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If you purchased a computer during the past year or so, you likely purchased one with "multi-media capabilities". This would include a CD-ROM, a 16-bit sound card, speakers and other hardware and software which allow the computer to display moving video pictures accompanied by sound.
Sales of multi-media software products designed to take advantage of these capabilities have exploded. Many computer outlets now devote as much floor space to software as they do to computer hardware. Game makers, of course, are the big winners. Some educational software is showing up. But have you looked for anything that could be called "religious" or anything promoting family values on these shelves?
You won't find much. The church, once again, is on the trailing edge of this powerful technology--with a few notable exceptions.
The American Bible Society markets two interactive CD-ROMs, with a third currently in production. ("Interactive" means that the user does not just watch and listen but can to some extent control the action, calling up various parts of the program.) Unfortunately, you have to do your homework to find these; they are marketed exclusively by ABS, which means you must order them from New York by telephone. One of these CD-ROMs, <I>A Father and Two Sons<P> depicts the parable of the Prodigal Son.
A CD-ROM contains so much material that getting hopelessly lost in it is a real threat. The creators of A Father and Two Sons solved this problem by organizing the contents to appear like a shopping mall, with an entrance, a cinema and a mediaplex. It's a neat device that works well; we all know almost intuitively where to find the directory when we enter an unfamiliar mall.
So, when one steps into this virtual mall, what does one find?
First, there are three different video enactments of the Prodigal Son story. One uses a western theme with a soundtrack by blues singer Rory Block to place the story in a contemporary setting. A second tells the story through chant. A third, in Spanish, uses video enactment and a soundtrack by Tony Melendez to place the story in a Latino context. All presentations use only the words of the Bible, allowing the visual to provide the context.
The main story is surrounded by other resources. In the mediaplex, there are examples of artwork, music and films that have used this story as inspiration. Colourful maps provide further detail. These resources can be used to create your own interpretive slide show. You are also encouraged to create your own artistic interpretation of this story; suggestions include poet~ry, your own translation and a video production. Grab a few friends and your video camera, and see whether you can do better than ABS.
This CD also contains concise videos explaining how and why parables were used in Jesus' day, the significance of the kingdom in Jesus' parables, and background information on Luke 15. Such topics as inheritance, family ties, rituals, compassion, justice, mercy, honour and shame all receive extensive video treatment. Viewers are encouraged to keep a journal of their thoughts as they explore this virtual mall; screens pop up to make it easy to do so.
Every church should have this $29.95 (US) CD-ROM in the library. It's a Sunday school teacher's or youth sponsor's dream. Gather your seventh or eighth-grade class around the computer screen for the most in~depth look at the Prodigal Son story you're likely to find--and all in a format that will keep students glued to the screen. Don't plan only a one-hour session. You will likely need to devote at least two class periods to this unit, and if you choose to do the personal enrichment activities, such as poetry or a class video, add at least another period.
There are a few rough spots. Programming a CD is a formidable task. The most disconcerting flaw in this project is the lack of consistency when returning to a previous screen or when exiting. Occasionally, one must try two or three mouse-clicks before one gets to where one wants to go. However, this won't be a problem for most students with computer experience.
I applaud ABS for this visionary CD. They have set a benchmark for religious interactive CD-ROMs. Now, if they can improve their marketing so that these are easy, rather than hard, to purchase, we will all be the better for it. Check this one out, even if you have to call 1-800-322-4253 to order it. Have your credit card ready. It could be one of the best purchases your library will make this year.
Burton Buller is executive director of MB Communications, a Manitoba MB Conference radio and television ministry.
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