Just how wholesome is MLP:FIM, exactly?

[ManaMinori 4,149]

frankly, I think MLP is an extraordinary show. It's refreshing. Unlike the past generations of MLP, it doesn't hit girls over the head with a mallet of blatant pandering, but it provides wholesome morals and values to apply in our everyday lives, lessons to live by, if you will. Take, for instance, in "Rarity Takes Manehattan", there was a scene where Twilight- who had become a princess- tried to hail a cab for her friend, but got told off by another pony who was waiting for a cab before her. While some might consider it rude, what the pony in line said to Princess Twilight, I see it as necessary in serving as a reminder that Twilight has to not rely on her status and title to get her things, but humble herself, and a lesson to anyone in such a position, themselves. However, kindness should've also come in to play, for the pony in line, but one step and one lesson at a time.

 

(we do see kindness paying off, though, later, when Rarity's generosity in fixing the broken cab wheel returns her karma, and she gets a ride from the same pony who she helped, later)

 

But does it go further than that, even? Personally, I've found that MLP:FIM has renewed my interest in getting back on board with religion and trying to apply its teachings? Why? Well, there's things present in MLP that seem to align with what the Bible teaches, I saw. The Elements of Harmony, for example. And the hard push on friendship that the show revolves around. From the very first episode, Celestia hrows twilight out of her comfort zone and encourages her to make friends. And while Twilight literally said that the fate of Equestria doesn't rest on her making friends, she's proven wrong very quickly. And in fact, throughout every season, as Twilight creates an even deeper bond with her friends, they're always there for her- and each other- in times of need. Which I've found, matches well with a biblical passage- Proverbs 17:17- A true friend shows love at all times, And is a brother who is born for times of distress.

 

There's many more that I've found align with MLP's own guidelines and morals, but I'll try not to turn this into a religious debate. Don't want to go scaring anyone off.

 

Discuss: Just how wholesome do you think MLP strives to be?

Have you ever thought MLP could inspire stronger spiritual faith?

Do you apply MLP's lessons in your daily life?

[Po-Nonimous 583]

Nice topic! I'm glad you started this.

 

First, yes! I think MLP:FIM is far more wholesome a children's show than has come out in many years. Looking at the Elements of Harmony I can see direct correlations with many passages in the New Testiment, particularly this one from 1 Corinthians

13 If I speak in the tongues^[a] of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. ² If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. ³ If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,^[b] but do not have love, (Princess Celestia) I gain nothing.

⁴ Love is patient, (Fluttershy) love is kind. (Rarity) It does not envy, it does not boast, (Fluttershy again) it is not proud. ⁵ It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. (Rarity, again) ⁶ Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. (Again, Applejack) ⁷ It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. (Rainbow Dash)

⁸ Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. ⁹ For we know in part and we prophesy in part, ¹⁰ but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. ¹¹ When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. ¹² For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

¹³ And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

 

The show consistently teaches the lessons of honesty, integrity, generosity, loyalty, joy and many other things which are taught in Scriptures and, more often than not, I find myself wondering if many of the scripts in the show aren't lifted directly from Scripture, itself and that's the primary reason I love the show.

 

Okay, I edited and paraphrased it a bit just now for clarity.

Edited February 8, 2015 by Po-Nonimous

[ManaMinori 4,149]

Nice topic! I'm glad you started this.

 

First, yes! I think MLP:FIM is far more wholesome a children's show than has come out in many years. Looking at the Elements of Harmony I can see direct correlations with many passages in the New Testiment, particularly this one from 1 Corinthians

13 If I speak in the tongues^[a] of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. ² If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. ³ If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,^[b] but do not have love, I gain nothing.

⁴ Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵ It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶ Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

⁸ Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. ⁹ For we know in part and we prophesy in part, ¹⁰ but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. ¹¹ When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. ¹² For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

¹³ And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

 

The show consistently teaches the lessons of honesty, integrity, generosity, loyalty, joy and many other things which are taught in Scriptures and, more often than not, I find myself wondering if many of the scripts in the show aren't lifted directly from Scripture, itself and that's the primary reason I love the show.

speaking of love, I saw a video commentary from The Brony Notion just a few days ago, explaining on how the pony Princesses were different versions of love (Greek), and how the Magic of Friendship is essentially the magic of love.

