Studying the Fundamentals with today's Adventist Youth

[David Edgren]

Those interested in more of my writing - some for primary kids! - check out my blog.

http://prdaveonline.blogspot.com/

for a broader look at what I do.....

http://vickids.adventist.org.au/about-us

[David Edgren]

Study number 8 - The Life, Death and Resurrection of Christ - is now finished and online!

http://vickids.adventist.org.au/28Stories

[fccool]

David,

I certainly think that narrative form works out much better than "proof-texting". For the most part, the Bible is written as a narrative.

As a kid growing up in Soviet Union, I liked mythology... and Bible stories were a part of mythology curriculum that was covered in public schools.

I think that the problem of teaching to kids using "proof-texting" approach is the underlying metaphors that are not explained to kids properly. Thus, when they grow up and begin to understand the language behind the metaphors... it becomes somewhat silly. I'm not implying that we are not teaching our kids truth. I'm pointing out that the language that we use can be somewhat misleading when used outside of the cultural context written in and meant for originally.

We teach kids that "Jesus is in our heart", for example... and they grow up believing it literally as kids tend to accept things. When they grow older, the metaphors tend to break down... just like for secular kids, Santa is really a metaphor for a fat guy in a red suit... but for kids it is someone who grants wishes. Everything tends to be much more "magical", because we don't question things as kids.

That's where modern youth tends to be a bit more informed, because they can Google anything up nowadays and do their own research. Thus we need to be a little bit more pro-active about explaining Biblical metaphors in a way that they can understand in their own cultural context.

[David Edgren]

David,

I certainly think that narrative form works out much better than "proof-texting". For the most part, the Bible is written as a narrative.

As a kid growing up in Soviet Union, I liked mythology... and Bible stories were a part of mythology curriculum that was covered in public schools.

I wish I learned mythology in school. So much of being human comes from the myths that shape us.

[David Edgren]

Thus we need to be a little bit more pro-active about explaining Biblical metaphors in a way that they can understand in their own cultural context.

So true! Our youth know and love the beauty and power of myth. They see myths everyday on the big screen & little screens everywhere. And those myths have the power to shape them - look at the lessons in the current series of vampire books/movies my Stephanie Myers. They teach abstinence, monogamy, faithfulness, self-control/restraint, community, integrity, responsibility and so much more. And the youth love them because of the rich morality in the mythology.

We must learn to tell our faith stories with the depth and wisdom of the deep mythologies being painted all around us today. It has been said that the theaters are the churches of the 21st century. Is there any question why?

[David Edgren]

All of the Studies have been updated.

They are now formatted nicely and are in booklet form. Just choose "booklet printing" when printing and double side the pages. Then fold in half and staple in the middle!

http://vickids.adventist.org.au/28Stories

[David Edgren]

Studies 9 and 10 are now available!

http://vickids.adventist.org.au/28Stories

Let me know what you think!

- Dave

[Taylor]

I am currently traveling alot and am afraid this thread will disappear. Please send me a private message with a link to your site. I want to check it out, just don't have time right now.

[olger]

Originally Posted By: fccool

Thus we need to be a little bit more pro-active about explaining Biblical metaphors in a way that they can understand in their own cultural context.

So true! Our youth know and love the beauty and power of myth. They see myths everyday on the big screen & little screens everywhere. And those myths have the power to shape them - look at the lessons in the current series of vampire books/movies my Stephanie Myers. They teach abstinence, monogamy, faithfulness, self-control/restraint, community, integrity, responsibility and so much more. And the youth love them because of the rich morality in the mythology.

We must learn to tell our faith stories with the depth and wisdom of the deep mythologies being painted all around us today. It has been said that the theaters are the churches of the 21st century. Is there any question why?

Quote from a friend,

"Television and movies are so powerful because they go right past our "filters." Indiscriminate consumption of TV and movies will make a person a walking bundle of bad habits" (Dr. Ron DuPreez).

[David Edgren]

Four new studies on 28 Stories!

That's 14 in all now.

http://vickids.adventist.org.au/28Stories

[rudywoofs (Pam)]

I like your stories...I think you're very talented.. :smile:

[nuff sed]

Australia is a long way away to bring a 'story-teller' to Campmeeting.....but good for Dave.... Now, then.....I know a couple of very-fine story-tellers a little closer to home who have done "story-telling" for youth at many different campmeetings... and would do so for transportation and accomodations. Between them they have a total of more than 80 years denominational service, with 20+ in Overseas Mission work.

If you want further info. send me a P.M. Nuff sed...

[David Edgren]

Jesus came from a lot further than Australia! lol

Nobody told stories like He did!

Studies 15 and 16 are up and ready for use. Please send me any edits and I will update the files!

- Dave

http://vickids.adventist.org.au/28Stories