Is my 3 year old too young for the Bible? Genesis 18, fire and sulphur?

Question

Should I teach my son about the fire and sulphur that reigned on the wicked, and teach my son that if he isn't good enough for God, God will reign sulphur on him.

Some say this isn't true, that Jesus forgives. But I have heard from Christians that God sent Hurricane Katrina because of the wicked in America, a localized flood, God had a loophole in Genesis 8:21 when he promised not to flood the ENTIRE world.

Should I teach him about Revelation 6, and the horsemen?

Here's this one story about Dinah, well maybe when he is four I can teach him that one.

Answer 1

Yes, a 3 year old is to young to understand certain parts of the Bible. I'm a little older than 3 :) and I have trouble understanding it. And if you tell him that God will reign sulfur on him if he's bad, you will scare the poor little thing to death. He needs a child's Bible. It will explain all those things to him where he will understand, without being terrified of God. Personally, I don't believe that Katrina was sent by God to punish the wicked in America. I have family in Mississippi that lost everything in that hurricane and we would not even think of blaming God. We thank God because they lived through it. :)

Answer 2

Many parts of the Bible were written at a time when injustice, violence, and cruelty were part of many people's lives and stories - I can see how this makes it hard for little ones to understand. People struggled with their understanding of God based on these events, just as we do today. There are many parts of the Bible that benefit from being read critically, and it helps to wait until someone is old enough to develop that critical understanding.

Maybe a better place to start is with the core messages and stories about Jesus: who he was, what he believed and practiced, and how he loved people despite the pain and suffering in the world. Your child is old enough to learn about loving people.

Answer 3

The story about Dinah, Genesis 34 is utterly stunning. So is the Leviticus verses about nailing your slave's ear to the town wall.

I wouldn't mess up my kids' minds with that garbage until they are old enough to understand that these are symbolic tales. Why talk about revelation - the ravings of a mandman in a cave?

Answer 4

Buy her a Bible for Kids, she would comprehend the teachings of the Bible easily. I was taught about the Apocalypses when I was mature enough to understand.

Answer 5

Ultimately the decision will be up to you. I, myself, believe that your son is old enough to start learning the Biblical Truths. A word of caution, If you do decide that you son is capable of understanding the truth and meaning behind the Biblical accounts mentioned, PLEASE do not cover up the sad and disturbing parts of these accounts by skipping over them or trying to hide their meanings. You do not want your son to gain a false understanding of what happened or more importantly why it happened. But, as previously stated the choice is yours to make. God Bless!

Answer 6

A young child does not need to know about such things. They need to have fun, fresh air and the love of their family . Later on in life they will be old enough to investigate if such beliefs are worth holding for themselves.

Answer 7

In regard you are held responsible for 3 year olds in your care and it's your decision when and what to teach. Each child is unique in their ability regardless of age.

Answer 8

You are his father--you make these decisions, for better or worse. That is what a father does. Jesus loves both of you.

Answer 9

Instead teach her science and math ,she needs in her life.She have whole life to read story books.

Answer 10

No,it is better to teach your son in bibical ways