Princess Cadance- Eros (intimate, romantic love)

Princess Twilight- Filia (love between friends; non romantically)

Princess Celestia- Agape (love God has for mankind; relates to Celestia's love for those she rules over; unconditional)

Princess Luna- Storge (love between parents and children- related to how Luna's role she plays in teaching younger ponies- she does so out of love to prevent them from following in her hoofsteps)

[Po-Nonimous 583]

Excellent points although I feel I must make one small correction here: When you speak of Twilight being the expression of Filia which, in the Greek, would be υποκατάστημα (loosely translated as "branch", which is as close a translation as there is from Greek to English) I think what would be more appropriate would be Agape χάσκων which, translated from the Greek, would be more akin to brotherly or familial love which is what the Ponies express most clearly in the show.

[CandyStrike 603]

I don't think MLP strives too hard to be wholesome. Remember that scene with apple juice on Applejack's face in Simple Ways? That just didn't feel entirely wholesome to me. 

[Po-Nonimous 583]

And also good point about Luna who, being the Guardian of the night, also protects her subjects from possibly fatal nightmares. At the very least nightmares which could be harmful to those who dream them. Luna can also be compared to Hecate, who is the goddess of magic, witchcraft, the night, moon, ghosts and necromancy.

I don't think MLP strives too hard to be wholesome. Remember that scene with apple juice on Applejack's face in Simple Ways? That just didn't feel entirely wholesome to me. 

 

LOL! I don't remember that episode or scene so I'll have to take your word for it. However, I do distinctly remember one scene where Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash were flying through the air and Dash was pushing Fluttershy from behind. The placement of Dash's hoof appeared most inappropriate to me but I think we can blame that on lazy layout artists who weren't really paying that much attention to what they were doing. LOL

[ManaMinori 4,149]

Nice topic! I'm glad you started this.

 

First, yes! I think MLP:FIM is far more wholesome a children's show than has come out in many years. Looking at the Elements of Harmony I can see direct correlations with many passages in the New Testiment, particularly this one from 1 Corinthians

13 If I speak in the tongues^[a] of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. ² If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. ³ If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,^[b] but do not have love, (Princess Celestia) I gain nothing.

⁴ Love is patient, (Fluttershy) love is kind. (Rarity) It does not envy, it does not boast, (Fluttershy again) it is not proud. ⁵ It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. (Rarity, again) ⁶ Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. (Again, Applejack) ⁷ It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. (Rainbow Dash)

⁸ Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. ⁹ For we know in part and we prophesy in part, ¹⁰ but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. ¹¹ When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. ¹² For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

¹³ And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

 

The show consistently teaches the lessons of honesty, integrity, generosity, loyalty, joy and many other things which are taught in Scriptures and, more often than not, I find myself wondering if many of the scripts in the show aren't lifted directly from Scripture, itself and that's the primary reason I love the show.

 

Okay, I edited and paraphrased it a bit just now for clarity.

Also, I want to add, specifically touching one of those verses you brought up- 1 Corinthians 13:6 “Love does not delight in evil/ unrighteousness but rejoices with the truth”, how that relates to MLP EQG Rainbow Rocks, even. Not just within the show, itself. During the battle between the Dazzlings and the Rainbooms reminds me of how demons (the Dazzlings) are influencing everyone, and getting them to do what they want them to do, while the mane 6 (the Rainbooms), are combating them with friendship and righteousness, which prevail in the end.

“Welcome to the Show”

 

“Welcome to the show. We're here to let you know our time is now.”

(Revelation 12:12- On this account be glad, you heavens and you who reside in them! Woe for the earth and for the sea, because the Devil has come down to you, having great anger, knowing that he has a short period of time.)

(this also ties in with how Starswirl banished the sierns to earth)

(Revelation 12:9- So down the great dragon was hurled, the original serpent, the one called Devil and Satan, who is misleading the entire inhabited earth; he was hurled down to the earth, and his angels were hurled down with him. )

 

“Your time is running out”

(referencing the Devil's short time, and the people he's influencing, along with his, running out)

 

“Feel the wave of sound as it crashes down. You can't turn away. We'll make you want to stay”

(2 Corinthians 4:4- among whom the god of this system of things has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, so that the illumination of the glorious good news about the Christ, who is the image of God, might not shine through.)

(1 John 5:19- We know that we originate with God, but the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one.)

 

“We will be adored. Tell us that you want us”

(Psalms 106:36- They kept serving their idols, And these became a snare to them.)

