What's the Big Idea?

Here we go again.

By now you probably know that Big Idea has gone bankrupt and that NBC will be airing "Veggie Tales".

And by now you probably know, or at least suspect, that the network will be removing most all references to scripture from the series.

So What?

Well, Phil Vischer seems to be a bit surprised that NBC will be "more restrictive" regarding content than they had previously indicated. Still Phil has said he will continue to work with NBC on the cartoon.

Why?

Well, here we go again.

Because, according to Vischer, "someone may see the cartoon and like it, then buy a video with all the scripture in it".

So what, Phil?

Don't get me wrong. I have a bunch of the videos. They are cute. They do make a point. But let's get real. Vischer's statement seems to indicate that he's hoping some kid will see the new Saturday morning version, like it, and then see one of the classics at Walmart and end up seeing it... What kind of 'evangelism' is this?

First of all, even the classic videos make no overt mention of the gospel. Oh, yes they mention scripture and biblical principles, but is there anything there that any Mormon or Jehovah's Witness couldn't agree with? If you are a Christian they look fine. Ditto for everyone else. It's kind of like "purpose driven". The statements are generic enough to make most everyone happy.

"God made you special and He loves you very much" may be true, but it's not evangelism.

In part, this reminds me of the "let's attract them to church so maybe they'll hear the message" foolishness. When you're out there trying to get them to come into your building to "hear the message" why not just give them the message? No need to engage in this "Let me bank the cue ball three times then it'll hit the four ball, which will hit the twelve, which will get the two ball in".

For crying out loud...talk about human machinations!

Here's my recommendation. Come out with a new bunch of characters. Let NBC corrupt Bob and Larry. It'll just make the differences with the classics in Walmart that much more vivid. But make a new set of characters and actually dare to mention the Lord Jesus Christ. Mention sin. Mention how God wants to redeem us, then conform us to the image of His Son.

Make something new...and better! Something that will actually proclaim the Gospel, just as the Lord commanded us to do.