Aladdin, the movie - 2019

[Memeber212]

My son (12) has been invited to the cinema by an elder and his family for Aladdin, 2019. He promptly refused and explained that one of the main characters is a demon and the movie portrays demons and magic in a positive manner. Have you seen that movie or have any comments about that movie?

[Margaret]

He was taught Jehovah’s answer to demonic entertainment, well done my young Brother

[Qapla]

27 minutes ago, tarcamion said:

Have you seen that movie or have any comments about that movie?

 

No, I have not seen this movie ... I do not have any comments about it, either.

[Memeber212]

Yes, I am really proud of him. It is always his choice and we do not put any pressure on him. We watched the trailer. I wonder if the whole movie is about that genie. Usually, he manages to explain his stand but sometimes he gets emotionally overwhelmed by other kids of our brothers and their behaviour, manipulative conversation and that simply clashes with the fact they live double lives and get promoted in the congregation while he feels inferior. Hence, I thought I maybe ask here and get some advice or viewpoints form you so he can reason with them or I can prepare him for possible outcomes. 

[SUNRAY]

There is very good input from Jehovah's organization  in the Remain in God's Love book Chapter 16. The entire chapter is excellent, but par. 16 of that chapter is very pertinent I think!

[Beggar for the Spirit]

Hi Brother Maciej,

 

It is impressive that your son has a good conscience and has the courage to face peer pressure at a young age. 

These Disney/animated movies are tough because most everyone views them as fun and innocent. So it can appear to some that a person is being unreasonable or rigid if they try to explain about the magic or demonism in a so called, "children's movie".  So how can your son keep a good conscience while letting his “...reasonableness become known to all”? (Php 4:5)

 

Maybe 1 way to respond to an invitation to a movie he is uncomfortable with is by saying something like:

"Thank you so much for inviting me! I really like going to the movies! I won't be able to go this time, but I would really like to go to the movies with you guys another time soon."

The reason for responding like this is that it is more of a positive response. For example, it was kind of the elder and his family to invite your son, so expressing much gratitude for the invitation would be appreciated by those inviting. And by not immediately expressing a personal conscience view, this doesn't make those inviting feel uncomfortable or cause them to not want to give a future invitation. Also, in the future when there is a movie that you and your son want to go to, then that would be a good time to invite others, especially those whom your son had declined their invitation. 

Edited May 27, 2019 by Beggar for the Spirit

[1gemstone]

Your son has truly made the truth his own, and Jehovah soo proud of him, as the rest of us.

[Tortuga]

3 hours ago, Qapla said:

 

No, I have not seen this movie ... I do not have any comments about it, either.

It's nice that you were able to participate even if you didn't contribute..

[Tortuga]

4 hours ago, tarcamion said:

My son (12) has been invited to the cinema by an elder and his family for Aladdin, 2019. He promptly refused and explained that one of the main characters is a demon and the movie portrays demons and magic in a positive manner. Have you seen that movie or have any comments about that movie?

Your son set a fine example and hopefully reminded the brother about the example he was setting.

[New World Explorer]

It's hard to stand up to a subtle influences, because no one wants to be viewed by others as "over-righteous too much "

It takes courage to be selective with our entertainment.

 

I have witnessed a talk among brothers enjoying "Game of Thrones"

I refuse to watch the show for following reasons: Violence, rape, sexual abuse ..

https://graziadaily.co.uk/life/opinion/ok-sexual-violence-game-thrones-gone-far/

 

 

[GoldAussieGirl]

I had planned on taking our two daughters to see this movie in a few weeks. I usually check to see movie content as being a kids movie doesn't necessarily mean it's ok. Thank you for bringing this to our attention I will be doing further investigation on this movie first. 

 

 

Edited May 27, 2019 by shans81

[EccentricM]

I watched the original cartoon Aladdin. I'd say it followed in the typical style that most Disney movies do. You often get a magical character in there somewhere, like a witch, or fairy... etc. It's just a remake of the original cartoon (and badly done is what I've heard so far from most reviews, though I'm not surprised by the trailer. A lot of modern remakes are pretty lame today).

 

As for "should we see it", I never really placed any thought on it, as I grew up watching the original, as did many other JW families I know, so it was always seen as very innocent, at least to me and people I knew.

