from Pr. Paul Lutz Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
Soon many children, youth and adults will begin another cycle of formal learning. Important subjects for the development of good citizenship as well as personal growth will be mastered. Sometimes, however, in the midst of such admirable pursuits educating in faith is ignored.
Educating in faith is being nurtured in some particular story. Each of us is shaped by some story, some value system. Education in faith is purposeful participation in the practices that are part of the story you value.
Sometimes well-meaning parents ignore educating their children in faith. They reason that children should not be raised in a specific faith tradition. When they are older than can decide for themselves what they want to believe. Without deliberate participation in the practices of a valued story, however, children will be shaped by any number of lesser stories.
There is ample evidence to suggest that children and society are at an advantage when educating in faith is an aspect of our life together. Research conducted by the Search Institute, for example, suggests that adolescents who spend at least one hour per week in activities in a religious institution are more likely to become caring, responsible adults than those who do not.
Let’s not forget education in faith this September. Sit down as a family and determine which story, value system is right for you. Then commit to participate in the practices and experiences of that story formed community. Educating in faith is too important to be left to chance.
Pr. Paul Lutz Prince
Peace Lutheran Church
Princeton-Hightstown Road
West Windsor

