Answering our Kids' Big Questions

By Carole

Have you ever wondered how to respond to children when they ask deep philosophical questions about God. My niece often asks tough questions about God- like who made Him? Why do bad things happen? Where does God live? I'm often confronted with frustration. I don't know how to answer her questions on her age level. She doesn't understand the abstract nature of "first cause" and "eternal". So how do we answer?

1. Teaching not debating. Remember that children are much more trusting than we are and your answers do not need to be defended as much. You're not talking with an athiest who already has a world view in tow.

Example: Mommy, who made God? Good question sweetie. No one made God, God has always been alive, he was not created. Wow! Yes, this is what we mean by "eternal"...

2. Address the question and your child. Why are they asking the questions, what made them think about these things? Like with us, there is often a "big event" or some conversation with a friend that spawns the question.

Example: Mommy, why do people get hurt? Because sin is in the world, bad things can happen to people. But God is in control of everything that happens, and He has a good reason behind everything. So even when Susie broke her arm at school, God was there.

3. If you don't know the answer, say that you don't know. Then study together with your child to find it. Honesty is very important to keeping your child's trust.

4. Do not allow yourself to be defensive. Remember the truth can be questioned, and should be. Allow your children to ask the questions so they can see the truth for themselves.

5. The Bible is key. Make sure that they see your answers are coming from scripture. Use the Bible verses with them that address the question, always teaching them from the Bible. It's so important that they know you are not making up the answers.

6. Encourage the questions. Often ask questions to your child to encourage them to think about their own questions.

Example: Do you know who made the stars? Why did God make the sun?

7. Ask God to give you wisdom. It's okay to not know all the answers, but we should be constantly seeking the Lord, and studying the scripture to learn of Him and know Him.

8. Relationship above intellectual pursuit. Make sure that the goal is not to have all the questions answered, but to come to a deep and meaningful knowledge of our Savior and God. Remember we cannot know God comprehensively but we can know Him satisfactorily.

9. Enjoy the discussion. If the talk becomes frustrating for you or your child, change the subject. Do not continue in frustration, because this can only make things worse.

10. Be Christ-like in your example. The greatest apologetic is how you live before your children. If they see you reflecting Christ and spending time with Him, they will not doubt the sincerity of your belief.