Would you like a challenge? Try explaining the story of God instructing Abraham to sacrifice Issac to your six- and eight-year olds. Do this in a way that honors both God and the complexity of the story. Do this in a way that doesn’t resort to simplistic answers.
I think it can be done, but it’s a challenge.
This would be a good one to explain to adults as well. If I remember correctly from my minimal understanding of the bible this is the story that has created many divisions among people and divides amongst races. In fact, well, maybe we can discuss this sometime because I’ve heard this story (I think it’s this one) used as a pro-legalization of drugs arguement.
Rantz, I’m pretty sure you’re thinking of Ishmael, Abraham’s other son. That’s another complicated one. The children’s Bible we have skips over that episode, and that’s probably appropriate for the age. (I was actually a little surprised that Abraham sacrificing Issac was included.)