VeggieTales Creators File for Bankruptcy

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2003/135/41.0.html ^

[egarvue]

My kids and I liked the Veggie Tales...for a while. Then I noticed something that started to bug me, and now I can't stand them - these videos are hawked as a "Christian" video series, promoted in Christian bookstores and Christian churches. Yet in not one of their videos do they talk about Jesus or Christ or the Gospel; not a single story or video based on events in the New Testament. Not very Christ-ian at all. The movie was terrible. As Law-oriented morality tales, they're pretty good, but the company should've really stopped trying to market them as something they're not - heck, the Veggie tales could've been a Jewish or Muslim series, because all they ever got around to talking about was some vague references to moral "God", used in the generic sense. Don't get me wrong, I thought they were very funny, and a whole lot better than 99% of the crap on kids TV (Larry's Silly Songs were classic), but I'm not all that sad that they're going. Hopefully, someone will start making and marketing REAL Christian videos for kids that can break into popular culture, ones that have the guts enough to witness about Jesus.

[discostu]

It depends on where you're living and why the contract became worth $11 mil. If it was a "you'll get 10%" when Veggie Tales was small and they violated that agreement after it became big it's pretty easy for a verbal agreement to be worth $11 mil. Also some states are more friendly to verbal agreements than others. Both parties are idiots for being in a verbal agreement in the first place, never say "yes" only write it in triplicate.

[steveo]

Sing with me now!

"Barbara Manatee, Manatee, Manatee,
You're the one for me, one for me, one for me,..."

[AppyPappy]

The creators did not want to portray Christ as a vegetable. So they stuck to the Old Testament.

[getmeouttaPalmBeachCounty_FL]

Oh NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! Dh and I were Bob and Larry last Halloween!!! We love them!!!!

I see we frequent the same places...lol!

[fishtank]

The "Toy That Saved Christmas" was Christ centered.

But overall, you have a point.

[Afronaut]

Next to the unedited box-set of the Little Rascals Veggy Tales are very popular tapes in our house.

[EBITDA]

"I think it's a bit arrogant to think that "God" is telling you to expand your business. Did he have a direct line to God?"

Why is it that we can so easily believe that God spoke to people in the bible, but that he is not interested in doing that for us? Jesus said, 'My sheep will know my voice.'

You are right about looking to your accountant and financial advisors. There is wisdom in seeking that kind of counsel. We often miss or miscontrue what God says to us, but that doesn't mean he is silent.

[doc30]

Hopefully Classic Media LLC isn't a PC indoctrinated company. If they are, I fear for future videos. A transgendered tomato on the horizon?

[getmeouttaPalmBeachCounty_FL]

I would also like to suggest for the younger crowd...and they are totally adorable:

Cherub Wings

http://www.cherubwings.com/

[Don'tMessWithTexas]

As an attorney certain types of verbal agreements are enforceable, others are not. For example, a contract for a conveyance of an interest in land is not enforceable if it is not in writing. Personally, I have real qualms about supposedly Christian organizations declaring bankruptcy to avoid their contractual obligations. Sort of sets a bad example.

[egarvue]

You are correct, I had forgotten about that one Christmas tape (although their other Christmas video did not mention Christ), and I hope no one here thinks I'm really slamming the Veggie Tales. But I can't stand things that someone slaps a "Christian" label on and thinks that it is now automatically a "Christian" product. I sometimes get a creepy feeling in my spine when I walk into a Christian bookstore, like I'm watching the moneychangers in the temple, profiting off of the Word of God...

[MEGoody]

"I think it's a bit arrogant to think that "God" is telling you to expand your business. Did he have a direct line to God?"

How is that arrogant? God knows the number of hairs on our heads - not just mine, but yours too. He cares about everything we do, and if we are willing, He will lead us.

I can't say whether or not the guy heard from God to 'expand,' but it's not beyond the pale of what God might communicate with us about. . .IF we are listening.

[MEGoody]

"But I can't stand things that someone slaps a "Christian" label on and thinks that it is now automatically a "Christian" product."

Perhaps what they should have been billed as: "Acceptable for viewing by children of Christian parents." I realize they are not stories that specifically evangelize, but they do provide a moral lesson and are much better than a lot of stuff that is out there for kids.

[Chancellor Palpatine]

It is enforceable regardless of amount.

Without getting into too much detail, the ones that have to be in writing are contracts regarding real estate, contracts in suretyship and contracts involving obligations which expressly state that they will last longer than a year (can vary by state).

If I remember right, it was a verbal contract which did Kim Basinger in on "Boxing Helena".

[Chancellor Palpatine]

You're right - see my above.

[Godzilla]

This could be a job for....

Larryboy!

[BoilermakerCAengineerguy]

Yet in not one of their videos do they talk about Jesus or Christ or the Gospel; not a single story or video based on events in the New Testament. Not very Christ-ian at all.

Just FYI -- at the end of each 30-minute VeggieTales videos, Bob and Larry consult "QWERTY", their computer, to give them a Bible verse that deals with the message of that particular show. I am 99.9% sure that a number of these scriptures are taken from the New Testament.

I saw that another Freeper had mentioned the fact that the Christmas video was Christ-centered. In fact, both Christmas videos, "The Toy that Saved Christmas" and "The Star of Christmas" discuss God sending a Savior, etc.

On another note, if any of you own the "Jonah" DVD, be sure to watch/listen to the Movie Commentary given by Mr. Lunt and Larry the Cucumber. It is very funny stuff! And, yes, in case you're wondering, I have a 2-year old. (But, truth be told, my wife and I started watching VeggieTales long before our daughter came along...) ;-)

[JenB]

Drat!

My brothers have watched VeggieTales since they were toddlers. It's the only thing I'd put on for them; their other videos were just too stupid.

Here's hoping they don't go away...

[Our man in washington]

Declare bankruptcy? Are they just a bunch of dead-beets? Couldn't they have everyone take a 10 percent cut in celery? That would a-peas the creditors! I'm sure business will turnip soon.