A Battle for the Soul of a Generation
This Friday, December 19, 2025, marks a truly unprecedented moment in cinematic releases. Families planning a trip to the theaters will be faced with a striking dichotomy: the epic, faith-based musical “David” from Angel Studios, or the latest installment in a long-running secular franchise, “The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants.” For the discerning Christian parent, this isn’t just a choice between two films; it’s a spiritual crossroads, highlighting the ongoing battle for the hearts and minds of our children as we draw closer to the Lord’s Return.
“David”: A Giant Awakens
Angel Studios’ “David” is more than just a movie; it’s a testament to the power of faith-based content in an increasingly secular world. Twenty years in the making and funded by a historic grassroots movement, this musical promises to bring the timeless biblical narrative to life with breathtaking animation and inspiring music.
The story of David, the young shepherd boy who faced down Goliath with unwavering faith in God, is precisely the kind of “Hero of Faith” we champion at TheLordsReturn.com. It teaches lessons of courage, humility, and absolute reliance on the Almighty—principles essential for navigating the end times. The film’s focus on divine providence and the anointing of God stands in stark contrast to the humanistic narratives prevalent in today’s entertainment.
“SpongeBob”: The Subtle Indoctrination
Conversely, “The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants” represents the prevailing currents of popular culture. While seemingly innocuous, the SpongeBob franchise has a documented history that demands careful consideration from a biblical perspective.
From its inception, SpongeBob SquarePants has been a vehicle for themes that subtly undermine biblical family values. Creator Stephen Hillenburg, while initially stating the characters were asexual, later found his work embraced by the LGBTQ+ community. This association became more explicit over time. In 2005, a controversial music video featuring SpongeBob and other characters promoting “tolerance” was flagged by conservative groups for its ties to an LGBTQ+ youth organization. More recently, in 2020, Nickelodeon officially confirmed SpongeBob as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, alongside other characters.
Furthermore, the new film’s premise, sending SpongeBob to the “Underworld” to face the ghost of the Flying Dutchman, introduces children to spiritual concepts that are, at best, unbiblical, and at worst, glorify elements of pagan mythology and the occult. While presented as fantasy, such narratives can normalize dark spiritual realms without offering the redeeming truth of Christ. For those of us who understand the very real spiritual warfare at play (Ephesians 6:12), these seemingly innocent adventures can desensitize young minds to the dangers of dabbling in the demonic.
A Clear Choice for Discerning Parents
The simultaneous release of “David” and “SpongeBob” is a “Prophetic Hotspot” in the cultural landscape. It forces Christian parents to confront the choices before them. Are we guiding our children towards stories that build their faith, affirm biblical truth, and inspire them to live righteously? Or are we allowing them to be shaped by content that promotes unbiblical ideologies and normalizes spiritual darkness?
As the Apostle Paul admonished us:
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” — Romans 12:2 (KJV)
This holiday season, let us prayerfully consider how we are stewarding the minds and spirits of the next generation. Supporting films like “David” is not just about entertainment; it’s an act of spiritual defiance, investing in content that truly prepares our children for the challenges of these last days and the glorious Return of our Lord.