Raising Children in a World That Catechizes
As I sit with my family watching the Olympics, I’m struck by how different each iteration is from the last. The commercials, in particular, catch my attention. It seems like every other ad features a rainbow flag, two men holding hands, or someone who appears to be a woman but has a beard. The overt display of sexuality can be overwhelming, leaving me to wonder how our world is shaping the next generation.
The Unintentional Catechesis of Culture
The truth is, no matter how much we limit screen time or try to shield our children, the world is still teaching them its values. This isn’t done through formal lessons or memorization but through subtle influences like commercials, music, memes, and YouTube clips. As David Wells said, “Worldliness is whatever makes sin look normal and righteousness seem strange.” Our world normalizes sin, making it seem acceptable and desirable.
A Parent’s Responsibility
The question isn’t whether our children are being catechized but whether we’ll take an active role in their spiritual formation or leave it to the world. Even if we homeschool or send them to Christian schools, they’re still exposed to the world’s values. It’s our responsibility to intentionally teach them what is good, beautiful, life-changing, and God-glorifying.
Finding Balance
So, where’s the line between protecting our kids from the world’s influence and sheltering them in a Christian bubble? On one hand, we want to preserve their innocence and let them enjoy childhood without the burdens of adulthood. On the other hand, as they grow older, we need to expose them to the best of secular ideologies within the safety of our homes and churches. By doing so, we prepare them to engage with the world’s ideas and questions.
Teaching Children to Think Critically
Churches and families often do a great job of providing the right conclusions, but we struggle to give the reasons behind those conclusions. We need to teach our kids to think critically about the world’s values and provide them with a framework for understanding biblical truth. By doing so, we equip them to navigate the complexities of the world and make informed decisions.
Deconstructing the World’s Values
The world is constantly deconstructing Christianity, so we need to deconstruct the world’s values. We must unpack cultural ideas like “love is love” and examine what they mean, what’s true about them, and what’s misleading. By doing so, we help our kids develop a biblical worldview that stands firm against the world’s influences.
Creating a Safe and Supportive Environment
We want our kids to feel comfortable coming to us with their questions, trusting us more than a Google search. To create this environment, we need to foster an atmosphere of love, trust, respect, and fun in our homes. By doing so, we build a relationship with our kids that will help them navigate the challenges of growing up.
Practical Steps for Intentional Discipleship
So, how can we create an environment that promotes intentional discipleship and catechesis? Here are a few practical steps:
- Plan formal times of family worship, such as sharing about your day at dinner or praying together.
- Be ready for informal conversations about faith and values.
- Prioritize church attendance and make it a regular part of your family’s routine.
By taking these steps, we can help our kids develop a strong foundation of faith and prepare them to engage with the world’s values and ideas.
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