Give Them Jesus

by Dillon T. Thornton

A fresh, clear, joyful guide for parents on how to teach their children to love God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Give Them Jesus aims to help parents not simply add to their children's stockpile of knowledge, but to cultivate children-disciples who are able to display Christ-likeness in every situation. Parents are the ones primarily responsible for opening up the Scriptures to help their children understand God, the world, and themselves. The family is the divinely appointed discipleship program; the home is first and foremost a place of worship. The introduction of the book discusses the four vital components of family worship: teach, treasure, sing, and pray, and offers practical suggestions for beginning and prioritizing family worship in the rough and tumble of life.

Subsequent chapters guide parents to a deeper understanding of the core truths of the historic Christian faith, as summarized in the Apostles' Creed, arming them with appropriate language, helpful illustrations, and relevant object lessons, so that in the end they will be better prepared to pass these truths on to their children. Each chapter concludes with a family worship guide, which includes: 1) family memory verses, 2) nuggets of truth from the chapter, 3) questions for family discussion, 4) songs that celebrate the truths of the Creed, and 5) prayer prompts.

Give Them Jesus equips parents to prepare their children to leave home and go out into the world as faithful participants in the great gospel story. "Never stop telling the gospel story to your kids," Thornton says. "Give your children Jesus. Again. And again. And again. And you'll see them walk in the truth."

241 pages, Paperback

Published September 11, 2018

Reviews

[Sarah Poling · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a children's ministry person. I have three children of my own. I teach and create lessons on the core truths of my faith- so when I saw that I could review this book as a Netgalley reviewer, I knew nothing about it, but jumped at the opportunity. This book is written for parent-theologians the author labels us. The theology it covers all revolves around the apostle's creed.

First, let me say this was not the one or two sitting book that I often find when it deals with our children and faith. This book is jam packed with theological concepts to ensure that we know the core truths (reformed perspective) so we can raise our children in them. It's deep. That being said. It's deep but I did not find it hard to read, or think it's over the average parent's or even new christian's head. There are stories and anecdotes right along with the doctrine taught making it an enjoyable read. I just don't read through non fiction fast when it's a lot of truth in one book.

Second, I won't speak to the accuracy of his theology. The author writes from a reformed perspective, and I will let those more well versed at the ins and outs of this teaching share it's inaccuracies or their objections. I found it to be true to what I know of this theology and focused on the bigger picture of these teachings rather than the more nuanced teachings of different faith groups. It's evangelically written with faith as the center.

I found this book a worthy tool because it is written with connections for the reader, concepts are well defined, even the greek translations are mentioned, but in a clear teaching so that the reader learns the concept in light of the creed. It's a book that I think anyone who is interested in this topic could easily read and understand-which makes it quality as the reading teacher that I am.

I especially appreciated that value of all of this learning not being dependent on the local church, but the reminder that all of the teachings that are parent led, are supported, reinforced, and found in active, consistent participation in a local gathering of followers of Christ- the Church.

I would recommend this book to others who want to raise their children in the Christian Faith. Thanks Netgalley for the chance to read and review this book.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Give Them Jesus by Dillon T. Thornton, PhD focuses on how to teach children on the truths of the Christian faith. It is difficult for parents to communicate the Christian values and faith of the Bible to a child in a way that they would understand. Dr. Thornton, however, has a solution that would aid parents bring faith to their children in a way that would be understood. Dr. Thornton suggests beginning this journey with the Apostle’s Creed. The Apostle’s Creed is an organized way to teach about the values and teachings of the Christian faith. Dr. Thornton proceeds to guide parents in an explanation of each part of the Creed and suggests ways in which these parts can be explained to a child. He includes a family worship guide at the end of every chapter to serve as a tool for parents.

I found that Dr. Thornton’s idea of teaching the Apostle’s Creed to children to be a wonderful idea that helps children to understand the Christian faith and helps to grow their own faith. Dr. Thornton is very real with his explanations and even his own experiences with his children. This book would be helpful to every parent that needs a starter to guiding their children in the Christian faith.

Happy Reading!


Note: I have received a copy of this book from Hachette Books in exchange for an honest review. #SponsoredByFaithWords

[Oak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Give Them Jesus: Raising Our Children on the Core Truths of the Christian Faith by Dillon T. Thornton, PhD, is an important book about instilling the love of Christ in our children. I like how the book talks about prioritizing family worship and goes into depth about the nature of Jesus, exploring Jesus’ life, identity, death, resurrection, and Second Coming. Thornton excellently examines the Church and our role as part of the church body as we fellowship with other Christians.

One great thing about the book is that it delves into key truths of the Christian faith, outlining the basic beliefs of Christianity that should be taught to our children. The book is well formatted, and I like how after each chapter, there is a “Family Worship Guide” that acts as a devotion to talk about specific Bible passages and ask relevant reflection questions. Give Them Jesus is a thoughtful book, and I appreciate the author’s insight on topics such, “Why can’t god just forgive us?” and “What is the meaning of the cross and the empty tomb?” Parents and children may want to read this book together as they discuss God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.

