Skip to content
quotesby

It took me a while to realize that these stories, while ofthen used with children, are not at all children's stories. I think the devile has tricked us into thinking so much of biblical theology is story fit for kids. How did we cone to think the story of Noah's ark is appropriate for children? Can you imagine a children's book aboud Noah's ark complete with paintings of people gasping in gallons of water, mothers grasping thier children while their bodies go flying down white-rapid rivers, the children's tiny heads being bashed against rocks or hung up in fallen trees? I don't think a children's book like that would sell many copies.

Don Miller#55

TruthEngagementBibleChildrenStoriesViolence

About this quote

What does it mean?
Biblical stories are often mislabeled as children's tales but contain graphic violence. They require adult engagement rather than simple fables.
In plain terms
These stories have violent details not suitable for kids.
What can you take from it?
Treat religious texts as adult narratives, not children's fables.

Where it applies

  • theological debate
  • family discussions
  • faith formation

Putting it to work

  • reading mature commentaries
  • asking hard questions
  • teaching honestly

Questions to consider

  • Why do we soften these stories for kids?
  • How do you handle difficult religious texts?

Another view

It dismisses the value of simplified versions for young learners.

More from Don Miller

  1. I associated much of Christian doctrine with children's stories because I grew up in church. My Sunday school teachers had turned Bible narrative into children…

    Permalink to quote #54
  2. Without the Christian explanation of original sin, the seemingly silly story of Adam and Eve and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, there was no expla…

    Permalink to quote #56
  3. Nothing is going to change in the Congo until you and I figure out what is wrong with the person in the mirror.

    Permalink to quote #53

Related quotes

  1. The Nazi murder squads just wouldn't waste a bullet on a child. I just couldn't process that. I couldn't handle it.

    Natasha KaplinskyNatasha Kaplinsky quote #1
  2. 'Det finns ingenting som inte hant, men mycket som inte berattats.'

    Fritiof Nilsson PiratenFritiof Nilsson Piraten quote #2
  3. The lies we live will always be confessed in the stories that we tell.

    Orson Scott CardOrson Scott Card quote #3