On this episode, hosts Laura and Ryan discuss Disney’s masterpiece ‘The Lion King,’ praising Rafiki as a wise, purposeful guide who leads Simba through mystery, reflection, and reconnection to his father’s truth rather than offering quick answers. They highlight the film’s Hamlet roots, remarkable music, cast, and enduring cultural impact compared with less meaningful modern remakes. The hosts connect the story’s themes of identity, fatherlessness, repentance, hunger for false substitutes, surrender, and restoration to spiritual discipleship, urging listeners to embrace the church’s “weird,” sit with hard things, and pursue healing through reflection, prayer, and truth-centered community.

Join the conversation with us by subscribing to see how films like 'The Lion King' can deepen your understanding of God's truth and impact your daily life.

Discussed Passage:

Luke 15:11-32

Mentioned in this Episode:

"The Lion King" (1994 film and its sequels, including "The Lion King II" and "The Lion King 1½")

Shakespeare's "Hamlet" (play)

"Ted Lasso" (TV series)

"Liturgies of the Wild" (book by Martin Shaw)

"Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead" (play by Tom Stoppard)

"Les Misérables" (Broadway production)

"Moana" (2016 film and references to its sequels or adaptations)

“Narnia” (novel series by C.S. Lewis)

"The Getting Through" by Judah & the Lion (song)

John 6:66 (Bible verse)

“Who?” by Newsboys (song)

Let us know your thoughts! Send questions and movie recommendations to us at: theologyoffilm@gmail.com

This month, Ryan and Laura discuss Spider-Man: No Way Home, focusing on how Spider-Man stories uniquely highlight the burden of responsibility, self-sacrifice, and recurring loss. They compare Spider-Man films, reflect on Peter Parker’s youth and immaturity, the consequences of trying to find quick fixes, and the importance of wisdom, mentorship, and not facing suffering alone. The conversation centers on resisting vengeance, choosing compassion, and laying down one’s life for others, culminating with a parallel scriptural examination of Christ’s sacrifice, and the ways we are called to respond.

Join the conversation with us by subscribing to see how films like 'Spider-Man: No Way Home’ can deepen your understanding of God's truth and impact your daily life.

Discussed Passage

1 John 3:16-18

Mentioned in this episode:

Spider-Man (2002 film by Sam Raimi)

Spider-Man 2 (2004 film by Sam Raimi)

Spider-Man 3 (2007 film by Sam Raimi)

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014 film by Marc Webb)

The Avengers (2012 film by Joss Whedon)

Into the Spider-Verse (2018 film by Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey & Rodney Rothman)

Eurovision 2026 (annual song contest)

Käärijä & Baby Lasagna (Eurovision contestants)

 Bara Bara Bastu (song by Swedish band KAJ)

Subnautica II (video game)

Let us know your thoughts! Send questions and movie recommendations to us at: theologyoffilm@gmail.com

This episode, Laura and Ryan discuss the Pixar classic “Toy Story,” using the film’s premise—living toys marked as belonging to an owner—to reflect on purpose, identity, and where value is placed. They focus on Woody and Buzz’s ego-driven conflict and their growth toward humility, selflessness, and working together for their owner’s joy, noting how even villains in the broader series crave being valued and “played with.” The conversation extends to discipleship as ongoing reorientation, the importance of community and celebration in faith, and living in a way that delights God.

References

"This Music May Contain Hope" (album by Raye)

“Welcome to Wrexham” (streaming series)

Biblical reference: Micah 6:8

"Celebration of Discipline" (book by Richard Foster)

Verse Micah 6:8