 

“We won't be ignored. It's time for our reward. Now you need us. Come and heed us. Nothing can stop us now”

(Psalm 31:6 - I hate those who are devoted to worthless, vain idols, But as for me, I trust in Jehovah.)

(1 John 5:21- Little children, guard yourselves from idols)

 

(same)  

 

Rainbooms “Don't need to hear a crowd cheering out my name. I didn't come here seeking Infamy or fame”

(Psalm 31:6 - I hate those who are devoted to worthless, vain idols, But as for me, I trust in Jehovah.)

(1 John 5:21- Little children, guard yourselves from idols)

 

“The one and only thing That I am here to bring Is music, is the music Is the music in my soul “

(notice how unlike the Dazzlings, the Rainbooms have instruments to aid them)

(Psalms 81: 1,2- Shout joyfully to God our strength.. Shout in triumph to the God of Jacob. Begin the music and take a tambourine, The melodious harp together with the stringed instrument.)

(Ephesians 5:19- Speak to one another with psalms, praises to God, and spiritual songs, singing and accompanying yourselves with music in your hearts to Jehovah)  

 

“Gonna break out (Out!) Set myself free, yeah. Let it all go (Go!) Just let it be, yeah”

(John 8:32- and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.)    

 

I'm not going through the entirety of the song, and decrypting how each verse ties into scriptural teaching, but I think you get the idea  

Edited February 8, 2015 by Nightmare Muffin

[Po-Nonimous 583]

Also, I want to add, specifically touching one of those verses you brought up- 1 Corinthians 13:6 “Love does not delight in evil/ unrighteousness but rejoices with the truth”, how that relates to MLP EQG Rainbow Rocks, even. Not just within the show, itself. During the battle between the Dazzlings and the Rainbooms reminds me of how demons (the Dazzlings) are influencing everyone, and getting them to do what they want them to do, while the mane 6 (the Rainbooms), are combating them with friendship and righteousness, which prevail in the end.

“Welcome to the Show”

 

“Welcome to the show. We're here to let you know our time is now.”

(Revelation 12:12- On this account be glad, you heavens and you who reside in them! Woe for the earth and for the sea, because the Devil has come down to you, having great anger, knowing that he has a short period of time.)

(this also ties in with how Starswirl banished the sierns to earth)

(Revelation 12:9- So down the great dragon was hurled, the original serpent, the one called Devil and Satan, who is misleading the entire inhabited earth; he was hurled down to the earth, and his angels were hurled down with him. )

 

“Your time is running out”

(referencing the Devil's short time, and the people he's influencing, along with his, running out)

 

“Feel the wave of sound as it crashes down. You can't turn away. We'll make you want to stay”

(2 Corinthians 4:4- among whom the god of this system of things has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, so that the illumination of the glorious good news about the Christ, who is the image of God, might not shine through.)

(1 John 5:19- We know that we originate with God, but the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one.)

 

“We will be adored. Tell us that you want us”

(Psalms 106:36- They kept serving their idols, And these became a snare to them.)

 

“We won't be ignored. It's time for our reward. Now you need us. Come and heed us. Nothing can stop us now”

(Psalm 31:6 - I hate those who are devoted to worthless, vain idols, But as for me, I trust in Jehovah.)

(1 John 5:21- Little children, guard yourselves from idols)

 

(same)  

 

Rainbooms “Don't need to hear a crowd cheering out my name. I didn't come here seeking Infamy or fame”

(Psalm 31:6 - I hate those who are devoted to worthless, vain idols, But as for me, I trust in Jehovah.)

(1 John 5:21- Little children, guard yourselves from idols)

 

“The one and only thing That I am here to bring Is music, is the music Is the music in my soul “

(notice how unlike the Dazzlings, the Rainbooms have instruments to aid them)

(Psalms 81: 1,2- Shout joyfully to God our strength.. Shout in triumph to the God of Jacob. Begin the music and take a tambourine, The melodious harp together with the stringed instrument.)

(Ephesians 5:19- Speak to one another with psalms, praises to God, and spiritual songs, singing and accompanying yourselves with music in your hearts to Jehovah)  

 

“Gonna break out (Out!) Set myself free, yeah. Let it all go (Go!) Just let it be, yeah”

(John 8:32- and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.)    

 

I'm not going through the entirety of the song, and decrypting how each verse ties into scriptural teaching, but I think you get the idea  

 

 

That is really awesome! I really like how you tied that all together the way you did. *BROHOOF!*

[Gearbox10mm 794]

I don't think MLP strives too hard to be wholesome. Remember that scene with apple juice on Applejack's face in Simple Ways? That just didn't feel entirely wholesome to me. 

