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What TOY STORY teaches us about our identity in Christ

What TOY STORY teaches us about our identity in Christ

Published: October 1, 2024

Photo from TOY STORY’s Instagram

What this popular children’s film teaches us about our identity in Christ

By Movieguide® staff

Did you know that TOY STORY can teach us about who we are in Christ? Candace Cameron Bure and filmmaker Andy Erwin delved deeply into the religious lessons we can learn from the film.

“I think what’s been so brilliant about this TOY STORY journey is that Woody starts to realize who he is and the purpose of it not being about him,” Erwin began. “And the purpose is there. Ultimately he was there to serve Andy and again we can’t find our theology. You know, we don’t serve people. Right? But ultimately, you know, Andy was who he belonged. And in our case, it is the person we belong to. God. ”

Bure chimed in with a recap of a sweet moment in the film where both Woody and Buzz struggle with and find their identities.

“Buzz just found out he’s not a real Space Ranger,” she said. “He thinks he’s a real space ranger the whole movie, and then he sees this commercial and he realizes for the first time that he’s just a toy. Like his laser beam isn’t working. His wings don’t really work. He’s karate chop, that means nothing. And so he’s really devastated.”

She explained how his friend Woody encouraged him: “He says, ‘But you’re better than a real space ranger.’ You are a toy. Because being a toy means you belong somewhere and belong to Andy.’”

Bure explained that this is an example of how we often think about ourselves and that we need to be reminded of our identity and purpose.

“And yet I can look at that and very easily equate it with God and assume that our attitude toward God is as if we belong to God. Just as both Woody and Buzz belong to Andy and were created for Andy and his pleasure. We were created for the joy of God. We were created to glorify Him…We were created in His image. God delights in us,” she said.

The biblical themes of the TOY STORY series have not gone unnoticed.

The focus on family has earned the franchise a worldwide box office of over $3 billion.

All four films were nominated for Teddy Bear Awards® for their redemptive themes. Part of the Movieguide® review of TOY STORY 4 reads:

TOY STORY 4 contains some incredible messages of family, redemption and self-sacrifice in a very exciting, entertaining story. The importance of toys for child care is constantly emphasized, but it is also important for growing up and finding real love, with the end result being good, positive, monogamous relationships between a man and a woman. Each character has a great character arc, with some characters having an epiphany and truly transforming. It would be hard to find a better story. TOY STORY 4 will win your heart. However, there are some pretty scary scenes. Therefore, please consider your child’s sensitivity when deciding whether TOY STORY 4 is suitable for them.