Corporate activism against parental rights and Christian values is documented. Classic content largely safe.
Walt Disney Company was founded by Walt Disney, a man who described himself as "not a churchgoer" but who built his company on content reflecting broadly Judeo-Christian moral assumptions: good and evil are real and distinguishable, virtue is rewarded, sacrifice and love are noble, family matters, and the world contains genuine wonder. These values shaped Disney content through approximately the first six decades of the company's existence. The company's current direction represents a genuine departure from these founding values. This is not a perception problem or an overreaction by Christian conservatives — it is documented in the company's own executive statements, content decisions, and corporate advocacy positions.
Disney's content decisions since approximately 2018 have consistently moved away from traditional family values: Disney Channel's "The Owl House" features a main character who is a witch and incorporates LGBT storylines targeted at children. "Strange World" (2022) features an openly gay teenage protagonist in what was marketed as a family adventure film. "Lightyear" (2022) features a same-sex kiss. Multiple Disney Channel shows have introduced LGBT storylines for child characters. Deuteronomy 6:7 calls parents to "impress [God's commands] on your children." Disney's recent content choices actively work against this calling by introducing sexual ideology to children before their parents have the opportunity to address it in an age-appropriate way.
Disney's departure from family values extends beyond content into corporate advocacy. The company publicly opposed Florida's Parental Rights in Education legislation — a law restricting discussion of sexual identity with K-3 children. Internal Disney videos showed executives discussing goals of increasing "LGBTQIA+ stories" in content. Disney CEO Bob Chapek's reversal under pressure from internally organized LGBT employees represented a significant moment in the company's public alignment. This pattern of corporate advocacy against parental rights is directly relevant to Christian families who have historically trusted Disney content for their children. The trust that built Disney's brand with Christian families is being used to advance an agenda that contradicts the values of those families.
Disney as a corporation scores 24/100. Christian families should not give new Disney content automatic trust based on historical brand reputation. Research every new Disney release before family viewing. Maintain awareness of the company's trajectory and make content decisions accordingly. Support Disney content that does reflect family-compatible values; withhold financial support from content that doesn't. Joshua 24:15 — "as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord" — is a commitment that applies to our family's entertainment choices.
Christians are called to be in the world but not of it (John 17:14-16). Practical discernment questions: What content is being amplified and normalized? What is the cumulative effect of sustained exposure on your values and worldview? Is the content consistent with Philippians 4:8? Score: see full guide.
See our Biblical Discernment Guide. The Gospel Coalition and GotQuestions provide thorough evangelical analysis.