Our two are now all grown up now. But that didn’t stop us going to see to see the new live action version of The Lion King.
The visuals were amazing. The actors who lent their voices to the characters gave Simba and the gang genuine emotional depth. The songs pulled at the heartstrings of nostalgic parents.
The film deals with some really big themes. Simba’s father, Mufasa tells him to be mindful of the ‘circle of life’, the interconnected ordering of all living things. For Simba’s pals, Pumba and Timon, there is no ‘circle’, but a ‘line’ of meaninglessness. You live, you die, that’s it. Simba buys into this and grows up enjoying a carefree existence with his friends. The ‘problem-free philosophy of Hakuna Matata’.
Wicked uncle Scar’s disregard for the ‘circle of life’ takes a more sinister turn. In a world without meaning all he has left is his obsessive desire for the crown. Even if that means his kingdom becoming a desolate wasteland as his hyena henchmen indulge in ‘overkilling’.
When she eventually finds him holed up in Pumba and Timon’s laid back commune, Nala helps Simba realise that life does have purpose. He must take his responsibilities seriously, fulfil his destiny, and liberate the Pride Lands from Scar’s tyrannical rule.
It is at this point that the film takes on a Christian aspect. Simba becomes Aslan. The true heir to the throne must topple the usurper and restore the ravaged earth. There are echoes here of the biblical vision of Jesus as Lion of the tribe of Judah who conquered the powers of darkness by his death and resurrection that his people may share in his reign over a renewed creation. Is Jesus your Lion King?
Pastor: Guy Davies
Providence Baptist Church
