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Is Sunday School Destroying Our Kids?: How Moralism Suffocates Grace
How do we make grace part of Christian living? Does Sunday School encourage discipleship and teach our children faith?People in the world often reject Christianity simply because they can't distinguish it from mere morality. The world needs morality--oppression thrives when consciences are abandoned--but we need more than that alone. We need the gospel of grace. A gospel that has largely been lost amid the dos and don'ts and preoccupations of religious culture.12 Essays on the Distinction Between Grace and Morality
Includes perspectives on topics such as: Why Do Our Children Leave the Church?Graceless Goodness: The Problem with MoralismThe False Gospel of "Just Do It"The Temptations of Christian PublishingThe Ugliness of Religious RighteousnessThe Insidious Danger of "I'd Never Do That"We Read the Bible the Wrong WayComments from Readers
I like what Sam Williamson has to say about how good people--people like us--may be piling burdens on our children they can't possibly bear. Has the good news of the gospel magically morphed into bad news for them? Read Sam's provocative new book to find out.
-Ann Spangler, Author, Praying the Names of God (and many other books)
These days we hear so much and think so little. We consume without digesting and then wonder why our body is acting strangely. In this book, Sam helps us look carefully, graciously, and wonder-fully at the Gospel and the beliefs of our heart.
-Gary Barkalow, founding director of The Noble Heart, and Author, It's Your Call.
This has got to be one of the best books on raising Godly children (or simply new believers) I've ever read. Thank you. -Brian
This is as clearly and as beautifully communicated as I have heard the Gospel for a long time. -Bob
This is such an excellent read!!! I wish all Christians could read it. What a great blessing to see this truth presented in a way that it is so easily understood. Thank you for this thoughtful book. - Linda
This is a fitting warning that Christian education could fall into moralization (and idolizing "heroes of faith"). The same warning is applicable even to the whole teaching/preaching ministry of many churches. - RayFrom the Book
People often pit grace against moralism. And they should. Moralism circumvents heart-changed morality. We need moral men and women, but moralism damages the foundation of heart-change.
It's okay to pit grace against moralism, but let's not pit grace against morality. Grace is the source of real morality, and grace--thank God!--breaks the bars of moralism that imprison us.
Is Sunday School Destroying Our Kids? exposes moralism for its false pretensions--the sham that it is--and it moves our hearts to believe the gospel, for the first, or the hundred-and-first, time.Available in Print and eBook Editions
Scroll up and order your copy now.
Includes perspectives on topics such as: Why Do Our Children Leave the Church?Graceless Goodness: The Problem with MoralismThe False Gospel of "Just Do It"The Temptations of Christian PublishingThe Ugliness of Religious RighteousnessThe Insidious Danger of "I'd Never Do That"We Read the Bible the Wrong WayComments from Readers
I like what Sam Williamson has to say about how good people--people like us--may be piling burdens on our children they can't possibly bear. Has the good news of the gospel magically morphed into bad news for them? Read Sam's provocative new book to find out.
-Ann Spangler, Author, Praying the Names of God (and many other books)
These days we hear so much and think so little. We consume without digesting and then wonder why our body is acting strangely. In this book, Sam helps us look carefully, graciously, and wonder-fully at the Gospel and the beliefs of our heart.
-Gary Barkalow, founding director of The Noble Heart, and Author, It's Your Call.
This has got to be one of the best books on raising Godly children (or simply new believers) I've ever read. Thank you. -Brian
This is as clearly and as beautifully communicated as I have heard the Gospel for a long time. -Bob
This is such an excellent read!!! I wish all Christians could read it. What a great blessing to see this truth presented in a way that it is so easily understood. Thank you for this thoughtful book. - Linda
This is a fitting warning that Christian education could fall into moralization (and idolizing "heroes of faith"). The same warning is applicable even to the whole teaching/preaching ministry of many churches. - RayFrom the Book
People often pit grace against moralism. And they should. Moralism circumvents heart-changed morality. We need moral men and women, but moralism damages the foundation of heart-change.
It's okay to pit grace against moralism, but let's not pit grace against morality. Grace is the source of real morality, and grace--thank God!--breaks the bars of moralism that imprison us.
Is Sunday School Destroying Our Kids? exposes moralism for its false pretensions--the sham that it is--and it moves our hearts to believe the gospel, for the first, or the hundred-and-first, time.Available in Print and eBook Editions
Scroll up and order your copy now.
102 pages, Paperback
First published December 8, 2013
9 people are currently reading
202 people want to read
About the author
Samuel C. Williamson
6 books14 followersI am an orthodox believer. At least I want to be.Our cultural moments cloud our beliefs, so we must continually examine our current, fashionable beliefs—which are often unquestioned—in light of scriptural truth.
Here are some data points about my life:
-My father was born in China to Pentecostal missionaries. My mother was born in a farming family in Kalispell, Montana.
-Though sympathetic to the work of the Holy Spirit, my father disagreed with aspects of AOG theology. He became a Presbyterian and was a PCA pastor until his retirement in 1995. His last church was: http://www.westpca.com/.
