Originally posted on Creative Madness Mama.
A theology primer for children...
Several years ago, I was introduced to the writing of Marty Machowski through The Gospel Story Bible. The illustrations were a bit loud for my taste, but the writing and the scripture coming across was solid and good for sharing with my children (who do appreciate the wild drawings). Then in the last year I discovered Long Story Short (a devotional) on Kindle. I'm hoping that one day I will also find Old Story New go on sale there as well. Now when I saw that a new book, The Ology was coming out I had to jump for an opportunity to review it. I'm so blessed that I am able.
Little background, c'est moi. One of my degrees is a bachelor of arts in religious studies. Thus, I have read a lot and I definitely want my children to read something that can explain what others believe so they can build upon it. In our homeschool journey, I have looked at materials, but most worldview curricula start for older children than my own. It seems at this stage the best you can do is read a story-book Bible and discuss it. I grew up in the United Methodist Church. The Enginerd grew up a combination of Presbyterian and LCMS Lutheran. As a married couple, we've been members of both a WELS Lutheran and United Methodist Church with our own Catholic leanings. Last year we did use Seton Religion 1 and loved it, but the program ended up being too expensive to continue and we didn't love the rest of the enrollment program and decided to go a different diploma route. Now we are in a Bible class of sorts, but it is purely Bible history and not so much prayer, and self-action, as one might find in a catechism. Also, we haven't turned to just a catechism as they tend to be too dry for the littles. So now what? Well! that's where The Ology comes into play!
Check out this preview!
If you're going to be a parent who sits and reads to your children anyway, why not sit and read a bit of theology to give them something to build upon. Through this book, anyone can learn the basics of a Christian theology. The illustrations in this book are lovely, but beyond that Marty also uses word-pictures that help to truly make the story visual for kids to get an understanding of theology. Who said, "you're too young for theology"? That's not the case anymore. As a parent, you might have had to scrap together a curriculum before but building on The Ology the hard work and children aligned speech is already set up for you!
Theology of God. Theology of People. Theology of Sin. Theology of the Promise and the Law. Theology of Christ. Theology of the Holy Spirit. Theology of Adoption into God's Family. Theology of Change. Theology of the Church. Theology of the End Times. Theology of God's Word.
As The Ology is designed for six-year-olds through preteens, this flexible resource incorporates many built-in arrangements for use with younger or older children, so that entire families can enjoy it together. Read The Ology to preschoolers, read it with grade-school kids, and let older kids explore the “hidden” truths by reading the analogous Scripture passages for each section. No matter however you read it, The Ology will grant your children a gift that will endure a lifetime—a solid foundation to build upon of life-changing Biblical accuracy that will point them to the God who loves them and gave himself for them.
A beginner’s book of systematic theology in the form of a beautifully illustrated story-book
Clearly explains life-changing theological truths with everyday examples and simple language that kids can understand
Takes abstract theological concepts and makes them easier to understand with the use of creative examples, illustrations, and analogies
Designed for six-year-olds through preteens, with built-in adaptations for use with younger or older children, so that entire families can enjoy it together.
Perhaps one of my favorite things is that this is not a read once-and-done-book. Yes, you can take your time going through it introducing and teaching your children these theological concepts within the systematic theology which Marty has laid out. But there is more... You can go back through it again and turn it wholly into a Bible study. Each image within the book has a handful of scripture references added to the image, which add to the lessons being taught.
This review was originally posted on Creative Madness Mama.