[EccentricM]

4 hours ago, New World Explorer said:

I have witnessed a talk among brothers enjoying "Game of Thrones"

 

That I can't wrap my mind around.

 

I've even spoken to peole in the world about it who say they liked the characters and story, but the makers of the series went too far with the show, and put lots of graphic sex scenes in there that were not in the books (I've never read them myself). GOT, almost literally is just a porno with a fantasy/poltical plot and some fight scenes, (and no, this is not an exaggeration). It involves every kind of sexual thing you can imagine,  not just what you mentioned, but even including regular graphic peadophila and incest scenes, which people are "forced to watch" because important parts of the story and plot are revealed in such scenes.

 

I'd not watch it ever, and I'm very surprised that some Witnesses do, but also due to the days we live in.. not surprised. I myself am a history and fantasy fan, but GOT is too much, there are even non-JW Christian blogs talking about how Christians should not watch it, due to how brazen and unnecessary the constant graphic sex, full frontal nuditiy and violence is in the show, and is clear that it's just put in there to excite and attract viewers, when it "could" have been done in a clean way and the story still be told.

Edited May 27, 2019 by EccentricM

[On the huh]

There is a footnote in a recent YPA web article https://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/teenagers/ask/is-occult-harmless/

 

It reads

This does not mean that all fantasy tales directly promote spiritism. However, Christians use their Bible-trained conscience to avoid any practice or entertainment that does.—2 Corinthians 6:17; Hebrews 5:14.

 

I remember watching the original animated Aladdin.  Never thought about what a "genie" really is.  It is a mythical creature that grants wishes.  Is it really a demon?  (That question sounds like one asked by Satan!)  But all commendation for standing up to his beliefs and bible-trained conscience. 

[carlos]

I haven't watched the new movie yet but I watched the Disney cartoon movie quite a few years ago and I loved it. It's a classical fantasy tale from the Arabian Nights that teaches valuable lessons like beware of greed, family is more important than money and dont' judge people by their outer appearance. As in all good classical tales, good defeats evil.

 

I see no reason to consider the genius a demon. He's just a legendary character from the Arab folklore. Of course I understand other Christians may have a different view and make a different choice. I didn't include my opinion to stir trouble nor to convince anyone of watching it against their conscience. I just noticed that all the opinions were similar to the OP and thought it a good idea to show that there's room for a variety of views.

 

In any case, Maciej, congratulations for that reaction of your son. His heart is in the right place and he stood up for what he believes. You can be very proud of him.

[Bek]

The Aladdin film seems to have been a success at the box office this week. The BBC cheekily attributes it to magic powers.  

Aladdin casts box office spell

Aladdin still has the magic according to cinema-goers who turned out in their droves for the first weekend of Disney's live-action remake.

 

https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-48421014

 

 

 

[CynthiaG]

On 5/26/2019 at 6:23 PM, SUNRAY said:

There is very good input from Jehovah's organization  in the Remain in God's Love book Chapter 16. The entire chapter is excellent, but par. 16 of that chapter is very pertinent I think!

Yes that is a wonderful chapter that you can review with your son. 

 

21 hours ago, New World Explorer said:

It's hard to stand up to a subtle influences, because no one wants to be viewed by others as "over-righteous too much "

It takes courage to be selective with our entertainment.

Indeed it takes courage! Courage that not even many adults have so GREAT job with your son! 

 

21 hours ago, New World Explorer said:

 

I have witnessed a talk among brothers enjoying "Game of Thrones"

I refuse to watch the show for following reasons: Violence, rape, sexual abuse ..

https://graziadaily.co.uk/life/opinion/ok-sexual-violence-game-thrones-gone-far/

 

 

This is absolutely absurd! I have also seen posts on social media by some of our teen brothers and sisters in our area I was in complete disbelief. The parent guide on IMDB for this show states "sex is the driving force for this series..." It is extremely pornographic and violent. Mind blown 😫🤯

[CynthiaG]

14 hours ago, Bek said:

The Aladdin film seems to have been a success at the box office this week. The BBC cheekily attributes it to magic powers.  

