"Let the Sunshine In"

About 10 years ago, right after I became Catholic, I bought four or five of these little Cedarmont Kids tapes - Bible Songs, Action Bible Songs, Sunday School Songs, Hymns, etc.  I have an amazing repertoire of little religious songs and hymns in my memory.  Stick me in solitary confinement, and I could sing for days and days.  I like to sing, and many of these hold good memories for me, so I wanted my kids to have some of that and figured that was unlikely now that I'd "switched sides" unless I personally facilitated it.

So let the sun shine in
Face it with a grin
Smilers never lose
And frowners never win
So let the sun shine in
Face it with a grin
Open up your heart
And let the sun shine in

When you are unhappy
The devil wears a grin
But oh, he starts to running
When the light comes pouring in
I know he'll be unhappy
'Cause I'll never wear a frown
Maybe if we keep on smiling
He'll get tired of hanging 'round.

If I forget to say my prayers
The devil jumps with glee
But he feels so awful awful
When he sees me on my knees
So if you're full of trouble
And you never seem to win
Just open up your heart
And let the sun shine in

So let the sun shine in
Face it with a grin
Smilers never lose
And frowners never win
So let the sun shine in
Face it with a grin
Open up your heart
And let the sun shine in.

So, on how many levels is this troubling?  

1)  According to Christian theology, Satan is neither omnipresent or omniscient. Giving him the ability to detect any and all moral slip-ups is overestimating his abilities - if there really is a Satan.   (I'm on the fence.  I find the concept of angels somewhat diverting/comforting, so it would only be fair to give demons equal time, but, personally, I think they are a major scapegoat for human moral laxity and, historically, for mental illness.)

2)  As a parent, I'd rather not teach my kid to hate.  Even if the person/entity is truly hateful, I think this is one thing you don't have to teach.  Hate is so easily transferred to other less hateful things or people.

3)  Depression or sadness shouldn't be equated with sin.  People get sad and shouldn't be expected to be happy all the time.  Also, just because you're happy doesn't mean you're good.  Plenty of bad people have no problem living with themselves and yukking it up.  A glass-full mentality is worth pursuing, but it shouldn't be mandatory.

I like the tape overall, but this song is just creepy. I'll have to fast-forward through it from now on.

tags: christianity  religion  kids songs