-I studied European Intellectual History, Philosophy, and Hebrew at the University of Michigan.
-I served in missions overseas for three years and felt God say “not now.” So I moved back to Ann Arbor, Michigan and got a job at a software company. (There weren’t many jobs in 17th Century, European Intellectual history.)
-With two partners, I bought the software company and worked there as an executive and Chief Product Manager for 25 years.
-In 2007 I heard God call me to writing and speaking. I left the business world and began Beliefs of the Heart.
-I live in Ann Arbor, Michigan with my wife Carla. We have four grown children and an ever increasing number of grandchildren.
You can contact me here: http://beliefsoftheheart.com/contact/
Here are some data points about my life:
-My father was born in China to Pentecostal missionaries. My mother was born in a farming family in Kalispell, Montana.
-Though sympathetic to the work of the Holy Spirit, my father disagreed with aspects of AOG theology. He became a Presbyterian and was a PCA pastor until his retirement in 1995. His last church was: http://www.westpca.com/.
-I studied European Intellectual History, Philosophy, and Hebrew at the University of Michigan.
-I served in missions overseas for three years and felt God say “not now.” So I moved back to Ann Arbor, Michigan and got a job at a software company. (There weren’t many jobs in 17th Century, European Intellectual history.)
-With two partners, I bought the software company and worked there as an executive and Chief Product Manager for 25 years.
-In 2007 I heard God call me to writing and speaking. I left the business world and began Beliefs of the Heart.
-I live in Ann Arbor, Michigan with my wife Carla. We have four grown children and an ever increasing number of grandchildren.
You can contact me here: http://beliefsoftheheart.com/contact/
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March 19, 2014I love this book. But I wrote it, so I'm biased.
March 9, 2014
Samuel C. Williamson Book Is Sunday School Destroying Our Kids?: How Moralism Suffocates Grace challenges followers of Christ to rethink the way Scripture is taught to children.
The author believes the emphasis on the moral performance of what he calls “heroes of faith” presents a false picture of Christianity, often leading to many young people ultimately rejecting Christianity: Abraham is faithful, the father of a nation, so be like Abraham; David has a pure heart, God made him king of Israel, so be like David. The teaching of such characters with no mention of the instances they sinned and fell short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23) causes many to feel Christianity is beyond their reach. That Christianity requires perfect behavior; presenting a façade that salvation is achieved through stellar conduct.
Williamson stresses the need to teach the gospel. That Jesus came to free us from the power of sin, not just the actions of sin; he came to bring us a supernatural change in our hearts, a rebirth. He came to extend His grace, love, and mercy. He came to give us the precious gift of salvation.
Samuel C. Williamson Book Is Sunday School Destroying Our Kids? cautions that the teaching of moral behavior apart from the gospel slowly leads to self-righteousness, which is the enemy of the gospel. We slip into self-righteousness by wanting our heroes of faith to be flawless. Like us. We have sinned just a little. No commitment of what we consider major sins. Right? Think again.
Williamson states the laws in the Bible reveal the character of God and how far we fall short of it. For example, Jesus said: “The laws of Moses said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say: Anyone who even looks at a woman with lust in his eye has already committed adultery with her in his heart (Matthew 5:27-28).” The mere thought of the sin proves its commitment in our heart and the need for a supernatural change in our heart.
As we become aware we are no better than anyone else, loved by God in spite of our imperfections, then we can love those around us who don’t live up to our moral standards. The author urges readers to remember morality is a result of the gospel. It is not the gospel.
Christian educators must not assume children know the gospel. We must teach the gospel. Are we in danger of our children abandoning Christianity due to our education methods? Hmmm. Samuel C. Williamson Book Is Sunday School Destroying Our Kids? certainly provided excellent points to examine.
inspiredbooksguide.com
The author believes the emphasis on the moral performance of what he calls “heroes of faith” presents a false picture of Christianity, often leading to many young people ultimately rejecting Christianity: Abraham is faithful, the father of a nation, so be like Abraham; David has a pure heart, God made him king of Israel, so be like David. The teaching of such characters with no mention of the instances they sinned and fell short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23) causes many to feel Christianity is beyond their reach. That Christianity requires perfect behavior; presenting a façade that salvation is achieved through stellar conduct.
Williamson stresses the need to teach the gospel. That Jesus came to free us from the power of sin, not just the actions of sin; he came to bring us a supernatural change in our hearts, a rebirth. He came to extend His grace, love, and mercy. He came to give us the precious gift of salvation.
Samuel C. Williamson Book Is Sunday School Destroying Our Kids? cautions that the teaching of moral behavior apart from the gospel slowly leads to self-righteousness, which is the enemy of the gospel. We slip into self-righteousness by wanting our heroes of faith to be flawless. Like us. We have sinned just a little. No commitment of what we consider major sins. Right? Think again.
Williamson states the laws in the Bible reveal the character of God and how far we fall short of it. For example, Jesus said: “The laws of Moses said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say: Anyone who even looks at a woman with lust in his eye has already committed adultery with her in his heart (Matthew 5:27-28).” The mere thought of the sin proves its commitment in our heart and the need for a supernatural change in our heart.
