A wave of recent storybook Bibles for children seeks to connect with progressive Christians who are disenchanted with traditional Scripture interpretations, delivering messages centered on diversity, inclusion, and social justice.
According to publishers, these endeavors aim to mirror the religious values of an evolving demographic and address what they perceive as a void in progressive believers’ faith resources.
“The Just Love Story Bible,” a storybook geared toward readers aged four to 10 with a “justice-oriented” approach, was launched last month. Rev. Jacqui Lewis and Rev. Shannon Daley-Harris authored the book, which contains 52 Bible stories and illustrations depicting characters with Black, Brown, and tan complexions.
“Our aim is to impart a theology of love and justice to young individuals that we won’t need to undo,” Lewis stated in a Religion News Service interview.
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“The biblical figures primarily appear Black, Brown, and caramel-toned… I can envision White children examining this Bible, observing brown individuals, and realizing, ‘Oh, brown individuals also belong to God,'” she continued.
The authors expressed their desire to inspire children to pose questions and challenge conventional beliefs regarding God, Jesus, and the biblical story.
“Did that transpire?” Lewis questioned, describing the storybook’s depiction of Jesus’ resurrection. “For me, the enduring nature of love holds greater significance for children to grasp, which is why I adopted that perspective.”
“It is acceptable to openly convey to children from the outset that some narratives recount genuine individuals and events, while others are fictional yet included because they can still impart valuable lessons about God,” Daley-Harris explained, referencing the story of Jonah.
The authors acknowledged that individuals who interpret the Bible literally may not constitute the suitable audience for their book.
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“A segment of literalist or fundamentalist individuals may not find this resource appealing,” Daley-Harris noted. “However, it has been fascinating to observe the reception, not only from those raised with progressive values but also from those who were raised in a tradition that no longer resonates with them, who have outgrown a particular theology and are seeking one that they can embrace and evolve with alongside their children.”
Lewis noted that the book also emphasizes women’s roles in Jesus’ ministry and portrays him as a “feminist.”
“When Shannon and I express our desire to prevent children from learning something they must later unlearn, we specifically aim to prevent them from absorbing patriarchy through this story Bible,” she conveyed to RNS.
The book’s publisher, Beaming Books, hopes to reach progressive Christians in search of an “open-minded Bible.”
“We identified a market need for individuals seeking a more open-minded Bible tailored to progressive Christians, one that prioritizes love and justice,” Naomi Krueger, senior acquisitions editor for Beaming Books, shared in a Publishers Weekly interview.
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“Its countercultural message resonates strongly in the present era,” Krueger added, stating that the book is intended as “an antidote to Christian white supremacy.”
“The Just Love Story Bible” is among several recent releases advocating for broader representation in children’s Christian publishing.
Hodder Faith, a U.K.-based Christian publisher, released “Come and See: An Invitation to a Radical Encounter with Jesus” last month. This devotional book, intended for readers aged 11 and older, was authored by Shannon T.L. Kearns, identified in the author’s biography as the first openly transgender man ordained to the Old Catholic priesthood.
“If you seek to introduce children to the Bible while maintaining respect for your identity as an LGBTQ individual, resources are scarce,” Andy Lyon, publishing director at Hodder Faith, conveyed to Publishers Weekly. “It’s titled ‘Come and See’ to emphasize visibility and belonging. You encounter Jesus, and then Jesus acknowledges you.”
Another devotional, “Growing in God’s Love: A Family Devotional,” is available from Westminster John Knox Press. This book offers daily readings that deliver “meaningful, progressive lessons in faith for all generations” and is designed for adults and children between five and 17 years of age.
Jessica Miller Kelley, an editor at Westminster John Knox and the book’s author, intentionally avoided gendered language like “mother” or “father” in the devotionals, except when directly quoting Scripture, to enhance inclusivity for gender diversity and various family structures, she told Publishers Weekly.
Early readers of the book have lauded its focus on justice, inclusivity, and diversity.
Krueger stated in the report that progressive Christians seek additional resources that affirm their values, and she anticipates an increase in similar projects.
