VeggieTales co-creator Phil Vischer has defended his major new children's Bible series from criticisms that it includes an "anti-Christian" reference.

Vischer addressed the concerns in blog postings following the launch of the first installments of the 13-part "What's in the Bible?" DVD series from Tyndale House Publishers.

A few fans had written in to complain about a joke about the big-bang theory in the first video, In The Beginning, because they believed that the theory was anti-Christian "and therefore shouldn't be mentioned in any way in a Christian video," he noted.

Initially surprised by the response "since the reference was just a humorous aside," Vischer decided he needed to address it head-on "before too many people get concerned (about) 'un-Christian jokes,' " he said.

"Actually, it's quite the opposite," he wrote, discussing different Christian views on the world's orgin. "Rather than feeling the big-bang theory is 'anti-biblical,' many scientists believe it actually supports the Bible," he said. "The big-bang theory cries out for a Creator. That's why I included it in my show."

Katara Patton, acquisitions director for children and youth at Tyndale, said that the company had received "a few strong reactions to the comment." Overall, "people have loved the DVD, and sales are building steadily," she added. "We see an increase in sales each week."

Read more in the July issue of Christian Retailing.

• Prev
• Next