Pinocchio: Discussion Guide for Parents

Walt Disney Pictures, 1940

Content Warnings:

Disobedience & Lying

Tobacco & Alcohol

Scary scenes - kidnapping, boys turning into donkeys

Before Beginning:

Before beginning, it may be helpful to remind children that this is a pretend story. While it can teach us true lessons, the story itself is not true. 

Pinocchio is often seen as a morality tale against evil. Rather than focusing on fear, Pinocchio's mistakes, and their consequences, I would recommend keeping the focus on forgiveness and redemption. Geppetto and Jiminy Cricket always lovingly support Pinocchio, following after him and encouraging him to choose the right. Remind children that this is the kind of loving care God had towards us (and we should strive to react like Gepetto and Jiminy when our children make mistakes).

Discussion Questions

1. Pinocchio was interrupted on his way to school and chose to follow Honest John and be an actor instead of going to school. Why is going to school important?
2. The Blue Fairy describes a conscience as “something that helps you choose between right and wrong, counsels in moments of temptation, and keeps you on the straight and narrow.” What did Jiminy Cricket do when Pinocchio chose to ignore him? Does your conscience respond the same way?
3. What does it mean to "let your conscience be your guide”? How do you tell the difference between right and wrong, and what do you do if you can't figure it out? 
4. How is Jiminy Cricket similar to or different from the Holy Spirit? 

• Ideas: Both help us know right from wrong. Both will stay with us when we most need them. Jiminy Cricket is visible, but the Holy Spirit is invisible.

5. Pinocchio could have trusted and obeyed his father and Jiminy Cricket, or Honest John and Stromboli. How can we know who to trust and obey?
6. When Pinocchio is first kidnapped, Jiminy wants to tell Geppetto but worries about being "snitchy." What's the difference between being a tattletale and helping a friend in danger?
7. The Blue Fairy said, “A lie keeps growing bigger and bigger until it’s as plain as the nose on your face.” Have you ever told a lie that got bigger and bigger? What happened? How do you feel when other people lie to you? 
8. When Pinocchio didn’t obey his father and Jiminy, he got into some trouble. What kind of things happened?

• Note: This may be an appropriate time to discuss where real-world consequences may differ from those in the film. Assure your children that they will not, in fact, be turned into donkeys. 

9. Pinocchio had many people around to help him - the Blue Fairy, his father, and Jiminy. How did these people react when Pinocchio made mistakes?

• The Blue Fairy forgave Pinocchio and gave him another chance.
• Gepetto loved Pinocchio and went out searching for him. 
• Jiminy always stuck by Pinocchio to help him make better choices. 

10. How is the story of Gepetto and Pinocchio similar to the Plan of Salvation?

• Gepetto created Pinocchio and God made us.
• Gepetto loved Pinocchio very much. God loves us very much.
• Gepetto hoped Pinocchio would make good decisions, and God hopes we will make good choices.
• When the Blue Fairy brought Pinocchio to life, Pinocchio was given the ability to choose how he would act and whether he would obey his father. God gives us agency to choose whether we will obey. 
• Pinocchio made mistakes, just as we make mistakes during our earth life.
• Pinocchio experienced negative consequences when he was disobedient. We, too, experience consequences when we are disobedient. 
• No matter what Pinocchio did, Gepetto kept looking for Pinocchio, hoping he would come home and be brave and honest. No matter what mistakes we make, God is always nearby, hoping that we will repent and turn back to God’s way. 
• At then end of the movie, after Pinocchio had been tested and proved himself, he became a “real boy” (not made out of wood). After we have been tested and proved that we will be faithful, we will become “real,” with a glorified, perfected body. Our new bodies will be different and better, just like Pinocchio’s new body was different and better.  

Scripture Connections

• The Prodigal Father. Luke 15:11-32
• Jonah and the Big Fish. Jonah
• Plan of Salvation. See True to the Faith, “Plan of Salvation” for an overview and scripture references. 
• Education. Dan 1:17; 2 Nephi 9:29, 28:30; Alma 37:35; D&C 88:118, 90:15, 93:36, 93:53, 130:18; See Bible Dictionary, “Education”
• Lying/Honesty. Lev 19:11; Ps 101:7; Proverbs 12:22; Acts 5:4; 2 Cor 8:21, 13:7; Eph 4:25; Phili 4:8; Col 3:9; 2 Nephi 28:8; Alma 27:27; D&C 42:21
• Courage. Alma 53:20
• Integrity. Job 2:3, 27:5, 31:6; Prov 20:7; 1 Nephi 2:10; Alma 24:19, 27:27; D&C 5:22; Joseph Smith History 1:25
• Discernment. 1 Kgs 3:5-15; Isa 11:3; 1 For 12:10; Alma 12:31; 3 Nephi 11:3, 24:18; Ether 4:12; Moro 7:15; D&C 11:13, 101:95
• Tobacco & Alcohol. See “Word of Wisdom,” D&C 89 and footnotes. 

