#85 Should I have a vasectomy? And other family questions
Sep 30, 2021
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Guests Sally Lloyd-Jones, Bob Hartman, Andrew Peterson, and Phil Vischer discuss parenting, contraceptives, and children's books. They explore using punishments on children, finding support as tired parents, and the concept of resurrection in children's literature. Interesting topics also include Narnia, Harry Potter, and atheist objections.
Discipline should be approached with wisdom, maintaining a loving and respectful environment for children while avoiding coercion and manipulation.
Recommended children's resources include Sally Lloyd-Jones' Storybook Bible, Bob Hartman's creative presentations, and Andrew Peterson's Wingfeather Saga, all of which engage children with important theological concepts.
Deep dives
Parenting and Discipline
The podcast episode delves into the topic of parenting and discipline, addressing a listener's question about parenting from a place of rest and peace in light of Jesus' finished work on the cross. The discussion explores different approaches to discipline, including positive, peaceful, respectful, gentle, or conscious discipline. The hosts acknowledge the need for guidance and boundaries while maintaining a loving and respectful environment for children. They highlight the importance of wisdom, discussing the use of consequences, time-outs, and withdrawal of privileges as appropriate measures, while cautioning against coercion and manipulation. The episode emphasizes the significance of following Jesus' rule of love and recognizing the demands of God's love in guiding children.
Resources for Children's Understanding of Resurrection
The episode features a listener's query about finding books for young children that ground their understanding of resurrection and embody their future in Christ. While acknowledging the limited availability of such resources, the hosts offer recommendations. They mention Sally Loyd-Jones's Storybook Bible, which focuses on developing biblical narratives and themes. Other suggestions include books by Bob Hartman, who creatively presents Christian stories to children, and the Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson, a fiction series grounded in a Christian worldview. They also mention Phil Vischer, known for his Veggie Tales, who has produced resources that engage children with important theological concepts.
Writing a Children's Bible
Towards the end of the episode, it is revealed that the host has written the text for a children's Bible, currently in the illustration phase. The project aims to select and arrange stories from the Bible, conveying key themes and including the writings of Paul, which are often absent from children's Bibles. The host emphasizes the importance of communicating the ultimate message of Revelation 21, which centers on the new Jerusalem coming down from heaven to earth. The challenge lies in condensing the stories into tight word limits and relying on illustrations to convey larger themes and sequencing. The episode concludes with a touch of humor, as the host considers the possibility of writing a series akin to C.S. Lewis' Narnia, but acknowledges the practical difficulties at his current stage in life.