When Barbie was released in 2023, it quickly became one of the biggest cultural conversations of the year. The movie sparked conversations about identity, feminism, relationships, purpose, and what it means to be human.
As Christians, we are called to thoughtfully engage with the culture around us—not blindly accepting everything it teaches, but also not refusing to engage with the ideas and conversations happening around us.
I wanted to watch Barbie before forming an opinion, and I found that the movie actually has things to teach us if we are willing to look for them.
Some thoughts on Barbie from a conservative millennial who watched the movie before expressing an opinion
I watched Barbie this past Friday with my sweet mom, and I think the movie actually has things to teach us, if we look for it.
I’m sharing a few of my thoughts below!
Barbie and the Struggle of Identity After the Fall
The movie shows how difficult it is to live as a woman (or as a man) after the Fall.
The Creator is incredibly important in understanding who we are and how we are to live. There is a draw to live well in a real, broken, and dying world while being simultaneously drawn to so much more.
The Search for Power, Purpose, and Satisfaction
Barbie expresses the power struggle prevalent in our society after the Fall.
We see this as Ken sees all the (albeit fleeting) “glories” of the real world and desires to bring them back and replicate them. Yet, even after gaining these things, he still doesn’t find satisfaction in women, riches, or fame.
What Is a Woman’s Highest Calling?
This movie also portrays women’s struggles in society today (in the world, but I think also in the church).
What is a woman’s highest calling in life?
Is it to be a mom?
To pursue a career?
To be ____?
No!
A woman’s highest calling in life is the same as a man’s (one of the few things that is the same ;)): to glorify Christ and enjoy Him forever.
For each woman, that can look different.
For some, glorifying Christ is living an extraordinary life—as a scientist, an author, a leader, or a creator.
For many, many others, it’s living a radically ordinary life.
Neither is of lesser importance when their highest calling of knowing and loving Christ more is being met.
The Temptation to Build a “Barbie Dream House”
I think this movie does a good job at portraying how many would love to live in a “Barbie dream house” instead of fighting back against the war of pushing back on the brokenness and sin in the world.
We are called to be a light, do good works (though those works certainly do not save us), glorify Jesus, and share the gospel with those around us.
How often do we miss this opportunity while secluded in a bubble where everyone agrees with us?
Christ Is the True and Better Creator
Watch the movie, or pass…but remember that Christ is the true and better Creator.
We are called to glorify Him in the mundane and in the extraordinary.
May we never look to culture before we look to Christ.
At the same time, may we seek to commend what we can and rejoice in the opportunities allowed to us by a film to discuss with coworkers, neighbors, and friends around us who may not know Christ.
Editor’s Note:
This post was originally written in 2023 when Barbie was released and has been lightly edited for readability.