As we become aware we are no better than anyone else, loved by God in spite of our imperfections, then we can love those around us who don’t live up to our moral standards. The author urges readers to remember morality is a result of the gospel. It is not the gospel.
Christian educators must not assume children know the gospel. We must teach the gospel. Are we in danger of our children abandoning Christianity due to our education methods? Hmmm. Samuel C. Williamson Book Is Sunday School Destroying Our Kids? certainly provided excellent points to examine.
inspiredbooksguide.com
December 19, 2013
About the Book:
In this collection of pithy and thought-provoking writings, Sam Williamson shows why being saved by grace isn’t enough: we need—indeed we long—to live by it.
Excerpt:
Several years ago I met with a woman distraught over her son’s rejection of Christianity.
She said, “I did everything I could to raise him right. I taught him to be like the ‘heroes of faith,’ with the faithfulness of Abraham, the goodness of Joseph, the pure heart of David, and the obedience of Esther.”
She wondered why he had rejected Christianity.
I wondered why it took him so long.
—From the book
People often reject Christianity simply because they can’t distinguish it from mere morality. The world needs morality—oppression thrives when consciences are abandoned—but we need more than that alone. We need the gospel of grace. A gospel that has largely been lost amid the dos and don'ts and preoccupations of religious culture.
People often pit grace against moralism. And they should. Moralism circumvents heart-changed morality. We need moral men and women, but moralism damages the foundation of heart-change. While it’s okay to pit grace against moralism, let’s not pit grace against morality. Grace is the source of real morality, and grace—thank God!—breaks the bars of moralism that imprison us.
About the Author:
Sam Williamson is the son of a pastor, the grandson of missionaries, a speaker, a writer, and--he hopes--a thought-provocateur. He studied European intellectual history at the University of Michigan. Finding no jobs in European intellectual history, he spent twenty-five years in the mundane business of business, the last two decades as an executive and owner of a software company.
After his twenty-five year stint in business, he felt called to ministry. He founded Beliefs of the Heart. Its mission is to help us examine the unexplored convictions that drive us. Why do we do what we do? What unseen forces motivate us? What is going on beneath the surface?Sam and his wife, Carla, live in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and have four grown children and an ever increasing number of grandchildren. In his free time he loves sailing, skiing, and scuba diving.
He writes a weekly article on his blog, http://beliefsoftheheart.com/
My Review:
In a perfect world we would all obey the Lord like we should and serve Him as we are instructed to do, and do so happily. But for all wants and purposes that is not how we as children of the Most High behave. We go kicking and screaming or not go at all. A life with free will, such as the one we have been given, some would say, causes this type of behavior. Trying to be good and finish this life well and do as God has instructed us is never easy and I believe, wasn't suppose to be. If so why would we need Him at all, we could save ourselves.
God wants us to rely on Him for those things that we need help with, that's His grace. The author in his book states(paraphrasing here) that we are not to strive to be like the heroes of the Bible because they went on to do things for God, BIG things. But we are to rely on God and when we do BIG things can happen for us and through us. We will fail Him daily and that is something we should never forget, but with Him we can do great things, just resting in His grace.
The author has included several of his writings therein that proved this point and his opinions are dead on. He has done alot with the subject of God's grace and how we are incomplete without it. I look forward to reading more of his writings in the future.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author.
In this collection of pithy and thought-provoking writings, Sam Williamson shows why being saved by grace isn’t enough: we need—indeed we long—to live by it.
Excerpt:
Several years ago I met with a woman distraught over her son’s rejection of Christianity.
She said, “I did everything I could to raise him right. I taught him to be like the ‘heroes of faith,’ with the faithfulness of Abraham, the goodness of Joseph, the pure heart of David, and the obedience of Esther.”
She wondered why he had rejected Christianity.
I wondered why it took him so long.
—From the book
People often reject Christianity simply because they can’t distinguish it from mere morality. The world needs morality—oppression thrives when consciences are abandoned—but we need more than that alone. We need the gospel of grace. A gospel that has largely been lost amid the dos and don'ts and preoccupations of religious culture.
People often pit grace against moralism. And they should. Moralism circumvents heart-changed morality. We need moral men and women, but moralism damages the foundation of heart-change. While it’s okay to pit grace against moralism, let’s not pit grace against morality. Grace is the source of real morality, and grace—thank God!—breaks the bars of moralism that imprison us.
About the Author:
Sam Williamson is the son of a pastor, the grandson of missionaries, a speaker, a writer, and--he hopes--a thought-provocateur. He studied European intellectual history at the University of Michigan. Finding no jobs in European intellectual history, he spent twenty-five years in the mundane business of business, the last two decades as an executive and owner of a software company.
After his twenty-five year stint in business, he felt called to ministry. He founded Beliefs of the Heart. Its mission is to help us examine the unexplored convictions that drive us. Why do we do what we do? What unseen forces motivate us? What is going on beneath the surface?Sam and his wife, Carla, live in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and have four grown children and an ever increasing number of grandchildren. In his free time he loves sailing, skiing, and scuba diving.
