Michael Patton of Credo House just had a worthwhile post entitled: Twelve Ways to Prepare Your Children for Times of Doubt in which I think he shares some exceptional advice.
Too often Christian parents can be guilty of indoctrinating rather than educating their kids when it comes to matters of faith. (This may be unintentional.) Yet kids that have been indoctrinated are more likely to walk away from faith as adults. This second link references a study which revealed that young people who are allowed to express and explore doubt are more likely to keep the faith as adults.
Perhaps to Michael Patton’s honor, infamous Richard Dawkins has taken notice of his post and called it a “twisted and tragic way to parent.”
By the way, I need to update my “about me” as I am no longer a seminary student but a seminary graduate – as I graduated on May 11th! I took my classes at an extension site for my seminary, and was pleased to go to the main campus in Dallas, Texas for the graduation and related activities.
Congratulations on graduating! (And I agree with you we need to prepare children, and all of us, for times of doubt. And the link is a good one.
Thanks UnkleE!
ConGRADulations, Laura! Woo-hoo!
Doubt: when my son was 9, he was wrestling with whether to believe in God. He said he didn’t want to do it just because it’s what his parents believe. he wanted to know if God really existed. He was really upset about it, and struggled with the doubt for a long time. But from the very first I assured him that his doubts were something to deal with, not be upset over, and that God loved the types of questions he was asking.
How did it turn out? http://timfall.wordpress.com/2013/05/08/advice-is-overrated-encouragement-isnt/
Cheers,
Tim
Thanks Tim! That is great how you handled your son’s doubt! For a 9 yr old, he sounded like a “sensitive” and thoughtful type of child – as some kids that age would just go along and not even contemplate such things. Thankfully, he had an understanding dad to help him! Thanks for sharing, and the link too as it sounds like he’s turned out well and maintained his faith!
Congrats, Laura!
Thank you Nate!