NBC is editing the children’s show “VeggieTales” due to the religious content in the show. NBC had blamed time constraints for certain cuts from the show. Certain references to God had been cut. But, on Friday, NBC admitted that they were editing the show, because the network did not want to appear to be advocating any religion. The network had cut references to God such as “Remember Kids, God made you special and he loves you very much”. “VeggieTales” creator, Phil Vischer said trying to change the show’s Christian message ran counter to the show’s expressed mission. It’s nothing against NBC. It’s just that they want to please everyone,

Vischer said. “VeggieTales” has been very successful in the Saturday time slot. NBC saw it’s biggest jump in ratings for Children’s Programming since 2003. “VeggieTales” has sold more than 50 million DVDs sonce it’s founding in 1993. Last year, 60% of those videos were sold in mass market and 40% through retailers in Christian Booksellers Assn.

On Friday, American Family Assn. said 350,000 e-mails had been sent to NBC. They accused NBC of having a double standard, because the network had taken a cartoon that Muslims had found offensive while disregarding what Christians found offensive. NBC is currently being criticized by many Christian groups.

NBC has decided to change the theme of “VeggieTales despite the fact that many Christian parents have their kids watch the show to learn more about God and the Bible. Changing the Christian theme will lose NBC many of it viewers. It’s a mistake to pitch “VeggieTales” as just values because fundamentally it’s about God, Vischer, the show’s creator said. The show was created to teach children about God and the Bible. If you change that, the original plot is lost.

NBC risks criticism from all Christian groups. Christians are still remembering the show “The Book of Daniel” in which NBC depicts a priest who can see Jesus. NBC will never appeal to Christians. NBC claims they do not want to appear to be advocating any religion when they put a show like “The Book of Daniel” on? NBC desperately needs to get it right, and soon because Christian groups are not going to be happy.