“Pauline,” a new Disney+ show about a teenager who falls in love with the devil, is causing concern among Christian leaders.
“My reaction was: Satan always comes masquerading as an angel of light, and so he’s going to portray himself in the form that people are most readily able to accept,” Mike Signorelli, pastor of V1 Church in New York City said. “Because he wants to appeal to the masses, we’re seeing this over and over and over again.”
Much is still unknown about the German-produced “Pauline,” although a “ Deadline “report gives a glimpse into what can be expected: “Pauline follows the eponymous protagonist, an 18-year-old who accidentally becomes pregnant from a one-night stand supposedly with satan. With school stress, the climate crisis and the downfall of society weighing heavily on her mind, something she doesn’t need at all right now is catching feelings, especially not for her one-night stand Lukas, who, as it turns out, is the devil himself.”
READ: Disney producer says they’re trying to make demons a part of Disney
Whether it’s shows like this or cartoons such as “Little Demon,” Signorelli encourages parents to be engaged and aware of what is unfolding. This is particularly true for cartoons featuring evil, demonic or satanic subject matter.
“If you are a parent watching this video right now, I just want to make it as clear and plain as possible: These cartoons are not for adults,” he said. “They can say they’re for adults. They can have an adult rating, but we know that cartoons appeal to children. And somebody has to be bold enough to say it.”
Signorelli said Christians also have to be well aware that Ephesians 6 is real and believers are engaged in an intense spiritual battle.
“We’re fighting a spiritual battle, and we wrestle not against flesh and blood, and so we’re not fighting against producers and directors and cartoonists and illustrators,” he said. “We are fighting a spiritual battle, and so we have to be aware of that so that Satan will not outwit us.”
Signorelli isn’t alone in his “Pauline” critique. Movieguide also slammed the show and urged people to take action. The protest effort is seeking 150,000 signatures.
–Alan Goforth | Metro Voice