According to a Barna study of young adults who no longer believe the Bible:
- 40% first had doubts in middle school.
- 44% first had doubts in high school.
- 11% first had doubts in college.
The first questions we often get from our preschoolers are how and why? As kids get older, they begin to use logical thinking and want to distinguish between fantasy and reality. They go from asking things like Is Jesus stronger than Daddy? to If Jesus died on a cross, how can he live in my heart?
During this Easter season, I want my kids to know that it’s ok to ask questions. As parents, we need to listen first and not shame our kids for expressing doubts. As important, we need to not only know what we believe but why we believe.
Do you think it’s ok to doubt? And are you prepared for the questions?
Doubts are the ants in the pants of faith – Frederick Buechner
3 comments:
I think it's healthy to doubt. For children, it is a starting point for them standing on their own feet, deciding what is important to them, who God is ect. As parents - if we've gone through that doubting stage, then we can understand more what our children are going through and not get into such a panic about it!
Thanks Steena! I couldn't agree more.
Doubts may arise when what the mind knows questions what the heart or soul feels. True faith isn't based solely on reason. For some questions, that is the answer. Developing trust in that is part of the growth process - and not just for kids!
MC
Post a Comment