Today while driving to the Kirkwood library to check out books and visit Aunt Jeannie I was especially glad that I am a stay at home mom. Carter asked me to turn off the radio. Now keep in mind he (the soon to be 9 year old) is the one who usually asks for me to turn up the radio so I knew something important was coming. We had only been a couple miles from home when he asked "Mom, how do we know that Christianity is true and the others like Mormons are false?" A WOW kind of pause went through my head. Number one - I was astonished to hear that his critical thinking skills are being refined more. Number two - How can I explain it without giving too much detail and not enough as well? I needed wisdom in a jiffy.I explained that the Bible is true because historically it has proven to be true. I shared with him that while I studied the book of Daniel this past spring all the historical events were jumping out left and right. It was amazing to see how much stuff in the past points to what happens in the future. I also shared that there is still more is to come. I told him that the Daniel study solidified my faith. Amazing really amazing! Praise you God!
I called Dave from my cell phone to let him know of this wonderful question. He said that we will need to explain it further with him. A one liner should not be the full explanation. I fully agreed.
Carter couldn't go to his baseball game tonight due to a slight fever and neck pain so we had some quiet (ok somewhat quiet) moments in the living room. Dave was able to get out the book Evidence that Demands a Verdict, by Josh McDowell. He explained more in detail how the book goes to prove why the Bible is true and not a book of fairy tales or made up stories. How it was written by over 40 authors over the span of 1,500 years. He also pointed out what I had stated earlier with proving it historically. People have found other works / evidences (documents, books, archaeology, etc.) that has proven certain cities and people have existed in the past that are mentioned in the Bible. Dave was able to explain that one of the reasons for the Bible was to show God's redemptive plan for mankind. Much more was said. Carter was engaged very well in the conversation.
Pray for it to be clear to Carter. He asked Jesus to be his savior at a younger age. Praise God that he is thinking more deeply and wanting to know more why he believe what he believes! I am also thankful that in our family we have a close enough relationship for him to be comfortable to ask such a deep question. I am so glad he is questioning. It is healthy to do so.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. Ephesians 2:8
O LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago. Isaiah 25:1
Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands. Deuteronony 7:9
"He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or change his mind; for he is not a man, that he should change his mind." 1 Samuel 15:29
What I have said, that will I bring about; what I have planned, that will I do. Isaiah 46:11
So then, just as you received Chirst Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strenthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2: 6-7
Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him, now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy. 1 Peter 1:8
Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow!
Thankful for moments like these. - Kate
6 comments:
Praise God, Kate!
Our opportunities come out of the blue sometimes, don't they? Enjoy your precious time home with your boys! (I am really missing that)
Love you, Tiffani G
aren't mormons christians too?
Kate - we just did this Study (Evidence by Josh) on Wednesday nights at WCCC - very good stuff. I was sad to have Weds nights end.
The photo of Carter reminds me of the Coach in Facing the Giants when he stood out in the field praying to God (we watched it finally the other night as Holleigh got it for her birthday)
To answer other Anonymous' question re Mormons being Christians, "Christians" are believers and followers of Christ (not Joseph Smith and his teachings "about" Christ). Hank Hannegraf has great books/resources on www.equip.org for more info.
Love, p
Kate,
There is also a set of books including "The Case for Faith for Kids" and "The Case for Christ for Kids" (both by Lee Strobel and Rob Suggs). There is an additional book called "Off My Case" which has 12 stories to help you defend your faith (by Lee Strobel and Robert Elmer).
Kristin was asking the same questions a few months ago. We talked, and I ordered these books from christianbooks.com. They are very kid friendly, and Kristin likes them a lot.
I'm so glad kids are asking these questions---I didn't really ask them growing up, and I think my faith was the weaker for it. Once I discovered that faith is not a blind leap but a trust in what we have reasonable cause to believe because it's based on evidence and historicity, I was a much more solid believer.
Carter is blessed to be in a home like yours!
Starla
O.k., now I have read and now I am WOWED again at our children. The awesome questions that they ask and their attentiveness to God and the belief in Him that they have and want to know more about. GOD is TRULY SO GREAT.
Love you, Marnie
For the blogger who ask, aren't mormons christians too?
Fast Facts on Mormonism by John Ankerberg & John Weldon.
Christianity is monotheistic, believing in only one God, while Mormonism is polytheistic, believing in many gods. Technically, Mormon theology is "henotheistic", a form of polytheism.
Isaiah 43:10, Isaiah 44:6,8 Isaiah 45:5,21
Mormons do not believe in the biblical Trinity; they believe in tritheism, three gods for this particular earth.
Mormons believe Jesus was conceived by a physical sex act between God the Father(adam or Elohim) and Mary, thus not through a true virgin birth.
Christians believe by the Holy Spirit, who supernaturally "overshodowed" Mary, thus a true virgin birth.
Mormons believe Jesus was once sinful and imperfect.
Christians believe Jesus eternally sinless and perfect. Big difference!
Mormons believe Jesus a created being, the elder brother of Lucifer.
Christians believe Jesus, Uncreated God
Lastly Mormons believe Jesus earned his own salvation.
Christians believe as God, Jesus never required salvation.
Every time two young men in white shirts and black pants stop by to visit I invite them in and we have a friendly exchange of idea's. I never turn them away. They are polite and I respect that. However they have come to my door and I ask them about their 9 laws of eternal progression. I always ask about the star colob. How was Jesus conceived. By that time the waters are so merky that the conversation begins to take a down hill turn. I thank them for coming and usually offer them Campus Cursade for Christ four spiritual laws. Some take it and some do not.
To the Christians: Know what you believe. Stand on it.
1 Peter 3:15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.
At the current rate of growth, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints membership of 12 million is expected to double in the next 10 years.
Gram signing off.
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