Culture Watch: Playing Smart or Selling Out?

I'm always interested in how Christians engage the culture authentically, not just through law and politics, but through media and entertainment.  One insightful example occurred this past weekend, when Veggie Tales (a Christian video series created by my brother) premiered as an anchor of NBC's Saturday morning lineup.  Things got interesting, though, when NBC threatened to pull the show unless Bob and Larry's closing line ("God made you special and loves you very much.") was edited out.  Ultimately the line came out, the show aired, and a major brouhaha broke out in Veggie Nation.  Was this akin to Paul respecting a foreign culture or Shadrach bowing to an idol?  One interesting side-note: NBC's demand to remove the line came shortly after the network announced that it would air Madonna's mock crucifixion as part of a concert special.  As one executive commented, the network reviewed the scene and did not find it "inappropriate."  Telling kids that God loves them is, apparently, less appropriate.

Rob

UPDATE: Who knew that Veggie Tales would strike a chord in the legal academy?  Duquesne law prof Alison Sulentic offers her take:

I do not think that Veggie Tales is in danger of losing its Christian identity by removing the final line of the show. The real genius of Veggie Tales its ability to engage children in moral reflection in a way that captures their imagination. Some children do not participate in organized religion, but nonetheless respond to Veggie Tales because of its humor, good sense and ability to teach basic moral lessons in terms that kids understand. I think this is a valuable contribution to civic discourse and to children's moral and religious education, even if the closing line is left out. In fact, one might argue that by removing the last line, the show becomes accessible to kids whose parents might otherwise censor it as being too "religious." If Veggie Tales is only watched by kids whose parents are comfortable with religious language, then one might argue that the show is only preaching to the choir.

So, in response to Rob's question--no, I don't think this is an example of bowing down to cultural idols. God doesn't love us any less just because Bob the Tomato doesn't mention it at the end of the show. Likewise, the basic message of Veggie Tales doesn't change simply because Bob doesn't mention God in the last line of the show. I, for one, want the message of Veggie Tales to get through to kids in whatever medium is accessible to them.

It is not at all surprising that Veggie Tales adopts one of Jesus' favorite teaching methods--the use of a parable or a story to illustrate God's love. Veggie Tales uses stories to teach kids exactly the kind of moral reasoning and ethical responsibility that should be included in any basic curriculum for religious education. (As a law professor, I will also add that it provides a foundation for understanding natural law, as well.)

As far as I can tell, Veggie Tales doesn't claim to be the final word on religious and/or moral education. But it certainly gives very young kids a way to think about these ideas that may lead them to deeper and more informed reflection in later years. In my opinion, that's a contribution that is so valuable that it should be encouraged, even if the tag line is deleted.