You can read Ariana's post and see what she thought about this new found religion the Bears have adopted.
But I was shocked to see how many other people shared her same sentiment that had she known about the "Christian" message she would not have read the book to her son.
I'm wondering if others out there feel the same way as she does. Like I said in my comment to her (which I totally apologize for all the weird typos. My cursor jumps A LOT and I have no idea why and I always realize it way late) there are a lot more important things to worry about exposing our kids to.
There are so many things that have underlying messages and support different causes and agendas that we might not always agree with but does that mean we put a stop to it?
My family went to a church way back in the day that banned Disney World & Land and all movies because reports came out that Disney only hired homosexuals (AND SO WHAT!) and there was also a ban put on Christmas at one point because of how commercialized it had become.
Obviously that is CRAZY talk, but kind of the same as the books don't you think?
Besides what's wrong with exposing your kids to different views and cultures?
When that movie The Golden Compass came out a few years ago there was all kinds of boycotting and Facebook groups dedicated to stop people from seeing this movie because the little girl tries (or does) kill God. I thought it was kind of silly. It's fiction right? But there we're many Christian parents who tried to get this movie banned.
But really I'm just wondering if you don't subscribe to a religion would you not read books or allow your kids to read books that the characters we're of a certain religious sect?
And does it bother you that these classic bears have now adopted a religious side?
Amazon has more titles available if you're interested.
I agree that it is good to expose our children to different cultures and beliefs as long as we have an open dialog about it. They will learn about it eventually so why not start the discussion at home?
ReplyDeleteI don't see a problem with it. And the book is not so new it has been around for a little over two years now and from what I can remember all of their books had an underlying theme of Christianity in it.
ReplyDeleteFor me it is nice to see a classic go this way. With all the anti-religion type books coming out now its a reliefe to see a great series that isn't main streamed as Christian.
As the above commentor said its a great way to open discussions at home about this. To explain the way people believe different things and that it is okay to do so.
While yes I am Christian I would not stop my child from reading ANYTHING other than books with overtly sexual content.
Like you, I don't really see a problem with these things. I was actually worried for my kids' safety when they went to see The Golden Compass! People are nuts.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great, thought-provoking post! I really depends on the underlying intent of the book. If it's a book that explains about a religion and share facts and information without evangelism, that's one thing. If the book is an attempt to convert readers, then it is reasonable for a parent to avoid sharing with children until the children really understand what they're reading.
ReplyDeleteSharing your faith with your children helps them discover who they are.
ReplyDeleteGreat thoughts. It doesn't bother me about the turn for the Berenstein Bears. However, it is very shocking to me! Not in a bad way... in a neutral way.
ReplyDeleteThe Golden Compass thing, though... yes, fiction. However, the guy who wrote the books is openly atheist and has a very strong atheist agenda which I do not agree with nor support, especially when he openly stated that he was trying to push his atheistic agenda with the books. It's no secret about his intentions, and because of that, we chose not to support the books or the movies. But that is a personal choice.
Thanks for the thought-provoking post!
How cool! I didn't know that some of the Berenstain Bears now have a Christian theme. I have always loved the Berenstain Bears--each story has a great moral theme. I agree with you that every other group is publicized and we're taught to be tolerant. However, the favor is often not returned when the focus is on Christianity. I applaud the Berenstains. I'm going to go out and look for these new books.
ReplyDelete---saw your post on Double Duty Divas: http://www.doubledutydivas.com/2010/09/hot-picks-from-haute-mamas/