Disney star David Henrie releases Christian children's book

David Henrie, known for his role as Justin Russo on the Disney Channel series 'Wizards of Waverly Place,' has observed a notable increase in young people attending church services. He attributes this trend to a broader cultural shift where younger generations are seeking spiritual fulfillment after experiencing emptiness in secular distractions. Henrie, a practicing Catholic, believes that these young adults are drawn to traditional and historical expressions of faith, which he describes as 'Lord of the Rings Catholicism'—characterized by liturgical elements like bells, incense, and ancient rituals. This observation aligns with reports from Catholic leaders across the United States indicating a sharp rise in adult conversions.

Henrie's personal spiritual journey began years ago, and he now feels compelled to share his faith with a younger audience. Together with his wife, Maria, he has authored a children's picture book titled 'Is God Bigger Than a Dragon?' The inspiration for the book came from their four-year-old son, who asked profound questions about God's nature, such as whether God is bigger than a dragon or a killer whale. These innocent inquiries prompted Henrie to create a resource that addresses such questions in a way that is accessible to children.

The book features rhyming answers paired with Scripture references on every page, encouraging parents to revisit the Bible verses with their children for deeper study. Henrie, who is a father of three and expecting a fourth child this month, emphasized the importance of fostering faith in children from an early age. He and his wife believe that helping children tackle their big questions about God is essential for their spiritual development. The book is set to be released this fall, and Henrie hopes it will serve as a tool for families to explore faith together.

Henrie's comments about the resurgence of young people in the Catholic Church reflect a broader trend observed in various parts of the United States. He sees this movement as a reaction to the superficiality of modern culture, where many young adults are searching for meaning and authenticity. By combining his celebrity platform with his personal faith, Henrie aims to contribute to this spiritual awakening, offering both his book and his public statements as encouragement for others to explore their own beliefs.