Children’s Bibles are probably the genre of books I read the most critically and carefully.  These books of stories can greatly enhance our children’s grasp of Biblical truth and build a frame in their minds for future Biblical learning to be added onto, or they can cause lasting damage through misrepresenting, undermining, or falsely teaching what the Bible is about. I had casually flipped through The Children’s Illustrated Biblein stores and liked the realistic illustrations and informative sidebars with archeological, geological, and historical information and photographs.  (You can see more if you click on “look inside!” on the Amazon listing.)  I was looking forward to a chance to review it, hoping that my opinions would remain positive after a closer inspection.

Unfortunately, this was not the case.  I read every word on every page of this 309 page book.  I put a sticky tab with notes on each page I had questions/issues with.  There were a LOT of notes sticking out of this book when I was done.

What first drew me to this book were the realistic and detailed illustrations.  While this was a strength with some stories, with others it was a definite draw-back.  For example, while it is true that Adam and Eve were going “au natural” in the garden, I would prefer them to be a little more covered when my young preschooler reads her story Bible!  Nor, do I want her to see a painting, classic or not, of baby Jesus being circumcised.  And I most definitely don’t want her to study and ponder a picture of Daniel in the lions’ den, where the den has been accurately portrayed filled with human skulls, bones, and blood dripping down the rocks and off of the lion’s teeth.  There are also disturbing pictures of soldiers carrying out Herod’s orders to kill the male children after Jesus was born (soldiers with bloody swords and mothers begging for mercy with babies huddled in their arms), and of a servant carrying John the Baptist’s head, mostly covered by a bloody cloth, on a platter to Salome.

I do appreciate accurate illustrations, but TMI!!  My daughter would be afraid of some of the pictures in this book! [Admittedly, these gory pictures might be a draw to older boys...] :)

As I mentioned, another aspect of this book that I initially appreciated were the sidebars full of extra scientific/ archeological/ historical information and photographs.  Sometimes these things were very interesting and informative – I liked seeing photos of natural items that would have been used to dye garments like Joseph’s coat, typical foods eaten by the Egyptians, and traditional house structures from Nazareth.

At times, however, it appeared that the team of people contributing to this book clearly did not hold the Bible to be literally true.  For instance, it is suggested that the Israelites crossed through a “marshy swamp” rather than miraculously through a sea (although the illustration shows them walking through the parted sea), and I was outraged at the “explanation” that manna may have been sweet liquid which seeps from the hammada shrub.  (Really?  Feeding thousands of people for 40 years with sap?  This just ignores the clear description the Bible gives of what manna looked like.) There were many little details like these that I found heretical and could seriously undermine a child’s faith in what the Bible says.

Another real danger in paraphrased, abbreviated sections of the Bible in books like these is that any biases held by the authors and editors are included in the text as they “retell” the stories.

For instance, we are told that God rejected Cain’s offering because it was not the best of his produce – as we have discussed in the past, we just don’t know that for sure.  In addition, God’s conversation with Cain in Genesis 3:7 is phrased as, “Why are you angry?… you will succeed if you work hard; and if you do not, the sin will be yours.”  This completely changes the issue.  The problem was not that Cain wasn’t working hard!

In the story of Abraham and Isaac on Mount Moriah, the angel stops Abraham and says, “You have proved your perfect love of God by your willingness to sacrifice even your child.”  Again, as we have discussed, that is NOT the point.

Where the author and editors’ biases are most apparent, however, are in the life and parables of Jesus.  In a two-page summary of Jesus’ life and ministry, the text reads, “The death of Jesus is important to Christians because they believe that, in dying, he was showing God’s love for all people.  For this reason the cross became the main symbol of Christianity.  Christians believe, however, that death did not put an end to Jesus, but that his spirit lives on, especially through his followers.” (207) Notice the complete lack of mention of sin, need for forgiveness, etc – and how His bodily resurrection is ignored!

