9 Fine DVDs for Children
Looking for a great gift for a kid? This DVD series from Veggie Tales creator Phil Vischer caught my attention when me and my 8-year old saw a clip playing at the Dallas Theological Seminary bookstore. Why? Cause it had a puppet named Buck Denver in it. And I instantly remembered him as the newscaster I saw explaining the cosmological argument to kids many years ago.
In this post, you’ll get a [highlight]quick overview of the Buck Denver Asks…What’s in the Bible? DVD series[/highlight]—with a special theology and apologetics focus you won’t hear anywhere else.
Buck Denver Asks…What’s In The Bible?
First off, Buck Denver Asks What’s in the Bible? is actually funny! Even the DVD menus made us laugh! And it’s way more than just Bible stories.
There are 9 DVDs in the series (so far), including memorable, age-appropriate theology, church history and apologetics. Every DVD includes 2 half-hour segments and bonus features. Each show is fast-paced, and even gets kind of snarky in places–another reason my son likes it so much. Oh, and did I mention each DVD also comes with a FREE digital copy?
If you have kids, you know they like to watch their favorite videos over and over again. Any parent will tell you how annoying this can sometimes get. But I actually don’t mind when my kid ends up learning all kinds of church history, theology, and apologetics especially geared for children (Adults are guaranteed to learn stuff, too). Plus, he can now list all the Kings of Judah and books of the Old Testament!
Video Clips: What’s In The Bible?
Next, imagine you were at the DTS bookstore with me and my son when we saw this stuff playing on the TV. Check out these sample clips:
BTW, unlike most of the reviews on this site, I didn’t receive any of these DVDs in exchange for a review. I actually bought a couple of them for my boy at the bookstore and borrowed the rest of the series from the DTS Library. But I’d like to eventually own them all!
Theology and Apologetics for Children
Finally, here’s a quick summary of each DVD in the series, highlighting some of my favorite parts:
What’s in the Bible? Volume One – In the Beginning
Features Genesis. Also covers how we got the Bible, why there are differences in the Protestant and Catholic Bibles, plus some cool church history stuff with Captain Pete’s “A Pirate’s Guide to Church History.” Apologetics topics for children include free will and the problem of evil.
What’s in the Bible? Volume Two – Let My People Go
Features the Exodus. Also asks, “Did the church suppress books of the Bible?” & “Was there really a Moses?”Apologetics content for children includes a discussion of “secret gospels,” like the Gospel of Thomas. Plus, some snarky commentary on the Da Vinci Code from Sunday School Lady.
What’s in the Bible? Volume Three – Wanderin’ In the Desert
Features Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. But surprise! Phil also talks about science and Christianity, explains what intelligent design is in a way kids can understand–and he even mentions The Language of God by Francis Collins and There Is A God by Anthony Flew!
What’s in the Bible? Volume Four – Battle for the Promised Land
Features Joshua and Judges. But Phil also talks about the Canaanites and illustrates God’s right to take land from one people group and give it to another. My boy loves the song that goes, “Standing in the way of what God is going to do would be really, really, really, really not-so-good for you!”
What’s in the Bible? Volume Five – Israel Gets a King
Features 1st & 2nd Samuel. You’ll never forget the story of David after hearing the Fabulous Bentley Brothers on this one. Surprise theology and apologetics focus for children: An explanation of the doctrine of the Trinity that doesn’t use an egg or promote modalism! This is where the Trinity clip above came from.
What’s in the Bible? Volume Six – A Nation Divided
Features 1 & 2 Kings and 1 & 2 Chronicles. Yes, they do it all in one DVD. The coolest thing in this one is the Fabulous Bentley Brothers “Kings of Judah” song. I don’t know anyone who can reel these kings off as quickly as my son can. And he learned it all with this!
What’s in the Bible? Volume Seven – Exile and Retrun!
Features Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther. Apologetics content for children: Why we can trust the Bible–even when “Nebuchadnezzar” is spelled two different ways. Plus, the Bentley Brothers make sure you never forget that Nehemiah rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem in 52 days!
What’s in the Bible? Volume Eight – Words to Make Us Wise
Features Psalms, Proverbs and the Writings. Super-creative presentations of Job and even the “mushy” Song of Solomon. Bet you’ve never seen a literal interpretation of “Your teeth are like sheep, you’re hair is like a flock of goats” like this!
What’s in the Bible? Volume Nine – God Speaks!
Features Isaiah, Jeremiah and the Prophets—17 books in 1 DVD! Get a bird’s eye view of the Old Testament prophets with a variety of dynamic charts and fun songs. This even taught my boy to recite all the Prophetic Books in order (check out the music video above). Plus a bonus: The Edict of Milan with Captain Pete’s “Pirate’s Guide to Church History.”
Conclusion
When it comes to introducing the Bible, theology and apologetics to children in a way they can understand, this seriously rocks. It’s Bible literacy for a new generation. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, Sunday School teacher, or just looking for a gift for that Christian kid on your list, check out Buck Denver Asks What’s in the Bible? My kid loves this series. And I do, too!
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Note: Purchasing resources via the links on this page will help support my Accessible Apologetics Ministry. Thanks for your support!