Children are capable of understanding a lot more than we give them credit for. Whether we just don't understand our kids, or think they can't grasp difficult ideas because they're too young, we seem to think dumbing things down is the only way they'll get it. And yet, as author Joey Allen points out, the Bible itself tells us that children have an immense capacity for faith, and so teaching them the foundational doctrines of Christianity isn't something we need to wrap in baby language.
Allen's Big Thoughts for Little Thinkers series addresses the most important teachings of the Christian faith (Scripture, the Gospel, the Trinity, and the mission of the church) in a way kids can understand. This does NOT mean that he uses metaphors, or robs these doctrines of the their true depth and meaning by simplifying them. He doesn't compare the Trinity to an apple, and he never spouts cliches that sound like they came from a cheesy '80s Christian TV show.
Instead, he puts a cute cartoon child on each page, paired with a brief statement of Christian truth. Beneath the picture and text are relevant Scripture references. That's it. But any parent who wants to train their children in the way of truth will love not only the simplicity, but the clear and unashamed presentation of the essential doctrines of our faith. There's nothing sectarian here—Allen uses as his template the Nicene Creed, which he includes in its entirety at the end of The Trinity.
Theologians like Al Mohler and Earl Radmacher wrote brief forewords to each short volume, explaining the importance of each doctrine and why parents must teach them to their children. Allen also writes briefly to parents and teachers at the outset, indicating how each book's contents apply to our current situation. There are a lot of books attempting to teach kid's important Christian truths—these succeed in a way parents, kids and theologians will love. Highly recommended.
Review by C. Hollis Crossman
C. Hollis Crossman used to be a child. Now he's a husband and father who loves church, good food, and weird stuff. He might be a mythical creature, but he's definitely not a centaur. Read more of his reviews
here.
Review by C. Hollis Crossman
C. Hollis Crossman used to be a child. Now he's a husband and father who loves church, good food, and weird stuff. He might be a mythical creature, but he's definitely not a centaur. Read more of his reviews
here.
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