Phil Vischer’s new Tyndale House Publishers series draws ‘strong reactions’ from some viewers

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 two 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 of children and youth for Tyndale, said that the company had received “a few strong reactions to the comment.” Vischer had sent personal responses to those concerned and explained his rationale, “particularly that he is not taking a position on the theory in the DVD. He is not attempting to teach the theory or present a position on it,” she told Christian Retailing.

“Overall, people have loved the DVD, and sales are building steadily,” she added. “We see an increase in sales each week.” There were no plans to edit out the reference in future editions, she said.

Among those with whom Vischer made contact was Lorena Allen, manager of Harvest Bookstore at Eastview Christian Church in Normal, Ill. The new series was on sale at the store until Allen was made aware of the big-bang reference by a member of the church’s children’s ministry team.

The DVD has since been pulled from the shelves. “Kids are so impressionable and they will watch this until it is memorized,” said Allen. “Any reference to the big bang can cause confusion later when they begin to discuss it with science teachers.”

Allen contacted Tyndale House with her concerns and later heard directly from Vischer explaining his position. “I understand his response, but I still hold firm to the fact that it is referred to and, to me, the best solution is to cut it on the next run,” she said. “It is not ‘in the Bible’ and it is not theologically a neutral subject.

“We will not carry the series unless I get an OK from the children’s department here,” Allen added. “We are taking the cautious approach on the rest of the series since we haven’t viewed it in its entirety. Probably 98% of it is good, it just needs a tweak. Unfortunately, it was too late prior to release.”

At his blog, Vischer wrote: “The Bible is always correct in what it says. We―as humans―are sometimes incorrect in our interpretations of what it means. Same thing with science. Let’s agree on the facts, and agree that it’s okay sometimes to disagree on how we interpret those facts.”

Meanwhile, the third installment of the series, Wanderin’ in the Desert, was released in June. Featuring two 25-minute episodes, the DVD seeks to help children understand how Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy fit in with Genesis and Exodus.

Tyndale officials said social media has helped effectively launch What’s in the Bible? Besides a Web site and blog with a video introducing the series, the publisher started Twitter and Facebook pages, featuring various contests and special promotions in an effort to get 1,000 followers and fans on both social networking sites.