I Take My Religion Seriously

Charles M. "Sparky" Schulz works hard. Everything you see with Peanuts and the gang on it has been done personally by him. These cartoons are an outgrowth of his own youth, his remembrances, observations and interpretations of teen life in and around the church family.

Some of Schulz's friends may think they see themselves or others in the cartoons. Sparky just smiles about that. But as you smile you will see things so true to life that you may very well wonder If Schulz hasn't been talking to someone about you.

Someone has said that the cartoon characters in these panels are the Peanuts gang when they grew up into the teen years. Maybe so. Sparky just smiles again.

Christians can easily detect some trends: the artist knows the Bible. The teens pictured are not only typical, but generally they are well-balanced, happy, church-oriented and healthy. They have their hang-ups and fears, but we have confidence in their future.

Notice: no interpretation of the drug culture; no street gang scenes; no racial conflicts. Just teens being themselves and relating to grown-ups and each other.

If parents with teens need inspiration for today's world of adolescent problems, look the cartoons over again. Young people today can have healthy relationships. They can behave themselves. They do need and appreciate a church relationship. Teens do have a spiritual side. These are not fiction themes. Look at these young people. They are real.

Everyone who reads this book, smiles at these situations, shakes a head in remembrance of youth long gone: everyone can know that God is still creating children who need love, understanding, patience, and faith.

Thank you, Charles M. Schulz, for taking your religion seriously and for daring to depict teens who plunge themselves into life in a way that includes the church and the marvelous family of God. A teen-ager you know will keep this book and pass it along to his son or daughter, just a few years out there in the future. Enjoy-now and every time you need a smile.

Source: Back cover

These cartoons are an outgrowth of Charles M. Schultz own youth, his remembrances, observations and interpretations of teen life in and around the church family.