The Gospel According to Dr. Seuss

by James W. Kemp

The stories of one of the world's most beloved children's authors are both imaginative and entertaining. But a closer look at Dr. Seuss's stories reveals that many are inspirational as well as instructive. James Kemp has identified as his favorite theologian not Barth or Pannenberg, but the inimitable Dr. Seuss. In this readily accessible resource, Kemp finds parallels between the actions of cats in hats, Grinches, Snitches, Sneetches, and other Creachas and lessons found in Scripture. Thus, as the author shares his enthusiasm for the creativity and wisdom of Dr. Seuss, both the meaning and the relevance of many Bible passages come to life.

Genres: Christian, Religion, Christianity, Nonfiction, Books About Books, Christian Living, Childrens

160 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 2003

About the author

James W. Kemp was a United Methodist pastor and author from Lexington, Kentucky, best known for The Gospel According to Dr. Seuss. Educated at Duke Divinity School, he served as a minister for fifteen years before retiring in 1996 after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. As the disease progressed, he became paraplegic and relied on his mother to take dictation and his wife to assist with interviews. His writing drew deeply on faith, humor, and personal resilience. Kemp often used Dr. Seuss stories in sermons, inspiring his best-known book, which connects Seussian characters with biblical themes. He also wrote candidly about illness and perseverance. He died after living with multiple sclerosis for two decades.

Reviews

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this collection of sermons quite a lot. Each one takes a passage of Scripture and relates it to a well-loved Dr. Seuss book. Kemp writes in a down-to-earth style and never comes off as preachy. In fact, given the brevity of these chapters, it is clear that one of his strengths is knowing when to stop preaching; he makes his points but never belabors them.

As for pairing Dr. Seuss with the Bible, well, that's an interesting choice. I have no idea what religion (if any) Seuss practiced; his religion is not relevant to his stories. His stories are not Christian. But neither are they unChristian. Seuss' stories are often parabolic, showing us human strength and folly played out in whimsical and fantastical settings. From the tyranny of Yertle the Turtle to the courage of Horton the Elephant, Seuss holds up a mirror to humanity and shows us the best and worst of ourselves. I was afraid, when I first picked up this book, that Kemp would be trying to twist Seuss' books to make them fit his own agenda. I am happy to say that my fears were groundless. Kemp uses Seuss' fables in their own original context, as a way of understanding ourselves. But he also uses Bible passages in these sermons to his congregation. He illustrates that enlightenment can come from many sources, and sometimes the most profound insights can stem from something as deceptively simple as a children's story.

[Laura Dallas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many of us have fond memories of reading Dr. Seuss's books, but as we have grown older and read these books to other children, or our own, we may recognize important messages in these pages that we didn't know we were getting – messages that we recognize from another important book, the Bible. The power of Dr. Seuss's books to stand the test of time has something to do with the rhymes and illustrations, and a lot to do with the Spirit communicated through them.

James W. Kemp, a retired United Methodist pastor, loved Dr. Seuss's books growing up and often found himself using the stories as sermon illustrations to share the Gospel message to adults, youth, and children all at the same time with a captivating, amusing, and even rhyming, story. He expanded on these sermons to put together this collection of devotions to be used by church groups and Christian families to reveal the parts of God's message hidden in the colorful pages of Dr. Suess.

The design of the book lends itself to use in Sunday School classes, Bible studies, and family devotions with each chapter digging into one of Dr. Seuss's books and showing where Dr. Suess and the Bible overlap. Some chapters are stronger than others, so I will quickly offer synopses of each chapter.

The first chapter looks at Horton Hatches the Egg and compares it to 1 Peter 1:3-7 for a lesson in faithfulness. Just as Horton is persecuted as he protects the egg, the first Christians were also persecuted and Peter is giving them hope and encouragement in his letter. Kemp uses this Dr. Seuss book to encourage Christians to remain faithful to Christ despite the persecutions of the world.