Ideas for Further Study

• Read The Adventures of Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi.
• Learn about Germany at the time of Pinocchio. 
• Research the effects of tobacco and smoking on our bodies. 
• Learn about whales like Monstro.

References

Nancy Davis Kho, “Pinocchio,” Common Sense Media <https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/pinocchio>

The Abundant Life: Ananias and Sapphira

A man named Ananias—his wife, Sapphira, conniving in this with him—sold a piece of land, secretly kept part of the price for himself, and then brought the rest to the apostles and made an offering of it. Peter said, “Ananias, how did Satan get you to lie to the Holy Spirit and secretly keep back part of the price of the field? Before you sold it, it was all yours, and after you sold it, the money was yours to do with as you wished. So what got into you to pull a trick like this? You didn’t lie to men but to God.” Ananias, when he heard those words, fell down dead. That put the fear of God into everyone who heard of it. The younger men went right to work and wrapped him up, then carried him out and buried him.

Not more than three hours later, his wife, knowing nothing of what had happened, came in. Peter said, “Tell me, were you given this price for your field?”

“Yes,” she said, “that price.”

Peter responded, “What’s going on here that you connived to conspire against the Spirit of the Master? The men who buried your husband are at the door, and you’re next.” No sooner were the words out of his mouth than she also fell down, dead. When the young men returned they found her body. They carried her out and buried her beside her husband.

By this time the whole church and, in fact, everyone who heard of these things had a healthy respect for God. They knew God was not to be trifled with.

Acts 5:1-10 (MSG)

~ ~ ~

Recently, I read a book entitled Rescuing the Bible from Fundamentalism (authored by former Anglican Bishop John Shelby Spong). The thrust of his argument was that modern scientific inquiry and wider, less tribalistic morality was causing us to rethink how we look at the Bible. There are two options. First, we take it literally, discounting science and worshipping a God who commands slaughter of many people throughout the text - fundamentalism. Or, we revere the Bible as a work full of rich symbolism and metaphor (which is likely the way that early Christians viewed at least the gospels) that leads us to an experience of the divine - a progressive approach. 

As I read the above passage in my scripture study recently, I found myself thinking, "What the heck am I supposed to learn from this? That our God is the kind of God who will kill anyone who lies or fails to donate money to the church? Wow." It struck me that this was against the God of forgiveness and grace found in other parts of the New Testament and preached by many Christian churches today. Where is grace? Where is the forgiveness brought about by Jesus? Shouldn't these new Christians, of all people, have an understand of the radical grace given by their God? Or is grace a lie? Is this God a killer, or one who came "that you might have life, and have it abundantly"? 

This morning, I read a passage in John. Here, Jesus said, "My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to complete his work" (John 4:34). Wow. His food is doing God's work. Jesus is saying that he gets nourishment and sustenance from doing God's work, from serving others. Doing God's work, for Jesus, wasn't something draining or energy-consuming, but life-giving. 

And, we are children of God just as much as Jesus. And our faith calls us to live Christlike lives. What if that means that we, too, are to find nourishment and sustenance in doing God's work? Doing God's work will fill us up and give us life abundant. Wow. 

Then, this evening, I was listening to a talk by a local preacher. On a tangent, he mentioned this story in Acts 5. He didn't really teach on it, just acknowledge it's existence. A sidenote to a passage I'd just been reading and questioning. 

And then I realized. Something spoke to my soul, and said - "This story isn't about actual death. It's not about Ananias and Sapphira literally falling to the ground, physically dead. Think metaphorically." So I thought. 

Then - boom. They died not a physical death, but a spiritual death. The story isn't about God smiting people for lying or not sharing. This story is about where we get our food. Ananias and Sapphira weren't contributing to building up the Kingdom like they should have. In their case, it was a financial lapse. Since they didn't contribute the way they could and the way God had asked of them, a part of them died. They lost some of the abundant life, because they were not walking in the way lined by the Light of the World. They died spiritually. 

The lesson for us, is that when we fail to contribute to the Kingdom of God in the ways that God has asked, in the ways that we are capable of, part of us dies. We walk away from God. That's death. The story isn't about God killing people, but about us failing to look at God. Ananias and Sapphira didn't believe that serving God would be all the food, all the nourishment, all the sustenance they needed. Either they were anxious about material needs, or they thought that worldly riches would satisfy the hunger in their hearts. Wrong. Only life with God can fill us up all the way. When we walk with God, we're fed. Inside and out. Our God is the Great Provider.

