theology for children

I met up for coffee with Maggi on Friday and we shared an enjoyable hour or so talking emerging church, children and other stuff. One thing she told me about was a blog she had written and posted early today called theology for seven-year-olds. It's a fantastic account of how her son has been grasping the basics of trinitarian doctrine. So often we simplify what we believe or simply avoid mentioning certain bits of belief because we think it will be too hard for the children to understand. Maggi shows, and I've also got some similar stories, that children can grasp ideas and meaning about God, beyond some adults.  We must nuture and encourage this sense of wonder to know God more. Take the opportunity to explore theology in all its wonder with the children in your church; help them get excited about who God is and what he has done and is doing. Don't simplify bible stories, but them let stand in all their complexity  and richness. Of course, has Maggi says, we will have to find different words and pictures to explain certain things.  With this is a willingness to see our children as teachers too, as those who are able to communicate the truth of God to us. (See my previous posts here and here).

Wouldn't it be great to see a generation of children who know God as Father, Son and Spirit.

Comments

[ash]

I think this is a valuable lesson for us as a church to learn. It would be very interesting to see how we could apply this to church services in which all ages attend. I have never really been satisfied with sending the children out during part of the service... part of me thinks we just don't want to try hard enough. (I remember one time all the adults were sent out and the children remained. That was interesting. some people got very upset..)

I think we could learn a lot from this.

[Mim]

YES!!!!!! bring it on- kids can definietely understand all the important bits about God and can bring new shaeds of understanding that we had never thouhgt about...

[andy goodliff]

What I want to do next is share some ways we can help parents nuture their children's faith, encourage that wondering spirit. So any ideas or things you do, let me know.