The next chapter based on Yertle the Turtle is compared to the Beatitudes and the Sermon on the Mount. In using this rather straightforward story about the dangers of literally stepping on others to get to the top, Kemp is stating the importance of building a solid foundation in Jesus Christ, living the life that God wants for us, and valuing all people as children of God.

I had forgotten about Dr. Suess's What Was I Scared of? until I read about the green pants. Then, I remembered those dark pages with nothing but person-less green pants and the creacha squaring off. Kemp relates this story to Jesus praying in Gethsemane, raising up Jesus as a model of confronting our fears and doing what God wants us to do even if we are scared. As the green pants and the creacha learn to be friends, Kemp argues that Suess is teaching us how to overcome our own fears – by making them our friends.

For the chapter on The Cat in the Hat Comes Back, Kemp doesn't know quite what to make of the Cat in the Hat at first, but soon he lends himself to serving as a symbol for all of the things that create big messes in our lives. The ties to Isaiah 1:15-20 and Genesis 1 feel a bit weak, but Kemp makes an excellent analogy between the "Voom" that cleans up the cat's mess and Jesus Christ who washes away the messes that we make. The Biblical references to Revelation 21:1-5 and 2 Corinthians 5:17 strengthen this analogy even further.

The story of The Zax is a story of pride that Kemp correctly relates to the parable of the prodigal son. What follows is a simple and direct lesson on the futility of pride and closed-mindedness illustrated by the Zaxes that won't budge from their spots. Kemp points out that this Suess book is unusual because it does not have a happy ending – the Zaxes never do budge – but contrasts that ending with God's gift of grace that ends the story of the prodigal son.

Kemp is especially clever in comparing the Grinch from How the Grinch Stole Christmas to Zacchaeus from the Gospel of Luke. Just as Zacchaeus was despised as the chief tax collector, the Grinch embodies those enemies that we think are too hard to love. However, Suess gives us the Whos in Whoville to show that Jesus' love can change anyone, even the meanest man in town.

Horton the elephant makes another appearance in a discussion of Horton Hears a Who that Kemp turns into a lesson on creation care and human rights. Once again, Horton serves as a God figure that is listening to the cries of the world and will do anything to protect it from those who cannot hear. Kemp implores Christians to care for the Earth and all of the people in it as God surely does since he created it and it belongs to Him. The Scripture references here are Psalm 24:1-2 and Romans 8:18-25.

Kemp appeals for open-mindedness once again with his take on Green Eggs and Ham. Just as the child in this book will not even try the green eggs and ham, Israel did not want to listen to Ezekiel's message of judgment. Just as Sam-I-am won't leave the child alone until he does try the green eggs and ham, God won't leave Israel alone even though they continually turn from Him. Just as the child finds that he actually likes green eggs and ham, Israel is comforted knowing that God cares for them and will redeem them.

The chapter on Bartholomew and the Oobleck is a lesson for all ages on how to say, "I'm sorry." In the Seuss book, the king cannot say he is sorry and comes close to ruining his kingdom because of it, but when he does say he is sorry, all the sticky oobleck they have been drowning in is completely removed. This is a wonderful allegory to the message of salvation and the power of forgiveness, and Kemp deftly ties the stories together with a little help from Matthew and the Fonz.

The chapter on The Sneetches is my favorite partly because it is simple and direct. The Seuss book illustrates the silliness and sadness of racism and prejudice and Kemp relates this message to specific New Testament passages from Paul and James that couldn't be clearer on the issue. Kemp even ties in a quote from John Wesley and sums up four points of unity that all Christians should recognize.

The Butter Battle Book is my favorite Suess book probably because it does for war what The Sneetches does for racism. It shows in a simple and direct story the futility and danger of the arms race. The book was written in the early 1980's when talks of nuclear war had everyone running scared or running to build the bigger weapon just like the characters in Seuss's book. I especially like what Kemp has done here by including Matthew 5:38-39 to contrast the Old Testament law to the good news of the New Testament where Jesus is explicit about turning the other cheek.

