The Bible should be used to teach pupils about creative writing because it acts as the ideal template for storytelling, according to academics.
The Old and New Testament should be employed to encourage children to learn about characterisation, themes and structuring a narrative, it was claimed.
Researchers from Exeter University said 11- to 14-year-olds should be encouraged to learn about stories such as the creation, Noah and the flood, David and Goliath, the nativity, Jesus turning water into wine and the crucifixion – then reinterprete them using a series of literary techniques.
Writing in the guide, they encourage teachers to “think of it like a television drama series”, adding: “Each episode tells a small story of its own, but is also part of broader narrative.”
The guide – The Art of Bible Reading – suggests a range of creative exercises using the Bible involving writing, acting and drawing. This includes imagining Noah’s experiences on the Arc and writing his diary entries and staging a play retelling the story of David and Goliath.
Esther Reed, professor of theology and religion at Exeter, said the Bible could be used by teachers in a number of ways to encourage children to develop creative writing skills.
Speaking to the Times Educational Supplement, she said the book helped children understand about complex themes such as temptation and gender politics.
“The Adam and Eve story has been told in the church in ways that subjugate women,” she said. “These stories have influenced how Western culture has developed.”
The approach has been backed by the National Association for the Teaching of English.
Mick Connell, co-director, said both Testaments “fit anecdotal and allegorical stories within a larger narrative”, adding: “It’s a really interesting narrative model. And, of course, they are cracking good stories.”
He said: “Retelling can be fantastic. If you were to tell the story of the immaculate conception from Joseph’s view point, you would have a very different kind of narrative. Why did he accept Mary? Why did he marry her?”