 

Yeah, there are a few, shall we say," PG13" jokes scattered through the show. But that just adds to it's charm and overall likeability IMO.

 

I didn't catch it the first time I watched it but in "Fall Weather Friends" Rainbow Dash acctually says "oh horse apples!" when Twilight tells her the other racers have passed her. I don't know how they got away with that one.   

[Po-Nonimous 583]

Yeah, there are a few, shall we say," PG13" jokes scattered through the show. But that just adds to it's charm and overall likeability IMO.

 

I didn't catch it the first time I watched it but in "Fall Weather Friends" Rainbow Dash acctually says "oh horse apples!" when Twilight tells her the other racers have passed her. I don't know how they got away with that one.   

 

Well, since, as I understand it, the show's supposed to appeal to both kids and parents then the kids wouldn't get it and the parents would and wink at each other, amused. lol

[newfrickinshow 100]

I'm not sure I can say that the show goes out of it's way to be wholesome since twice they've kiling someone (Rarity and the serpent in ep 2. and the Fluttershy with the bear in Lesson Zero).  I definitely think the show teaches values and morals that are generally positive though I tend to think of it more as a Star Trek-esque secular morality.

[KatonRyu 1,036]

I think MLP teaches the value that religion should hold at its core. (I do believe many religions do hold these values close, but many believers seem to have forgotten this.) Love and friendship triumph over the evils of the world, as it should be. Be kind to one another and don't judge them for being different. (Bridle Gossip, anyone?)

 

I think this show succeeds better in bringing across the core virtues of religion than the religions themselves. (Although Catholicism gets a huge boost from having Pope Francis, that man exemplifies what a religious leader should be.)

 

From a purely secular point of view: what could possibly be wrong with a show promoting friendship and love as the forces that hold the world together? The characters act like actual people would (for the most part, anyway) and they learn lessons many of us would do well to take to heart.

 

In short, whatever your background I think this show offers only good things and teaches kids and adults alike some actual values.

 

If none of this persuades you, maybe these words will: magical, talking, adorable, ponies.

[AlbaTross 1,586]

I'm a (semi)devoted Christian, and I think this show is perfectly in line with my religious values. Being a Christian is all about coming together no matter who you are, and putting your differences aside for the sake of the Kingdom of God. Sound kind of familiar? I've always seen myself as a bit of a Fluttershy type, but I've slowly come out of my comfort zone and now I'm neck deep in my involvement with the church. It's amazing really. Lessons on friendship certainly apply to my church community, which I have come to accept as kind of like my extended family.

[RainbowTashie 379]

I don't think MLP strives too hard to be wholesome. Remember that scene with apple juice on Applejack's face in Simple Ways? That just didn't feel entirely wholesome to me. 

I'm sorry but this is one of my favourite episodes of all time

[ManaMinori 4,149]

I like how a certain passage from a biblical book I was reading reminds people how important laughter and joy is to keep from having a crushed spirit due to heartache, and how that element can renew us when we're being put through trial. Reminded me of the element of laughter, herself, Pinkie Pie, and how she's hardly ever discouraged; and that even when she is, she turns to laughter.

 

I've been feeling pretty depressed and downhearted for too long, now, and this passage, and how ponies (my main source of internet escapism) actually tie into it, is so encouraging.

 

(source, for anyone who wants to make the comparison: http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2015/3/19 )

Edited March 19, 2015 by Nightmare Muffin

[SCS 7,537]

MLP has played a huge role in my spirituality. I'm battered and surrounded by hatred and evil far too often on a regular basis, and this show is like a light in the darkness for me. 

 

It's the most wholesome show I watch, but I think some of the episodes might be too scary for really little kids under 8 or 9 or so.

 

 

[twilight24 323]

Its a great show and I can see the spiritual connections. Cool guys cx

[UnknownFry 169]

The show is pretty wholesome until people misinterpret certain things and blow them out of context or misread the intentions of the staff. It promotes positive social values and it does it an entertaining way without being too heavy handed about it for the most part.

