What's In The Bible - Review

I am SO excited to be reviewing this new series of DVD's for children from the maker of Veggie Tales, Phil Vischer. I received the first two DVD's in the series and they were so wonderful.

The characters are cute and clever, the songs are so catchy and funny while still teaching truths! It teaches deep important truths in a light and fun way.

But before I go on, here is a preview video so you can get a glimpse of what I am talking about:



The first DVD covers basics about the Bible itself and the first half of Genesis. It answers some tough questions about the Bible and covers some big words - inspiration, the Septuagint, Apocrypha - there is no dumbing down of important information - just making it fun and easy to understand. After all, no one knows church history like a pirate!
It then covers creation through Joseph. I really like that instead of just telling individual stories, it shows how they are connected to tell the whole story of the Bible. I would suggest sitting down with your children to explain what you believe about some of the issues he deals with - such as was the world created in 7 literal days or "God days". Vischer presents both views so I think it's important and you watch it along with your child.

The second DVD covers the second half of Genesis and the whole book of Exodus. LOVED this one even more than the first. At the beginning it also covers how the Canon of Scripture was chosen. Well explained - I think some adults would benefit from this as much as the kids! I really loved how they explained and illustrated the words "salvation" and "redemption." I also love the explanation of idols and how we have them today - just not made of metal cows (more like plastic cards!). It also paves the way the whole time for the story of Jesus - God's ultimate rescue plan. I am so excited to get to that part - but as Sunday School Lady says - "we're not there yet."

I watched it with my 3 year old and though much of it was over his head at this age, he still enjoyed watching it - LOVED the songs and even got some of the jokes. Because the characters are basically telling the story and explaining the truths behind them there is a LOT of talking. For an older kid though I think it moves quickly enough to keep their attention. The only other thing that I didn't really like was how one character - Michael - talks to his mom. It's meant to be funny but I think it borders a little on disrespect in one part. He is only the introduction to the dvd's though so it could be easily skipped and you wouldn't miss anything.

NOW ON TO THE BEST NEWS!!! Tyndale is giving away a copy of the first two DVD's to one of my readers! To enter, just leave a comment with your name and an e-mail address where I can reach you if you win. The winner will be picked by random drawing at the end of the week (Friday). I will then mail you a certificate for you to take to your local Christian Bookstore to redeem your DVDs.

Visit the What's In the Bible Website or Tyndale Publishers for more information.