Biblical purists need to relax, and "There is no God on Sesame Street."
VeggieTales: Robin Good and His Not-So-Merry Men (DVD)
VeggieTales (www.veggietales.com)
Publisher: Big Idea Entertainment
Length: Approximately 50 minutes
I like VeggieTales use of classic stories to convey
spiritual truths. Initially, they may have resorted more to Bible stories,
which got them into trouble with those who did not like the liberty they took
with Scripture. Biblical purists will have a harder time complaining when classics
are used to illustrate biblical values.
This DVD starts with a coming attraction that captivated
my interest. Various individuals involved in making The Penniless Princess: A Story of True Worth, slated for release
in August 2012, discuss the story, which is adapted from A Little Princess by Frances Burnett.
The fascinating analysis shows the commitment and
professionalism that goes into each VeggieTales production; not least of which
is the communication of spiritual values. In a recent article for Christianity Today, VeggieTales’ founder
Phil Vischer points out why this is important, “There is no God on Sesame
Street.”
VeggieTales deserves applause for introducing children to
God and Christian values. They do it in a way that is entertaining to little
ones and adults. The stories follow a simple but effective formula: start with
timeless values derived from Scripture and mix in excellent production and
witty humor.
Robin Good also
starts with a bonus short, “Lenny & The Lost Birthday,” starring Junior
Asparagus, which almost steals the show from the main attraction. Bob the
Tomato narrates this lesson on worth. It is so well done that I would have been
satisfied with this alone.
However, if I had stopped there I would have missed
plungers that become arrows and seeing the terrible dungeon of despair. In Robin Good fundraising from the rich
during tough economic times (note the social commentary on current events)
leads Robin’s men to take up stealing, something Robin is against because
stealing is wrong. Robin feels the hurt of being abandoned by his men, but it
leads to the central theme, which is no hurt is too big for God. Psalm 55:22
directs us to cast our burdens on God, and He will sustain us. In this story,
and in the bonus short, we learn that the best way to handle disappointment and
hurt is to give it to the Lord.
What would a VeggieTales episode be without a Silly Song
with Larry? It is unthinkable. “Bubble Rap” is the newest Silly Song, which is
found here and on If I Sang a Silly Song
… (DVD).
VeggieTales is getting better with age, which says a lot,
since from the beginning they set a high standard. The commentary on The Penniless Princess is a treat, and
the themes conveyed in the short and the main feature are a treasure.
