Kids understand God better with parents help

Scripture is a collection of documents that speaks to the relationship between God and humanity. It is also the way that our Christian heritage has been passed down from generation to generation.

But this has not always been the case. Our sacred story evolved slowly from an oral to a written form over hundreds of years. Long before writing developed, the earliest Hebrew people told stories of their relationship to God.

The oral tradition included law codes, ancient hymns, prayers and recited stories. If this is our heritage as Christians, then we shouldn't have stopped passing on our stories.

Research out of Cardiff University by Dr. Jonathan Scourfield says that our success rate, as Christians, for the transmission of religion to the next generation is only 29 percent. Muslims have a 77 percent success rate while Jews and other religions are at 65 percent. Even non-believers rate a solid 93 percent.

Some churches do a much better job than others but, overall, Christianity is losing the battle - for now. Maybe we are overly concerned with offending others. Maybe being politically correct is keeping us quiet.

As Christians, we need to teach our children. We need to teach them in ways that are different and creative. You can't expect children who have grown up with iPads, cell phones, and computers to be happy with a coloring sheet in Sunday school.

Children need to be involved and connected to the stories. Let them bring their iPhones and iPads to class and look up scripture or religious history. Let them research and discuss how the bible came to be. Get them involved in a Sunday service.

Kids are smart and able to do much more than many adults think they can. Have them light candles, sing, read scripture or dance. Making kids feel needed and interested in church is the first step to helping them learn.

In Dr. Scourfield's research study, he says that the Muslim religion is so successful because "Religion is made part of a child's daily routine and they spend time in religious places. It becomes central to their identity."

In Jewish schools, students are encouraged to argue over the scripture, analyze it and discuss it with others. All opinions are heard and valued.

Is religion part of your daily life? Do you set an example for others? Do you read scripture daily? Do you share your beliefs with others?

Jesus wasn't afraid to teach. He taught religion in many different ways; parables, one-on-one, in groups and by example. He taught everyone but he had a special place in his heart for children.

Matthew 19:13 says, "Then children were brought to Him so He might put His hands on them and bless them. But the disciples rebuked them.

Jesus said, Leave the children alone, and don't try to keep them from coming to Me, because the kingdom of heaven is made up of people like this."

Jesus knew the importance of religious education. As Christians we need to follow Jesus' example and share our stories with children and adults who have never heard the Good News.

Don't be afraid to do this for Jesus. He wasn't afraid to die for you.