For This Is Right

The Ten Commandments were not intended primarily to change anyone's behavior per sé, but to bring the hearts of His people closer to God. The Fifth Commandment—to honor father and mother—is intended to bring the hearts of parents and children together in His service. For This Is Right aims directly at children, asking a series of probing questions to help kids examine their attitudes and behavior toward their parents, as well as their attitudes toward authority in general and Christ in particular.

Based on questions 123-128 of the Westminster Larger Catechism, the text begins with suggestions for its use and exhortations to pursue personal Bible study. Then come 100 pages of questions (each one accompanied by relevant Scripture verses) which children are to answer honestly and as completely as they are able. These range from "Am I a contented member of my family?" to "Do I observe and learn from the mistakes and discipline of my siblings?" and "Do I believe that God will sovereignly direct my life through my parents?"

At the end are ideas for projects and further Bible study (for instance, a study of the book of Proverbs is encouraged; you might look at Hidden Treasures, a Proverbs study also from Doorposts). A glossary offers thorough definitions of key words appearing in the text. While children could work through the text on their own, it is much more effective to have parents and children discuss each question together. The authors of the Doorposts materials constantly stress the importance of parental guidance, and its importance is particularly evident here.

This isn't an easy study. If you're looking for fun pictures or goofy activities that supposedly teach Biblical truth, look elsewhere. The questions contained in this volume will require intense self-examination of a sort most adults don't even engage in. In fact, as parents work through this text with their children, they will likely find themselves asking the same questions, and facing conviction as they realize their own lives don't reflect all the characteristics For This Is Right presents. One of the best books of its kind we've seen, this is truly a Bible-oriented character study for the whole family.

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.