Written by Eric Shindelbower, with excerpts by Joey Fann.
The observations or opinions written in this web page should not be construed in any way to imply endorsement by The Andy Griffith Show or Mayberry Enterprises, Inc.

You might be wondering why there would be a page devoted to The Andy Griffith Show in a web site about The Cross?  I do not recall an episode in which a person refers to Christ, but the underlying theme of the series, in which characters love each other and the importance church is to the citizens of Mayberry, must have it's basis in Christianity.

Joey Fann and Brad Grasham developed a Bible class, "Finding the Way Back to Mayberry," using 12 episodes from The Andy Griffith Show as parables; referring to Matthew 13:34 as the key to the lesson series' purpose and success:  "All this Jesus said to the crowds in parables; indeed he said nothing to them without a parable."  The first class debuted in June of 1998 at the Twickenham Church of Christ in Huntsville, Alabama and was facilitated by Fann and Grasham.(1)

Joey Fann wrote why the show makes sense for a Bible class:  Although there are few direct references to the Bible, I believe the show is filled with the basic morals and principles taught by the Scriptures.  Each show tended to have a good moral theme that was brought out by the story line.  Basic values, such as character, personal responsibility, honesty, and integrity were routinely exemplified by the show.  I believe these characteristics to be uncommon for most television shows past or present.(2)

To learn more about, "Finding the Way Back to Mayberry,"
click to Joey Fann's web site - http://www.barneyfife.com/

When George Lindsay, who played Goober in the series, was asked what he thought of the idea using the series for a Bible class, he replied, "One of the incredible things about every single episode is that Andy insisted each show have a moral point, something good, lofty and moral.  It's a shame current shows on TV don't adopt that high road."(3)

Show writer Bill Idelson once shared his opinion of why the series enjoyed success:  "You know what the secret of the show is?  You know why everybody loves it?  It's about man's humanity to man rather than man's inhumanity to man.  He's a sheriff, the police - the symbol of oppression, brutality, and ignorance throughout the world - and here's a guy who treats his neighbors and the people on the street as if they are human beings.  I think people hunger for that so much that it transcends all of culture."(4)

A show highlighting man's humanity to man.  A deep statement to describe a half hour comedy, but a valid statement.  I believe success of The Andy Griffith Show was a result of a commitment to excellence by the writers, directors, and actors.  The series produced several powerful episodes that highlighted and projected good, moral themes.  Themes that have withstood the test of time.(5)

The Andy Griffith Show had 249 episodes and ran for 8 years, from October 3, 1960 ("The New Housekeeper") to April 1, 1968 ("Mayberry, R.F.D."); it can still be seen today in syndication.

Opie's Prayer

It is during the very first episode, "The New Housekeeper," broadcast on October 3, 1960, that we find out that Opie has been taught to believe in God.  The scene shows Opie saying his prayers before going to bed, while Aunt Bee eavesdrops from the hallway.  This is what Opie said in his prayer:  "God Bless my Pa, my bird Dickey and my dog Gulliver and my lizard, also wherever it is he ran away to, and Barney Fife and my white mouse and Jerry, Tommy and Billy and my snake.  Amen.  I forgot somebody very important.  God Bless Rose, even though she ran off and got married."

"If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."  Matthew 21:22.

One of my favorite episodes, "Man in a Hurry"

Filmed as Episode #77 - #79 in the original broadcast order
Air date: January 14, 1963

Summary
It's a quiet Sunday morning and Malcolm Tucker, the owner of Tucker Enterprises in Charlotte, experiences car trouble two miles outside of Mayberry.  Mr. Tucker is in a hurry to return to Charlotte for a big business meeting on Monday.  Sunday is a day of rest in Mayberry - a fact that collides with Mr. Tucker's hectic lifestyle.(6)

Wally, the filling station owner in Mayberry, prefers to sit on his porch and read the Sunday paper than be bothered by an out-of-town businessman with car problems.  He assures Mr. Tucker that he will repair his car first thing in the morning.  This doesn't satisfy Mr. Tucker, so he returns to Gomer Pyle for help.  When Gomer proves to be no help at all, Mr. Tucker explodes and steals Gomer's truck.  Andy catches him but, under the conditions, refuses to press charges.  Instead, Andy takes Mr. Tucker home with him for Sunday dinner.(7)  Goober eventually fixes Mr. Tucker's car and then Gomer drives it to the Taylor's home.  Mr. Tucker tries to leave, but after reflection, comes up with an excuse to stay the night in Mayberry.

Cross Symbolism or Seeing Too Much Into It?

"I couldn't do it, we're closed on Sunday."  Wally, the mechanic

This is a still frame from the scene, in which Mr. Tucker walks off frustrated after hearing that Wally will not fix his car on Sunday.  Notice in the center of this image is a cross shape in the door.  A friend of mine, who is a professional video producer, stated that given the time constraints to film a weekly series, he found it hard to believe that this could be planned symbolism.

I believe that the director planned the cross shape to be in-between Andy and Wally to symbolize Christ.  Wally will not fix Mr. Tucker's car on Sunday, when it would have only taken him an hour to repair it.  Notice how Wally is seated in a rocking chair under the cross, while Andy stands pointing at the foot of the cross, as if to say - In Mayberry, Sunday is a day for rest and worship of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Given the talented professionals involved in making this series, I feel that this symbolism is plausible.

If you are able to view this episode, watch how Andy holds his hand in this pointing position, as it seems to be unnaturally long to be a coincidence.  Further, if you follow the dialogue of this scene, Andy really has no reason to be pointing to Wally?  Next, how many people put a rocking chair near the front door?  It would make more sense to place the rocking chair further down on the porch to be out of the way.  Is this just a door in the middle of the scene or a cross-shaped symbol to represent Christ?  Also, notice the cross shape in the window that can be seen to the left of Mr. Tucker.

My favorite scene of the, "Man in a Hurry" episode.

Most of the scenes in the last half of this episode take place on the front porch of the Taylor's home.  I especially like the scene in which Andy, Barney and Mr. Tucker sing, "The Church in the Wildwood"; it is filmed in one take and is approximately two minutes long.

I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me.  Psalm 13:6.

In this still from the one shot take, we see Andy strumming his guitar in a rocking chair, while Barney is almost asleep on the lounge chair.            

Mr. Tucker has come out on the porch to smoke a cigar.  Andy and Barney are harmonizing while singing, "The Church in the Wildwood."  I find their soft, whispering rendition of this song to be very moving.

Mr. Tucker has taken a few puffs from his cigar and is starting to unwind a little.  Andy and Barney continue to sing.

Mr. Tucker can't help but join in the singing with Andy and Barney; they both look at each other and smile as Mr. Tucker starts to sing - it's subtle, but very effective.

Mr. Tucker is singing the verses alone now, while Andy and Barney are humming in the background.  You can actually see a smile on Mr. Tucker's face as he is totally caught  up in the mood and relaxed for the first time of his stay in Mayberry.

Mr. Tucker has just completed singing a verse from, "The Church in the Wildwood."  Notice the expression of contentment and relaxation on his face; he has totally forgotten about the fact that his car needs fixing.  I can imagine him recalling a time in his childhood, when things were much simpler.  We all want peace of mind - and for this brief moment, Mr. Tucker has found his.