Adventures in Odyssey [Archive]

Marsha Lynn

1st March 2007, 10:32 PM (22:32)

Does anyone follow this radio drama? I guess it is designed for children. But I heard part of an episode the other day when I was in my car and I have a question about something I heard.

I listen to it whenever I'm in the car at the right time but that hasn't happened for a couple of weeks. I think it's one of the best things Focus on the Family does. We used to take the tapes on long trips. We had to stop the tape during gas stops so that the person pumping gas didn't miss anything. :)

My favorite episode is a spoof on Star Trek. One of the characters is named "Expendable Crewman". I love it. There have been several times when my husband has been watching Star Trek and I've popped in for a while. When someone's life is in danger, I'll ask: "Is he a regular on the show?" trying to ascertain the probability that the character will live through the episode. They should just name those extras that will get killed off "Expendable". In the Adventures in Odyssey version, however, the "expendable crewman" not only survives but gets the girl, who is unimpressed by the shallow captain. I ordered that episode on tape for my husband.

My most memorable Adventure in Odyssey happened at the piano teacher's house. I was sitting alone in the car listening while the kids were in having their lesson. It was a cold December day so, rather than running the engine, I took my jacket off and huddled under it with my head completely covered. On the radio, it was December 7, 1941. A sailor at Pearl Harbor was trying to warn people that he had received warnings of immanent attack. No one would listen. It was obvious that something dreadful was about to happen. As the tension mounted ... and mounted ... and mounted some more ... suddenly someone tapped on my car window. I don't think I've ever jumped as high as I did that day on my way back from Pearl Harbor, Hawaii to Plainville, Indiana. (That's the real name of the town.) It was the piano teacher's husband wanting to tell me that I had left my headlights on.

That Imagination Station works pretty well.

:eek:

Marsha

Barbara Moulton

1st March 2007, 10:44 PM (22:44)

Fabulous show. We listen to it on long car trips. We have the tapes. are you refering to the angel episode?
www.whitsend.org

Joanne

It was an episode where one of the characters wanted to build a youth retreat centre around some place called "TImmy's cabin". Because Timmy's cabin is a historical site the planning person said he would have to put in a proposal to a historical board.

She advised him that to make the plan more palatable, he should make it more inclusive by saying it would be for all faith groups, not just Christian. She also said he should have women in the leadership team.

The man who wanted to build the youth centre seemed to have problems with both these suggestions. In putting them together (as part of the secular person's demands) it seemed to me like the writers were implying that it was wrong for women to be in leadership roles.

But I only heard a tiny bit of the episode so I am not sure whether this was a good read on it.

Joel Merrill

2nd March 2007, 01:45 AM (01:45)

In putting them together (as part of the secular person's demands) it seemed to me like the writers were implying that it was wrong for women to be in leadership roles.

I'm not James Dobson so I'm only guessing but I'm sure James Dobson isn't against women in leadership. I think he is against them saying you have to have a women, or a minority for that matter, just to make it fair and politically correct. Why not chose someone for their qualifications and treat everyone equal. The odds are, there will be qualified women but gender should have nothing to do with the decision.

Joel

Barbara Moulton

2nd March 2007, 07:47 AM (07:47)

I'm not James Dobson so I'm only guessing but I'm sure James Dobson isn't against women in leadership. I think he is against them saying you have to have a women, or a minority for that matter, just to make it fair and politically correct. Why not chose someone for their qualifications and treat everyone equal. The odds are, there will be qualified women but gender should have nothing to do with the decision.

Joel

Okaaayyyy....I guess that's possible. It just seemed like a very strange thing to hear, right in the middle of a children's story. Would children be able to see this as a message against politcal correctness?

As you all know, I am a strong egalitarian. When my daughters were young and impressionable, I am not sure I would have appreciated a message like this, right in the middle of a story.

If anyone else heard the episode I would appreciate their take on it. I only heard a snippet.

