VeggieTales is a popular animated children’s series featuring talking vegetables who teach biblical values and lessons. The show uses parody and slapstick humor to retell Bible stories while tackling moral issues. Some Christian parents view VeggieTales as a fun, engaging way to introduce their children to scripture and Christian values. However, other Christian parents have concerns about whether the show’s comedic tone trivializes sacred stories or promotes questionable theology. When deciding whether VeggieTales aligns with their faith beliefs and parenting approach, Christian parents may find the following biblical principles helpful.
The Responsibility of Christian Parents
The Bible calls parents to train children in godliness and truth. Proverbs 22:6 (ESV) instructs parents to “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Ephesians 6:4 (ESV) tells fathers to bring children up “in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” These verses imply that Christian parents carry the responsibility for overseeing their children’s spiritual development. Rather than outsourcing moral and spiritual guidance, parents should take an active role in shaping their children’s worldview.
In the context of entertainment choices, Christian parents need to thoughtfully monitor and filter what their kids see and hear. Philippians 4:8 (ESV) advises believers to dwell on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy. Proverbs 4:23 (ESV) states that we must guard our hearts, for “everything you do flows from it.” While VeggieTales intends to model virtue, some parents may determine that certain elements of the show conflict with scriptural standards of purity, discernment, or reverence.
The Need for Discernment
Christian parents must exercise discernment when evaluating any form of entertainment, even shows marketed as “Christian” or Bible-based. 1 John 4:1 (ESV) warns believers to “test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” First Thessalonians 5:21-22 (ESV) says to test all things and cling to what is good while avoiding every kind of evil. The Bible elevates the standard far above “good fun” or “mostly positive” when it comes to shaping children’s minds and hearts. Christian parents need to determine whether VeggieTales meets the Philippians 4:8 (ESV) criteria in every scene, song, and storyline.
Discernment is especially important when it comes to humor. Children have impressionable minds, and jesting about sacred things can distort their perceptions. Some Christian parents express unease with silly songs that trivialize biblical concepts or make light of sin. They prefer materials that take the Bible seriously and approach God’s Word with sincerity, not just entertainment value. These concerns echo Psalm 89:7 (ESV), which declares that God is “to be feared in the council of the holy ones, and awesome above all who are around him.”
The Call to Reverence
In addition to discernment, Christian parents must teach children reverence for God and His Word. Psalm 119:161 (ESV) states: “My heart stands in awe of your words.” Isaiah 66:2 (ESV) explains that God honors those who are humble and contrite in spirit. First Peter 3:15 (ESV) instructs believers to regard Christ as Lord and honor Him in their hearts. Some Christian parents worry VeggieTales’ zany approach to Bible stories and over-simplification of doctrine could undermine reverence and humility.
Rather than consuming entertainment passively, Christian parents may want to help children engage thoughtfully. Discussing biblical lessons in the context of silly characters could bolster discernment and reinforce reverent attitudes. Parents can also enrich screen time with creative activities like reenacting Bible stories or composing reverent songs. By interacting meaningfully around media, parents promote deeper internalization of biblical truth.
The Central Role of Scripture
When evaluating any book, show, or teaching, Christians must compare it to the absolute standard of Scripture. Acts 17:11 (ESV) commends the Bereans for examining even the Apostle Paul’s teaching against the Word of God. Christ and the Apostles repeatedly quoted Scripture and called God’s people back to its flawless standard. For a show to nurture reverence and align with God’s truth, its messages and methods must reflect the unchanging counsel of the Bible.
Some VeggieTales content stays faithful to Scripture, including direct Bible quotes and retellings of Old and New Testament stories. However, Christian parents point out that some episodes, songs, and characters introduce questionable theology not supported in the Bible. For instance, a 2014 episode suggested morally “good” people, including non-Christians, earn entrance to heaven. But Scripture teaches salvation comes solely by God’s grace, not good works or merit. When assessments of VeggieTales conflict with God’s Word, parents must elevate the Bible.
