Is there anything wrong with cartoon portrayals of biblical accounts?

Response

There is no mention in the Bible that drawings or cartoons depicting Christian or Bible stories are inappropriate. Jesus had a special affection for children, and cartoons of Bible characters can be particularly beneficial for children. Considering Jesus’ nature, it is unlikely that a drawing or cartoon of Daniel in the lions’ den, Paul’s shipwreck, or Jesus feeding the five thousand would be displeasing to the Lord—especially when the intention is to help children learn about the Bible.

Some individuals raise objections to cartoon representations of Bible stories citing the Bible’s prohibition against creating graven images: «Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither rear you up a standing image, neither shall ye set up any image of stone in your land, to bow down unto it: for I am the LORD your God. », (Leviticus 26:1). However, this command pertains to objects of worship, not artistic expressions. The Bible does not condemn respectful depictions of God or biblical figures in art. In fact, God commanded the veil in the tabernacle to be “woven with an artistic design of cherubim” «And thou shalt make a vail of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen of cunning work: with cherubims shall it be made: », (Exodus 26:31), indicating that drawings of angels are not sinful. Throughout history, people have shared stories that convey biblical and moral truths; Jesus himself used parables. Through oral storytelling, listeners form mental images of the characters described. Cartoons or visual representations of Bible stories simply continue this longstanding tradition in a modern form.

Some argue that cartoon depictions of Bible characters might confuse children who could associate cartoons with fictional tales.

If a child grows up learning that cartoons and comic books are “not real,” then he or she may indeed have trouble discerning the truth that a Bible story is real when depicted in a cartoon or comic book format. This concern is valid, and Bible teachers should ensure their young students understand that the Bible story is true and that the cartoons are simply illustrations.

As with most things, the heart is God’s main concern (Psalm 51:17;1 Samuel 16:7). Whatever we do that does not come from faith, the Bible says, is sin «And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.», (Romans 14:23). So, if watching a cartoon about Christian history or Bible stories bothers a person’s conscience, for whatever reason, to that person it is sin. But if someone else is okay with visual depictions of Bible stories and has no objections from conscience, for that person it is not sin.

In reaching people with the gospel and teaching children the stories of the Bible, we use a variety of tools. One of those tools might be cartoon illustrations of Bible characters and events.