Unlocking the Wonders of Theology with Your Little Ones
As a parent, I’ve always been drawn to the idea of homeschooling my kids. Now, as we near the end of our second year, I’m thrilled to discover that teaching them has become a highlight of my life. One of the most surprising joys has been exploring the fascinating world of animals together. Who knew that manatees could grow so massive or that alligators lay so many eggs at once? It’s been humbling and awe-inspiring to learn alongside my children, and I’ve realized that these facts, although fascinating, won’t necessarily shape their future.
What truly matters is instilling in them a deep understanding of theology. Many parents feel overwhelmed by the thought of teaching theology because they don’t feel equipped themselves. I’m here to tell you that I, too, have spent most of my Sundays at church and received a Christian education, yet there’s still so much I don’t fully grasp. But as I venture to teach my children, I’m learning alongside them, asking questions, and seeking answers that help us all deepen our understanding of Biblical truth.
Embracing the Mystery of the Trinity
When we delve into complex topics like the Holy Spirit and the Trinity, it’s natural to feel inadequate or unqualified to teach. I, too, had to ask my partner what modalism was – an old heresy that suggests God is one person who manifests himself in different forms or “modes.” How can we avoid unintentionally communicating false ideas about God to our children? How can we keep them from thinking that God is only one person or, on the other hand, that there are three distinct gods?
Learning Together: The Key to Unlocking Theology
One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned from our homeschool animal lessons is that learning together with our children is one of the best ways to teach. When I don’t know the answer to a question, I look it up with them, and we discover together. This approach encourages them to ask questions, and we find the answers together. Why, then, should we feel ashamed to not know the answer to theological questions? Teaching your children about the Holy Spirit may feel intimidating, but the beautiful truth is that in teaching them, you’ll likely get to know, appreciate, and love the Holy Spirit even more.
Praying to Our Triune God
Praying to God is a Trinitarian act, involving all three persons of the Trinity. We can use Scriptures to pray for the Holy Spirit to do the things the Bible says he usually does. For example, we can pray for the Holy Spirit to comfort our children in times of fear or pain, just as John 14:16-17 promises. When my child wakes up in the middle of the night, afraid of thunder, we pray together, asking God to send his Holy Spirit to comfort him and help him feel God’s nearness.
Memorization: The Foundation of Understanding
Memorization is essential to comprehending and evaluating key ideas. Just as our children need to experience both pineapple and pizza to understand why they make an excellent match, they need to be exposed to theological concepts to truly grasp them. One of the greatest blessings in training our children has been seeing them memorize and joyfully recite their catechism. As they sing about the Godhead, they’re having the time of their lives, and I’m confident that this foundation will serve them well as they grow in their faith.
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