May we trust the Abundant Giver. May we look to this Holy Source to supply all our needs. May we be free of anxiety, knowing where our food comes from. May we follow Light and live to the fullest. 

Brigham Young on Government

I was reading recently in The Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young. The chapter on "Earthly Governments and the Kingdom of God" seemed especially relevant in our current politcal climate.

What a government based on the Kingdom look like? 

President Young said that if the Kingdom of God ruled on earth, "Every one would be fully protected in the enjoyment of all religious and social rights, and no state, no government, no community, no person would have the privilege of infringing on the rights of one another. . . . Whoever lives to see the Kingdom of God fully established upon the earth will see a government that will protect every person in his rights" (268). 

Young reminds us that the Kingdom of God does not force anyone to do or believe anything. As such, "If that government [the Kingdom of God] was now reigning . . . you would see the Roman Catholic, the Greek Catholic, the Episcopalian, the Presbyterian, the Methodist, the Baptist, the Quaker, the Shaker, the [Hindi], the [Muslim], and every class of worshippers most strictly protected in all their municipal rights and in the privileges of worshiping who, what, and when they pleased" (268). Our country and church leadership would do well to work harder on to "protect every person in his rights" and ensure that "every class of worshippers [are] most strictly protected," rather than allowing Jews and Muslims to suffer and die as refugees abroad or victims of hateful actions domestically.

What kind of leaders are needed for such a government?

President Young also spoke about good leaders and the traits necessary for leadership: "[A good leader] should understand what administrative policy would be most beneficial to the nation. He should also have the knowledge and disposition to wisely exercise the appointing power. . . . He should not only carry out the legal and just wishes of his constituents, but should be able to enlighten their understanding and correct their judgement. And all good officers in a truly republican[*] administration will constantly labor for the security of the rights of all, irrespective of sect or party. . . . We want [people] to rule the nation who care more for and love better the nation's welfare than gold and silver, fame, or popularity" (269). 

1. Knowledge and Understanding
2. Carry out the legal and just wishes of this constituents
3. Constantly labor for the rights of all, irrespective of sect or party
4. Care more for and love better the nation's welfare than money, power, or fame

How are Latter-Day Saints expected to participate in such government?

President Young spoke regarding electing representatives, saying, "We will vote for the man who will sustain the principles of civil and religious liberty, the man who knows the most and who has the best heart and brain for a statesman; and we do not care a farthing whether he is a whig, a democrat [etc]" (270). 

After election, "We will pray for them and give them our faith [trust] and influence to do the will of God and to preserve themselves and the people in truth and righteousness" (270). Here, I do not believe the President Young is saying that the Saints are to vote, pray for our representatives, and leave it at that. He also says we should "influence" them - in today's words, an injunction to phone and write our representatives to tell them what we believe they should do and how they should act in given situations. We are to influence our representatives "to do the will of God." What does this mean? Well, I think the next part of the sentence partially explains that: "to preserve themselves and the people in truth and righteousness." We are to guide our representatives to act according to principles of truth and righteousness. We are not to allow or representatives to act based on falsehoods, assumptions, or bigotry. Remember, President Young said that the a Kingdom government "will protect every person in his rights."

"Are we a political people? Yes, very political indeed." 

President Brigham Young 

So, Latter-Day Saints, follow the prophet in all areas of your life, including government. May I remind you that Jesus of Nazareth was executed on a Roman cross for defying the government and calling for social, economic, and religious justice for the Jewish people. May we not be afraid of a fate like Jesus in fighting for the Kingdom he initiated. 

*Republic - "a government in which supreme power is held by the citizens entitled to vote and is exercised by elected officers and representatives governing according to law" (Merriam-Webster Dictionary).

All images from lds.org.

Freedom and Agency

"Do what is right; let the consequence follow.

Battle for freedom in spirit and might;

And with stout hearts look ye forth till tomorrow.

God will protect you; then do what is right!"

"Do What is Right," LDS Hymnbook

(source)

I've been thinking a lot lately about the concept of freedom, and specifically freedom in Christ. What does this mean?

It's important to understand what Christ brings freedom from. It's sin. Sin is what chains us down and makes us slaves. Satan "is seeking to hurl away [our] souls down to everlasting misery and endless wo" (Helaman 7:16). As one speaker said in our sacrament meeting, "Satan is not your friend."