He writes a weekly article on his blog, http://beliefsoftheheart.com/
My Review:
In a perfect world we would all obey the Lord like we should and serve Him as we are instructed to do, and do so happily. But for all wants and purposes that is not how we as children of the Most High behave. We go kicking and screaming or not go at all. A life with free will, such as the one we have been given, some would say, causes this type of behavior. Trying to be good and finish this life well and do as God has instructed us is never easy and I believe, wasn't suppose to be. If so why would we need Him at all, we could save ourselves.
God wants us to rely on Him for those things that we need help with, that's His grace. The author in his book states(paraphrasing here) that we are not to strive to be like the heroes of the Bible because they went on to do things for God, BIG things. But we are to rely on God and when we do BIG things can happen for us and through us. We will fail Him daily and that is something we should never forget, but with Him we can do great things, just resting in His grace.
The author has included several of his writings therein that proved this point and his opinions are dead on. He has done alot with the subject of God's grace and how we are incomplete without it. I look forward to reading more of his writings in the future.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author.
December 18, 2013
Short but sweet book on grace.
According to the author,many times when we teach or preach, it's always do's and dont's. That we elevate the people in the Bible as heroes, and stress that we ought to be more like them. Morality must be establish in order to receive God's love.
In reality, it's the other way around, beginning with grace, because we have failed at establishing morality, and even if we succeeded, we would be boastful. Yet the scripture says "if anyone boasts, let him boast in the Lord". author also points out that sin can drive us to intimacy by crying out to God to get us through it instead of "I shouldn't do that" or that we place a self confidence of "I would never do that".
another thing the author points out, when reading scripture, we are challenged to seek it for God first, most of time, we look at it as do's and don't's. I like how the author emphasizes these points including the fact the "biblical heroes" all had flaws, and even sinned against God, yet he showed grace. In the afterword, the author discusses something he learned from his Sunday school teacher on David after committing adultery.David says in psalm 51 have mercy on me, according to your steadfast love, not on how bad I feel or I'll try harder next time, but on His love. It's grace that produces morality not vice versa, even if we fall, run back to God.
According to the author,many times when we teach or preach, it's always do's and dont's. That we elevate the people in the Bible as heroes, and stress that we ought to be more like them. Morality must be establish in order to receive God's love.
In reality, it's the other way around, beginning with grace, because we have failed at establishing morality, and even if we succeeded, we would be boastful. Yet the scripture says "if anyone boasts, let him boast in the Lord". author also points out that sin can drive us to intimacy by crying out to God to get us through it instead of "I shouldn't do that" or that we place a self confidence of "I would never do that".
another thing the author points out, when reading scripture, we are challenged to seek it for God first, most of time, we look at it as do's and don't's. I like how the author emphasizes these points including the fact the "biblical heroes" all had flaws, and even sinned against God, yet he showed grace. In the afterword, the author discusses something he learned from his Sunday school teacher on David after committing adultery.David says in psalm 51 have mercy on me, according to your steadfast love, not on how bad I feel or I'll try harder next time, but on His love. It's grace that produces morality not vice versa, even if we fall, run back to God.
February 13, 2014
This was honestly one of the most thought provoking books I have read in awhile. I really appreciate the fresh perspective the author provides.
Here is one of the questions that are asked in this book. "If Grace Is True, Why Be Moral"?
I will leave you with that thought provoking question.
This book is a must read for anyone who walks and struggles daily in the Christian faith. This won't be a quick read. This is a very thought provoking book.
Thank you to the author for providing me a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review. All opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.
Here is one of the questions that are asked in this book. "If Grace Is True, Why Be Moral"?
I will leave you with that thought provoking question.
This book is a must read for anyone who walks and struggles daily in the Christian faith. This won't be a quick read. This is a very thought provoking book.
Thank you to the author for providing me a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review. All opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.
April 28, 2016
"Self-reliance on willpower has only two results: misery when we fail or smugness when we succeed. Despair drag others down with us, pride drives others down under us."
"We need to know the evil in us, AND His love, both at the same time. It's the only path to humility without hopelessness and confidence without arrogance."
"True kingdom living nurtures humility: 'I can't do it on my own - even be good.' And if I can't do "it" on my own, how can I despise anyone else who also can't?"
-Samuel Williamson
In this season of life I feel like the Lord is revealing to me how much self-righteousness and pride are in my heart. This book was very thought provoking and definitely worth reading.
"We need to know the evil in us, AND His love, both at the same time. It's the only path to humility without hopelessness and confidence without arrogance."
"True kingdom living nurtures humility: 'I can't do it on my own - even be good.' And if I can't do "it" on my own, how can I despise anyone else who also can't?"
-Samuel Williamson
In this season of life I feel like the Lord is revealing to me how much self-righteousness and pride are in my heart. This book was very thought provoking and definitely worth reading.
