Is the Percy Jackson Saga Appropriate for My Family?

Who is Percy Jackson?

Percy Jackson is the main character in a movie franchise drawn from the bestselling book series, Percy Jackson & the Olympians, by Rick Riordan. Two films--Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief and Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters--were released in 2010 and 2013, respectively. The series follows the adventures of Percy Jackson, a modern-day demigod who discovers he is the son of Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea. Percy navigates a world where Greek gods still exist and influence human events and a life filled with mythological creatures, magical quests, and divine machinations. In The Lightning Thief, Percy is accused of stealing Zeus's master bolt and embarks on a quest to retrieve it and prevent a war among the gods. The sequel, Sea of Monsters, involves a quest for the Golden Fleece to save Camp Half-Blood from destruction. These movies blend contemporary settings with ancient myths, providing an action-packed exploration of Greek mythology tailored for a younger audience.

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No new Percy Jackson movies are currently planned. The series has been rebooted as a television show on Disney+, titled Percy Jackson and the Olympians, which premiered in December 2023. A second season is slated for a 2025 release.

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How Do the Mythology Elements in the Percy Jackson Movies Compare to the Teachings of the Bible?

The Percy Jackson series presents Greek mythology in a contemporary narrative, where a pantheon of deities interact with the modern world. This, of course, contrasts sharply with the Bible's proclamation, "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one" (Deuteronomy 6:4 NIV). Also, in Greek mythology, gods are depicted with all-too-human traits, including jealousy, deceit, and lust, unlike the Biblical revelation of a God who says, "I, the Lord your God, am holy" (Leviticus 19:2 NIV).

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On the other hand, as in other fantasy worlds, the Percy Jackson saga can't cheat the moral nature of Creation, including the God-given human instinct that heroes should act morally, even nobly, and that good should (often, at least) triumph over evil. While the often immoral actions of the gods in the saga are justified by their might or whims, Percy and his friends often face moral dilemmas where they must choose between what's easy and what's right. Themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and bravery are central, with Percy showing a strong sense of justice and concern for the innocent. So, while the overarching narrative sometimes embraces moral ambiguity, the protagonists display recognizable virtues (or who would root for them?).

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Is Percy Jackson Appropriate for Children?

The suitability of the Percy Jackson movies and episodes for children can be debated. The series offers an introduction to Greek mythology, of sorts, with themes of friendship, courage, and self-discovery that can be positive. But the violence (though fantastical), the portrayal of gods as fallible and sometimes morally questionable beings, and scenarios involving children in peril will concern many parents. The movies are rated PG for "intense action violence, some scary images, and mild language," suggesting they are generally appropriate for older children but parental guidance is prescribed for younger kids, particularly those sensitive to scary imagery or complex moral issues.

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Is the Percy Jackson Series Acceptable to Christian Families?

For some families, Percy Jackson could spark helpful discussions about God, faith, and right-and-wrong. For others, the portrayal of polytheism, the moral complexities, and the occasional irreverence towards religious concepts could cause confusion and contention. As with much of today's media landscape, parents would do well, if their children are watching--or wish to watch--the series, to watch with their children and ensure that answers are available where they're warranted.

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Explore a Fantasy World that Relies on Biblical Truth

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Today’s parents and kids don’t have to settle for media that have to be filtered, curated, or explained. There are choices that not only don’t compromise but can actually reinforce Christian character and Biblical values.

A perfect example: the TruPlay app, which offers countless hours of games, comics, and animated shorts that feature high quality art, action-packed games, and thoughtful storytelling that are not only entertaining but are also infused with God’s Truth. A Christian resource for all ages, but especially for children, it is sometimes referred to as “the Netflix of Christian mobile games for children.”

TruPlay employs a subscription-based model, which allows children and adults to play, read, and have fun in an environment with no in-app purchases, no ads, and no in-app texting or chats. This means, of course, that kids can't spend money, buy "loot," click to go to outside and unknown sites, and "chat" with possible predators.

Beyond that, however, TruPlay offers even more than safety; its ever-expanding selection of games includes Bible stories, Christian themes and values, and countless hours of engaging fun for children, youth, and adults.

TruPlay's website (TruPlayGames.com) clearly details the app's offerings, and free downloads and trials are available in both the Apple App Store and GooglePlay. Explore the following links to unlock a safer gaming experience for your kids:

https://www.truplaygames.com/games-more

https://www.truplaygames.com/user-registration

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Is the Percy Jackson Saga Appropriate for My Family? - TruPlay