No More Tigers, We Have the Lion: A Rebuttal to "The Tiger's Apprentice" by Paramount Animation
Sometime around 2016 (as much as I can remember), I asked a younger student in my University then about how she was doing and how things were with her; I noticed that she had not been active in some gospel engagements that she used to do. Among others, she informed me that a serious problem caused her to stop the gospel work. She was battling with demonic oppression and possession, through the books she read back at home before resuming at school. I had to ask her to explain more because, at that time, the concept of someone being demon-possessed just through reading books was very strange to me.
She went on to explain that her parents usually shunned her at home and it kept her a lot of times to herself. When she was by herself, she started getting engrossed in reading all kinds of books, especially romance and adventure books. It got to a time that she could read 1000 words as fast as almost a glance. However, as this continued, she started experiencing strange personalities running after her in her dreams and it grew so worse that she started manifesting real demonic possession. This is an example of how images in books, movies, and even songs, can influence people in real life.
In a world saturated with fantastical narratives, it's crucial to examine the underlying messages conveyed, especially those targeted toward impressionable young minds. Paramount Animation's "The Tiger's Apprentice" presents a captivating adventure, but through a Christian author’s lens, it raises concerns about the subtle promotion of anti-biblical themes and symbolism. This article aims to provide a counterpoint, advocating for a shift towards Christ-centered narratives that nourish children's spiritual well-being.
Children are naturally drawn to exciting stories filled with magic and mythical creatures. "The Tiger's Apprentice" hinges on the concept of a young boy tasked with protecting a stone containing the Phoenix, a mythical bird rooted in Greek mythology. While captivating, this narrative risks exposing children to traditions that contradict biblical teachings. The Bible, in Deuteronomy 18:9-12, warns against practices associated with other gods, including divination and sorcery. By presenting such concepts as the foundation of the story, the film risks desensitizing children to their potential dangers.
From Zodiac Tiger to the Lion of Judah:
The film's central theme of a protector tiger resonates with the biblical concept of guardianship. However, instead of relying on mythical creatures like the tiger, a symbol often associated with Eastern traditions, a Christ-centered narrative presenting Jesus Christ, the "Lion of the tribe of Judah" (Revelation 5:5), as the ultimate protector is what children need. Christ's sacrifice on the cross, as mentioned in John 3:16, offers eternal salvation and protection, surpassing any mythical concept. Highlighting this truth would bless children while protecting them from subtle demonic possession in the name of animations.
The Power of Christ-Centered Narratives:
Christian author C.S. Lewis, in his renowned work "Mere Christianity," emphasizes the importance of shaping our imaginations with stories that reflect Christian values. He argues that stories have the power to shape our worldview and understanding of good and evil. By presenting narratives centered on Christ's love, sacrifice, and ultimate victory, we can equip children with a moral compass rooted in biblical truths.
This is not a call for censorship, but rather a call for awareness and intentionality. As parents and consumers of media, we must critically evaluate the messages embedded in the stories we present to children. "The Tiger's Apprentice" serves as a reminder of the need for Christ-centered alternatives that captivate young minds while nurturing their spiritual growth. By replacing anti-biblical metaphors with symbols that resonate with Christian values, we can empower children to navigate the complexities of our world with a firm foundation in their faith.
Compiled by
Caleb Oladejo
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