Sunday, March 13, 2011

Toy Story

There is an entire theology surrounding the Toy Story movies. Here is a sample. They create a microcosm of God's world, wherein toys stand in for humans and children stand in for God. Like God, the child loves the toy, giving its existence meaning. Woody best represents the ideal faithful human before God - loyal, subservient, respectful of his position, loving. He's also a leader for the other toys - organizing, encouraging, giving wisdom, etc. He's like a king or pastor leading a flock of people through the dangers of life.

Interestingly, the dangers they encounter are particularly theological in substance - faith in their human child and the assurance of not be lost or neglected or rejected by that child. It is the fear of every human to not be loved by God, or worse, to be loved then be rejected. Woody encounters loss of place, of distinction, to another, an equal. But it is not just any equal, it is a newer toy, with more bells and whistles. Therefore, Woody must deal with his place in the world, where he is becoming obsolete, like an elderly person facing the loss of place and position in life.

The ultimate reconciliation of Woody and Buzz indicates that the body of Christ is one body, with many parts. Each part has its own function, and each one contributes to the other to make each part more. Woody became a less rigid, more tolerant leader, and Buzz realistically faced life with a faith that dealt with his real world, not a fantasy world. Together, they were the perfect pair, working effectively together because they were such a great team and so complimentary in who each of them was.

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