheart, that you wouldn't know that there is only one holy Bible.
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Lionheart
Do you have a particular version of that book that you prefer? A quick Google check just turned up 2070 versions in 1418 languages. Personally, as inspirational phylosophical books with some very nice stories, I always favored the Vedic Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita. They are less horrific and bloodthirsty. The Harry Potter books for children have some very good stories, a very nice ending, and are less threatening for children don't you think?
🦁♥️
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Howard Pippin
I must apologize Mr. Lionheart, I did post a reply to this particular post of years and apparently the powers that be did not choose to print it, so there's not much reason for me to repeat it again. I didn't swear or do anything that I thought was out of place, apparently they did.
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Lionheart
That’s no problem, thank you for your thoughts and comments. Peace ✌🏼
🦁❤️
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Carl Bernard Elfstrom
Flugo thrives on negative attention. Maybe if we all start ignoring him he'll go away.
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Lori Mongillo
Good idea.
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Alexander Clarke
Which version?
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Vern Dee Wall
I stopped watching Disney material after Walt stopped personally supervising production. They just couldn't keep the quality up.
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Ilmenheru Terikson
You mean the guy who regularly attended meetings of the german american party( aka american nazi party) and made a episode of donald duck working in a nazi factory( that was originally going to be sent to germany so they could dub it as they saw fit into whatever propaganda they wanted)
I mean man Walt was at the very least as pro nazi as Charles Lindburgh.
IMO Disney really hit its stride it the 80s with cartoon series like Ducktales, Rescue Rangers, Goof Troop, and later Quack pack. all fun shows with good uses of the classic icons.
Hell the Kingdom Hearts Video games I hear do a great job of bringing them really into the modern age for young gamers.
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Clifford
We should not confuse our children any more than they already are. As well as many adults. There are only two sexes. And they were created to complement each other. Acceptance of anything less than a perfect union Is to undermine its very foundation.
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Lori Mongillo
Clifford....you do realize that the "acceptance of anything less than a perfect union" is the perfect union in YOUR mind. That is unless you consider yourself an equal to "God", in thought and judgement (obviously it's not about the unconditional love thing)? I feel sorry for all the children you consider less than perfect because they don't fit the "norm". I feel even more heart sick that you see yourself as perfect. Spirit has no boundaries. We are the only ones that create boundaries. It appears your path is very narrow.
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Clifford
We were created perfect. Atom and Eve. As perfect as the Golden Mean. And still perfect in our imperfections. The journey is our awareness of that fact. And towards our Authentic selves. The Embodiment of that which we preach.
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Carl Bernard Elfstrom
We may be created perfectly human, but that's a far cry from perfect. Or, are you suggesting that we're all fallen angels? Even angels or the egregory aren't as perfect as gods and goddesses. And even they were created by the All, which is the total embodiment of perfection.
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Clifford
I'm just a lowly shepherd. A Lion and a Lamb. But I and my father are One. 🙏
A soul is a soul regardless of where their head is at. But if one changes their perspective to "What is this trying to teach me?" The interpretation of scripture may take on new meaning?
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Thom
But that has happened over centuries of interpretations. The teachings are so diluted with the wishes of others to control the masses through these so called words of spiritual enlightenment. The spiritual leaders of centuries and Kings even have controlled religion and what the masses should practice spiritually. It’s time we turn to other religions not so influenced by political agendas and money but the pure essence od what being a spiritual being is about. Pure forgiveness and acceptance of all.
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Lionheart
You are quite right. We shouldn’t confuse and mess up the heads of our precious children, especially with the fallacies of gods and religions.
🦁❤️
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Clifford
God and Religion are two different things. God is omnipresent. Whether one is aware of that fact is another story. 🙏🏻
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Lionheart
“God is omnipresent”
It’s an interesting thought isn’t it, but still a fallacy, unless there is demonstrable verifiable evidence to that claim.
🦁❤️
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Clifford
The evidence is in your vibration. Your either in sync with creation and the flower of life, or your not. It’s also called faith. 🙏🏻❤️
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Lionheart
Creation of course requires a creator, of which we still have no demonstrable evidence, so I guess faith is all there is, much like people who have faith in the vibrational energies of Vishnu, Krishna, Ganesha, Thor, etc., all claiming to worship the real god.
🦁❤️
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Thom
Today as we all take shelter from disease and violence I fear that this very topic is what divides us. Let’s call it Hatred. Race can no longer be just a cause. The hatred of others of all nationalities/ all genders/ all differences is what we much preach against. What we must implore. DIFFERENCES is what makes each and every one of us unique to the universe and what we have to offer to our fellow Humanity. If we as a population continue to follow a path of hatred and negativity where will it end. It will end with total world destruction. Some may survive, some may have the luxury of being safe in bunkers, some may escape our planet all together. But let us hope, if those who escape into the vast universe, take with them the lessons they’ve learned here. But alas, human behavior is an instinctive process from deep within our mental state. Can we escape? I hope so. I do see it in some Buddhists. But it’s a very hard state of mind to reach.