January 30, 2014
Sam addresses the typical Sunday School story given to kids. God loves such and such Bible character because he did or was such and such. Sam argues that such teaching is the opposite of the gospel. We should reveal the characters bad points. God loves the biblical characters in spite of the bad things they did. He encourages us to tell the complete gospel. We are incredibly sinful be we are incredibly loved by God. This short book is a good reminder of the entire gospel. See my full review at http://bit.ly/1dQzegM.
October 1, 2014
I really enjoyed reading this book. It is very thought provoking and funny book. My husband and I were able to discuss the book and about the best way for us to teach the bible and the hero's of the bible to our kids. I highly recommend this book to all parents of the faith.
May 29, 2015
Excellent
Amazing picture of the truth of the gospel and the truth of grace. So many misconstrued views of grace are spoken of and truth behind it shown. I want a copy for everyone I see!
Amazing picture of the truth of the gospel and the truth of grace. So many misconstrued views of grace are spoken of and truth behind it shown. I want a copy for everyone I see!
January 1, 2014
Awesome book about the grace of God and how as Christians we must transform to have the heart of Jesus.
February 16, 2014
Not really about destroying our kids, but about allowing the true message of grace to shine through our lives. Great food for thought.
December 25, 2014
Grace
I think this book is a good reminder that the gospel is about Grace and not about humans being good, even the "saints".
I think this book is a good reminder that the gospel is about Grace and not about humans being good, even the "saints".
September 24, 2017
An interesting look at how we teach in Sunday School and how it works in the real world. I know as a Sunday School teacher I had questions about why we use certain people as examples of how we should live. Their flaws get in the way of the good they may have done. Too often they have committed most of the 7 Deadly Sins. I liked the common sense the author brought to the discussion. I also liked that he said bring Jesus into the stories as we read them. I did that as I thought about the Good Samaritan and it was interesting to see the story with Jesus as the victim left by the side of the road then as the travelers passing the victim. What would Jesus' actions be and what can I learn and use to make me live the gospel better?
August 21, 2024
I think this was probably a more nuanced argument ten years ago, when the book was first published.
Reorienting our theology to be centered around grace instead of moralism is good concept, but I felt that the book was a bit repetitive and relied very heavily on quotes and summarization. It read more like an essay, which would perhaps be a better format for this argument. I think this book is a good introduction for those just beginning to rethink the basis of their personal theology, but felt a bit redundant as someone who wasn’t raised with moralistic theology.
Reorienting our theology to be centered around grace instead of moralism is good concept, but I felt that the book was a bit repetitive and relied very heavily on quotes and summarization. It read more like an essay, which would perhaps be a better format for this argument. I think this book is a good introduction for those just beginning to rethink the basis of their personal theology, but felt a bit redundant as someone who wasn’t raised with moralistic theology.
April 14, 2018
Hits the sore spot of churches today
Once in a great while, I run across a book that I think everyone should read. This is one of those books. Sam nails the difference between a self-centered attempt at being a Christian and the grace of Christ-focused Christianity. It is all about Jesus!
Once in a great while, I run across a book that I think everyone should read. This is one of those books. Sam nails the difference between a self-centered attempt at being a Christian and the grace of Christ-focused Christianity. It is all about Jesus!
February 19, 2022
This book is about Grace
Our relationship with God can never be about working to achieve anything from God. This book is such a simple explanation of that truth and the God initiated relationship of Grace!
Our relationship with God can never be about working to achieve anything from God. This book is such a simple explanation of that truth and the God initiated relationship of Grace!
June 5, 2023
Thanks to Sam for writing a great (and much more readable) sequel to my book, "Suffer The Children (The Tragic Legacy Of Finney & Bushnell)." It is a must for pastors and parishioners alike.
February 4, 2025
“Esther had sex outside of marriage with a non-believer and God pursued her.”
“Many think she was forced into sexual slavery. I think she was a complicit adulterer”
Insane oversimplifications.
“Many think she was forced into sexual slavery. I think she was a complicit adulterer”
Insane oversimplifications.
April 25, 2025
I think this book has a lot of food for thought. It brings out some good points about how easily we transition away from the gospel to moralism often without even realizing it.
December 31, 2014
Sunday School doesn't necessarily destroy kids. Some children come through their childhood-Christian education with their souls relatively unscathed. However there is a big ugly problem that well-meaning sunday-school-teachers (and parents) inadvertently pass on to their children: moralism.
What is moralism? Moralism is a tendency to make judgments, to 'moralize' For Christians, it represents the perversion of the doctrine of grace. Often Suday school, our way of reading the Bible, our parenting methods and are way of spiritual formation is characterized by moralism. We want our kids to be good, but being good is so much less than the gospel of grace. Grace is the good news that despite how many times we screw up, fall short, and how rotten we are to the core, God loved and pursued us anyway.
In Is Sunday School Destroying Our Kid? Samuel C. Williamson shares a collection of essays exploring the problem of moralism and the power of grace. People are not changed by submitting to high-moral-standards. We are changed when we lay hold of the gospel of grace--the good news of all that God did for us in Christ. When we get grace, we are set fee to live differently.
