Christian Superheros?

I have just discovered your book reviews, and I want to thank you for respectfully going "head to head" with folks on C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. We are the only family we know who do not read these books, simply because of the occult content. But we can get nothing but reactions of absolute astonishment when we explain to our God-fearing, conservative, church attending, homeschooling friends of why we do not approve of the books. It is frustrating at times, and has us longing for more like-minded people. It seems easy to see these men were not Christian "superheros", but for some reason many are blind to it. I pray that the Lord will protect your ministry, and bless you for your stand for Him.

Hi,

I just got done reading your review on C.S.Lewis and your response letter about J.R.R. Tolkien! It took over 2 1/2 hours to read them to my family. I have a question. Our family has been "into" Veggie Tales for many years now. Unfortunately we (I) especially let our four year old be fanatical about them since he was one. I've been having problems with them a bit in the last couple of years. It's been things like playing up Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde as a Disco dancer ( "Dr. Jiggle and Mr. Sly") , "Boy" band imitations, their take on Lord of the Rings ("Lord of the beans"), and the latest on temptation ("Larry Boy and Bad Apple") with the using of old "Burlesque style" music and my wincing when I heard the children sing the temptation song to that theme... I don't have a church with a pastor to go to...plus, my so called "Christian" homeschool group is very liberal (I will try to share the things I've read on your site). What do you think about Veggie Tales? Are there others out there that do not feel as good about them?

Thanks,
LB

P.S. What do you think about Bibleman?

Hi,

I’m glad the review was helpful to you. I’ll take the question about Bibleman first because I know a little more about that series. I believe that it has harmful effects on its intended audience. It is aimed toward young children, most of whom, as yet, lack the understanding to truly have a relationship with the Savior. Bibleman is like Superman. He has miraculous powers like those of Jesus. However, Bibleman is much more adventurous and exciting than Jesus. Why read the Bible if one’s Christianity can be supported by Bibleman? Bibleman is much more interesting. Who becomes the child’s hero, Jesus or Bibleman?

I have a Bible study with my grandchildren every week before adult Bible study. We study and discuss Who God really is, what did Jesus’ sacrifice mean to each of us, what does God expect of us, what does God want us to get from the Scriptures we read this week, etc. They read their Bibles during the week looking for those answers, often finding more questions, but always learning more about God and His Word. The idea of a Bibleman really would only interfere and conflict with the serious business of “walking humbly with one’s God,” which is what the Bible says God requires of us.

Tales of a super-powered Christian always lift up the Christian and not Christ. This is lifting up man rather than God. The effect is very subtle, often totally unseen, especially because the fiction is supposedly  “Christian.” If the young viewer belongs to a Christian family, the antics of this super-Christian will affect his heart so that he is lifted up rather than God. The children of whom I know influenced by Bibleman, have a much larger view of Bibleman than Almighty God or His Almighty Son. This influence in these formative years will become a negative force with which to be reckoned later. Will the child grow up to be a real Christian, or just someone who thumps his chest and his Bible? However, this is only the tip of the iceberg in the case of Bibleman. This series is chock-full of disastrous music, unhealthy philosophies, errant theology, and its forays into occultism are absolutely beyond Christian fare, especially for young children.

With regards to Veggie Tales, I have very little knowledge of this series. But, from your description of the music, philosophies and venues presented, I expect them not to be particularly healthy, nor to be truly Christ-centered. I also am not fond of endowing vegetables with human capabilities when presenting them to children. This is simply an extension of New Age philosophy. Also, from what you describe, it follows the same progression that we see in all of these pseudo-Christian products. The first version is always something that seems as though it might be harmless upon first review by the parents. The next version makes the parents a little more uncomfortable, but the children are now hooked. Each successive version seems to continue on a path bound for reaching a level that is pathetic and harmful.

I could spend much more time exploring this issue. It has many faces and facets, but this is a start. If a parent keeps an eye open to the whole picture rather than just the surface issues, problem products are much easier to spot. I hope that I have been of some help. You will be in my prayers as you sort these things out. If I can be of more help on specific issues, please let me know.

God bless you,
Jeff Zakula