Crows and the Missing Piece

Apologetics with James and Ruth picture book series

Preschool-3rd Grade

Was the Bible’s transmission reliable?

Hearing that the Bible has “thousands of differences” can be alarming. Especially if those differences are framed as changes, mistakes, or omissions. In addition to that framing, when we consider the vast amount of time over which Scripture was recorded, and the reality that many most of us can’t read the original languages used for recording, our alarm can quickly spiral into overwhelm.

But ‘overwhelm’ not.

We pray this story will help you introduce children to the basic grammar of the Bible’s transmission, preempt common misconceptions, and lay a foundation for deeper conversations.

What’s it about?

While James and Ruth piece together a puzzle, they meet a pair of crows. Was the Bible carefully passed down, the crows wonder, or is it a mish-mash of mistakes? Has our Bible changed over time? Should we worry about errors and lost truths?

After the story

Two activity suggestions to reinforce the reliability of transmission
Letter to adults explaining the intention and scope of the book
Additional books and research, including 4 recommended resources from scholars and experts
Bible memory verse coloring page, and puzzle activity download

Download the Puzzle Activity page