I just read a sentence from a children’s lesson about the Bible that leaves me bewildered. I don’t want to reveal the source, but here is the sentence: “Through the past centuries many ungodly men have determined and tried to destroy the Bible, the Word of God, but have not been able to accomplish it.”
Folks, this is whistling past the graveyard. The writer is saying:“I have this uneasy feeling that there might be something scary out there, so I’ll make a happy noise and pretend that I’m not scared.”
That just won’t do. Children who are old enough to read something at this level, with its bombastic writing style, already know that confidence in the Bible has been destroyed for the majority of the people in our country. Even among those who say they are Christians and go to church, many don’t believe the first few chapters of the Bible can be considered to be fact.
Our children deserve something more than “don’t worry, just believe.” We need to endow them with a solid foundation of why the Bible can be trusted. If it’s not being done, someone needs to write a new series of lessons for children who are coming into that age where they are beginning to question the meaning of life and the validity of faith. Let’s give them solid information, not platitudes.
I think I may have just talked myself into doing some writing.
Itwould be very good if someone could write some more convincing bible study lessons for teenagers especially. But also the younger ones. I don’t think I have that gift, but sure would encourage you or anyone who would feel inspired.
I get frustrated sometimes and that isn’t very helpful. I have been thinking it might be better if I could make a small beginning at showing how I think we could communicate more effectively in English. That should have the added benefit of making translation easier.