Abrahamic myths for kids

[jrosebud]

As a part of my daughter's bedtime routine, we've been reading myths from around the world.  Hopefully this will provide a good litterary background as well as innoculating her against the superstitions of religion.  I have yet to find a good book of Abrahamic myths that's geared toward children *without* trying to convince them that Jesus loves them.  Anyone know where to find (a good) one?

On another note, do you have any books of myths that you loved as a child or enjoy reading to your own kiddos?  We're fans of Padraic Colum for the Nordic mythos.

[Will]

I read Edith Hamilton's Mythology when I was a boy. It's mostly Greek myths, but it's one of the more comprehensive sources that I've found that's still within the grasp of children.

Abrahamic? That's going to be pretty tough. If you'd like, though, we can use this thread to construct one ourselves.

[jrosebud]

Will, Awesome choice.  I have my copy of Hamilton from eighth grade lit class on the shelf next to Colum.  

A compilation of Christian, Jewish, and Islamic myths sounds like quite the project.  If I had any talent, I'd try to fill the void myself.

If you were to write one of the stories as a mythical tale for a young audience, how would it go?  How hard would it be to appear to be a balanced outside observer, simultaneously filling the need for a non-proselytizing tome without seeming heavy-handed?  Would your "moral of the story" fall in line with the original intent of the author (whatever you perceive that to be) or would it end up challenging the scripture, updating the ethical viewpoint for a modern secular audience?

Anyone care to give it a go?

[Will]

I'd go one at a time, starting with the Torah.
http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jso ... Torah.html

The thing, though, is that there are very few people alive who believe in Zeus (or Z--s, as the Jews might say). Most people are Abrahamic. There's a danger in exposure, so I would recommend being clear about the subject:
"A lot of people believe that these stories are true. They're not stupid or crazy, but a lot of them need to believe in it because they have trouble answering really big questions. In order to help them answer the questions, they read in and believe in these stories. When you're old enough, you'll have to decide if you believe in them too. Know that I'll love you either way."

Needless to say, I've had this conversation before. In my experience, children benefit from candor so long as it's done with good intentions.

[SteveS]

Needless to say, I've had this conversation before. In my experience, children benefit from candor so long as it's done with good intentions.

I heartily agree with this sentiment.  I think sometimes we're too quick to judge children as fragile or in need of protection from the truth.  I say, I lay it out for them, if nobody knows something tell them nobody knows.  It seems they will accept this without any undue negative effects or damaging development.  I think children are both curious and resilient.

This is all my personal opinion, of course, I'm not a developmental specialist or anything.  Just a regular old guy.  :wink:

[ILOVEJESUS]

i like star wars