Is There a Separate Gospel for Kids?

In just six weeks, I take the plunge. I'm getting married. Did you know that marriage involves two commitments? Yes, it's a commitment to the person you're marrying to be faithful to them. But that implies another commitment: to not look to anyone else to provide what your spouse was meant to provide. In the language of the old marriage vows, it was, "forsaking all others."

What beliefs are we asking kids to "forsake" when they become Christians?

Because Christianity is that kind of commitment. At the same time as we believe in the power of God to forgive and restore and regenerate us, we are simultaneously choosing to believe that nothing else can do those same things for us.

So when we mix the gospel with a heavy dose of character education, we are asking kids to make a dual commitment.

When we tell kids God is full of grace but only teach laws and rules, we are misrepresenting the God to whom we want them to be committed.

When we say things like, "Christians don't do that..." we are subtly communicating that God's acceptance comes with conditions.

On the other hand, when we say to them, "All you need to do is ask Jesus into your heart," we are teaching a superficial Christianity, failing to paint the picture of a life-transforming, all-encompassing gospel.

There is not a separate gospel for kids.

Just as you or I aren't saved by being "good", neither are they.

Just as you or I don't live as Christ's disciples by trying harder and gutting it out, neither do they.

Just as you or I don't persevere through trials by the power of positive thinking, neither should they.

And the things we are taught when we are young are very, very difficult to undo. Have you known any adults who say things like, "I'm not into religion - too many rules", or, "I don't need Christianity in order to be a good person"? I have too. Too many. That's why we need to get it right the first time.