Children telling bible stories (rehearsed and read from notes)

To: Storytellers:
Re: children telling bible stories.

This little girl is amazing--a true "spellbinder".  Maybe she could do  our
training next time!  Thankful for each of you and your storytelling  gifts.
 Linda
Lexington Spellbinders


I hope you enjoy this video as much as I did... this  little girl has quite
a gift!
_http://vimeo.com/16404771_ (http://vimeo.com/16404771)

Yes, Thank you Linda:

This shows well what talented and well rehearsed children can do in storytelling.  It is delightfully performed with charming gestures.  She is also very cute and adds delightful detail that could not come from a readying of the bible. In particular a child’s reading.

In fact, hers is a free interpretation of the book of Johan that is full of add-ons not found in the bible story. Nothing wrong with that. But her interpretation turns the story of Johan into a “feel good, happy ending story,” This is not the story of Johan in the Word of God in the Bible..

I suggest that our first challenge in teaching bible stories tp children is to be faithful to the biblical text and the actual message that emerges  in the text.  I suggest that anyone here return to the actual text to discover the differences for themselves. The mystery portrayed in the text is clearly not the mystery of Johan’s repentance.

I will not present those differences here to argue the point except to say that there is no evidence that Johan learned anything, and that instead, Jonah is not a prophet to be in any way admired.

To turn bible stories into “feel good” stories or encourage children to do so is not appropriate. Please do not take me off your future lists. I am learning all I can about this movement to return the bible to children.

Rev. Dr. Paschal Baute
Spellbinder storyteller
Ordained Minister of the Gospel
Teacher in the Godly Play--
a program teaching bible stories
to childrens.  Lexington, Ky
www.paschalbaute.com