Teaching Bible History to Children (of All Ages) series

by Kathryn L. Merrill and Kristy L. Christian

Infinite Discovery Inc.

In Jesus’ Time ($16.95), Moses and the Law, Paul and Early Christianity Volume I, and Paul and Early Christianity Volume II (the last three - $19.95 each) are the titles in this series. The books are non-denominational Bible history study tools that can be used over a wide age span. Children (beginning at about fourth/fifth grade level) can participate in reading, listening, and discussing Scripture and historical events. Many activities involve interpretation and analysis appropriate for students at junior high and high school level, so we must choose how far to take each lesson with each child.

One book is needed for any size family or group. The print and paper quality of the books is excellent, a helpful factor since all work pages and maps have to be reproduced. Instruction is presented by the parent/teacher, with students using Bibles, a concordance, and activity pages (reproduced from the book) to work on lessons. Older children can do most of their study independently.

In Jesus’ Time has 20 lessons while Moses and the Law has 16. The authors suggest that each lesson take about one hour; however, it appears to me that some of these lessons could easily take more than twice the suggested time. If using the books for daily lessons, I would plan to spend about two months per book rather than one.

Some supplementary books are recommended, but a Bible and concordance are the mainstays. Many activities involve the use of charts (from the book), which are filled in as children learn about various topics. This method makes the book particularly age-adaptable since younger children might fill in a word or two while an older child might write more detailed information.

Detailed maps are included for study and activities along with flash cards, memory verses, crossword puzzles, and other learning tools. Even with the inclusion of these “extras,” this is not typical busywork Bible curriculum but in-depth study of both Bible history and Bible content. Because the books are strongly research-based, extensive bibliographies appear at the back. Helpful glossaries are also found there.

The authors do a fairly good job of keeping the study non-denominational, yet occasional glimpses of theological interpretations peek through from time to time. (At least one of the authors is Christian Scientist.)

This resource helps us study Bible history beyond what we find in most curricula written for students below high school level.