Mark:  I would say, use discernment. Try to determine what your child can assimilate in the movie, without undermining your faith and values. What is their understanding of "make-believe?" So, in the case of "Brother Bear," you might say, "This is make-believe. It takes place before Jesus came."

Eva:  Good point. Okay, finally, can we clear up a little something? Are there subliminal messages in movies like "The Lion King" and "Aladdin"?

Mark:  No, Eva, that has been thoroughly investigated by respectable Disney critics and rejected. However, there is a reason why the charge was taken seriously. In the early years, when most of the Disney artists were single young men, they would relieve some of the boredom of drawing so many similar frames by sneaking in the occasional naughty one, according to the late Ward Kimball. But it was nothing demonic or pornographic.

Eva:  Do you have a vision for how readers – especially parents – can use your book to teach their children faith and values?

Mark:  My hope is that they will read each of the short essays on the features before they rent or buy them for their children or grandchildren. Then, they can decide whether or how to watch them with the kids. These movies can provide a wonderful opportunity to begin serious discussions about faith and values.

Eva:  Mark, I always ask the one being interviewed to lift up a short prayer at the end of the interview. Would you pray for our next generation of moviegoers?

Mark:  I put it this way, in both my books about "The Simpsons" and Disney:  You can find God in the funniest places, and where you least expect it. In popular culture, as in life, seek and ye shall find.

Mark Pinsky is religion reporter for the Orlando Sentinel, author of the best-selling book "The Gospel According to the Simpsons," and coauthor of its companion study guide, "The Gospel According to the Simpsons Leader’s Guide." His writing has appeared in Christianity Today, the New York Times, the Boston Globe, and the Nation. He is a sought-after speaker at colleges, universities, and churches on the topic of religion and popular culture. For more information about Mark Pinsky, go to www.markpinsky.com. 

Eva Marie Everson is the very busy author of fiction works like "Shadow of Dreams", "Summon the Shadows", and "Shadows of Light" and nonfiction works like "Intimate Encounters with God" and "Intimate Moments with God." To find out more about having her come to speak to your group, visit www.evamarieeverson.com.