Kids & Family
Children and Religion
Too many parents believe that all churches do not welcome children. But look around. Many churches love children, because God is Love.
Children’s Choice and Religion
Many times I have heard parents say, “ I do not want to take my children to church. They can make their own choice about religion when they grow up.” Let us examine this assumption.
When the term “religion” is used as it is used above, my guess is that the speaker is referring to the church as an institution, or a form of worship, or as prescribed set of beliefs. I have heard many adults complain that ”religion was shoved down their throats” by unsympathetic adults
Find out what's happening in Oxfordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
But this is false religion. The fact is, authentic religion points beyond man made religious institutions and belief systems to a God who is chiefly characterized by “Love.” Thus, the Christian Bible says,
“ God is love, and wherever Love is, God , himself, is there.” I John 4:16) The God of the Christian Bible calls upon us to Love Him and one another. (Matthew 22:34-40).
Find out what's happening in Oxfordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The fact is, there are some authoritarian churches which seem, to the outward observer, not to worship a God of Love; rather, they worship rules, regulations, and dogma of human origin. For many people, this is false religion.
In authentic Christian religion, children are loved as they are because we worship a God of love who wants children to discover their incredible worth in the eyes of God who made them. Thus, Jesus proclaimed , “ Let the children come to me, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:14)
How do children learn about “LOVE from the source of Love? Children are loved in Sunday Schools, Youth Groups, and Vacation Bible Schools, where they meet wonderful volunteer teachers & counselors. They learn the stories of scripture, which teach us about the God of love. They laugh, run, make friends, and sing. And in the midst of this, they grow in new friendships with their peers, in an environment that is positive, nurturing, and constructive.
Give your children the gift of Love. Try out aa Vacation Bible School, like Christ church’s which is from August 20-24 . (For more info, call 203-888-4936). For many years, the children and young people at church have taught me about authentic religion, because they have learned that profound historic truth.
“Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.”
