As a matter of fact, films that were released in Singapore had not been void of violence, sexual, or immoral content. But why does it create such huge reaction this time? Aren’t we making a mountain out of a molehill? Although the gay factor is not the main storyline of the movie, and it had only a few minutes of air time, Christians should treat this with seriousness regarding its underlying problem. Why? Firstly, what did they plan to achieve when they decided to inject a gay element into a classic tale? Are they telling everyone that being gay is wrong? Of course not. It is clear that the objective is to normalise gay relationships. The Bible too views gay relationships as unnatural, a sin hated by God. “Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchange natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were flamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error” (Romans 1:26-27).
Moreover, when God created men, He made them a man and a women (Adam and Eve). , He intended them to form a family and populate the world. “So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them. God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground’” (Genesis 1:27-28). Therefore, gay relationships violate the very principle and purpose of God’s creation of mankind. But gradually, with the recent trend starting from Europe and USA, they are going against the Bible’s viewpoint in getting the world to accept gay relationships as just another “boy-girl relationship.” Sadly, the world succeeded. In the European household, gay relationships are gradually tolerated. This phenomenon has been making its way into Singapore, and that’s no small matter.
The 1991 animation of the “Beauty and the Beast” is a classical family favourite. The latest re-make is also targeting the same pool of audience. Thus, there’s no rating attached. In Singapore, the film was rated PG (Parental Guidance) due to its violent elements, and is releasing the uncensored version during the March holidays. The second reason for concern has to do with our young generation. They are not matured in thinking and are impressionable. According to research, gay topics in movies will leave an impact for these young minds. I urge all brothers and sisters to exercise caution in bringing your family to watch this movie. And of course, regardless of watching any movie, be it in the cinema or at home, parents should always be there to guide our children the right values according to the Bible. We need to ensure that the values of the Bible are inculcated in them from young. Do not leave this task to the world to mould them. “Start children off the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it” (Proverbs 22:6). “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up” (Deu 6:6-7).
In these end of days, the corrupt atmosphere flourishes. The devil is always coming up with new ways to confuse Christians. “Be alert and sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). We have to stay alert not only for ourselves, but for our children as well!