Anniepeter-I reread your post and you made some great points. I keep thinking about how scripture tells us to think on whatsoever things are lovely, pure, of good report, etc.
Our children do need to know that man can be incredibly evil and how so many heroes of the faith have given their lives for our Savior. It’s vital that we know what our Redeemer suffered for our sake. It’s important to know about how the martyr who denied Christ, repented and thrust his hand into the fire first because it was that hand who had betrayed his Savior.
However, do we need to wallow in blood and gore on a daily basis? Do we need to know all the details concerning the deaths and torture of people throughout history? I would be fine with “so and so was beheaded” or “he was killed for His faith in Christ” for most historical figures. There is a way to state things, and include the necessary details, without giving children nightmares!
My daughter is 13 so she is able to handle some detail. I am holding off on some of the more horrific episodes in history until her last years of high school. We are covering them now-just waiting to go more in depth until she’s a bit better able to handle it.