Biblical terminology, vocabulary or jargon: do your children know it? Do you consider it important for them to know? Why? Why not?
The Bible can be hard to understand. It can seem like a foreign language. In a sense, it is. If you were going to go and live in another country where English isn’t spoken would you try to learn the native language in an effort to understand the people, the culture? Well, the Bible can be likened to that too! Learning the language, the terminology, the use of literary style…It’s hard work. It takes study. It takes time, effort, patience and diligence. It won’t happen in 10 min a day, especially if that 10 minutes a day is spent reading someone else’s thoughts on that country or language. Naturally, you’d be much better off to spend time directly learning that language eh. So I’ve been thinking that I’d like my children to have a better grasp on the Bible and God’s plan and purpose than I did…so how am I going about that? (you can see our approach to Bible study here)
What methods are you using to teach your child to study the Bible?
I’m not talking about curriculum or a book but what methods are you teaching your children to use so that they can continue with a lifelong love and habit of studying God’s word? I’d love to hear from you.
I’m interested to hear other peoples thoughts on this because, for me, it remains a difficult subject. I know in my heart that knowing God’s word is important but I also want my children to LIVE the word IYKWIM. Since my current state of ill health I have been blessed by so many christians who DO God’s word (ringing me up to see how I am, bringing food, just coming round to share some precious time with me) and yet other people have saddened me by preaching “The Word” and telling me that I need to get my act together and believe the scriptures. I guess what I am trying to say is that I want the word to be more than just words to my children.. kind of muddled thoughts here………but something that has made me think! Sorry if I sound confusing.
Hi,
Thanks for your comment! It didn’t sound confusing, just ponderous. Like most women, I too have been through many stages throughout life…and so it has caused me to ponder this question.
I think it requires sensitivity from the Holy Spirit and looking at each child as an individual. Some children may be in the situation as an adult where using and understanding theological terms makes life quicker and easier for them whereas it might just bog another person down. However, I do think that the more understanding one has(including understanding of terminology), the greater their base of knowledge can be- of course, this doesn’t equal wisdom.
I am teaching my older daughter as much theological vocabulary and teaching as is possible- but she’s hungry and ripe for it too. Knowing certain words has helped her in understanding and also in communicating.
Anyone else?
Susan <><