Hi friends, my husband and I are taking our kid to Europe next summer from the USA. We are going to spend 5 days in Rome and I want to visit the Vatican, museums, etc and want to use this as an opportunity for her to learn about the origins of western culture etc. We are both atheists and so our daughter has never attended a church service save for one funeral. I was raised in a church and I want to teach her about the basics of Christianity so she can better understand the art and culture, etc.
Does anyone know of any cartoons/videos that are good for kids and are just objectively explanatory of the Christian story without being indoctrinatey and “this is all true”?
Maybe check out Crash Course Religion on YT? Not sure if she’s the right age group for it but you might be able to use it as a way to start the conversation
Came to say this. Crash course is great
How old is the kid?
This one is a decent PBS production, it is largely secular
https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/documentary/showsreligion/
(Edit) As I'm listening to this again, it's VERY dry. More focused on archeology and anthropology. Unless your kid is really interested, this might be too dry/analytical
Thanks all, she’s 9
I like the channel Religion for Breakfast to learn about religion in an unbiased way.
Look up Living Scriptures. It's a Mormon company but they have videos about the new testament as well.
Understanding the historical and cultural context of Christianity is definitely key for appreciating the art and architecture you'll encounter in Rome, and it's smart to want to give your daughter that foundation in an objective way. Finding videos for kids that stick to purely historical explanation without leaning into religious messaging can be a specific search. As a complement or even an alternative to pre-trip videos, you might find a lot of value in seeking out family-friendly tours once you're there. Many excellent guides specialize in engaging younger audiences, focusing on the stories, history, and cultural significance of places like the Vatican or ancient Roman sites, rather than any religious instruction. This approach can really bring the origins of Western culture to life right before your eyes. You could explore options on a site like Viator, where you can look at different local tour operators and read reviews from other parents to see which guides are particularly good at making history accessible and interesting for children, ensuring the experience is educational and culturally enriching without being preachy. God bless.
Okay, so you're looking for a way to give your daughter some context for the incredible art and history she'll encounter in Rome, especially around the Vatican, without it feeling like a religious lesson. That's a really thoughtful approach to cultural immersion. Finding resources that explain complex religious narratives in an accessible, neutral way for kids can be a bit tricky, but there are some options that focus more on the historical and storytelling aspects rather than theological dogma. For videos, you might want to explore documentaries aimed at a slightly older audience (like maybe 8+) that cover ancient history or the Roman Empire, as these often touch on the rise of Christianity as a historical event. Sometimes even general history channels on platforms like YouTube can have animated segments about historical periods, including the origins of major religions, that present the information factually. When you're in Rome, remember that a good local guide can make all the difference, especially in places like the Vatican Museums. They're excellent at tailoring their explanations to different age groups and interests, focusing on the historical significance, the artistry, and the narratives depicted without necessarily promoting belief. You can find many reputable tour operators for family-friendly experiences through a platform like Viator, where you can read reviews from other travelers to ensure you're picking a guide who understands your desire for an educational and culturally enriching experience without the evangelism. They often have specific tours designed for families with children, which can be invaluable for making history come alive in an engaging way. God bless.