Children's bible story books...

[Juvysen]

Not sure if this is really the right place to put this. We're not really christian, anymore, but I find that bible stories tend to be important cultural references (i.e. people refer in off hand ways about the ark or what have you), so I'm wondering if anyone knows of children's bible story books that are good for teaching the stories but without the "G-d loves you" or "G-d's plan", etc spin on it? I guess what i'm looking for is more straight up "here's what happened with the ark situation and Noah" but I'd rather skip the indoctrination/dogma...

I do want my kids to know the stories and whatever, but I don't want to have to explain why the book says "G-d did this to punish whoever" and why *WE* don't believe that, mostly because DD is in a phase where she'd prefer to believe anyone else over me, if that makes sense. I thought we could get around to discussing how our beliefs differ from the book later.

[zinemama]

We have this one.

http://www.amazon.com/Family-Story-B.../dp/0664221084

I like that it uses inclusive language for God, has a good number of stories about women, and contains an introduction which puts the stories in perspective: that they were told a long, long time ago, then written down, and maybe they didn't happen just like this, but people still find meaning in them.

The author does use the phrase, "living God's way" to describe people in the stories. As in, "David was trying to live God's way, but he made mistakes." But there is none of that sugary "God loves you" or "God's plan" (that I can recall!)

(We are not Christian, btw)