Is LifeWay’s ‘Rickshaw Rally’ culturally sensitive to Asians?

Point: ‘We have listened carefully to every concern and responded with some changes’

Dec 9, 2003
JAMES T. DRAPER JR.
Special for Florida Baptist Witness

Is LifeWay’s ‘Rickshaw Rally’ culturally sensitive to Asians?

Point: ‘We have listened carefully to every concern and responded with some changes’

Counterpoint: Materials ‘will alienate the very people we hope to reach with the Gospel’

LifeWay’s 2004 Vacation Bible School materials are getting an enthusiastic response from the vast majority of pastors, education ministers and teachers who use our products, but admittedly not from everyone. A few are questioning this year’s theme: "LifeWay’s Far-out Far East Rickshaw Rally: Racing to the Son." And they’re challenging our use of symbols like rickshaws, umbrellas and kites, saying they are stereotypical of Asian culture, or even racially insensitive. Most critics readily admit we would never intentionally offend anyone, and I am truly sorry if we have done so. At the same time, I believe this year’s VBS curriculum is some of the best we’ve ever put together — and I urge you to check it out for yourself.

Though our critics are few, they are vocal. Here’s what they’re saying:

1. That Asians everywhere, and in large numbers, are offended. Not true. For every phone call, e-mail or letter we receive from Asian Americans expressing concern about "Racing to the Son," we get scores of positive responses. The support is global in scope. Representatives of our international department just returned from Asia with glowing reports from Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. Believers there are asking us to come over and provide training so they can make the most of our VBS materials to reach the children in their communities.

2. That LifeWay has been unresponsive to concerns and unwilling to make changes. We have listened carefully to every concern and responded with some changes in our materials. We’re working with state conventions, associations and churches to modify their use of any materials with which they’re unhappy. In the Northeast, which passed a resolution not to support "Racing to the Son," we are offering alternative LifeWay curriculum, and in the Northwest, where similar concerns have been expressed, we have granted broad latitude for our customers to change the curriculum to meet their needs. In addition, we called every Asian church that purchased our VBS literature in the past to let them know about our theme, to listen to their concerns, and to assure them of our eagerness to work with them. Those who charge we are unresponsive are, for the most part, the same critics who have demanded nothing less than the complete removal of all 2004 VBS materials from our shelves. This is unreasonable—and completely unnecessary.

3. That the VBS materials are racist. I am deeply offended by this, and am saddened by the way our critics have used this inflammatory term to attack us. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines racist as "a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race." I challenge anyone to examine our curriculum and produce evidence that we have done anything other than celebrate the diversity of people for whom Christ died.

4. That LifeWay didn’t think through its VBS theme and didn’t consult Asians. On the contrary, as with "Amazon Outfitters," our 2002 theme set in the rain forests of South America, and "The Great Kingdom Caper," last year’s theme staged in the shadow of London’s Big Ben, we developed the 2004 VBS curriculum through much prayer and careful research. During the 15-month process, we consulted experts in Japanese culture and language, and we traveled to Japan to research and film the curriculum. We engaged the International Mission Board and worked with pastors and missionaries steeped in Asian culture.

5. That LifeWay cheapened Asian culture by Americanizing it. It’s true that "Racing to the Son," which is set in Japan, does incorporate Americanized elements like takeout boxes and fortune cookies, but these merely provide American kids with a recognizable bridge to a new and wonderful culture. Further, to help teachers understand and appreciate the distinctions of Japanese, Chinese, Korean and other Asian cultures, our VBS team developed a free training tool known as "Asian Awareness." This information has been provided by missionaries who work in these countries, and by representatives of the various Asian cultures.

6. That LifeWay didn’t pull the VBS materials for purely financial reasons. Not true. Whatever inadvertent shortcomings there may be in "Racing to the Son," the ministry impact of removing VBS curriculum would have been profound. As in previous years, we expect more than 1 million children to hear the Gospel message through "Racing to the Son," and tens of thousands to receive Christ as Savior. That’s the whole point of VBS - to bring lost boys and girls, teenagers and adults to a saving knowledge of Christ. And LifeWay’s VBS curriculum does it in a way that’s solidly biblical, fun, and encourages kids to learn about other cultures.

I invite you to examine the "Racing to the Son" materials yourself. Visit your nearest LifeWay Christian Store, or go to www.lifeway.com/yourvbs. I believe you’ll find we have a wonderful, biblically sound VBS curriculum that lifts up Jesus and encourages American kids to explore and appreciate another culture.

Draper is president of LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention and is responsible for leadership of the SBC’s education, church programs, and publishing agency.

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