Beth Larpenter-Shurbutt

2nd March 2007, 08:10 AM (08:10)

You can listen to current and old episodes at this site:

http://www.whitsend.org/

Beth

Barbara Moulton

2nd March 2007, 08:19 AM (08:19)

You can listen to current and old episodes at this site:

http://www.whitsend.org/

Beth

I am not sure if what I heard was an old episode or if I heard it on its original air date.

I'll try to track it down when I have some spare time.

Carol Kane

2nd March 2007, 08:49 AM (08:49)

Hans Deventer

2nd March 2007, 09:00 AM (09:00)

Barbara, James Dobson is a Nazarene and his father was a Nazarene Evangelist, his cousin is HB London. Our denomination does not have any "rules" against women in leadership roles.

I know about the official point of view of our denomination. However, I have also learned about the not so official points of view. Perhaps I may quote Dr. Dennis Bratcher's recent post (http://www.crivoice.org/cgi-bin/ceilidh.cgi/forums/general/?C3446b2b6ewcs-6269-68-60.htm) on his forum.

I have been an advocate for women in ministry since I first began teaching now over 25 years ago. I have seen the prejudice against women openly expressed in college classes, and heard it from pastors, church leaders, and prospective General Superintendents, as well as from laypeople in the church, both men and women. I have talked to many young women following the call of God on their lives into ministry, who have run into the barriers of that prejudice that have barred them from fulfilling that call. I have heard all the misguided readings of a couple of passages of Scripture that try to prove that God simply has decreed that only men are capable of leadership in the Church, while deftly avoiding all the other passages of Scripture that say something different. And I have seen the pain firsthand in my wife's struggle with open hostility and even harassment from other ministers, all in the name of God and pure doctrine.

Barbara Moulton

2nd March 2007, 09:43 AM (09:43)

Barbara, James Dobson is a Nazarene and his father was a Nazarene Evangelist, his cousin is HB London. Our denomination does not have any "rules" against women in leadership roles. I am sure that is not what was meant to be conveyed on that show. I suspect they were "round robin" addressing the PC correctness. :fav18

I know that Nazarenes do not have any rules against women in leadership...since I was a Nazarene elder for several years. However, I came from a denomination which was far more proactive and supportive of women in ministry roles than both the Nazarene Church and the Wesleyan Church (my present denomination).

There is a big difference between belonging to a church that ordains women and being supportive of it yourself. See Hans comments above...quoting Dennis Bratcher.

It just seemed odd that the only time I have ever listened to Adventures in Odyssey, this strange little exchange was in it.

Adults might be able to understand it was simply a statement against PC. Children might not grasp that point.

BobHunt

2nd March 2007, 10:07 AM (10:07)

We used to listen to this, and have several albums of this program on tape.

Wilson L. Deaton

2nd March 2007, 10:10 AM (10:10)

If anyone else heard the episode I would appreciate their take on it. I only heard a snippet.

Tom Riley consults with Margaret. Margaret says to be inclusive two ways: females in leadership and not just Christian.

Meanwhile, in another thread, a mysterious stranger (angel) consults with a character named, Connie. She doesn't know what to do about her future. The stranger tells her to go see Tom Riley.

Back to Tom. Tom is complaining to Whit and says if God can part the Red Sea can't he part red tape?

Concerning women he says, "... well I'd love to have females in key roles but I don't know any who have the time to take on something..."

"There's bound to be someone."

"Like who?"

They describe necessary requirements and ask, "where are we going to find someone like that?"

At just that time, Connie knocks and enters. Tom and Whit both exclaim, "Connie!"

Later Tom meets with Margaret and happily reports that Connie is on board. He then reports that he can't compromise on it being a Christian based center...

Tom's frustration with the need to have a female was practical. He simply could not think of someone until God intervened and sent one. If anything the episode was pro-women. Afterall, it was important enough for God to provide one.