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Troy D Reece
As an Open LGBTQ Member and a Minister its is good to see that as a member of our team that we are oping up and being more equal to all. Disney is doing the right thing by slowly oping the door to teach our young ones to respect all they meet and not to judge just because we love different then them. The Bible does say that LOVE over throws all Laws set in place and that LOVE will conger the world.
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Thom
As one attempts to use the bible to either justify or demonize homosexuality, the gay life style or, what ever one refers to it as, it is part of human nature. So many have said, God does not make mistakes. I always laugh at this comment because nature does and it creates some interesting variations of what is already on this earth. If someone is gay, they are gay. Do I have to accept it? Do I have to watch television shows or movies which depict the gay lifestyle? Nope. It makes me uncomfortable to watch it and so I don't. My wife is a huge Disney fan. She can do as she pleases with the movies and with visiting the parks. As for myself, I don't expect to be doing much of this. Disney has always been a haven for the LGBT community and good for them but, I personally don't want children to look at the gay lifestyle as "normal". I am sure many people have cringed at my last comment but, if it was normal, why are kids still having to "come out" to their families? Why are kids still embarrassed to be gay? Why are so many looked down upon by their friends for being gay? Why? Because it is not a standard part of society. Take it as you will but Disney is making a mistake in my opinion.
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T Kosse`
You're right god doesn't make mistakes, that why homosexuality has been around since the beginning of time. As long as man has been on this earth so has been homosexuals, and they will still be around long after you and I are dead, And as for your "why are kids still having to "come out" to their families? Why are kids still embarrassed to be gay? " It because of narrow- minded people think they have the right to judge people and say how they can live and who they can love. You say it's "a standard part of society" just who standard are you talking about and what society? Maybe not everyone goes live by your standard or live in your minuscule society.
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T Kosse`
One hundred years ago, people had a very different idea of what it means to be heterosexual.
The 1901 Dorland’s Medical Dictionary defined heterosexuality as an “abnormal or perverted appetite toward the opposite sex.” More than two decades later, in 1923, Merriam Webster’s dictionary similarly defined it as “morbid sexual passion for one of the opposite sex.” It wasn’t until 1934 that heterosexuality was graced with the meaning we’re familiar with today: “manifestation of sexual passion for one of the opposite sex; normal sexuality.”
Whenever people hear this, they respond with dramatic incredulity. That can’t be right! Well, it certainly doesn’t feel right. It feels as if heterosexuality has always “just been there.”
A few years ago, there began circulating a “man on the street” video, in which the creator asked people if they thought homosexuals were born with their sexual orientations. Responses were varied, with most saying something like, “It’s a combination of nature and nurture.” The interviewer then asked a follow-up question, which was crucial to the experiment: “When did you choose to be straight?” Most were taken back, confessing, rather sheepishly, never to have thought about it. Feeling that their prejudices had been exposed, they ended up swiftly conceding the videographer’s obvious point: gay people were born gay just like straight people were born straight.
The video’s takeaway seemed to suggest that all of our sexualities are “just there”; that we don’t need an explanation for homosexuality just as we don’t need one for heterosexuality. It seems not to have occurred to those who made the video, or the millions who shared it, that we actually need an explanation for both.
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Larry Denman Gallion
My family is a Christian family and do not want Disney to release gay films.
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T Kosse`
Then don't watch it.
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Charles F. Guiste
Of course Disney is pushing an agenda - does anyone really believe they are not? The real question is, who isn't pushing an agenda? What agenda is the leadership of ULC pushing? The real concern is how ill-tolerant, unwise, and hypocritical people are on both ends of the spectrum. Both groups pick and choose what they feel is right and wrong and then attack the other side with callous name-calling, stereotypes and use of any trendy term that ends in "ism". Both sides feel they are righteous and that they truly represent God or "whatever" they feel governs the universes. I really find it tragic to read the comments in most of these blogs. Seems to me that the bloggers who take such hard-line stances on these blogs mostly claim they are so tolerant, loving and caring; when in reality they are the worst of the unwavering, hating and intolerant people.. Why do they behave this way? They behave this way because they are pushing their agenda and they can't possibly see how anyone else could feel differently than them.
For me personally, I don't believe in the Disney direction, LGTBQ+ agenda, Black Lives Matter movement, organized religion, and a whole host of other things in this world that I could go on and on about. However, I do accept that there are people who do believe in these things, while they may also not believe in the things that I do,such as wholesome entertainment, the sanctity of marriage between a man and women, All Lives Matter, religion is between me and my God, and so on.
I'm not saying I'm right and they are wrong. I'm not calling them names and trying to suppress their thoughts and opinions. I'm not trying to persuade them to see things my way. How I feel and what I believe in isn't right or wrong and as long as I do not infringe on the liberties of others or cause them undue harm and then it's really not open to criticism or judgement. The radical left and right hold strong to a belief that if you are not for us, you are against us and this is what causes great divide in America today. For instance, I don't believe in the LGTBQ+ lifestyle or agenda, but I don't hate anyone who does and I will still show you love and respect as long as you can do the same for my me and my beliefs. Ironic that the ULC tagline is "We are all children of the same universe" when in reality the agenda being promoted sounds more like an add-on to this line that reads "...as long as you believe in the same things that we believe in".