Each parable begins with an “explanation,” which often misses the point and emphasize “good living.”  For example – Lazarus and the rich man was “a story to warn people about God’s judgment of the selfish.”  The Pharisee who prayed in public for show and the Tax Collector who humbly beseeched God for mercy in private were “to show how important it is not to be conceited or to look down on others.”

The letters of Paul, also, are summarized with an emphasis on being good rather than on salvation through Christ and resulting deeds which flow out of a changed heart.  “If you follow Jesus, you will find that you can overcome your worst instincts… There is no earthly law to make you into a good person, but if you obey the laws of Jesus, you will not only do what is right, but also find true happiness and peace.” (307)

Perhaps this seems like I am being nitpicky.  But parents, if there is ever a time to be picky about books, it is when a book is seeking to represent God’s Word and ways to our children.  Read with a critical eye.  Be cautious!  And teach them the actual words that the BIBLE says – not just a paraphrased summary!

My husband had a great idea.  He suggested that I keep this Bible, highlight all the problem areas with a bright highlighter, and use it when our children are older and able to think critically.  When they get to a highlighted section, it will be a time for us to read carefully, pull out our Bibles and carefully compare, and teach them to think and use the Bible as the ultimate standard of what is True.   Maybe we’ll make it a game called “spot the heresy.” ;)

I am an amazon affiliate and would receive a small percentage of any sales resulting from the links in this post.  I was provided with a copy of this book in exchange for my review by New Leaf Publishing Group.

Earlier in this series I posed the question, “is it wrong to serve God because it benefits us?”

We looked at retribution theology‘s conclusion that righteousness should always be rewarded with prosperity.  While living wisely and righteously definitely avoids a wide swath of self-inflicted pain and suffering, it begs the question:

As you may have read, last year we attempted our first seder, and we’re hoping to make it even better this year.

I posted these links a while back, but in case you missed them it’s worth a second look!  I am completely in love with this “I AM” passover set from Dayspring, and I’m thrilled that my mom ordered some pieces for our family seder!  If you’re planning to start incorporating a passover seder into your family Easter celebrations, one or more of these beautiful pieces would be a great place to start!

Starting at the very beginning:

Wouldn’t this I AM – Passover Seder Plate and Companion Booklet be great!?  [Look at the "behold, the Lamb of God" around the top... so COOL!]  It’s usually $19.99, and it’s on sale for $9.99, which is even better!! :)

This I AM the Bread of Life Passover Matzah Plate is also 50% off! (on sale for $8.49)

…and so is this I AM the True Vine Passover Goblet! (50% off – on sale for $4.99!)

AND these awesome I AM the Light of the Word Passover Candle Holders! They’re regularly $19.99 and are on sale for $9.99!

I love that each pieces ties Jesus so clearly into the seder.  Thank you, Dayspring, for meaningful things like these!

I am a Dayspring affiliate and would receive a small percentage of any sales resulting from these links.  I am hoping that you will purchase them so I can afford to purchase some, myself. ;)

Back in my late teens and early twenties, I wrestled with the idea of submission and Biblical womanhood.  Part of my struggle was trying to figure out what “Biblical womanhood” actually was, part of my struggle was that darn sin nature, and part of it was fear.

Yes, fear.

You see, giving my life to God and entrusting my future to Him did not scare me.  I was walking with Him, I trusted Him, I knew that He was perfect and always working for my good and my growth.

But, entrusting my life to a man, a fallen, flawed, sometimes selfish man (just like me!) was terrifying.  I struggled with this internally so much when I was engaged to NP.  I knew that he was following Christ.  I had no qualms about his character, or that he loved me, or that he was selfless, or anything.  But it lingered in my mind… what if?  What if one day he freaks out?  What if he struggles with deep sin or stops listening to God?  What then?  Do I submit then?  Do I throw my dreams and desires to serve the Lord out the window?  Am I stuck?