Wilson

Marsha Lynn

2nd March 2007, 11:49 AM (11:49)

From my point of view, the theology presented in Adventures in Odyssey is far more palatable then most of what comes out of Focus on the Family - more thoughtful, less scripted by fundamentalism and right-wing politics. The project involving Timmy's cabin is an older series of episodes and I know I've heard at least some of them but don't remember that particular one. However, I would be quite surprised if the message being given at any level was against women being involved in ministry. Connie has led a Bible study for years and Whit has facilitated her at every step.

As to whether the message would be caught and understood by children, similar to Sesame Street and Veggie Tales, there is much in that program that is aimed right past the young target audience to the adults who control the channel selector and the purse strings and the teenagers who keep listening. I mean, really, what 8-year-old is going to appreciate the concept of naming a character "Expendable Crewman"? But I thought it was a wonderful bit of irony and bought a copy of that tape, which also had plenty to say to an 8-year-old.

Another episode is based on the parable of the tenants and set in the Wild West. The owner of the ranch goes to California and, after encountering hostility from back home, eventually sends back his son to settle up with the ranchhands he left behind. When the son meets up with the cowboys, someone remarks, "Wow, it seems like the last time we met here was just ... uhm... twenty minutes ago!" HA HA HA HA! I love it!

OK, aiming humor in a children's show at adults is different than what you're talking about, Barbara, but, in years of listening to that show, there haven't been more than one or two episodes for which I have been disappointed by either the theology or underlying political views presented on it. I think can endorse Adventures in Odyssey more freely than any other Christian radio show I've heard, including the Focus on the Family talk show, which often has me reaching for my radio dial within a few minutes of tuning it in.

Marsha

Cindi Hammons

2nd March 2007, 12:34 PM (12:34)

If anything the episode was pro-women. Afterall, it was important enough for God to provide one.

:fav18 This is really very funny, and a good example of how our interpretations are not always spot-on...especially when we've only heard part of the whole comment. I'm guilty of this, just as everyone else here is!

Here we have this big conversation about Dr. Dobson, fundamentalism and women in the ministry because of this FOTF children's episode. And then we find out that, in fact (or so it appears), this episode was a pro-women kind of episode afterall! Ha! I'm laughing at myself on this one, as well as the whole thread!

Wilson, you made my day.

Gina Stevenson

2nd March 2007, 01:54 PM (13:54)

'Have gotten caught up in listening to it, too, years ago. Haven't heard it much lately ... not sure how it all ended (it has, hasn't it, other than repeats?). 'Would like to find out, since I heard a lot of it long ago. I'd say it was one of those multi-generational things ... not just for kids, for sure, but for "big kids," too. ;)

Gina Stevenson

2nd March 2007, 02:28 PM (14:28)

I think can endorse Adventures in Odyssey ..................

Marsha

'Read this --- and most of the thread --- after adding my 2c worth. There's another one that's been on for a few years now, too, that's good ... written/produced here by CBH (Children's Bible Hour). It's called, "Down Gilead Lane." It's one of those that seems aimed at adults, as well.

[btw, as an aside, before returning from PHX, 'was talking to someone I know here who has a hand in that; knowing I've written, and that dialogue in my stories was OK, we were talking of perhaps trying this out when I got back here (when I was still torn about coming or not, as some added "incentive(?)"), as it hadn't started yet. I ended up coming back so long after it had started, afterall, that they were well settled into it for a year or so, I think. That would've been a fun thing to get involved in, methinks. ;)]

Now, there's "Life at The Pond," where there's a wise old 'gator, Methuselah (well, I think that's what he is; there are several animals), which is definitely more child-oriented (sometimes those voices get to me, so I've turned it off, forgetting to turn it back on for "Odyssey"), put out by I forgot who. 'Just found their site, and it tries to reach various ages of kids, too. For instance, there's one episode mentioned there that says to small kids, the lesson would be, "don't break your toys," while the lesson to the older kids would be more on the line of, "if you can't be trusted with the smaller things ...."

BUT, those that appeal to adults, too, are well written, for sure.

Barbara Moulton

2nd March 2007, 07:41 PM (19:41)

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you Wilson.

