Delicate question about the Candlelight Processional Show

[Brian Noble]

Only one website came right out and stated that the show was from a Christian biblical perspective and had a very religious tone. Would you agree with this assessment? We enjoy Christmas music but if the show resembles sitting through a church service, it is definitely not for us.

I think this is accurate. I have a copy of the Processional (the one with Phylicia Rashad as narrator) and it is lovely. The music is more religious than secular (think O Holy Night rather than Nat King Cole's The Christmas Song), and the narration is very much so. You can probably find the text of the narration around somewhere and decide for yourself as to whether you would enjoy it.

It's a beautiful performance---and I know several folks who are not Christians who enjoy it for what it is. But, if like bumbershoot you'd have to leave to preserve your sensibilities, there's no reason to go.

 

[goofy4tink]

THere is nothing secular about CP. It is a telling of the story of Christ, with many biblical references. One would most certainly expect that to be the case. It actually goes right from the birth of Christ to his crucifixtion..in small part. But, it is religious. It certainly would be difficult to tell the story of Christ (and the meaning of Christmas) without it being considered to be 'religious'.

But, it is nothing like being in church. The music is beautiful, the reading is usually beautiful...depending on your narrator. I had Phil Donohue once and believe me, the narration was anything but beautiful.
There isn't a lot of action to keep youngsters occupied..it's really more like a concert.
You can actually stop and watch/listen as you pass by the theater. You can see into the theater from the public walkway. That's a nice way to catch the show without waiting to get in via the standby line or by paying for the CP dinner pkg.

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

This is a heavily attended show and if you choose to watch from the SRO area at the "back" (nearest the walkway) then you'll need to be there early as the place fills in up to ten deep.

It's the passages from Luke, that relay the journey into Bethlehem and birth of Christ (Christ's mass...). It is a Christian story, not inclusive of any other religion.

It is not our story, but even we like to see Marlee Matlan when she is a narrator.

Good question and equally good replies!

 

[nytimez]

Well, if only ONE website says it's religious, and a simple basic EASY question is replied to by someone saying it's going to spin out of control (for wanting important info that should be in *every* descriptive website about it), then *obviously* the info is NOT out there or readily available. So it would be like booking a safari in the savannah, and ending up on a cruise.

I, personally, am so glad I found out about its content 3 years ago, because I would have a serious problem with it, and would need to leave. Of course, at DLR (a place we went two years in a row in early December right when the CP is playing) all but the actual seats are free to watch it, so I would only have lost time out of my day, but that would annoy me enough! Just like seeing someone from DH's religion would bother my stepdad, and he would leave. It's GOOD to have information!

The info on content should be in every description, and no one should be saying it's going to spin out of control simply because you asked a question that's actually quite important!

No matter what info is or isn't readily available, it's a *Christmas* show. That alone should tell you what you're getting. If you buy tickets or wait in line to see a Christmas show and then get offended at the inclusion of religion, then you're not someone who bought a safari ticket and ended up on a cruise. You're a person who bought a cruise ticket without paying attention.

 

[kaligal]

It's very religious. The Christmas story is read and religious songs are sung.

It isn't quite as boring as mass for children, but it is kind of close.

I love it. But if your kids get antsy in church, they might get a little antsy here, too.

 

[sunnyday123]

That's a little like going on a boat ride and being upset or offended that you saw water.

That's what I was thinking. Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't Christmas tie into the whole birth of Christ?? It's not like they are doing the Candlelight Processional on Columbus Day and sneaking up on people with it's religious content.

 

[goodfood4ursoul]

I would go over to youtube and watch it...that way you get a true feel of what to expect.


Great advice! I'd been wondering about this CP thing everyone's talking about
Too cool!

I am a confirmed catholic, but now attend an Episcopal church, as are my kids and not once sitting and watching the CP did I feel I was sitting in church...As a matter of fact more people would probably go to church if it was more like the CP...



Actually the CP videos I saw reminded me of our church,
worship is energetic, and I can't wait to get back there each Sunday.
There are so many styles of worship, I think sometimes folks just need to look until they find the church that teaches Biblical truth
and worships in a way that brings them closer to God.
(our Christmas programs are quite theatrical too
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOuhLFi0T-0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ua1DGCizZ-g&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ulv4VfQ3Gc&feature=related

It's nice to know that if & when we come to WDW during the Christmas season
we will have a special event to remind us that it's CHRISTmas...

I love hearing the Hannukah story too,
I suppose now that I'm curious about how WDW celebrates Christmas
(I'm imagining the fun of Christmas traditions around the World Showcase)
I'm going to have to plan a holiday visit in the next few years


Its a beautiful Christmas show in tune with the season don the way only Disney can do it...

My responses above in blue

 

[Buckeye Princess]

My family is Christian but over the course of my life have greatly enjoyed experiencing religious services and celebrations for many different religions. I would say that even if you aren't Christian but are someone who appreciates or enjoys the beauty and variety that exists in the worlds religions than you would enjoy it. I don't think you'd ever feel like you were being preached to or like the beliefs being read about are the only right way to think. Rather it is a celebration of the Christmas story that Christians hold dear. I was at a bar mitzvah a few weeks ago and a Hindu wedding in the spring. I really enjoyed both and both were definitely religious but neither made me feel wrong for my personal beliefs.

