Learning About God From A to Z

In 26 lessons (one for each letter of the alphabet), Mary Erickson presents a hands-on introduction to theology for families that emphasizes both understanding who God is and letting that knowledge inform everyday behavior. Each chapter covers one of God's attributes ('A' for almighy, 'B' for blessing-giver, etc.) through puzzles, discussion questions, application, crafts and prayers. While you could use it with younger kids, Learning About God from A to Z is ideal for upper-elementary students; older kids won't get much out of it.

Erickson uses a variety of creative approaches to introduce each topic. In one lesson, kids "interview"Daniel after his experience in the lions' den; in another, they stage a play about the lives of Esther and Mordecai. She also emphasizes Bible knowledge as the foundation of genuine theological understanding. Students are instructed to "color-code" passages in their Bibles—underline or highlight them with specific colors according to the them or doctrinal truth found in those verses.

There is some help for parents and teachers to know how to plan each lesson, though there is also plenty of room for supplementing or editing according to your own needs. The author stresses the importance of student participation and a relaxed atmosphere, and encourages adults to use the lessons as jumping-off points rather than rigorously completing each exercise and activity and nothing more. While you can use this text as a consumable workbook, you can make multiple copies for classroom and home use.

Published and formerly used by Sonlight, Learning About God from A to Z is an excellent way to introduce younger kids to theological study without confusing them needlessly with esoteric terminology. While that should definitely come later, kids need information they can handle and process, and this book definitely provides that. An educator in churches and schools for over 35 years, Erickson definitely understands how to communicate immense ideas to children, and ably helps you in the same process through this book.