Well, Isn’t That Special

Then again, maybe Jesus didn’t die for our sins after all. At least that’s the impression that some publishers of church curriculum, decided to put in their preschool Easter Sunday School lessons.

The pastors at this church in Raleigh, North Carolina, were perplexed when they saw the Holy Week Sunday school lessons for preschoolers from “First Look,” the publisher of the one to five year-old Sunday school class materials. There wasn’t a mention of the resurrection of Jesus. Naturally, the pastors inquired about the oversight. It turns out it was no oversight. The letter sent from the publishing company is up on the Two Institutions blog website. I had to read it three times to make sure I wasn’t falling for a Lark News parody. It turns out this publisher has decided that the Gospel is too scary for preschoolers.“Easter is a special time in churches,” the letter from the publisher says. “It’s a time of celebration and thankfulness. But because of the graphic nature of the Easter story and the crucifixion specifically, we need to be careful as we choose what we tell preschoolers about Easter.”

So they offer up an alternative G-Rated ending to keep those wussy preschoolers from being traumatized by that whole nasty 39 lashes and Crucifixion deal. Evidently these kids are supposed to think Jesus eats a nice meal of Mac-n-Cheese with his friends and then settles in to watch a movie. 

“Well, isn’t that special,” as the Church Lady would say.

I was taught the life and death of Jesus from a very early age.  Virtually all Christian children are taught this from a very early age.  I wasn’t traumatized from learning about it.  I doubt any kids have ever been nor ever will be traumatized by it.  It is the basis of our faith. 

Leaving it out, even from preschoolers, especially from preschoolers, makes no sense at all.

If I were shopping for Sunday school curriculum I would be looking elsewhere.

Your Own Personal Jesus

I debated posting this considering it was Easter weekend, but the more I thought about it the more sense it made. There is the Messiah whose ascent to Heaven we celebrate tomorrow, and then there’s one who plays a messiah on TV.

I feel it is important to point out the distinction to those who don’t seem to grasp it.