Why we believe
Teaching kids ‘gentle, respectful’ apologetics In the high school years, they learn to express themselves [Rhetoric Stage]. This is an excellent progression for teaching Memes on the Internet (on Facebook, in our children to become gentle and respectful particular) are often interesting, and many apologists. In their younger years, they can abtimes false. Just ask Abe Lincoln. But I must sorb the stories about Adam and Eve, of Noah, admit, they sometimes spark my interest, and Jonah, and so many other events. Then, in which leads me to dig deeper to discover the their middle school years, they can be taught to truth on a matter. analyze those stories to better understand the Take, for example, a meme stating that nature of God and the reasons behind biblielementary students in Japan are not given cal events. Following that, in their high school tests in their first years of school so they can years, they can learn to consider and declare develop a love for learning. This meme is how the truth they find in scripture provides appealing. After all, it’s “common knowlanswers to problems and concerns they see edge” that Japanese students study hard and around them. get good grades. Then, with that recollecSo how can we teach kids these things? Enlisttion, our brains rationalize that this desire to Daniel Bobinski ing the aid of a pastor or a Bible teacher is one do well in school must be borne out of a love way, but I think that’s abdicating the responsibilities we were for learning that was developed early on. given in Deuteronomy 6. Thankfully, other resources are The problem? The meme is false. Elementary schools in available. One excellent resource is Sean McDowell’s new Japan do test in the early grades. They’re not long, comprebook, “A New Kind of Apologist.” Its subtitle is three simple hensive exams, but testing is done. That’s because teachbullet points: “Adopting fresh strategies, Addressing the laters need to assess whether learning is occurring and make est issues, and Engaging the culture.” I don’t make a dime instructional adjustments if necessary. Then, with a strong promoting this book, but it’s my strong belief that a book like foundation, children have the tools they need to succeed in this will help you as you help your children learn to articulate subsequent grades. I share this story because I believe it’s important for parents reasons for their faith. And who knows? As the saying goes, you just might learn something yourself. to ensure their children understand the Gospel at an early Another great book is “Cold-Case Christianity for Kids.” age, because it rarely happens by accident. As a Christian The book’s main author, J. Warner Wallace, used to be an parent, I’m hoping you want your children to grasp the vital truths about God’s love and the need for Jesus’ blood to wash avowed atheist who worked as a cold-case homicide detective. Warner became an ardent follower of Jesus when he away sins. And if the Great Commission has any impact on realized that evidence about Jesus and the Bible was unavoidyour thinking (to go therefore and make disciples of all nations, bapably true. His book is a hit with kids and adults alike, and tizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy I’m quite confident it will help you engage your children in Spirit, teaching them to observe all that [Jesus] commanded), then we meaningful conversations about the Gospel. And, like before, should definitely want our children to be well-equipped with you just might learn something yourself ! knowledge about the Gospel. These are just two of many books available for teaching As you probably know, parents equipping their children our youth to apply solid logic and express with confidence is commanded by God. We are instructed to impress God’s why they believe the Bible. A trip to a bookstore or a visit to commandments on our children (Deuteronomy 6:6-7) and Amazon.com will provide many additional options. raise up children who can give good answers to people who My wife and I teach apologetics in our speech and debate ask them about their faith (1 Peter 3:15). In other words, we club for homeschooled teens, so we’re striving to equip the should teach our children not only the Gospel, but also the next generation every week. But you can equip your children, rationale for why they should believe it. and with so many resources available, you can do it anyBecoming aware of the reasons for our faith and articulatwhere, anytime. ing those reasons to others is known as apologetics. UnforOur children are growing up seeing lots of conflicting mestunately, too many apologists come across as know-it-alls, always seeking to be victorious in an argument in which their sages. Some of what they see will be true. Much will be only partially true, and some of it will be outright false. After all, opponent is proven wrong. The apostle Peter said that’s not don’t you remember that picture of Abe Lincoln saying not the way to do it — that instead we should give answers for our faith with gentleness and respect. This adds to our task as to believe everything you read on the Internet? So perhaps the best thing we can do is equip our kids to articulate the parents, but it’s an awesome and fulfilling responsibility. logic of their faith, and to do so with gentleness and respect. To set a framework, recall the image you may have had at If we don’t teach them these things, who will? g the beginning of this article — of young students in a classroom. Now consider what educator and author Susan Wise Daniel Bobinski is the director of Family Experience Ministries (famiBauer says in her new book, “The Well-Educated Mind”: lyexperience.net). He’s also a homeschooling dad, an author/speaker Classical education depends on a three-part process of training the on emotional intelligence and personality styles, and a popular speaker mind. The early years of school are spent in absorbing facts, systematically laying the foundations for advanced study [Grammar Stage]. In the and trainer at conferences and retreats. Reach him at familyexperience@ outlook.com or (208) 375-5048. middle grades, students learn to think through arguments [Logic Stage]. By Daniel Bobinski
March / April 2017 | Christian Living
www.boisechristianliving.com