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Teaching Christian Apologetics to Young Children. Richard Deem. A. B. C. R E A S O N S T O B E L I E V E. Evidence for God from Science. Purpose. To present ideas for creatively teaching Christian apologetics to young children. R E A S O N S T O B E L I E V E. Keep Teaching Time Brief.
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Teaching Christian Apologetics to Young Children Richard Deem A B C REASONS TOBELIEVE Evidence for God from Science
Purpose To present ideas for creatively teaching Christian apologetics to young children REASONS TOBELIEVE
Keep Teaching Time Brief • Most Sunday School classes are 1-1½ hours • Keep teaching time under 30 minutes • Fill remaining time with: • crafts • experiments • reading or plays
Curriculum • Books: • How Do We Know the Bible is True by Lynn Waller • Internet: • Develop from materials intended for adults (I have not seen good science apologetics materialsfor children on the Internet)
Be Creative! See examples below: • non-“bouncing” universe • asteroid going through the atmosphere • extradimensional characteristics • magnetic fields
Non-“Bouncing” Universe • It was originally thought that the universe was eternal and that it would expand, contract, and continue to do so in cycles • Recent studies demonstrate the impossibility of a bounce. • Compare two models: • ball that bounces • ball that sticks (no bounce)
Cosmological Constant (Energy Density) • A function of the fabric of space • The force increases as the universe expands. • Compare to rubber band. The force of the rubber band increases as it is stretched
Asteroid Going Through the Atmosphere • Why does it get hot and glow? • Explain concept of friction • Demonstrate friction by rapidly rubbing finger on carpet (not too rapidly – you can burn your finger!)
Extradimensional Characteristics of God (1) • Explain extra dimensions from the perspective of fewer dimensions • Two dimensional universe – flat “houses”, flat “people” on a flat “table” universe • Objects appear as line segmentsThe only way to examineobjects is by walking aroundthem – compare to us
Extradimensional Characteristics of God (2) • The three dimensional cube “god” can see the entire 2 dimensional universe at once • Mrs. Chick goes into her house and closes the door (string). Nobody in her universe can see her, but the cube god sees all – compare to us and God
Extradimensional Characteristics of God (3) The Trinity (1 God 3 persons): • The three dimensional cube “god” decides to reveal himself in 3 ways to 3 inhabitants of the flat universe. The cube “god” reveals himself: • to Mrs. Chick a corner – god is a point • to Mr. Duck the intersectionof two sides – god is a line • to Mr. Dino a side – god is asquare
Magnetic Fields • The magnetic field of the earth produces the Van-Allen radiation belt that shields the earth from charged radiation particles • Use a magnet and iron filings to demonstrate magnetic fields of force
Ask Questions! • Teach concepts in bite-sized chunks • Ask “What if” or “How does this apply” type questions
Summary • Keep teaching time brief (30 minutes maximum) • Be creative - use hands-on examples when possible • Ask questions and get feedback to determine ifthey understand
Conclusion Young children are able to grasp the concepts of Christian apologetics, but curriculum must be modified to match their age level and interest