Aladdin casts box office spell

Aladdin still has the magic according to cinema-goers who turned out in their droves for the first weekend of Disney's live-action remake.

 

https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-48421014

 

 

 

EXACTLY! 

[New World Explorer]

16 hours ago, carlos said:

I see no reason to consider the genius a demon.

Good point Carlos,  (thank you for balancing the conversation ..)

Old reference from our publications calls him fabled jinn

Practicers of non-Biblical religions often consider their worship to be a sort of “magic” that gets their god to do whatever the worshiper wants. But the Creator is not like the fabled jinn of Aladdin’s lamp, waiting to do man’s bidding.g74 1/8

 

[CynthiaG]

I grew up watching these movies and as a matter of fact when my children where younger I allowed them to watch Disney movies also. Just within these past few years I began making serious changes to please Jehovah so our family has since discontinue watching those movies. I ask my mom quite regularly now what was she thinking allowing us as witnesses to watch those movies even if they were cartoons. She agrees with me now. 

 

Aladdin was among my top 5 favorites and I still know the lyrics to the song "magic carpet ride."The genie grants wishes and lets say he is an innocent folklore creature we still have another main character Jafar who is in fact a "sorcerer." Well we all know how Jehovah feels about sorcery. He definitely wouldn't call it innocent or harmless. At the end he puts the princess under a spell/trance to force her into marrying him. 

 

We have a family in our congregation who also does not allow their 2 young daughters to watch Disney. They once respectfully declined an invitation to watch Disney on ice with another elder and his family.  So allthough during my time in the truth I've observed that most do watch these movies I know some who prefer not to.

 

I have an app on my phone called IMDB. There is a "parents guide" that you can click on and it tells you plenty of details about every movie down to how many curse words are used. I use rotten tomatoes and wikipedia also to really research a movie thoroughly. 

 

I will admit that I am particularly sensitive to anything with dark themes so this is an added reason I refuse to watch certain movies.  It is hard to find entertainment that doesn't have even the slightest dash of what could be considered magic these days. I do believe that your son made the wisest choice as I don't believe it is a conscience matter to watch movies with dark magic. 

 

 

 

 

Edited May 28, 2019 by CynthiaG

[CynthiaG]

An upcoming article states

 

STUDY ARTICLE 17

Accept Jehovah’s Help to Resist Wicked Spirits

Examine your entertainment carefully. Ask yourself: ‘Do I read books, magazines, or articles on the Internet about the occult? What about the music I listen to, the movies and TV shows I watch, or the video games I play? Does any of my entertainment involve spiritism? Does it feature such things as vampires, zombies, or the paranormal? Does it portray magic, spells, or curses as harmless fun?’ Of course, not all entertainment that features fantasies or fairy tales is necessarily related to spiritism. When evaluating your entertainment, be determined to make choices that will help you stay far away from anything Jehovah hates. We want to do our best to “maintain a clear conscience” before our God.—Acts 24:16

 

 

 

[CynthiaG]

1 hour ago, New World Explorer said:

 

Old reference from our publications calls him fabled jinn

Practicers of non-Biblical religions often consider their worship to be a sort of “magic” that gets their god to do whatever the worshiper wants. But the Creator is not like the fabled jinn of Aladdin’s lamp, waiting to do man’s bidding.g74 1/8

 

An interesting response I found in another post regarding "magic." 

 

ouzo says: 

It's necessary also to check the origin of such myths. For example in turkish language that I study the term "jin" (pronounced tzin) originates from the arabic word that means "Demon". The brothers in Turkey they use this word clearly for demons (It's possible also the arabic speaking brothers). What would you thought if someone said that he watch a show that named "Aladdin and his demon"?

Edited May 28, 2019 by CynthiaG

[SUNRAY]

The book 'Keep yourself in God's Love' considers ways Satan tries to get us interested in 

Oppose the Devil and His Crafty Acts

“Oppose the Devil, and he will flee.”—JAMES 4:7.

 

⁹ Cunning schemes. Paul exhorts Christians to stand firm against Satan’s “crafty acts.” (Ephesians 6:11) Note Paul’s use of the plural. Wicked spirits use not one but various cunning schemes—and for good reason. In the course of time, some believers who have stood firm against one kind of trial have given in when faced with another. Hence, the Devil and the demons closely observe the behavior of each one of us to detect our weakest spot. Then they exploit any spiritual weakness we may have. 

