I saw something the other day that really angered me. My wife was at first incredulous, thinking that I was over reacting to the situation. My children were watching some DVDs, among them was a copy of one of the “Veggie Tales” DVDs.

If you don’t know what ‘Veggie Tales’ are or have never heard of them, check them out here. Most Lutheran converts from evangelicalism, especially those with children, are familiar with the series.

I hate ‘Veggie Tales’. I know that will be shocking to some. They will say that I have become dour and no fun; that I take my theology too seriously. Before you jump to that conclusion, hear me out.

The episode in question was about Joshua’s conquest of Jericho. In addition to not following very closely the biblical narrative it was ‘cutsey’ and trivialized the whole story. When my children remember the story of Jericho, I don’t want them visualizing green peas wearing greek helmets, defending their city by throwing blue slurpees on vegetable Israelites.

People raise their children on this stuff in an effort to make Bible learning fun and then wonder why their kids leave the faith when they get into High School and college. When you contrast this video with the real narrative of the conquest of Jericho from the Scriptures, or the narrative of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram (Numbers 16) such trivialization appears blasphemous.

My wife protested that young children really couldn’t understand and that things like this are needed to introduce our children to the Bible. I disagreed. Children understand far more than we give them credit for, and even if they don’t in this particular situation, they do understand something’s importance based on the way their parents treat it.

For contrast I read the story of Korah, Dathan and Abiram for our family devotion that night. Not only were my children wide-eyed but they asked some pretty serious questions about sin and punishment, and about Jesus and His work on our behalf.

Turning something into a fun cartoon and attempting to make it funny and entertaining by being cute, tells our children that we aren’t that serious about it. Later on in life when these stories are referenced our children have these ridiculous pictures in their minds imparted by some insipid cartoon.

How can they then take these things seriously?

Furthermore these videos are devoid of the Gospel. They are moral exhortation and Law. Needless to say, there are no more Veggie Tales playing at our house. I’m sure some will say this is an overreaction. So be it. Sometimes Christians are our own worst enemies, and as parents we need to be vigilant.

By Pat K

Posted in General