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No matter which way you slice it, parenting is hard. As Christian parents, the most important thing we want to pass on to our children is our faith. Not everyone believes the same way we do though. It is only natural and, dare I say, to be expected, that your kiddo may experience some doubts about christianity.
Whether your child is wrestling with hard questions about the Bible, struggling with belief in God, or feeling disconnected from their faith community, it can be heartbreaking and confusing to watch. But take heart: doubt is not the enemy of faith. In fact, it can be a doorway to deeper understanding and authentic belief.
Helping kids with doubt about Christianity requires both compassion and wisdom. Our job isn’t necessarily to have all the answers, but to walk beside our children with grace, honesty, and love. Instead of reacting with fear or shutting down conversations, Christian parenting means creating a safe space for your child to express their struggles and explore their questions with you as their guide.
Tim Keller says it so well,
A faith without some doubts is like a human body without any antibodies in it.
Resources Dealing with Doubt:
When my husband was a kid, around 10, he started having some doubts about christianity. His mom shared apologist, Lee Strobel’s books for children with him. Then when one of our bears had the same struggle, we went through some of the same books in the series. These books are so well written. I’d say they’re directed at preteen ages and up.
Lee Strobel’s “Case for… Series for Kids”
Apologetics Podcasts:
I was SO encouraged by these two podcasts featuring pastor, Chip Ingram, and apologist, Sean McDowell. Seriously, give these a listen!
Doubt vs. Unbelief: Helping Young People Navigate Faith Challenges, Part 1
Doubt vs. Unbelief: Helping Young People Navigate Faith Challenges, Part 2
Sean McDowell Books:
Apologetics for a New Generation: A Biblical and Culturally Relevant Approach to Talking About God
So the Next Generation Will Know: Preparing Young Christians for a Challenging World
Jesus Is Alive!: Evidence for the Resurrection for Kids
And finally, the apologetics bible, edited by Sean McDowell. Amazon gives this description for it,
“The CSB Apologetics Study Bible for Students anchors young Christians in the truths of Scripture by equipping them with thoughtful responses when the core issues of their faith are challenged. Updated with additional content curated by editor Dr. Sean McDowell, the core materials explore over 130 of the top questions students are currently asking along with articles and extensive apologetics study material from today’s most popular youth leaders and apologists. This unique Bible will guide teens and encourage them to ask tough questions, get straight answers, and strengthen their faith.”
CSB Apologetics Study Bible for Students
Jesus is the, “author and perfecter of our faith.” Pray, listen, teach, and encourage your child… and through it all trust in the God who makes dead things come alive. He cares more for our children than we do. He sees, He cares, He moves.
Let’s strive to look at suffering, doubt, and hard times, as an opportunity for our faith, and the faith of our children to grow.