Opportunities for Growth
Rather than wholesale acceptance or rejection of VeggieTales, discerning Christian parents can utilize the series selectively as a springboard for growth. Watching and discussing the show as a family allows parents to reinforce biblical truths, identify unhelpful messages, model analysis and wisdom, answer kids’ questions, and promote reverence and awe for God’s Word. Just as Christ’s followers learn by comparing new teachings to Scripture, children develop discernment when parents lovingly guide them in testing everything against God’s unchanging yardstick.
Parents may determine that some VeggieTales episodes provide fun starting points for exploring biblical themes. For instance, the story of Daniel and the lion’s den introduces courage and trusting God. A parent could discuss the account from Scripture, ask questions to distill key lessons, pray together for faith like Daniel’s, and faciliate hands-on learning by acting out the story. With active mediation, VeggieTales’ goofiness can be transformed into an impetus for fostering reverence, wisdom, and knowledge of God’s Word.
The Role of Conscience and Conviction
When assessing entertainment choices, Christians must follow biblically informed conscience under the guidance of God’s Spirit. Romans 14:5b (ESV) states: “Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.” While all believers can turn to principles from God’s Word, applications vary. For example, one parent may perceive VeggieTales as an age-appropriate way to introduce biblical literacy. But another parent may determine the slapstick nature and fictional characters undermine the sanctity of Scripture.
Christian parents must carefully reflect in prayer, evaluate teaching methods and content in light of Scripture, and protect impressionable minds. Watching VeggieTales requires discernment to filter positive lessons from problematic elements. For some families, the show aligns with conscience and convictions. For others, discomfort with the tone and teaching fully justifies limiting or avoiding VeggieTales. Biblical wisdom grants Christian parents freedom in Christ to make entertainment decisions based on personal conscience and calling.
Developmental Considerations
A child’s age and maturity can aid Christian parents’ decision-making about VeggieTales. Younger kids may enjoy the silly songs and talking vegetables while remaining oblivious to subtler theological concerns. Parents of preschoolers may determine that light-hearted Bible stories suffice at this developmental level. However, older children may begin critiquing the show’s dubious messages and revere precise truth over entertainment value.
1 Corinthians 13:11 (ESV) notes, “When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.” Parents must prayerfully discern when youthful enjoyment of VeggieTales should mature into deeper interaction with God’s Word. As kids grow in discernment and hunger for biblical truth, parents can challenge them to delve into the Scriptures that undergird each story.
Protecting Hearts and Minds
God instructs parents to vigilantly guard children’s hearts and minds. Proverbs 4:23 (ESV) urges guarding your heart, “for everything you do flows from it.” Psalm 101:3 (ESV) commits the godly person to set “no worthless thing before my eyes.” While VeggieTales intends to model virtue, parents may decide elements of the show introduce influences that hinder their family’s “growth in the grace and knowledge of our Lord” (2 Peter 3:18 ESV). With childrens’ moral and spiritual development at stake, Christian parents must determine whether VeggieTales effectively supports or inadvertently undermines the cultivation of biblical values.
Rather than criticizing other Christians’ choices, we must evaluate entertainment prayerfully according to personal conscience and conviction as each family seeks to honor the Lord. For some, silly songs and veggie characters provide light-hearted fun with positive lessons. Others prefer resources that take the Bible seriously to instill reverence and sound doctrine. Whichever direction Christian parents lean, they must commit to active mediation and open discussion to ensure kids absorb biblical truth rather than just consumption. With wisdom and vigilance, VeggieTales’ pros and cons can strengthen families in foundational faith.
The Bottom Line
Christian parents who strive to raise children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4 ESV) carry the responsibility of overseeing kids’ spiritual development. Whether or not VeggieTales fits into that training depends on each family’s assessment. Parents must exercise discernment, test all things by Scripture, help kids engage critically, protect impressionable minds, and follow biblically informed conscience. While reasonable Christians differ in application, the unchanging standard of God’s Word must guide entertainment decisions for His glory.