PRACTICING SPIRITISM—AN ACT OF BETRAYAL

 

¹⁰ By practicing spiritism, or demonism, one makes direct contact with wicked spirits. Divination, sorcery, binding with spells, and inquiring of the dead are some forms of spiritism. As we well know, Jehovah views spiritism as “detestable.” (Deuteronomy 18:10-12; Revelation 21:8) Since we too must “abhor what is wicked,” it is unthinkable that we would ever seek out the company of wicked spirit forces. (Romans 12:9) What a repulsive act of betrayal against our heavenly Father, Jehovah, that would be!

 

¹¹ However, for the very reason that dabbling in spiritism is gross treachery against Jehovah, Satan is bent on getting some of us involved in it. Each time he can induce a Christian to turn to demonism, Satan scores a grand victory.....

RAISING QUESTIONS 

¹² As long as we abhor spiritism, Satan will not succeed against us by using it. Hence, he realizes that he must change our thinking. How? He seeks ways to confuse Christians to the point that some will think that “good is bad and bad is good.” (Isaiah 5:20) . 

¹⁴ Today, the Devil uses a similar scheme in an effort to create uncertainties about the wickedness of spiritism. Sadly, he has succeeded in raising doubts in the minds of some believers. They have begun to question whether certain forms of spiritism are truly all that evil. (2 Corinthians 11:3) How can we help such ones to adjust their thinking? How can we make sure that Satan’s scheme fails to influence us? To answer, let us consider two areas of life that Satan has slyly contaminated with spiritistic elements. They are entertainment and health care.

EXPLOITING OUR DESIRES AND NEEDS

 

¹⁵ Especially in the Western world, occultism, witchcraft, and other forms of spiritism are taken more and more lightly. Movies, books, TV programs, and computer games increasingly portray demonistic practices as being fun, smart, and harmless. Some movies and books with plots focusing on the occult have become so wildly popular that devotees have organized fan clubs. Clearly, the demons have succeeded in trivializing the dangers of the occult. Has this trend of taking spiritism lightly influenced Christians? The thinking of some has been affected. In what way? To give a typical example, after one Christian watched a movie that centered on the occult, he said, “I saw the movie, but I didn’t practice spiritism.” Why is such reasoning dangerous?

 

¹⁶ Although there is a difference between actually practicing spiritism and watching it, that surely does not mean that watching occult practices poses no danger. Why not? Consider this: God’s Word indicates that neither Satan nor his demons have the ability to read our thoughts.* Thus, as mentioned earlier, to find out what we are thinking and to detect any spiritual weakness in us, wicked spirits have to observe closely our actions—including our choice of entertainment. When a Christian’s behavior shows that he enjoys movies or books that center on spirit mediums, magic spells, acts of demon possession, or similar demonistic subjects, he is sending a message to the demons. In effect, he is alerting them to his weak spot! In response, the demons could intensify their wrestling with that Christian in order to exploit the weakness he has revealed until they have pinned him down, so to speak. In fact, some whose interest in spiritism was first piqued by entertainment that prominently featured the occult have eventually become involved in actually practicing spiritism.—Read Galatians 6:7.

Edited May 28, 2019 by SUNRAY
shorten

[New World Explorer]

54 minutes ago, CynthiaG said:

An interesting response I found in another post regarding "magic." 

 

ouzo says: 

It's necessary also to check the origin of such myths. For example in turkish language that I study the term "jin" (pronounced tzin) originates from the arabic word that means "Demon". The brothers in Turkey they use this word clearly for demons (It's possible also the arabic speaking brothers). What would you thought if someone said that he watch a show that named "Aladdin and his demon"?

Your input is highly appreciated ... did not know the information that you have presented - thank you

[jayrtom]

In my opinion, the things I analyse in order to make a decision, are related to this questions:

 

Is the movie, tv-show, etc, about spiritism (like the TV-Show "Sabrina" as the foremost example)? Or spiritism has a circunstancial appearance (like a movie were a character makes fortune telling but has no major role in the argument?)

 

And that's the way I decide