Edited March 22, 2015 by UnknownFry

[Sommar 1,289]

I really love this thread! Like you, I've noticed the connections to Christianity in the show. I personally feel MLP:FiM is much more wholesome than many other shows Hollywood produces. There's not violence, gore, or anything inappropriate; just goodness and excellent morals to teach. It doesn't matter if the person is young or old, anyone can enjoy MLP for what it is; a well written, moral filled show.

[LZRD WZRD 1,929]

I don't really see any deliberate allusions to Christianity or any faith in general in the show. However, it has messages and themes that can be accessed on such a broad scale that any one of us can interpret and relate them in our own way.

 

In that sense, I find MLP to be extremely wholesome. Take the episode Feeling Pinkie Keen for example. Some people see it as an endorsement of blind faith and spirituality, while I myself see it as promoting open-mindedness, intellectual honesty, and the scientific method.

 

The fact that two people can have polar interpretations of this show illustrates just how wholesome it is. It's a thought-provoking series with content that can be universally appreciated and identifiable.

Edited March 22, 2015 by LZRD WZRD

[Pastel 7,630]

Well to me MLP:FiM is a very good cartoon with relevant morals, but I don't think it has any link with religion... (at least not directly)

Edited March 22, 2015 by Blobulle

[midnightlegacy 172]

I can't even begin to tell you how much MLP has improved my life!  It may sound crazy, but a couple of months ago, before I started watching MLP, I was struggling with depression.  I had absolutely no motivation to do anything.  When I finally decided to stop denying the fact that I was now a brony, my life completely changed.  Suddenly, I actually was motivated to excel in life.  The difference has been night and day!

[I love Jelly Otter 477]

The coloring in the show is so aggressive that I can't watch comfortably enough to appreciate it.   Compare it to, say, New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh - it's relaxing for the eyes.

[Aurelleah 894]

Depends on what you mean by wholesome. If you mean, wholesome for someone religious to watch, well..

If we wana hold the Bible to the golden standard of wholesome, there's some pros and cons to weigh.

 

Pros:

• It teaches the watcher to manifest the fruitages of the spirit: Love, joy, peace, longsuffering(endurance/loyalty), kindness, goodness(NOT the same thing as kindness, mind you), faith, mildness, self control.
• It is relatively non-violent
• It is relatively free from occult/spiritism
• Compared to other available forms of entertainment, it is significantly closer to bible standards
• It touches on death and sickness in a respectful way and doesn't ignore the fact that they exist
• It is completely natural about offspring/marriage (mr+mrs cake had a kid, canterlot wedding, etc.) and presents it in a way that is normal and upright
• It has no sexual innuendos
• It deals with alcohol in a mature way (Shows the ponies only having some, not a lot of cider. And yes, cider is an alcoholic beverage, it's of irish origin. Trust me, I'm irish.)

 

Cons

• Although light, it still does has "spiritism" in a literal sense if you consider all forms of "magic" to be spiritism
• It does have some violence

 

 

When you compare the pros and cons... Well, going fishing and killing a fish or going hunting and killing a deer is more blood+gore+violence than MLP has in it. And as for the spiritism bit, well, that's up to each person's conscience. I use the "It's in an alternate universe where magic isnt linked to spirits+demons, but rather it's an energy, just like electricity or magnetism is" Approach.

 

So is MLP Wholesome? Yeah I'd say so. Would it bother my conscience to watch it after reading the Bible? Naw. Remember what the bible says in Phillipians 4:8

 

"Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are of serious concern, whatever things are righteous, whatever things are chaste,* whatever things are lovable, whatever things are well-spoken-of, whatever things are virtuous, and whatever things are praiseworthy, continue considering* these things." - New world translation of the holy scriptures

 

So yeah. Loveable, chaste, righteous, true, virtuous, etc..... Yep, good enough for me!!

 

Remember too that if something encourages you to have the proper virtues in life, it can be a benefit for you, regardless of any other possible link to religion intended or not

Edited March 22, 2015 by Aurelleah

[TheJLeeTeam 914]

FiM is a relaxing show with good life lessons than just lessons about ABCs, 123s, shapes, colors, etc. which a lot of pandering shows have. This show was really helpful in improving my social skills because I have aspergers syndrome and have difficulty communicating. And even in some episodes that are bad or look too gimmicky, I can see a message they're trying to tell. In the Season 5 trailer for example everypony being equal is trying to give a message that you don't have to be similar and can have differences. And even in the closing song for Season 4, Twilight goes,"Each one has something special, that makes us different, that makes us rare." So I really like the messages they give and how inspirational this show is to me.