I know there are a number of forums out there with great discussions happening, but it seems like it is mostly the same people participating in the discussion. I’m hoping to get the conversation going on here by asking an open-ended question. The goal is to get the conversation started. What happens from there is up to you. I know people don’t comment much on blogs, but I encourage you to leave a response and participate. Just the process of typing your answer may be beneficial to you. Please feel free to remain anonymous and use a pseudonym in the name line.
Last month’s question was, “Should we teach kids how to defend their faith (apologetics)?” The vote was unanimously yes.
So, here’s this month’s questions.
Do you have an active, ongoing process for teaching apologetics to kids?
For added discussion: At what age does your program begin? Do you feel your programming is effective? Do you use an apologetics based curriculum or write your own? If you do not currently have a program for teaching apologetics, what is the biggest thing holding you back?
[polldaddy poll=4648786]
I think one of the things that needs to be brought into the discussion of kids and apologetics is the nature of how you define apologetics now. I had the privilege of putting together an article on my views about kids and apologetics and how to go about it in with spiritual formation in mind. Here’s the link to my blog post about it, which has a download link for the CMMag article http://www.elementalcm.com/2010/02/26/formational-apologetics/
Henry, that was a great article and I like the perspective. This is exactly the kind of discussion I was hoping to start with these questions.
I do, however, have to disagree slightly. Kids will inevitably turn into teens. I have met so many teens who have a passion for Jesus and have a true relationship with him, but have no idea what that really means! They don’t know why they believe certain things, they just do. In today’s increasingly hostile towards Christians world, I don’t think we do ourselves any favors by being uneducated. It’s the old “Faith seeking understanding.” We believe, but then we must learn to understand why we believe it.
The best part about apologetics for me is that it doesn’t show our faith as weak; rather, it shows that our faith can stand up to even the deepest scrutiny. I have yet to meet someone who, using proper science and investigation, can give a convincing argument against my faith that Jesus is the Son of God.
I lead a small group of 9-12 yr olds and am looking for good apologetic resources for them…any ideas??
Have you checked out What’s in the Bible? This is a great starter program.