This book is short and the chapters are short. Sometimes Williamson is so pithy that it feels like reading an abridged version of an early Rob Bell book. But in this book he makes a lot of points. He talks about how Esther was likely complicit in sexual sin and the manifold ways that moralism poisons the well. Okay I don't agree with him totally on Esther, but his point is that we turn bible characters into heroes to emulate and that subverts the message of the Bible itself. No human person (other than Jesus) is the hero of the Bible; the hero of the Bible is the God who has compassion on his people. [My personal feelings on Esther is that whether or not she was complicit in her status as a court concubine (before she was the wife), she was still a victim of some pretty ugly power dynamics. She isn't the hero, but there are still aspects of her character that are 'heroic'].
I agree with Williamson's concerns to defend the gospel of grace. Moralism is a real problem. Still this book has a bit of an antinomian feel to it. Grace is primary but law is eternal and any parent will tell you that cultural, legal and moral expectations are necessary elements in raising children. I don't want to shame my kids for not 'measuring up' but I also don't want them to not know the good and the right. I think moral education is important and I wonder if Williamson poo-poos it too much. Still I agree that Grace and God's goodness stand at the center. I give this book three and a half stars but am
Notice of material connection: I received this book free from the publisher or author via SpeakEasy in exchange for my honest review.
What is moralism? Moralism is a tendency to make judgments, to 'moralize' For Christians, it represents the perversion of the doctrine of grace. Often Suday school, our way of reading the Bible, our parenting methods and are way of spiritual formation is characterized by moralism. We want our kids to be good, but being good is so much less than the gospel of grace. Grace is the good news that despite how many times we screw up, fall short, and how rotten we are to the core, God loved and pursued us anyway.
In Is Sunday School Destroying Our Kid? Samuel C. Williamson shares a collection of essays exploring the problem of moralism and the power of grace. People are not changed by submitting to high-moral-standards. We are changed when we lay hold of the gospel of grace--the good news of all that God did for us in Christ. When we get grace, we are set fee to live differently.
This book is short and the chapters are short. Sometimes Williamson is so pithy that it feels like reading an abridged version of an early Rob Bell book. But in this book he makes a lot of points. He talks about how Esther was likely complicit in sexual sin and the manifold ways that moralism poisons the well. Okay I don't agree with him totally on Esther, but his point is that we turn bible characters into heroes to emulate and that subverts the message of the Bible itself. No human person (other than Jesus) is the hero of the Bible; the hero of the Bible is the God who has compassion on his people. [My personal feelings on Esther is that whether or not she was complicit in her status as a court concubine (before she was the wife), she was still a victim of some pretty ugly power dynamics. She isn't the hero, but there are still aspects of her character that are 'heroic'].
I agree with Williamson's concerns to defend the gospel of grace. Moralism is a real problem. Still this book has a bit of an antinomian feel to it. Grace is primary but law is eternal and any parent will tell you that cultural, legal and moral expectations are necessary elements in raising children. I don't want to shame my kids for not 'measuring up' but I also don't want them to not know the good and the right. I think moral education is important and I wonder if Williamson poo-poos it too much. Still I agree that Grace and God's goodness stand at the center. I give this book three and a half stars but am
Notice of material connection: I received this book free from the publisher or author via SpeakEasy in exchange for my honest review.
February 10, 2015
Is Sunday School Destroying Our Kids? How Moralism Suffocates Grace by Samuel C. Williamson
With such a provocative title, this little book by Samuel Williamson is sure to interest those who invest their lives in Sunday school and in raising children for the Lord. The premise of the book is that until we understand the amazing grace of God in every part of the Christian life, our children will succumb to a lethal injection of moralism that will cause much ruin in their lives. Sam writes in the beginning, “Grace means we are both unworthy of God’s love yet profoundly loved by him nevertheless, both at the same time” (v). Some preachers tend to focus on the unworthiness of humans, thus squashing any hope of adequately seeing God’s love, whereas some miss the sin part to focus on the love aspect. Yet, both elements are essential to the gospel message.
The problem with many Bible curriculums for kids is that they bring to bear an unbiblical basis on morals. Be like Abraham or Paul fails to see the full picture of these men of the Bible, for they sinned also. God pursues us in his love from the very beginning. Sam has a wonderful way of thinking about the stories of the Bible. He writes, “David was a murdering adulterer, and God loved him and pursued him, Abraham was an idol worshiper, and God love him and pursued him” (6). Sam goes onto write, “Our heroes weren’t loved because they were good; they became good because they were loved” (6).
Sam indicates in the next chapter that our kids are leaving the church because they can’t distinguish the gospel from mere morality (11). Willpower fuels morality and thus heaps burdens on our people that they can’t possibly bear. Mere morality deals with external behavior but not the motivations of the heart, this is why we must get to the bottom of things before we give direction in godly living, including morals. Yet, the greatest enemies of Jesus were the moralists (29). How do we get beyond moralism, but through an understanding of grace, our sin, and God’s sacrificial giving of his Son. When we are motivated by grace, we see others sins as another opportunity for God to reveal his mercy, just as he did for us.
