How can we equip our children for adulthood? What skills do they need to avoid being deceived and losing their faith? How can we prepare them to recognize subtle spiritual attacks? When Christianity requires that they swim against the tide of the rest of our culture, will they know and be ready to do so?
Photo: Mitja Ribic |
A fun and effective way to teach Biblical worldview and critical thinking skills involves using movies, the form of media most likely to elicit a strong emotional reaction. Movie Nights are mentioned as a technique in Revolutionary Parenting, a book which reveals extensive research into the common principles and methods used by parents who have raised spiritual champions. Want to know more? I highly, highly, highly recommend this entertaining and informative Movie Night Chats podcast by Kurt Bruner where explains how he has used Movie Nights with his own family. (Did I mention that I highly recommend you listen to the podcast?--Yes, it's that helpful!) Also included are some amusing video clips from interviews with other parents and kids who use Movie Nights.
Benefits of Movie Nights include:
- Stimulating discussion about spiritual matters
- Learning to perceive subtle messages or bias
- Understanding the underlying belief system of writers
- Strengthening Biblical worldview
- Evaluating these influences in the light of eternal truths
The critical thinking skills that it hones can be applied to music, other forms of media, books, news coverage of current events, and lectures given by college professors. Not only will your child gain clarity in their thought processes and reinforce their faith, they will also be learning how to communicate these beliefs to others.
Photo: Bmaksym |
Movie Nights can create wonderful family memories. Through Movie Nights, you initiate dialogue about topics that are hard to discuss. They can also provide a training ground for skills that will serve your child for years to come. Some families do Movie Nights on their own. Others have group Movie Nights with other families. However you choose to do Movie Nights, have fun!
If you use this technique, please share your experiences. I would love to hear about it!
Oh, and don't forget the popcorn!
Photo: Microsoft Images |
Thanks for the post. I'm looking for resources for passing on the faith to my children's children. I appreciate this movie night idea and look forward to learning more about it. Which of Kurt Bruner's podcasts are you recommending? The link is broken :( Is it "Inklings of God"? I found movie nights chats website but there was no podcast available there. Thanks for the help~ :)
ReplyDelete~heather