t wasn't a totally novel idea 21 years ago when little plastic creatures and action figures from a galaxy far, far away started showing up in toy stores. But movie-making marketing had not reached the ubiquitous, and sometimes ridiculous, level it has ascended to today. The good news is that even though you can't grab a burger without a reminder of a wannabe blockbuster, at least one group of Hollywood moguls is trying to redeem the phenomenon.
Enter DreamWorks and the proposition that something deeper can come from the cinema experience. Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg and company are offering The Prince of Egypt as more than entertainment. They want you to learn something about the title character, Moses.
When the animated feature rolls out December 18, it will be accompanied by study and devotional books for children and adults and a few things just for fun. And what would you study? The Bible, of course. That is a new concept for Hollywood.
Tommy Nelson, the children's book division of Thomas Nelson, is releasing five titles, three in a Values Series written by award-winning children's author Mary Manz Simon. The three books, Moses Crosses the Red Sea, Moses and the Burning Bush and Miriam Watches Baby Moses introduce the concepts of faith, obedience, loyalty and courage to children through the biblical principles in the story of Moses. The Prince of Egypt A To Z is a resource for children describing the people, places and events of significance in the life of Moses. Finally, The Exodus as Told by Moses is the actual biblical account of Moses' story with notes and applications for children written by Chuck Swindoll, author, Bible teacher and president of Dallas Theological Seminary.
All of the children's books, along with the adult titles from Thomas Nelson and books, tapes and novelty items from Penguin Putnam, will be in stores in November. Look for parents' guides at your local bookstore.
In addition to books and other items due for release in November which support The Prince of Egypt, the film lends itself to Bible studies, holiday-themed events and even sermon titles.
Consider these ideas for your church or small group:
How about "From the Prince of Egypt to the Prince of Peace" for a morning message? Sermons could range from messianic foreshadowing to the fulfillment of the Mosaic Law.
The Prince of Egypt Coloring Art Book could make an interesting gift or prize for children at a church holiday party. Other items from the film could help reinforce the heritage of the coming Messiah Whose birth is celebrated at Christmas.
Plan a small group outing with Christians and non-Christians to view the movie and discuss the life of Moses as it foreshadows the coming of Christ.
Prepare a six-week neighborhood Bible study on Moses or a four-week Sunday school series.
The entire line of The Prince of Egypt materials is due in bookstores in mid-November.
--Joe Conway