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In Koine Greek, the language of the New Testament, the word “Theos” means “God” and “ology” means “the study of.” Theology, then, just means “the study of God.”
We study God by reading the Bible, which is all about Him. We also study Him by committing to understand good theology and doctrine, making certain that our beliefs and understanding line up with the whole counsel of God as it's outlined in Scripture.
I think it's really important to help our kids understand good theology from an early age.
My focus over the past ten years or so has really been on resources that help educate kids in theology, the Bible, and Christian history. I want to share with you a few great resources that you can add to your child's summer reading to help strengthen their understanding of who God is. Consider reading these aloud, or in tandem, and then discussing them with your kids.
Theology For Ages 2-7
It's difficult for me to quantify how much I love the Big Thoughts for Little Thinkers series by Joey Allen (New Leaf Press, 2005). I probably read these 100 times to my boys. I loaned them to a friend and they no longer live in our house. I think about buying them all the time just to have for my grandkids (ok, I only have one, but I know there will be more little people eventually). Joey Allen does a great job of explaining The Gospel, The Mission, The Trinity, and The Scripture for little people.
Amazon: Big Thoughts for Little Thinkers: The Gospel
Christian Book: Big Thoughts for Little Thinkers, 4 Books
Theology for 7-11 Year Olds
Catherine Mackenzie does a wonderful job of making theology fun for kids with these books. Jesus Rose from the Dead: The Evidence and The Bible is God's Word: The Evidence really focus on Scripture and who Jesus is (Christian Focus 4 Kids, 2010 and 2015 respectively).
They're a great way to add a little detective work to summer reading for middle grade kids. They've got fun line drawings, a fun premise, and the chapters have plenty of subheadings and sidebars, making them an engaging read for this age group.
Amazon: The Bible Is God's Word and Jesus Rose From the Dead – the Evidence
Christian Book: The Bible Is God's Word and Jesus Rose From the Dead
Theology For Middle School
Bitesize Theology: An ABC of the Christian Faith by Peter Jeffery (EP Books, 2000) is a great, easy-to-understand overview of theology. Mr. Jeffery covers 20 topics in short chapters (2-4 pages each) with discussion questions at the end. I highly recommend this book! It would even be appropriate as a read-aloud at family worship for older elementary students.
Amazon: Bitesize Theology: An ABC of the Christian Faith
Christian Book: Bitesize Theology: An ABC of the Christian Faith
Theology For High School
18 Words by J.I. Packer (1981, latest 2014) is a little more challenging than the others I've suggested. It is very appropriate for high school students. J.I. Packer presents 18 theological words and their definitions.
I often hear theological language that has been redefined to fit a different gospel than the one given to us by Christ. It's so important that we know what the words we use mean (I'd list them, but they're conveniently displayed on the book cover!). I think this would be a fabulous book to read in tandem with your older kids and then discuss the chapter you're all on in the evenings.
Amazon: 18 Words: The Most Important Words you will Ever Know
Christian Book: 18 Words – eBook (eBook only)
Summer reading should be fun, but it can also be really productive. Take the opportunity this summer to help your kids understand who God is just a little better.