 

[giftcard]

No matter what info is or isn't readily available, it's a *Christmas* show. That alone should tell you what you're getting. If you buy tickets or wait in line to see a Christmas show and then get offended at the inclusion of religion, then you're not someone who bought a safari ticket and ended up on a cruise. You're a person who bought a cruise ticket without paying attention.

Exactly!

 

[TiffinyKC]

We're an agnostic family, but we understand the appeal of religion for others. For us, it's a wonderful story with wonderful music. We really enjoy it; this includes myself and my 10 year old who has enjoyed this show ever since he was 15 months old.

 

[luvthemouse71]

I was raised Catholic but am not part of any organized religion now. I'm one of those that still kind of seeking, KWIM? But, I agree that Christmas is primarily about the birth of Christ. I find it kind of odd that someone would be offended if they sang Christian songs. Plus, the word processional is in the title, kind of a big clue.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

You could go and explain to your kids beforehand what they might be seeing. That's what I would do. We don't believe in religion in my family, but it's nice to see religious things sometimes, for the cultural value of it.

 

[LilyWDW]

I actually really want to see this even though I am not a religious person at all. However, I enjoy studying religions and the historical and cultural impacts of them. Over the years I have looked at Christianity from a historical point of view and have studied the bible with the same view. One of my favorite topics is the Gnostic Problem (a well studied biblical issue studied by Christians and Nonchristains alike).

Plus, I love the music...

 

[Kathy Z]

Please permit me to explain a little further why I posed the following question in my post #20 on page 2 of this thread: "Would you be offended if the narrator for the show you attended added a bit of their personal feelings of what Christmas means to them? If the answer to that question is "yes" then perhaps you should not attend the show."

Last year as we lined up to check in for a lunch ADR at an EPCOT restaurant I heard a woman louding complaining to her friends about the previous night's CP. (Our CPP was also the previous night.) Her words were something to the effect that "he (the narrator) had the nerve to say that without the birth of Jesus Christ we would not have a reason to celebrate Christmas! Doesn't Disney know anything about political correctness? How could they have a show like that!" It made me really sad, she just didn't have any idea what the CP would be before making the decision to attend. And because it was completely foreign to her belief system she was greatly offended. If I had thought that there was any way I could have spoken a few words to her that would not have offended her further I would have, but I really don't think she would have been ready to hear me.

Enjoy the holidays in whatever way/s suit/s you. Our family will be celebrating CHRISTmas.

 

[DonaldTDuck]

I was raised Catholic but am not part of any organized religion now. I'm one of those that still kind of seeking, KWIM? But, I agree that Christmas is primarily about the birth of Christ. I find it kind of odd that someone would be offended if they sang Christian songs. Plus, the word processional is in the title, kind of a big clue.

Hi, I'm a Methodist too.
Agree about the wording. If it said even Christmas celebration, you could be confused, but Candle light Processional, seems pretty clear to me. It was the best part of our trip last December. Others have said it's not like being at church and that's too true. But I wish our services were as worshipful and holy as CP. It shouldn't always be about collecting offerings and invitations to join.

 

[peg2001]

Plus, the word processional is in the title, kind of a big clue.

Ok. After having looked up the possible definitions, I can see what you mean. However, I've only been familiar with the non-religious meaning of the word:

"moving in an orderly or regular succession, sequence"

Until I started reading the descriptions of the show, I thought it would be like a parade. . .and I thought they'd be carrying lit candles. You know, more like caroling through the park.

Thanks everyone! I really appreciate the different perspectives and all the information. This show is not for us but now we know! Plus, it leaves a few seats for someone who will enjoy the show more than we would.

Peg

 

[bumbershoot]

However, I've only been familiar with the non-religious meaning of the word:

"moving in an orderly or regular succession, sequence"

Until I started reading the descriptions of the show, I thought it would be like a parade. . .and I thought they'd be carrying lit candles. You know, more like caroling through the park.

That was *exactly* what I thought it would be. Not being a religious person, and not being raised inside a religious family (except both parents claimed as they got older that they had religion in the homes, yeah, um, no), and not having looked it up I still have NO idea what processional might have to do with religion.

And that's why they need to explain it.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

That was *exactly* what I thought it would be. Not being a religious person, and not being raised inside a religious family (except both parents claimed as they got older that they had religion in the homes, yeah, um, no), and not having looked it up I still have NO idea what processional might have to do with religion.

And that's why they need to explain it.

pro·ces·sional (prō ses̸h′ə nəl, prə-)
adjective
of, or used in connection with, a procession
Origin: MFr < ML processionalis
noun
a book setting forth the ritual to be observed in church processions
a hymn sung at the beginning of a church service during the entrance of the clergy
any musical composition to be played during a procession

 

[vicki_c]

Always learn something on the DIS. I was raised Catholic and I still didn't know that the word processional had a religious meaning. I always thought it just meant a bunch of people walking in a line.

Now if it was "recessional" - that would have had more connection with church to me. Interesting.

 

[d1gitman]

...We don't believe in religion in my family, but it's nice to see religious things sometimes, for the cultural value of it.

Wow, that is the most confusing statement i have heard in a while...well, other than 'saved or created'.