The Living Nativity
From Adventures in Odyssey Wiki
| 214: The Living Nativity | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Season | 1992 |
| Album | 16: Flights of Imagination |
| Aired | December 12, 1992 |
| Written by | Marshal Younger |
| Directed by | Phil Lollar |
| Produced by | Unknown |
| Sound Design by | Bob Luttrell |
| Music by | Unknown |
| Prev: Best Intentions Next: Caroling, Caroling | |
[edit] General information
Theme: Freedom of religion
Scripture: Romans 13:1-7 See more with this reference
[edit] Summary
When he sees the the Living Nativity display is hurting his business, Bart tries to shut it down by bringing up the Constitutional "seperation of church and state".
[edit] Plot
When the nativity display on city hall grounds is vandalized and destroyed, Whit and the gang come up with a wonderful solution. They decide to do a “living nativity.” It will be complete with narration, costumes, Connie as the virgin Mary, and Eugene as a donkey. Everyone in town thinks it is a smashing success, everyone, that is, except Bart and Rodney Rathbone.
The display is near Barney’s Appliance Cave and is taking customers away from the Electric Palace. Bart decides the living nativity must go! He calls the mayor and files a formal protest, upon which the mayor has no choice but to act. The police shut down the display.
Whit comes up with a solution, though: Instead of celebrating just Christmas, use the city hall lawn to celebrate all of the cultural events that take place in December as well, such as Hanukkah. It isn’t the perfect solution, but it is one that’s legal and one that satisfies almost everybody.
[edit] Discussion Questions
- Why did Bart and Rodney want the living nativity stopped?
- Is it illegal to have a nativity display on city hall property?
- Why or why not?
- Do you think Whit’s solution was a good one?
- Explain.
[edit] Cast
[edit] Notes
- The controversial nature of this story launched an hour-long debate among the actors in the studio about the First Amendment and the true meaning of “separation of church and state.” While the discussion was healthy, it sure ate up a lot of studio time!
[edit] Reviews
[edit] Quotes
[edit] Resources
The Living Nativity on whitsend.org
The Living Nativity on AIOHQ.com
The Living Nativity on AIO Soda Fountain
