Finding Theology in Pixar: Lessons from Finding Nemo
As a father of three little kids under 10, I find Disney movies a staple in my household. Out of all the Disney movies, the ones by Pixar stand out to me, not just for their captivating storytelling but also for the profound messages they carry. Every now and then, while watching one of these movies for the 500th or 600th time, a scene or a moment will strike me, and I think, “I can use this in a talk at Madison Church because there’s theology in it!”
One such example comes from the movie Finding Nemo.
The Aquarium vs. The Ocean: How Churches Can Mirror Finding Nemo
Finding Nemo is a film about an overprotective clownfish named Marlin and his adventurous son, Nemo. After a tragic incident where Marlin loses his wife and all their eggs except for one, Marlin becomes an overly cautious father, determined to protect his only surviving son. Nemo, however, is eager to explore the ocean and assert his independence. Despite Marlin’s fears, Nemo ventures into the ocean, ultimately getting captured by a scuba diver. This sets Marlin on a perilous journey across the ocean to rescue his son. Along the way, Marlin encounters various creatures, including Dory, a forgetful yet friendly blue tang fish, sharks, sea turtles, and other ocean dwellers.
The part of the story that really stands out is when Nemo is first introduced to the aquarium. The other fish, accustomed to their clean and controlled environment, freak out when Nemo is poured in, perceiving him as dirty and contaminated. They scrub him down and emphasize the importance of maintaining a pristine, artificial environment. This scene struck a chord with me because it mirrors how many of our churches operate—like aquariums, where everything is controlled and clean, and any “contamination” is immediately dealt with. But life, like the ocean, is messy and unpredictable, and our churches should be more like the ocean, embracing this messiness and unpredictability.
Navigating Life’s Ocean: The Role of Community in Faith
In many ways, our churches can become like aquariums, where the focus is on maintaining cleanliness, purity, and control. We might be overly concerned with “cleaning up” newcomers through spiritual disciplines and enforcing certain behaviors. We might say things like “You should dress a certain way,” “You shouldn’t say certain words,” and “Never miss a church gathering.” We become fixated on keeping our spiritual environment clean, just like the fish in the aquarium. But this is not the point of the Christian community or the church.
Let’s look at the example of Jesus. John writes, “So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness, and we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son” (John 1:14). Jesus didn’t stay up in heaven, away from the messiness of our world. He joined us in the ocean—where life happens. God is not just the God of the aquarium; he is the God of the ocean.
Embracing Vulnerability: A Key to Deepening Relationships
Life in the ocean is vast, diverse, and full of challenges and opportunities for growth. It’s a little dangerous and messy, but God calls us to live in the ocean, to embrace the unpredictability and messiness of real life rather than confining ourselves to the controlled environment of the church. These challenges could be anything from personal struggles to societal issues, and the growth they bring can be in the form of increased empathy, resilience, or understanding of God’s grace. In these challenging environments, we find our true potential and experience growth.
But how do we thrive in the ocean? How do we live the abundant life Jesus promises in John 10:10? The answer lies in community.
Marlin, the clownfish in Finding Nemo, couldn’t have crossed the ocean alone. He needed companions like Dory and others he met along the way. Similarly, we need a community to help us navigate the ocean of life. This community is not just a group of people we see on Sundays but a network of relationships where we find support, encouragement, and wisdom. It’s a place where we can be vulnerable and share our struggles, knowing we are not alone. This community is essential to thrive in an unpredictable and challenging world.
Sharing Meals: Building Community in the Ocean of Life
At Madison Church, we’ve been exploring the values that define us as a community in our series “Rediscovering Our Forgotten Ways.” We’ve discussed recognizing Jesus as Lord and committing every aspect of our lives to him. Following Jesus means embracing the challenges of the ocean, just as he did. Jesus had no permanent place to stay; he lived a life of discomfort and challenge.
As his followers, we are called to do the same, even when facing trials and suffering. This call to embrace challenges should fill us with courage and determination.
Vulnerability: A Path to Deep Relationships
Peter, one of the early church leaders, writes, “Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to the world” (1 Peter 4:12-13).
Peter reminds us that experiencing challenges doesn’t mean we’re doing something wrong.
In fact, it’s often in these moments of suffering that we become more like Christ.
Today, living as Christians in the United States, we may not face the same dangers as the early followers of Jesus, but we do encounter other challenges, like emotional vulnerability. Forming deep, meaningful relationships requires emotional openness, which can be difficult. We must be willing to be hurt, face rejection, and be disappointed.
But in our shared experiences of emotional pain, we find common ground that unites us as a community, bringing a deeply comforting sense of connection and understanding.
Navigating Ethical Dilemmas in the Ocean of Life
The easy response to being hurt is to close ourselves off, to become defensive and hardened. But as followers of Jesus, we are called to continue being vulnerable. Vulnerability isn’t a weakness; it takes immense strength to remain open and to form deep relationships. Through vulnerability, we engage with others from diverse backgrounds and cultures, risking misunderstandings and conflicts but ultimately growing together, which empowers us and makes us more resilient.
Sometimes, navigating the ocean means facing moral and ethical dilemmas. The world is full of complexity, and living in the ocean requires us to challenge our beliefs and be humble enough to admit when we’re wrong. This kind of growth pushes us beyond our comfort zones, but it’s essential for our intellectual and personal development.
Sharing Meals: “Building Community in the Ocean”
So, how do we build the kind of community that can help us thrive in the ocean? One simple yet profound way is through the practice of sharing meals. Jesus was known for eating and drinking with others, so much so that he was accused of being a glutton and a drunkard. But Jesus didn’t deny it; he embraced it. He even instructed his followers to eat and drink in remembrance of him.
Sharing meals is a powerful way to build relationships and foster unity. When we gather around a table, we create space for genuine connection and conversation. We move beyond surface-level interactions and build deep, meaningful relationships. This practice of hospitality reflects God’s welcoming heart and helps us embody the community that demonstrates his love and grace.
Moving Beyond the Aquarium: A Call to Embrace Life in the Ocean
So this week, I challenge you to share two meals with others—one with someone inside our Madison Church community and one with someone outside of it. By sharing meals, we build the kind of community that can help us thrive in the ocean, embracing the unpredictability and messiness of life together.
The aquarium may be safe, but it’s not where life happens. God is calling us to the ocean, where we truly experience the fullness of life he intends for us. Let’s commit to moving beyond the confines of the aquarium and start with the simple practice of sharing meals. We can build genuine relationships, support one another, and embody a community that reflects God’s love and grace.