As I kept saying, I had only heard a bit and then had to get out of my car. I was really hoping that someone who knew the episode could fill in the blanks for me.

Blessings,
Barbara

Tom Riley consults with Margaret. Margaret says to be inclusive two ways: females in leadership and not just Christian.

Meanwhile, in another thread, a mysterious stranger (angel) consults with a character named, Connie. She doesn't know what to do about her future. The stranger tells her to go see Tom Riley.

Back to Tom. Tom is complaining to Whit and says if God can part the Red Sea can't he part red tape?

Concerning women he says, "... well I'd love to have females in key roles but I don't know any who have the time to take on something..."

"There's bound to be someone."

"Like who?"

They describe necessary requirements and ask, "where are we going to find someone like that?"

At just that time, Connie knocks and enters. Tom and Whit both exclaim, "Connie!"

Later Tom meets with Margaret and happily reports that Connie is on board. He then reports that he can't compromise on it being a Christian based center...

Tom's frustration with the need to have a female was practical. He simply could not think of someone until God intervened and sent one. If anything the episode was pro-women. Afterall, it was important enough for God to provide one.

Wilson

Barbara Moulton

3rd March 2007, 08:58 AM (08:58)

:fav18 This is really very funny, and a good example of how our interpretations are not always spot-on...especially when we've only heard part of the whole comment. I'm guilty of this, just as everyone else here is!

Here we have this big conversation about Dr. Dobson, fundamentalism and women in the ministry because of this FOTF children's episode. And then we find out that, in fact (or so it appears), this episode was a pro-women kind of episode afterall! Ha! I'm laughing at myself on this one, as well as the whole thread!

Wilson, you made my day.

I understand your point but I want to emphasize that I was careful to state several times that I hadn't heard the whole episode and I really wanted someone to fill in the blanks for me.

My very reason in asking for the clarification was because I didn't want to judge it, based on the very small portion I heard.

The only reason I brought up women in ministry was because of the implication that since Adventures in Odyssey was produced by Focus on the Family, it would reflect offical Nazarene values concerning women in ministry. I wasn't prepared to make that assumption. I've been a woman in ministry in three denominations. I've seen firsthand that the official stand of a denomination may not be endorsed by every individual member.

Cindi Hammons

3rd March 2007, 10:00 AM (10:00)

Pete Vecchi

3rd March 2007, 10:25 AM (10:25)

It was an episode where one of the characters wanted to build a youth retreat centre around some place called "TImmy's cabin". Because Timmy's cabin is a historical site the planning person said he would have to put in a proposal to a historical board.

She advised him that to make the plan more palatable, he should make it more inclusive by saying it would be for all faith groups, not just Christian. She also said he should have women in the leadership team.

The man who wanted to build the youth centre seemed to have problems with both these suggestions. In putting them together (as part of the secular person's demands) it seemed to me like the writers were implying that it was wrong for women to be in leadership roles.

But I only heard a tiny bit of the episode so I am not sure whether this was a good read on it.

This is really interesting...

I rarely hear that show anymore, but I just "happened" to be in the car and have the radio on the station that was playing that particular episode right at the point where the discussion was taking place between Timmy's father and the woman who said that the planning commision wouldn't approve the project without the changes.

My very first reaction was that the issue was one in dealing with a society that is too hung up on quotas, political correctness, and inclusiveness/permissiveness that it is blinded by those things and unable to see the good the center that was proposed would do.

The show seemed to be about government flexing its muscles and trying dictate to Christians what they can and can't do. My personal take was that the issue of there not being any women named in the plans was a stepping-stone to the real issue of trying to make the place something other than specifically Christian. In other words, the politically correct issue of including women was not something saying that the plans purposely excluded women, but because the plans didn't specifically include women, the person that Timmy's father was talking to used that issue as a springboard for a politically motivated agenda of "inclusiveness."

At least that was my take.

Joanne Vergin

3rd March 2007, 11:46 AM (11:46)

Barbara Moulton

3rd March 2007, 12:51 PM (12:51)

Barbara, I am sure I have that episode on tape and will look for it. I know the founder of the Thimothy Center was given a hard time about the faith part but do not remember about the woman part at all. I will get back.