My advice to all bloggers on here is to take a realistic look at yourself and how you interact with those around you. You most likely will find that you're falling a bit short of your own expectations of others.
Seriously in Peace
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John Roys Gile
It is important to recognize that each minister in this group has a differing view of religion and God. Disney has supported gay and other forms of sexuality for a long time. It is easy to simply say there is no good or evil, that everything is good. As ministers we should study things out for ourselves and determine by careful study and prayer what it is God says is good. Then, with a clear conscience, we can promote what we believe and not what others say we should believe. Some believe in God, some don't; some believe in the Bible and some don't. For those who believe in God and the Bible and recognize that Moses talked with God face to face, it would be a huge blessing to have him alive today or another person God could designate with the same power as Moses. Then Moses or that person would declare and explain what God meant with His commandments. There is a true prophet on the earth today. My personal belief is that God lives. Jesus Christ did live, die and was resurrected. God has clearly defined good and evil. We all have a conscience or inner knowledge of right and wrong. There are consequences or rewards according to how we live in respect to God's laws. Anyone can live contrary to God's laws and life may seem happy. We are not living this life to enjoy all the blessings we can, we are here to demonstrate to God the kind of person we are by the choices we make: either we choose what God has commanded or we choose another way. In the end, we are the sum of our choices and we will in eternity be what we have chosen.
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Johnny Ray Skelton Jr
This will not sit well with alot of folks,but I firmly believe that marriage should only be between a man and woman. I believe if God had intended for same sex couplings, he wouldn't have created only one man and one woman. I also try to live by "love the sinner, hate the sin". If someone chooses that lifestyle (I don't believe there is a gay gene), that will ultimately be between them and God.
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T Kosse`
When did you choose to be straight
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T Kosse`
God had intended for same sex couplings, he wouldn't have created only one man and one woman, But god didn't say who that man or women had to love, and in case you haven't notice,homosexual have been around since the beginning of time,As long as man has walked on this earth so has homosexuals. And they will be here on earth long after you and I are both dead. Your Statement "love the sinner, hate the sin" well this is what the Unspeakable Sins is: The Sin of Racism/Discrimination/Prejudice
Do you know what heaven is going to look like? For most of us, we have images of gold paved streets; we may see angels flying, and a bunch of light. We likely are also looking forward to seeing our family members and friends who have gone before us. The reality, is, however I think our view of heaven is too small. We are not thinking big enough.
Heaven is going to be a place where God is glorified….all the time. Heaven is going to be a place where there is no more pain, a place where there is no more suffering, and there is no more sin.
I’d like to share with you a picture of heaven. Revelation 7:9-12 says, “9 After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10 and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” 11 And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”
This is a beautiful picture and a reality which come closer by the day. Yet, when we look at this picture, it should also convict us. As Christians, we are called to establish the kingdom of heaven here on earth and as we look at our church services on Sunday morning, is this what they look like?
The short answer is no. Not even a bit. Why is this, because we are still experiencing sin in this life. The sin which we must address, is racism and prejudice. Yet, it goes deeper than racism because the church should be on the forefront of making sure everyone has the opportunity to meet the savior. Christ welcomed in the poor, the downcast, the sinners. He met with the people no one else wanted to go near.
Who might those people be in 2019? Who might these people be in Otley? Monroe? Sully? Reasnor? Pella? Prairie City? The fact is, we must welcome EVERYONE because we all have the same label. Sinner.
Check out what Paul has to say to the church at Ephesus, a church where the Jews were having trouble getting along with the Gentiles and vice-versa. You might argue nothing has changed. Ephesians 2:14-19, 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. 17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens,[d] but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.”
Friends we cannot discriminate. Friends we must speak out for our brothers and sisters of other races. We cannot and should not discriminate based on color, creed, sex, gender, or anything else. We are called to love. As the late great Rev. Billy Graham said, “It is the Holy Spirit's job to convict, God's job to judge and my job to love.” How well have we loved those who are different from us?
Church, we have work to do. We have to embrace the fullness of God and this means embracing those different from us whether in thought or looks. This means bringing together, Black and White, Rich and Poor, Female, Democrat and Republican, educated and school of life, white collar and blue collar, Iowa and Iowa state, Christian Reformed and RCA, Calvin and Hope, Dordt and Northwestern, Central and Simpson. It may mean a few sacrifices on our end, but this should be something we do joyfully as we prepare our hearts and ourselves for eternity in heaven.
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Richard Lee Cornell
Behave yourself. This flick will find its way onto the Net where all children will see it. If you make a big deal of this flick then the children will make a big deal of this film. Most children do not paid any attention to what adults say in the first place.
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T Kosse`
I just watched a short clip of the Disney's newest short film, "Out" .It looks like a movie that I would really enjoy watching, I'm just disappointed that it's only 9 minutes long. I would very much love to see a longer version of it made.
Well, if children can read the horror of Psalm137 "Happy is the one who seizes your infants and dashes them against the rocks" and not to mention god killing little children, I'm thinking Disney films might be a little easier on the mind, .
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Outstanding