Questions from kids

[Forest]

My eight year old son asked me a question the other day...

He said, Dad, "I know no one would ever think this, but how do you know that it is real."

I said "How what is real?"

He said "Heaven and Jesus."

How would you have answered an eight year old child?

[holo]

Tough one.

Leonard Cohen sings "I know that I'm forgiven but I don't know how I know."

I believe this is what the bible speaks of when it mentions God's Spirit testifying with our spirit, and the Holy Spirit being the seal of our salvation. I don't really think it has to do with intellect.

But I'm not so sure that answer would make an eight year old much wiser. In any case he needs to figure out his own faith. I think a lot of those who "fall away" are actually falling away from other people's faith.

[Reformationist]

My eight year old son asked me a question the other day...

He said, Dad, "I know no one would ever think this, but how do you know that it is real."

I said "How what is real?"

He said "Heaven and Jesus."

How would you have answered an eight year old child?

This is a difficult scenario on many levels, partially because of the limits of a child's rational comprehension of issues of faith and partially because a defense of Christianity is oftentimes a cyclical argument. Those needing tangible proof of the existance of God need only look at the creation. However, if one is unwilling to attribute the existance of the created order to the God of the Bible you won't have much luck in convincing them of the veracity of the Bible Itself. "I know God is real because God says He's real" is generally a fruitless defense. The most we can acknowledge is that believers have something that non-believers don't and that "something" is faith. Either non-believers have had their faith removed or believers have had faith added to their nature. The former is a nonsensical notion which creates more questions than it answers. The latter answers the question your son asks and is compatible with the account given in the Gospel.

"We believe in the existance of God Almighty because He has given us the great gift of faith that we may be with Him forevermore."

That is what I would have said to my son were he to ask that question.

God bless

[JVD]

I always go back to Jesus Christ. If he was real, if he died and rose again...then I can accept the rest.

So there is real historical evidence of the above. Was cleopatra real? Was plato real? Was Alexander the great real? There is just as good evidence that Jesus was real. Then there is all the additional written records of the early church fathers etc.

[Forest]

I don't think he is looking for "tangible proof", but that he is wondering about believing in things we can't see, like heaven. It really is a fair question to ask why believe in things we can't see.

He just surprises me sometimes. He also wanted to know where preachers come from and if God can see everything at the same time. The answers I gave for those seemed simple for him to understand.

And just when I think we are getting into a deep interesting discussion, his next question is Dad, can we get some ice cream now?

[RP1000]

I believe this is what the bible speaks of when it mentions God's Spirit testifying with our spirit, and the Holy Spirit being the seal of our salvation. I don't really think it has to do with intellect.

Yes its a spirit to spirit thing, not easy for a young kid to understand but at that age perhaps he doesn't need to ? one step at a time but yeh its a real good question to be asked on the spot
perhaps you could use answers to prayers (if you have some)

[holo]

Maybe we have more to learn from children than vice versa. Let's approach Jesus like the kids do.

[Gentle]

Maybe we have more to learn from children than vice versa. Let's approach Jesus like the kids do.

oh Amen!!!
I like the way you think.

peace
Andrew

[plmarquette]

Thomas Acquinas may have provided the answer ....
all things seem to move ... what started it all
there seems to be organization , who organized it all
there seems to be rules , laws , and clock work precision in the heavens , earth ... who was the designer
there appears to be complexity and interdependance , one on another just like you , me , and mom ... some one who loves us & cares for us ... that is God

[sk8Joyful]

My eight year old son asked me a question the other day...
He said, Dad, "how do you know that it is real."
I said "How what is real?"
He said "Heaven and Jesus."
How would you have answered an eight year old child?
Hi Forest,
How preciously wonderful, the feeling of being in the presence of curious young children, eh? - They who, having just recently left God's very-presence, can therefore teach 'adults' insightful things about His kingdom - if so encouraged.

I encourage children to use their *precious spiritual-mind* for discerning realities, (unseen by mortal/physical eyes, blind&dim).

Evidently, Jesus values them Greatly as well, for in the Bible He said: 'Matthew 18:1-5
1 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?

2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,

3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.


Encourage, and enjoy your young son's *spiritual mind* abilities with him, Forest:wave:

[blessedblonde]

Children are just such wonderful people! I think as long as you let him know that we believe in Jesus and He loves us and helps us make the right decisions, hes on the right path. Good luck, sometimes it is difficult explaining to kids.

My 4 year old just asked me if we could go in a plane to go see God... he wants to know what he looks like lol... it was so cute

[Tangnefedd]

My grandson is a bright little boy and asked his Mum when he was only two, "How do you know that Jesus is there you can't see him!" She has not managed to come up with an answer that satisfies this young man!