Travelling a faith journey takes
good walking shoes. It’s exciting to come to new understandings of how God
works in your life and others. It seems the older I get, the more questions I
have. Perhaps that's because as I reflect I wasn't
previously prepared to challenge that which others might think untouchable. Someone said, ‘You get older and bolder’. I
like that invitation.
Madeleine
L'Engle, often criticized by Christians for her theological position, was
also criticized by some secular press as being too Christian. Because she
didn't seem to fit in either perspective, she apparently made her way somewhere
down through the middle creating a following who could, without problem,
explore theological truths for themselves.
One of her
statements has always made me stop and think, perhaps it is because I taught
Sunday school for a long time before entering the ordained ministry. Madeleine's father slept late in the morning, due to illness, and "There was
no one to take me to Sunday School. I have talked with such a surprising number
of people who have had to spend most of their lives unlearning what some
well-meaning person taught them in Sunday School, that I'm glad I
escaped!" (Walking on Water, p. 58)
Fortunately
as a child, I had excellent Sunday school teachers, all of whom were women and
for the most part related to one another and to me as we were a small rural
community. Bessie lived a faithful and devoted Christian life, (second
cousin of my mother's); Beatrice, (my first cousin) also lived the same
kind of life devoted to following the Christian faith and Florence, another
disciple and faithful servant of Christ in the church were the only teachers I
had.
As I reflect
back, it is not so much what these women taught me in facts and figures, but
the love in which they told the old stories helped me to experience God's love and acceptance
in my life.
As these
women had opportunity to see me 'grow in wisdom and stature', I too have
been able to see some of my Grade V Sunday school class develop in faith and
service. Truly a daunting experience.
So, in answer
to L'Engle's statement, I don't feel I have much to unlearn and perhaps a stronger gift was one of being greatly
encouraged to critically examine faith. I was encouraged to challenge
traditional thought, ask questions and struggle with some of the established
truths.
Children’s
questions can be very thought-provoking which helps them develop a working
theology even as they are being mentored by loving elders.
My Sunday school
teachers revealed a glimpse of the Kingdom of God to me. I hope I did likewise to the classes I had.
Blessings
Donna
6 Point your kids in the right direction—when
they’re old they won’t be lost (Proverbs 22:6).
NEW Blog: https://grieveandgrow.wordpress.com
4 comments:
Thanks, Donna. Your journey of growing up in the faith and in Sunday School and appreciating the investment your S.S. teachers made in your life, mirrors much of my own. And also your tendency now, as per Ms L'Engle's, to examine more closely aspects of what you've been taught. I've found that to be strengthening; holding some aspects more loosely, while adhering ever more firmly to the chief core tenets. Thanks for the gentle stimulation! :) ~~+~~
I believe we really have to start teaching faith to young minds. The foundation will be strong then. :)
Happy weekend!
Yes, our faith journey grows even more interesting as we open ourselves to new truths. Thanks for your comment. As always, so encouraging.
I loved Sunday School and I love teaching it. I hope I was one of those teachers who allowed children to ask challenging questions and encourage them to own their faith. Good thoughts, Donna.
Pam Mytroen
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