I really appreciated this book as a way to remind me of God’s grace and as a way to remind me that I easily slip into moralism. My only criticism is that I wish it was longer.
Thanks to Beliefs of the Heart Press and SpeakEasy for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
With such a provocative title, this little book by Samuel Williamson is sure to interest those who invest their lives in Sunday school and in raising children for the Lord. The premise of the book is that until we understand the amazing grace of God in every part of the Christian life, our children will succumb to a lethal injection of moralism that will cause much ruin in their lives. Sam writes in the beginning, “Grace means we are both unworthy of God’s love yet profoundly loved by him nevertheless, both at the same time” (v). Some preachers tend to focus on the unworthiness of humans, thus squashing any hope of adequately seeing God’s love, whereas some miss the sin part to focus on the love aspect. Yet, both elements are essential to the gospel message.
The problem with many Bible curriculums for kids is that they bring to bear an unbiblical basis on morals. Be like Abraham or Paul fails to see the full picture of these men of the Bible, for they sinned also. God pursues us in his love from the very beginning. Sam has a wonderful way of thinking about the stories of the Bible. He writes, “David was a murdering adulterer, and God loved him and pursued him, Abraham was an idol worshiper, and God love him and pursued him” (6). Sam goes onto write, “Our heroes weren’t loved because they were good; they became good because they were loved” (6).
Sam indicates in the next chapter that our kids are leaving the church because they can’t distinguish the gospel from mere morality (11). Willpower fuels morality and thus heaps burdens on our people that they can’t possibly bear. Mere morality deals with external behavior but not the motivations of the heart, this is why we must get to the bottom of things before we give direction in godly living, including morals. Yet, the greatest enemies of Jesus were the moralists (29). How do we get beyond moralism, but through an understanding of grace, our sin, and God’s sacrificial giving of his Son. When we are motivated by grace, we see others sins as another opportunity for God to reveal his mercy, just as he did for us.
I really appreciated this book as a way to remind me of God’s grace and as a way to remind me that I easily slip into moralism. My only criticism is that I wish it was longer.
Thanks to Beliefs of the Heart Press and SpeakEasy for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 25, 2013
REVIEW
I found parts of the book that went right to the core. I believe that grace comes from the things you see and the way you are raised. Not that a person cannot change as they get older but those informative years are sometimes hard to change. I agree that a person needs grace in their lives in order to be at peace and to learn how to deal with people and the world in general. Grace comes from the heart. I believe that morality is very important. If your morals are in the sewer then where is your grace. I think grace is learned. I don't believe that learning about the Bible and God's love is something that should be drilled into a person. I was raised going to Sunday School, church, twice on Sunday and once mid week. I was in the choir and did all the events that went with church. I've strived all my life to try my best to have that grace towards others. I've found that I've fallen at times. It's extremely hard to show grace again and again to people that know not what grace is and don't want to know. I believe a little church and Sunday school doesn't hurt anyone but I believe that the final decision on what you believe lies with the person. Will they continue going to church or will they find God at home in their living rooms? Grace is needed but so is morality. Without one you don't have the other. The author wrote a very thought provoking book. It makes you reflect a little. I believe the world is scared and desperately looking for someone or something to save them. The problem is they don't want to change. They go about their lives, a lot of the time, thinking only of their own personal gain. There's no grace in that. There's no morality in that. Grace and Morality have all but been lost with the changing world we live in. If you can keep grace in your heart then you are one of the few. We all need to believe that there is a higher being out there, that loves us and forgives us. I just think it's a personal decision on what you believe. It can't be crammed down a person's throat. Grace should step in once more. But does it?
I would give this book 3 HEARTS.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the author for my honest opinion.
I found parts of the book that went right to the core. I believe that grace comes from the things you see and the way you are raised. Not that a person cannot change as they get older but those informative years are sometimes hard to change. I agree that a person needs grace in their lives in order to be at peace and to learn how to deal with people and the world in general. Grace comes from the heart. I believe that morality is very important. If your morals are in the sewer then where is your grace. I think grace is learned. I don't believe that learning about the Bible and God's love is something that should be drilled into a person. I was raised going to Sunday School, church, twice on Sunday and once mid week. I was in the choir and did all the events that went with church. I've strived all my life to try my best to have that grace towards others. I've found that I've fallen at times. It's extremely hard to show grace again and again to people that know not what grace is and don't want to know. I believe a little church and Sunday school doesn't hurt anyone but I believe that the final decision on what you believe lies with the person. Will they continue going to church or will they find God at home in their living rooms? Grace is needed but so is morality. Without one you don't have the other. The author wrote a very thought provoking book. It makes you reflect a little. I believe the world is scared and desperately looking for someone or something to save them. The problem is they don't want to change. They go about their lives, a lot of the time, thinking only of their own personal gain. There's no grace in that. There's no morality in that. Grace and Morality have all but been lost with the changing world we live in. If you can keep grace in your heart then you are one of the few. We all need to believe that there is a higher being out there, that loves us and forgives us. I just think it's a personal decision on what you believe. It can't be crammed down a person's throat. Grace should step in once more. But does it?