The Grinch makes another appearance, the only Seuss book to get two chapters, but this chapter focuses specifically on materialism using the Lord's Prayer to teach us about relying on God to provide and that all that we need is our daily bread. Although this message is present in the Gospels, this chapter reads too much of the author's opinion and not enough of Jesus's opinion which really is needed on this hotly debated issue. However, ending the chapter with quotes from the end of the Suess book about Christmas meaning "a little bit more" than presents convicts all of us of the material world in which we live followed by the hope that realizing this sin will make all of our hearts grow three sizes and not just at Christmas.

It is indeed appropriate that Kemp ends the book with a chapter about On Beyond Zebra! This book teaches children the alphabet but the teacher also adds new letters that go on beyond the letter Z. Kemp gives the example of Abraham as someone whom God challenged to live a faith way out of his comfort zone and way beyond what anyone had known before. Kemp goes on beyond Abraham to include stories about St. Francis of Assisi, Millard Fuller (founder of Habitat for Humanity), Jean Varnier (founder of L'Arche), and Faye Pickel, a faithful servant in Kemp's church. Kemp ends the book with a challenge to live a faith on beyond zebra to a greater walk with Jesus.

The lessons in this book vary in their strength and impact, but all are excellent discussion starters that can be tailored to groups of children, youth, and adults. In fact, that is just what has been done in a companion leader's guide authored by Mark and Kate Ballard and Chester Williams. The leader's guide includes six sessions for each age group: younger children, older children, youth, and adults. I recommend this study as a fresh and fun approach to getting to the heart of the simple Gospel message of Jesus Christ.

[Bill Warren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good enough for what he’s trying to accomplish. I think you get a few base ideas from each chapter but nothing really deep or particularly insightful. Spins off on many tangents, so it is really that proverbial miles wide and inches deep. But it’s a good jumping off point for a class or lecture series.

[Leroy Seat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Earlier this month when I flew to D.C., I wanted a small, interesting book to take with me. I choose The Gospel According to Dr. Seuss (2004) by James W. Kemp, a retired United Methodist pastor.

It was a good choice.

Through the years I have read many of Dr. Seuss’ delightful books to my children and grandchildren. This book (of thirteen chapters) relates some of those books, as well as others I have not read, to Bible passages. And then the author makes theological (and homiletical) comments.

For example, Kemp concludes the chapter on “Yertle the Turtle” with these words:

“We have a rock foundation in Jesus Christ and in the words and principles he taught us to live by. We build on this foundation by remembering the example of Yertle the Turtle and then doing the opposite. We build on this rock foundation by recognizing that we are all children of the great King of the universe. We build by being caring instead of selfish, by pursuing justice instead of power. We build by letting the light of love for others shine far and wide” (p. 14).

In commenting on “The Zax,” a story I did not know, Kemp writes: “Breaking the grip of pride . . . entails not worrying about who was right or wrong. Putting the past behind and embracing the freshness of a brand new start overpower any compulsions to keep score. And if we don’t keep score, everyone can be a winner” (p. 33).

“The Sneetches” is one of my favorite Dr. Seuss stories. Concerning its message Kemp says, “This story is rich with social commentary about how fallen human beings search for ways to make divisions among themselves. It also makes a statement about those who have a vested interest in keeping people divided and at war because they can sell their product to both sides” (p. 68).

I recommend this slim book–especially to my preacher friends, who can likely find a good sermon illustration or two in it.

