Educating Children in the Scriptures

In our church our Children's Sunday School is little more than a baby sitting organisation. The children know very little of what is in the scriptures. They mostly play games and do arts and crafts work while the adults attend the church service in the main auditorium.

There are no (age appropriate) learning objectives, assessment or certification. In the West if we think something is important each of these elements of education one not only included, they are demanded. Why are they not required when it comes to the education of our children of the scriptures?

I have noticed that such education of our children is abrogated by Christian Parents who either do nothing or if it can be afforded, send then children to Christian schools.

I came across Isidor Zwirn's biography "The Rabbi from Burbank". He describes a similar malaise amongst some synagogues he attended. His story is invaluable for the many insights he brings to me as a Christian of a lifestyle centred in Torah Study and how it has an impact on worldview, family life, community and society.

After reading his story I am challenged to

• Study the scripture in their original languages
• Review the Weekly Parasha reading with my son.

He goes on to list several scripture study principals which I have thought useful for noting here:

• Respect another person's point of view: argue one's point with the goal of gaining understanding rather than acceptance.
• If several of you disagree on a matter of exegesis or biblical interpretation, we will record them all. Then every student will investigate each one of them. After you have done so, then every one of you is to select the one that best fits your own need, and take it as your own.
• Whenever two major views seem to contradict each other, you must temporarily set them aside, and hope that a third view will eventually be found that will harmonise the two.
• Whether truth comes from a male or female, Jew or Gentile, black or white, or even from the mouth of babes we are to accept it (see Deuteronomy 1.17, Psalm 8.2 or 8.3).
• Research (doresh) with integrity results in knowledge and insight (1 Chr 16.11, Isaiah 55.6, Psa 9.11, 34.5, 34.11, 69.33).
• Knowledge and insight, plus obedience results in God's rich rewards (Deu 28.13, Isa 29.9).