I would give this book 3 HEARTS.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the author for my honest opinion.
September 10, 2014
I received a copy of this book through Goodreads in exchange for an honest review.
This immensely readable little book has a lot of good thoughts in it. I found myself underlining a lot. The tone is conversational and at times humorous.I particularly liked his point about some Christians' tendency to whitewash out the salacious parts of the Bible.
It's not really about Sunday School, or Christian education at large, but more about Christian culture. The inclination to shy away from the nasty parts of history or pretend that anyone who has ever done anything significant only managed it by having no faults. Something that doesn't help anyone, in my opinion.
The references and underlying theology are Protestant (Lutheran sounding) , but not to the point where other branches of Christianity would find it inaccessible. I don't know that non-Christians would find it that helpful. It certainly comes with the assumption that the reader is familiar with, and probably believes in, Christianity. Certainly not the book to start with if one is trying to learn about the religion.
There are a few questionable parts. He falls into the trap of assuming the books of the Bible were written by their title characters (e.g. the Gospels by the Apostles) which is historically very unlikely. He takes a very Christian-biased view on Judaism it seems. That didn't play a big part in the book, but it tingled certain segments. I'm not sure I agreed with the conclusions he draws about Jesus and the Pslams, but that's neither here nor there.
The only real wince worthy moment for me was a passing reference to Ivy League schools as being in 'opposition' to Christianity. As if one couldn't be religious and well-educated, a problematic assumption at best.
Overall, I really enjoyed it. 4 Stars.
This immensely readable little book has a lot of good thoughts in it. I found myself underlining a lot. The tone is conversational and at times humorous.I particularly liked his point about some Christians' tendency to whitewash out the salacious parts of the Bible.
It's not really about Sunday School, or Christian education at large, but more about Christian culture. The inclination to shy away from the nasty parts of history or pretend that anyone who has ever done anything significant only managed it by having no faults. Something that doesn't help anyone, in my opinion.
The references and underlying theology are Protestant (Lutheran sounding) , but not to the point where other branches of Christianity would find it inaccessible. I don't know that non-Christians would find it that helpful. It certainly comes with the assumption that the reader is familiar with, and probably believes in, Christianity. Certainly not the book to start with if one is trying to learn about the religion.
There are a few questionable parts. He falls into the trap of assuming the books of the Bible were written by their title characters (e.g. the Gospels by the Apostles) which is historically very unlikely. He takes a very Christian-biased view on Judaism it seems. That didn't play a big part in the book, but it tingled certain segments. I'm not sure I agreed with the conclusions he draws about Jesus and the Pslams, but that's neither here nor there.
The only real wince worthy moment for me was a passing reference to Ivy League schools as being in 'opposition' to Christianity. As if one couldn't be religious and well-educated, a problematic assumption at best.
Overall, I really enjoyed it. 4 Stars.
June 29, 2014
I won a copy of this book through Goodreads, and it's very good. As a Lutheran, I'm a huge fan of law and gospel, and I love that the author quotes Luther, C. S. Lewis, and references Lord of the Rings. There's a lot of important stuff covered in here.
The only thing that's holding me back from giving more stars is the author's statement that Queen Esther committed adultery. I don't need to see my Biblical heroes as sinless or anything like that, I just don't think there's a scriptural basis for that assumption. I checked my Bible's study notes, and looked up a few commentaries on Esther, and didn't find anything that even hinted at that. I'm going to pass the book on to the staff at my church to see what they think about it.
Either way though, it made me think, so that's not a bad thing! :)
The only thing that's holding me back from giving more stars is the author's statement that Queen Esther committed adultery. I don't need to see my Biblical heroes as sinless or anything like that, I just don't think there's a scriptural basis for that assumption. I checked my Bible's study notes, and looked up a few commentaries on Esther, and didn't find anything that even hinted at that. I'm going to pass the book on to the staff at my church to see what they think about it.
Either way though, it made me think, so that's not a bad thing! :)
August 13, 2016
This was an interesting book, full of very good points. One thing to remember and the author even quotes it, this is not a book about Sunday school.
It is more of an approach to grace, and how we need it; we need to show it and it needs to be given to us. The world would function much better if grace abounded. Unfortunately that is not the case in the secular society, much less the Christian society we live in today.
I do believe that this is the thought the author is trying to convey in this book.
It is more of an approach to grace, and how we need it; we need to show it and it needs to be given to us. The world would function much better if grace abounded. Unfortunately that is not the case in the secular society, much less the Christian society we live in today.
I do believe that this is the thought the author is trying to convey in this book.
March 14, 2015
Loved this Message of Grace!!
The message of Grace, merciful favor towards undeserving sinners, is the core of this booklet! How critically important that we learn it and teach it to our children! Great and simple explanation of life-giving Truth.
The message of Grace, merciful favor towards undeserving sinners, is the core of this booklet! How critically important that we learn it and teach it to our children! Great and simple explanation of life-giving Truth.
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