If mindless literalism is such a bugbear, then why do you risk its perpetuation by telling children that myth is true? Why not just tell them the truth? There's a piece in tomorrow's Guardian by the food critic Jay Rayner, railing against the dismal practice in some eateries of having a "children's menu". Children are more than capable of eating food from the grown-up menu, and he proved it by taking his kids to the Fat Duck, which has has one of the most sophisticated menus of any restaurant. Making them eat eat bland, safe food is bad education in enjoying food.. So give your kids the grown-up stuff. Tell them the truth, that much of the Bible may be based on myth, that Jesus may or may not have existed, that they should ask for evidence about God. Kids can take the truth and they'll trust you for ever if you give it to them.