Thanks Joanne but don't worry too much about it. :)

Wilson was able to give me the details pretty clearly.

Barbara Moulton

3rd March 2007, 12:56 PM (12:56)

Oh Barbara, I know! I just think it is funny...that's all. I included myself in the laughter as well. I just thought it was a good example of how easy it is to assume intent based on one's own personal feelings or values. I certainly wasn't intending to point you out specifically...nearly everyone on this thread did the same thing.

Maybe I just have an odd sense of humour...everyone's reactions (including my own) struck me as very funny after the truth came out.

Sorry if I offended...it wasn't my intent.

Nope...you didn't offend me. I just wanted it to be clear that I was seeking information because I didn't want to judge the show based on a ten minute snippet.

Cindi, this is a good time to tell you that I appreciate the way our relationship on NazNet has developed over the years. At first I think we both misunderstood each other from time to time. What I have come to realize is that we are very much alike in many ways.

I just had a thought that maybe IF we get to stop and see Martha and Larry on our way to Tennessee this year, I could get to meet you too. I have told Carl it is worth the detour to me to get to meet Martha. After having a ten year relationship with her on the Internet it's about time we met I think.

Cindi Hammons

3rd March 2007, 03:43 PM (15:43)

Barbara,

Thank you for your thoughts. I agree.

Now, as to your Nashville trip. Do you drive down I-75 through Toledo/Dayton/Cincinnati? Oh, that's right, you do. I remember you talking about the church with the giant statue at the church on I-75. Coming to our part of Southern Ohio is a little out of your way, but certainly do-able. It would be great to have you guys come our way.

Barbara Moulton

3rd March 2007, 03:56 PM (15:56)

We can change our path. Rather than cross the border at Windsor/Detroit we could cross over at Buffalo and come down I-71.

Jill Mickelson

3rd March 2007, 10:47 PM (22:47)

Okaaayyyy....I guess that's possible. It just seemed like a very strange thing to hear, right in the middle of a children's story. Would children be able to see this as a message against politcal correctness?

As you all know, I am a strong egalitarian. When my daughters were young and impressionable, I am not sure I would have appreciated a message like this, right in the middle of a story.

If anyone else heard the episode I would appreciate their take on it. I only heard a snippet.

I've heard the episode twice. I love Adventures in Odyssey and listen to them every night. (and Saturdays) One woman on the program is very much for Women's Lib or whatever you want to call it. She is not a popular personality on the program. She's only been in several different episodes. Political Correctness was not popular with most of the people of the community on these episodes. She even swayed "Connie" in another episode to be against men, etc. Later, "Connie" found out that she was being led astray by only hearing "part of the story". I'm sure children are hearing about situations like this in real life. My oldest Grandson is 8 and I'm sure he would be able to follow, to a degree, the story line of this episode. I can't say that I've ever had a problem with any of the episodes that I've heard on Adventures in Odyssey. If I had only heard part of that episode, I would have been outraged. Hope this helps..... :fav16

Barbara Moulton

3rd March 2007, 11:26 PM (23:26)

I've heard the episode twice. I love Adventures in Odyssey and listen to them every night. (and Saturdays) One woman on the program is very much for Women's Lib or whatever you want to call it. She is not a popular personality on the program. She's only been in several different episodes. Political Correctness was not popular with most of the people of the community on these episodes. She even swayed "Connie" in another episode to be against men, etc. Later, "Connie" found out that she was being led astray by only hearing "part of the story". I'm sure children are hearing about situations like this in real life. My oldest Grandson is 8 and I'm sure he would be able to follow, to a degree, the story line of this episode. I can't say that I've ever had a problem with any of the episodes that I've heard on Adventures in Odyssey. If I had only heard part of that episode, I would have been outraged. Hope this helps..... :fav16

Well, as long at it doesn't create the impression that all feminists are against men that's ok. :-)