[Jill Stroup · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a compilation of stories written by Dr. Seuss. My favorite story in this book is the story of the Sneeches. The Sneeches is a story of segregation through stars on their belly. Sneeches with Stars on their belly, cannot play with sneeches who do not have starts on their belly. One day a machine comes to town that can add or remove starts from bellies and insanity pursues. The sneeches who do not have stars want start, which makes the sneeches who have stars want to get rid of their stars, and this continues. Finally, the machine breaks and the sneeches realize that it does not matter if you have a star on your belly or not, and they all become friends. This is a great book for 2nd-3rd grade students and, to teach them about including everyone and to touch on segregation in american history.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

He probably stretches the connections to make the concepts fit what he is trying to say, but it's a cute (and obviously catchy) idea. Definitely a read for those who love Dr. Seuss, if only to get a new perspective. I would call this very light reading, and wouldn't consider it to have a wealth of theological weight behind it.

[K Browne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book wasn't bad at all. I enjoyed it. I was looking for a critical analysis of Dr. Seuss as opposed to spiritual analysis. It was still a good read and actually provided insight to something I'm dealing with now. So, I don't regret reading it at all. I would like to give 3.5 stars. Since .5 are not allowed, then 3 it is.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't finish it. These were basically sermons that he had preached and they were probably great sermons, but I wasn't in the mood to read sermons. So I stopped about halfway through.

[Retha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Couldn't finish it but very insightful.

[Russeller · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute and fun, though simple, connection between scriptures and Seuss.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Dr. Seuss! This was a good book about James Kemp's spiritual interpretations of some Dr. Seuss books. Definitely a good read if you are looking for some simple enlightenment.

[Gheeta · Rating 3 out of 5]

very good. very intriguing. makes me want to hunt down the books to reread and see what else I missed as a kid!

[Julia Zurbrugg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not quite what I expected but very interesting the comparisons made between stories in the bible and ones written by Dr. Suess. I read this to my girls 10,7, and 3 years old and they loved listening!

[Amanda Shenk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good book!!

[Jessica Risser · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good enough

This is one of the better examples of pop culture bible study I’ve encountered. It would work well for a discussion class. Some of the Dr. Seuss works handled in this volume are rather obscure.

[Rachel Grepke · Rating 4 out of 5]

The whimsical world of Dr. Seuss meets the Christian walk in this adorable little book. Principles from his book are used in conjunction with Biblical theology to embrace bigger ideas. A quick little read that makes you smile and praise God! Should be helpful also as I teach kids in the ministry!

[Sarah Crom · Rating 2 out of 5]

It felt as if the author was trying to force a connection between a Dr Seuss story and the bible at times.

[Cathy Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

enjoyable lessons from Dr Seuss

It is always good to hear how our current times and literature can relate back to our faith. This book does a great job of doing that.

[Theresa Lange · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!

[Alicea · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author, James W. Kemp, is a retired pastor who often used the stories of Dr. Seuss, aka Theodor Geisel, in his sermons because he felt (and I have to agree now) that you can equate many of them to biblical principles. For example, in the story On Beyond Zebra!, the narrator insists that there are more than just 26 letters in the alphabet. In fact, there's quite a bit more after one reaches Z (or Zebra). Kemp compares this to characters in the Bible such as Abraham that went well beyond Zebra when they were called to do so by God. Abraham was called many times to go the distance but in one instance in particular he showed his true faith in the Lord when he was willing to sacrifice his only son as an offering simply because he was told to do so. Each chapter of Kemp's book begins with a section of the Bible along with a reference from a Seuss book and following this is the reasoning for the comparison. Not only was it very interesting to see how these tied together but I realized that I am unfamiliar with a lot of Seussian (yes, I've made that up but I'm allowed because it's Seuss) literature. I must remedy this ASAP!

[NancyL Luckey · Rating 4 out of 5]

We read this book for a study in spirituality. I've always loved Dr. Seuss, but the connections to real life made by James W. Kemp made his work more meaningful.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good book. Some of the chapters seemed a bit of a stretch to tie in to the Suess stories, but most of them were a logical analogy. Worth reading - just not a favorite for me.

[Makiah Vigil · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Was Cool Because It Was By Dr. Seuss, I Liked How It Rymed

[Sammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was hard to read spoiler alert the sneeches get along the end.