Theology is a term that carries certain weight with it. Scholars and theologians often use it, but the average layperson would prefer to avoid it. It can feel like a daunting subject, and one we are just not up to the task of tackling.
If it is intimidating to the average layperson, then it is no wonder so many parents avoid teaching their children theology. Not many people feel up to the task, and it is also wrongly assumed by some that children cannot understand such things. The most that children are expected to grasp are simplified versions of Bible stories told in as engaging a way as possible, and please include a craft project immediately afterward. They’ll need that to ward off the inevitable boredom of listening to you.
Theological discussions, rather than being commonplace amongst Christians, are reserved for learned men, preferably ordained pastors. These are the people who should be interested in theology! The rest of us run-of-the-mill, ordinary sorts ought to content ourselves with their sermons or writings on the matter and focus our sights on more pressing day-to-day issues, like our jobs and our parenting problems.
What’s the problem with this?
The problem is that our jobs and parenting issues all connect back to our theology! Theology, simply put, is the study of God. It’s not an obscure subject disconnected from your daily life; rather, theology is your daily life. Think of it this way: Christians are supposed to be followers of Christ—in other words, they believe in and follow Jesus Christ, who was God in the flesh. So, if Christians follow Jesus, that means they are following God. To do this, however, Christians need to know something about Him. Where do we learn about Him? In His Word, where He has revealed Himself to us. When you read and know His Word, you are engaging with your theology. You are learning what to believe and how to think about the fundamental issues of life.
It is through our theology that we view the entire world: who God is, how He views us, our purpose here on earth, how we perceive other people, our understanding of right and wrong, good and evil, our view of just and unjust actions, our perspective on parenting, discipline, authority, and more. Our theology even shapes our inner life—what we spend our time thinking about and pursuing. It also guides how we worship the one true God, or whether we even take the time to worship Him at all.
Far from theology being something that only the pastor should focus on, it is the foundation of everything you do, think, and choose as a Christian (and this includes your role as a parent!). Our children’s lives are equally built on the foundation of their theology. When parents help a child see the theological connections to daily life, theology goes from being dry and boring to fascinating and helpful. An understanding of God and His Word (i.e. theology) is what lights their path, providing insight into the way they should go and supporting them in their daily spiritual battles.
Theology is not an esoteric pursuit reserved for pastors; it should be the top priority of what parents teach their children. If we neglect theological discussions, we quickly leave a void for what guides and directs our children. Every aspect of a child’s beliefs, choices, and daily life will be connected to their theology. Whether those beliefs are based on God’s Word or on their best friend’s beliefs, the latest social media trends, or popular ideologies depends on you as the parent. Your child will form beliefs about God, about themselves, and about the universe no matter what you do. The only question is whether those beliefs will be rooted in fact or fiction.
