Media Details:
- Creator: Phil Vischer
- Titles: In the Beginning and Let My People Go
- Category: Children’s DVD
- Producer: JellyFish Labs / Tyndale House (2010)
- Format: DVD
- Time: 56 min. (each)
- ISBN#: 9781414336305 & 9781414336312
Recommendation:
- Review Date: 03/11/10 by Bob Hayton
- Rating: Highly Recommended
Review:
As a father, I’m always looking out for wholesome programming for my children. My kids have enjoyed VeggieTales, so I was intrigued when I heard that VeggieTales creater Phil Vischer, had developd a new series: “What’s in the Bible?”. When I got my review copy, I was pleasantly surprised. I didn’t expect to like the series this much!
The new episodes feature muppet-like puppets, animation and interaction with Phil personally. The characters are varied including, a “Sunday School lady”, an anchor man “Buck Denver”, and more. Phil and the characters teach the storyline of the Bible.
In the Beginning, focuses on what the Bible is, and the first half of Genesis. Let My People Go covers the call of Abraham through the end of Exodus. The varied segments, enjoyable characters, unique settings, and the fast-paced teaching combine to capture the attention of kids. Several puns are appreciated by older viewers as well. My kids were spellbound.
More important in my estimation is how the emphasis is on the Bible’s overall story, rather than the heroics of the Biblical characters. The DVDs don’t hone in on how much faith Abraham had and the suffering of Joseph. Instead they tell the larger story, the meta-narrative, of the Bible. This is the “story of redemption”. Important themes are also addressed. Salvation, redemption, atonement, forgiveness– these basic Christian doctrines are explained.
At times, difficult questions (like canonization and the Apocrypha) are explored in a somewhat simplistic manor. But the fact that the show would address such matters gives insight into its aim. These DVDs aren’t about simple entertainment, they aim to instill an affection for the “story of redemption” in the hearts of our children. I recommend them highly.
Don’t forget to enter the free contest for a gift certificate for a free copy of both of the first 2 DVDs in the What’s in the Bible series. Contest closes Friday night, 3/19.
Author Info:
In 1990, 24-year-old computer animator Phil Vischer sat down to create a group of characters that could teach Christian values to kids in a delightfully weird way. Hence, a tomato named Bob and a cucumber named Larry were born. VeggieTales would go on to revolutionize Christian filmmaking, selling more than 50 million videos and placing Phil’s faith-filled stories in one in every three American households with young children. Phil is highly respected by key leaders across the Christian landscape, from Joel Osteen to James Dobson. His company, Jellyfish Labs, provides faith-based daily programming via the Internet at jellytelly.com. The characters from the What’s in the Bible? series are featured, but the content is not specifically from the DVDs. Phil continues to pursue innovative ways to integrate faith and storytelling through Jellyfish Labs. He chose the name Jellyfish as a reminder to remain pliable to God’s plans and not his own. Phil lives with his wife, Lisa, and their three kids in Illinois.
Disclaimer:
These DVDs were provided by Tyndale House for review. The reviewer was under no obligation to offer a favorable review.
Additional Resources:
- Preview: Available here
- Purchase Links: Amazon.com and Tyndale House
- Product Website: Here
- Coloring Sheets: Available here
