Little House on the Prairie and Highway to Heaven

[Wordupmybrotha]

I finished watching Highway to Heaven - all 5 seasons on Amazon Prime and now started watching Little House on the Prairie. Wanted to watch something wholesome.

The theology of the Highway to Heaven is so wonky, but I enjoyed the basic message of the show, which is the importance of love. There are too many theological inaccuracies such as a dead guy reincarnating into an angel, that it's best not fretting over.

But the Little House on the Prairie is premised on realism so when a religious figure gives a religious message, it makes me more critical. Rev. Alden, is meant to be a wise and pious figure in the show, but I think he gives bad advice and has some shady theology in his sermons.

Here are couple of things he said that makes me raise my eyebrows.

1. (In the context of repentance) You cannot ask God for help until you've first made the attempt to help yourself. But if you work with God, he'll work with you. If you rid yourself of evil deed and thoughts, the Lord will make all things possible.

2. The closer you are to God, the more likely he will listen.

What do think, are those statements biblical?

[colt11]

I agree with both number 1and 2. Why would you expect God to help you if you don't utilize everything he's given you first. In essence your just asking for a puzzle piece, not the entire puzzle. Use what you have to do the next right thing, and pray regularly if you want your prayers heard. Waiting until your car is airborne and flying off a cliff before you begin praying is the typical cliche you want to avoid. The prayer literally starts by thanking god for the car, the gas in the tank, the guy that installed your tires at the tire shop, praying for a safe journey, etc.

[Darto]

"The closer you are to God, the more likely he will listen."


Genesis 5:24

24 And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.
Hebrews 11:5

5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

I think the idea is to want to be close to God, instead of wanting God to be close to you. Or as J.F.K. said "Ask not what God can do for you, but what you can.." ... oops my bad, that's not what the President said.

[Vinnie Boombatz]

I agree with both number 1and 2. Why would you expect God to help you if you don't utilize everything he's given you first. In essence your just asking for a puzzle piece, not the entire puzzle. Use what you have to do the next right thing, and pray regularly if you want your prayers heard. Waiting until your car is airborne and flying off a cliff before you begin praying is the typical cliche you want to avoid. The prayer literally starts by thanking god for the car, the gas in the tank, the guy that installed your tires at the tire shop, praying for a safe journey, etc.

Why would you thank god for the car, the tires, the gas, etc., if that was the vessel that was hurling you over the cliff?

[billvau]

Here are couple of things he said that makes me raise my eyebrows.

1. (In the context of repentance) You cannot ask God for help until you've first made the attempt to help yourself. But if you work with God, he'll work with you. If you rid yourself of evil deed and thoughts, the Lord will make all things possible.

2. The closer you are to God, the more likely he will listen.

What do think, are those statements biblical?

[RandyD]

Little House on the Prairie and Highway to Heaven are wholesome shows with good values and they stand out against most other TV shows, but the examples the OP cited pertaining to their theology are inconsistent with the Bible. Remember, all Satan has to do is get us to slightly miss the mark and he wins.

[RandyD]

Thanks for this post.