Stories and the Moral Imagination
— Friday, July 31st, 2009 —
This afternoon I talked with one of my favorite artists, Andrew Peterson, on the Albert Mohler Radio Program about telling stories to children and the moral imagination. I promised our listeners I would link to an exceptional article by my friend David Mills on the topic, and here it is.
Andrew is precisely right that the first step to forming a moral imagination is to turn off the television and put away the video games, and not just for your kids. He’s also right that “family devotions” ought to be normal, natural, “organic” parts of your family’s ongoing life, and they ought to be filled with stories. Too many Christians, I fear, are turning their children’s Bibles into sets of disconnected doctrinal propositions or moral principles. That’s not what the Bible is. Set it free!
You can listen to the program here. I have more to say about this, but I have to go now, and finish reading Jack the Giant Killer and 1 Samuel to some Moore boys.
Thank you for your encouraging program yesterday, Dr. Moore.
This year, inspired by David Mills’ article, I launched a book review blog devoted to children’s literature for forming a Christian imagination. On the site I review 12 book lists that I am using to build my children’s home library. If you’re not already familiar with them, you may find them helpful.
I also understand that Mr. Mills is thinking of writing a book on this topic.
Shanna Gonzalez
My site is at http://www.eyelevelbooks.com.
My book list reviews are at http://www.eyelevelbooks.com/building-your-library/reviews-of-book-lists-click-for-all/.
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Dr. Moore,
Thank you for another link to an excellent article by David Mills. He’s a treasure and a wise resource.
Kamilla
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