Most Parents Aren't Ready to Train Their Own Kids, So Let Us Help You!

I’ve never had someone cry after my atheist role-play. Until now. 

In September, I had the opportunity to speak to a group of parents from Village Academy Christian School in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Earlier in the day, I taught the junior and senior high students at chapel and spoke to three different twelfth grade classes. I role played an atheist with the seniors, to give them a glimpse of the intellectual challenges awaiting them at college, and decided to give the parents, who had come out for an evening lecture, a glimpse in the same way. 

 

There was no surprise factor. The parents knew who I was and the Christian organization I represented. Indeed, I told the audience what I was about to do, turned my back on them for just a moment, and then turned round again in full atheist character. I jumped into my role and they jumped into theirs, attempting to defend the faith against atheist professor “Dr. Kunkle.” Sadly, they were ill equipped to handle my challenges. I was glad to see their fighting spirit, but their responses were only vigorous in style, not substance. After half-an-hour, many parents were exasperated and I ended the role-play. 

“How was that for you?” I asked. “Extremely frustrating,” was the immediate parental consensus. 

“Why was it so frustrating?” I pressed. One mom blurted out, “Because I didn’t have any good answers.” As soon as the words left her mouth, tears began streaming down her cheeks. It was a painful recognition of her own inadequacy, and she knew what was at stake. As I glanced around the room, other parents were nodding in agreement, eyes moist with their own tears. 

Caught off guard, I began to tear up, too. I felt such compassion for these good-hearted yet unequipped parents. Quickly gathering my emotions, I looked that mom in the eyes and gently replied, “I know exactly how you feel. I felt that way, too, when Dr. David Lane was dismantling my Christianity in front of my peers, in my college philosophy class.” I told the parents my story and encouraged them to prepare themselves so, in turn, they can prepare their own kids. 

Afterward, parent after parent thanked me. They expressed their deep appreciation for the wake-up call, despite the accompanying painful realizations. And the mom who burst into tears? She walked up and gave me a big hug. Then she shared how her 21-year old son, a student at Duke University, had turned his back on Christ while at college. She was convicted to begin a dialogue with him, as well as with her second son, a junior at Village Academy. I encouraged her, shared some resources, and gave her my email address with an open invitation to contact me anytime. 

Oftentimes, we don’t take the necessary steps toward growth until we’re made to feel uncomfortable. That night, parents at Village Academy Christian School felt very uncomfortable and they were motivated to make changes. But what about you? If you were confronted by the claims of an atheist or skeptic, how would you answer? Could you answer? And can you prepare your kids to answer? If you're unsure or if the answer is "no," we hope to be your ally.  

Join us at the end of this month, October 25-26, for the Rethink Student Apologetics conference. For students who are in junior high all the way through college, Rethink will equip them "to give a reason for the hope" they have in Christ (I Peter 3:15). We'll cover topics like evil, tolerance, Islam, the resurrection of Jesus, abortion, worldviews, and more. Adults are welcome, as long as you bring at least one student with you!

Comments

[Jim Pemberton]

When we only see our fellow Christians at church and fail to engage nonbelievers outside the church in the fulfillment of the Great commission, we fail to realize the lack of depth of rank positive affirmations. I've seen a group of Christians baffled by the things they see on the news respond with, "I don't know understand how anyone can think that way."

It's like a tree planted in loose, rich soil that is watered regularly and never experiences anything more than a mild breeze. The tree grows tall, straight and narrow as in a friendly wood. It looks perfect in every way. But when a strong wind comes, it's shallow roots come easily out of the ground and it falls to its demise.

Contrast this with trees that are planted in harsh soil. The roots struggle to go deep to find nutrients that the tree needs. And harsh winds come regularly. The tree is stunted and grows thick against the wind. This kind of tree is knarled, scraggly, and misshapen. However, this tree won't blow down and it's very hard to kill.

And so when we send teams to engage certain people groups, my church prepares them for the kinds of discussions they are likely to encounter. We deepen the roots of their positive Biblical understanding and trim their self-sufficiency down by teaching them how to answer challenges effectively from their understanding of the scriptures. We say, this is where to be flexible and there is where to stand firm. And thus, many seeds of the gospel are borne on winds that would otherwise destroy the tree.

[Veritas Amatoris]

We began homeschooling our children last year. In the second half of the school year my 11 and 8y/o began an apologetics curriculum. They were baffled that anyone would question the Truth of Christ but we did and continue to have open and honest discussions about the questions they will face. As we read scripture together, I frequently bring up questions that are posed by unbelievers. I'm not really interested in their ability to reason things out right now. I want them not to be afraid of the questions; not be intimidated by doubt.

We have discussed the Kalam Cosmological Argument among others and my goal for now is that the lexicon of apologetics becomes familiar and like their favorite pair of sneakers. Comfortable, reliable, they know how to go through the pacing. When obstacles are thrown in their way how quick are their reflexes in these "old friend" shoes.

Most of the time I'm flying pretty blind. There is no established rubric for teaching children of this age but we've had some great conversations. Ones that give me hope. Hope that they will not face the struggle I nearly lost. They will face many to be sure but I want them go in full armor.

I would not send them out to drive without extensive preparation and practice: they could lose their lives from one small decision. I then must prepare and help practice for a world where they could lose their soul.

Please don't stop this important work Brett. While we are convicted by your words we are encouraged by your answers.