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By: Ayat Huwaiti
Although it may not be as obvious, there is a very high chance that religious themes are occurring in your favourite songs, movies and books. Many of these types of medias have references to the Bible. A majority of the time, it is very subtle. Today we will be looking at religious themes in movies and art. Specifically, The Lion King and Renaissance artwork and beyond.
In the movie, Mufasa is a symbol of God. Although Mufasas death occurred early on in the movie, his presence remains throughout it. Mufasa frequently speaks to Simba from the sky to give him words of advice. This can be referenced to religion. In the Book of Exodus, God confronts Moses (Simba) in a burning bush to give him guidance to return and save the Hebrews from the Pharaoh (Scar). Just like Mufasa when he appears in the sky and speaks to Simba about his journey as King.
There are simillarities between Simba and Moses in the film. Both of them ran away to the desert after being accused of killing. Moses was found and rescued by Jethro and Simba was found by Timon and Pumbaa. Moses and Simba learned new ways of life. Simba learning Hakuna Matata and Moses acquired the word of God. Both were far from where they once grew up and were confronted with a big event that made them return home. Simba goes to the pride lands and Moses returns to Egypt. Both conquered their rivals and finished what they sought out to do. (Bringing peace to the pride lands and releasing the slaves). Aswell, Simba can be a connection of Jesus. Simba was the son of Mufasa (God), furthermore he "comes back from the dead" to save his people like Jesus.
Scar can be connected to two religious individuals, Satan and the Pharaoh of Egypt. Scar is the enemy of the story (much like Satan.) In Revelation 20:10, Satan is reffered to as The Deceiver, which reveals Satan as someone who tricks and/or lies. Simba is fooled by Scar to proceed into the gorge to meet his father for a surprise, this leads to Scar murdering Mufasa. In John 8:44, Satan is reported as a murderer. As for the Pharaoh of Egypt, both the Pharaoh and Scar wanted control, they did this by killing and enslaving those who were not strong.
In the movie, Rafiki carries out two baptisms. The first on young Simba (at the beginning) and on Simba's daughter (at the end). At the end of the baptism, Rafiki carries the cubs towards the sky as if he is showing them to the kings of the prides past. This ritual takes place in many Christian beliefs. The ritual that Rafiki performs could show the cubs loyalty to that certain pride. Aswell, Rafiki carries around what seems to be a staff that is used in his rituals throughout the movie. This can symbolize the Holy Crucifix that the priests or Pope use when partaking their ceremonies.
Timon and Pumbaa can be seen as a connection between the 12 Desciples, more specifically, John and James. John and James became close with Jesus (Simba). Aswell, they were present with Jesus while there were significant events in his life, like Timon and Pumbaa who were present for the major events in Simba's path. An example of this would be the battle with Scar for the throne.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0110357/synopsis
Leonardo da Vinci 1495-1498
The painting shows Jesus' last meal with his apostles before he was captured and crucified. Jesus has just expressed that one of the twelve will betray him. Da Vinci depicts the reaction of each disciple to the news.
Pierre Mignard 1640
The painting depicts the Virgin Mary as well as Jesus as a child. The veil that Virgin Mary is wearing symbolizes purity. The apples on the side of the painting could symbolize the original sin, in which Eve eats from the forbidden tree. The grapes that they are holding represents the Eurcharist.
Diego Velázquez 1641–1644
In this painting, Virgin Mary is in the center with Jesus on the left, God on the right and the Holy Spirit between the two, creating the Holy Trinity. The Father and Son are shown crowning Mary with the garland of roses. The Holy Spirit is depicted as a white dove which is also associated with peace and purity, which are important aspects in the faith.
"12 Inspiring Religious Paintings & Their Meanings." Get Fed | A Catholic Blog to Feed Your Faith. N.p., 18 July 2016. Web. 08 Apr. 2017.
"Disney's Lion King's Characters and Religion." Disney's Lion King's Characters and Religion. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Apr. 2017.
"Religious Art (700,000 BCE - present) Definition, History, Types." Religious Art: Definition, History, Types. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Apr. 2017.