… whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable —if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Philippians 4:8 NIV
Next to the Bible, Shakespeare offers our children the richest and most lasting experience with language and literature. His comedies, tragedies, histories, and sonnets are a gateway to a new realm of language mastery.
Shakespeare, often called the “Bard of the Bible,” had a deep understanding of the Scriptures. His mind was steeped in the Bible, reflecting the philosophy and quality of education during the Protestant Reformation. He references over 1,300 verses, 18 books of the Old Testament and 18 books of the New Testament, and many Biblical themes and characters, demonstrating his intimate and profound connection with the Scriptures.
The great joy of Shakespeare is that his works were meant to be heard and seen not just read. Even the youngest children delight in acting out famous scenes from the plays and can develop a love of the Bard that de-mystifies his work and cultivates a taste for the great classic tradition in literature and theater.
Parents and teachers can access two resources for reading aloud Shakespeare’s stories. These volumes are written with children in mind, but adults will enjoy them, too: Tales from Shakespeare by Charles and Mary Lamb, and Stories from Shakespeare by Marchette Chute.
Teach the Children
- Shakespearean plays offer many valid answers to human problems that teach the great truths of the Christian faith.
- Shakespeare’s plays clearly reveal “conscience” in his characters, and the principle that “conscience is our most sacred property.”
- Shakespearean plays acknowledge the sovereignty of God and His providence in the affairs of man.