When we sin, we let the devil into our hearts. And when we sin again, we let him stay, have a drink, put his feet up, and eventually make residence - "he grasps them with his awful chains, from whence there is no deliverance. Yea, they are grasped with death, and hell" (2 Nephi 28:22). And, he is sticky. He doesn't like to leave. If we let him into our hearts, he won't leave. We can't kick him out. We don't have that power. Then, we have his evil, lying, deceptive voice in our heart, tempting us to do evil constantly.

When Christ performed the atonement, He broke those bands. He released us from the shackles from the devil.

When we accept Christ as Savior, when we exercise faith, and repent, feel godly sorrow for those sins, when we know that what we have done doesn't match up to our divine nature and potential - He can cleanse us. "Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool" (Isaiah 1:18). Christ kicks the devil out. He can beat the adversary, because the devil never entered into Christ. Christ, the perfectly righteous man, is the only one qualified to get the devil out.

When that happens, when the devil leaves, we become free again. We are not trapped by the adversary living inside us. We can choose again. We can move forward, choosing to do good.

The freedom that Christ offers us is not freedom to do whatever we want. It's freedom that allows us to "shake off the chains with which ye are bound, and . . . arise" (2 Nephi 1:23). It's the freedom that breaks the grasp of the devil and allows us to "choose liberty and eternal life" (2 Nephi 2:27). When God says, "Ye are free to choose" (2 Nephi 10:23), He means the hold of our sins has been lifted and we are free to run towards Him.

So let's do that. Since our chains are broken, let's run to Him, as fast as we can, choosing righteousness and obedience all the days of our lives.

A prayer in the Methodist hymnal includes this line, which I love: "Free us for joyful obedience, through Jesus Christ our Lord." Joyful obedience. Not grudging or spiteful obedience, but joyful obedience. Imagine what would happen if you thought of the "can't" of the gospel as "cans" - when you say "no" to something of the world, you're saying "yes" to letting the Holy Spirit fill your life up more. Don't be upset when you can't do something "fun," be joyful that you're saying "no" to the devil and "yes" to our Eternal Father.

"Therefore, cheer up your hearts, and remember that ye are free to act for yourselves—to choose the way of everlasting death or the way of eternal life."

2 Nephi 10:23

Why is Obedience Important?

For a Christian, Christ is the most important person in our lives. Some branches of Christianity emphasize behavior, obedience to God's commandments, and submission to His will, but other branches deny that God's commandments are of any importance to us. For Latter-Day Saints, commandments are important. But why?

Is it because we think we need to do enough to get into heaven? No.
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God," (Ephesians 2:8). "We know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do," (2 Nephi 25:23). 

Is it because we're scared of an angry God? No. 

"While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us," (Romans 5:8). He died to save us while we were still sinning. That proves His love for us. 

So why is obedience so important? Why do we keep God's commandments?

Why do I keep God's commandments?

I keep God's commandments, because when Jesus said "All who believe will have eternal life," He didn't just mean believe that He existed and was God's son, or a prophet, or a teacher - though He was all of those things. 

Believing in Christ means believing what He said. 

It's believing He said we are loved infinitely, more than we could ever imagine. 

It's believing He said He is preparing a place for us. 

It's believing He said "repent." 

It's believing that repentance means "turning around," a change of heart. 

It's believing that atonement means "harmony," and that Christ's atonement gives us the ability to be in harmony with God. 

It's believing that He said "I love you."

It's believing that Jesus said "If ye love me, keep my commandments." 

It's believing that God gives commandments to us for our benefit. 

It's believing that He said "I love you."

It's believing that He said "Follow me." 

It's believing that His invitation asks us to love like Him and live like Him. 

It's believing that He said "Forsake all you have," and "He who loses his life for my sake will find it."

It's believing that He said "I love you."

It's believing that He came to save us from our sins, not just in our sins. 

It's believing that sin exists. 

It's believing evil exists. 

It's believing that God has given commandments (for without His commandments, there would be no good and no sin). 

It's believing that He said "I love you."

It's believing that we cannot live a perfect life on our own. 

It's believing that He can and did pay the price for our wrongs, so that we can have more chances to choose right. 

It's believing that He said "You are mine."

It's believing that He said "I love you."

It's believing that His commandments help us grow into better people. 

It's believing that He said we are of infinite worth and infinite potential. 

It's believing that He said "I love you."

This is the biblical, Old Testament Jehovah.
This is the biblical, New Testament Jesus of Nazareth.
This is the Book of Mormon Jesus Christ, "who shall come to redeem His people."
This is the Doctrine and Covenants Only Begotten Son, Lord of all.

This is my Savior, my Jesus Christ. This is who I follow. This is the mentor and hero after whom I am trying to model my life.

(All images from Media Library on lds.org)