I received this book for review.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this book is an excellent resource for parents who want to start a devotional time with their family. I would say it is more age appropriate for school aged children. There are some minor details of this book that I did not agree with, however the core truths are all fundamental Christian beliefs. The author addresses the parents as “parent-theologians” and also discusses the needs of the parent to educate themselves in order to dedicate their children. He discusses the apostles creed and then breaks it down into six sections and discusses each section. At the end of each section, he includes a template for family worship and I appreciated that very much.
I wouldn’t say this book would be my exclusive guide to family worship time, but I gained a lot of insight and tips from this book, and therefore I would recommend it to anyone who is looking to start being more intentional with their family.

Thanks To Netgalley for the advanced reader copy of his book.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book that summarizes and simplifies the complexities of our faith. I am incredibly inspired to teach my children the basics of Christianity so they have a firm foundation as they head into a world set to knock them off course. We are memorizing the Apostles Creed as a family and this book gave me the age-appropriate vocabulary and focus for our family discussions. Highly recommended!

[Denisa Ostas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book takes you, as a parent, through key concepts (the apostles’ creed) in christian faith. Some of these can be hard to read, but the family worship guide (key verses, nuggets of truth, questions, songs and prayer ideas) found at the end of each part are well integrated in family devotions.

[Sonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 1/2 ⭐

[Markie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! It is a very great book to teach children about Jesus! My daughters loved listening to me read them this book. It has really helped me teach my daughters the love of Jesus.

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book as both a parent and children's pastor. Ironically enough, I went through a series on my blog explaining the Apostles' Creed bit-by-bit and talking about activities and resources to explain the concepts behind it just a few months ago. I wish this book was available at this time!

Thornton's conversational tone, humour and way of breaking down theological concepts makes this book an easy and enjoyable read. At the same time, the truths he shares are deep and timeless. Many of the illustrations he uses are child-friendly, but also relevant to parents and adults who read. I found my own understanding deepened and challenged as I read this book.

I did struggle with some of Thornton's theological viewpoints, simply because he comes from the Reformed Tradition. I don't share many of his points of view, and while the basics and fundamentals of this book were solid theology, there were some things (not essentials) that I disagreed on, and for that reason, may be hesitant to recommend the book to parents in my tradition.

That being said, I did really enjoy the book and gleaned a lot of knowledge and practical application for my own ministry and parenting journey. I received this book as an advanced reader's copy from #netgalley.

[Stephany Snell · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a parent, I often wonder if I’m doing enough. My prayer journal is filled with pleas to God to equip me with the right words & tools as well as the wisdom to recognize teaching opportunities and the faithfulness & courage to be an example by walking what I talk. I can’t even tell you how many times I have stood at the bathroom sink, washing my face before bed and mentally rehashing the day’s events when the perfect scripture or Bible story to correspond with whatever was going on hits me all of the sudden... hours after the kids are in bed & the moment has passed. So, as you might imagine, I couldn’t agree fast enough to the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Give Them Jesus by Dillon T. Thornton, Ph.D. It is possible that I just haven’t looked in the right places but (at least to me) the entire concept of this book was one of those “How has no one thought of this before?” things. The author branches out from most Christian literature by not necessarily being written or targeted to those it is meant to serve. What I mean is that this book isn’t written for children but it is aimed at serving them while at, the same time reiterating the adult/parent’s own theological base. It is like a teaching manual, complete with curriculum & lesson plans. That might sound boring or even preachy but Dr. Thornton does a wonderful job of infusing his words with wit & just enough snark to keep it feeling more NIV than King James. He teaches in a way that is non patronizing & also detailed enough that even long time believers will feel like they are learning something new. The Family Worship Guides are great & the author’s experience as a childrens’ pastor is apparent throughout the book.

[Reyna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book came out of the oven September 11th 2018. Just give it a try! Even if you don't know the author I invite you to just read the intro and I am sure you will want to keep going. It is a book that gives you a lot to think about, you will want to wait and think, go through your own thinking and keep going. I invite you to take a notebook while you read, there are many things that will come up to your mind and you need to write down. There are things that you will find out that you are doing just great and some others that you know you need to change or to implement. I thank God for men who care for families and want to invest in them, intentionally, Finally the best we can give them is Jesus. I really want to become a parent-theologian. It is a book that quotes Tripp (author that I truly like and respect) and some very interesting others, i enjoyed that, even when sometimes I felt I already knew or read before what he shared. It is good to review things that you think you have mastered but you have not.

You will determine and decide if you want to pass your children to the "professionals" or you want to take the baton and invest in their lives to help them grow in faith. I enjoyed to know that the author is a pastor kid himself. My children are, and it is important to me to know something about their point of view, even when every situation is so different. If you struggle as almost every family with time together you may find useful the Family Worship Guide, you may want to add your own family order and style. They will feel our love, heart, intention and consistency.