[Faith] Episode 55: Matthew Paul Turner - The Challenge of Raising Kids with the Bible
Mar 31, 2025
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Matthew Paul Turner, an accomplished author of children's books like "When God Made You," joins the discussion on parenting within a biblical framework. He reflects on the joys and challenges of raising kids amidst faith transitions, emphasizing kindness and curiosity. Turner shares personal anecdotes about navigating traditional teachings while fostering a healthier dialogue around spirituality. He also touches on the significance of financial literacy in family dynamics, blending practical tools with meaningful conversations.
Matthew Paul Turner emphasizes the importance of fostering curiosity and kindness in children while navigating their spiritual education.
The podcast highlights the necessity of self-awareness among parents to create supportive environments for children's faith exploration.
Innovative approaches to biblical narratives aim to engage children meaningfully, reframing scripture beyond fear-based teachings into relatable stories.
Deep dives
Celebrating a New Children's Bible
A new children's Bible titled 'God's Stories as Told by God's Children' has been released, bringing an inclusive and imaginative approach to biblical narratives. This book features contributions from over fifty diverse voices, including biblical scholars and practitioners, which helps parents integrate their beliefs with biblical stories. It serves as a tool for parents to engage their children in conversations about faith while respecting their intelligence and curiosity. The project reflects a commitment to honoring children's narratives and traditions alongside spiritual exploration.
Deconstructing Faith and Parenting
The podcast emphasizes the complexities of parenting while navigating faith transitions, with Matthew Paul Turner sharing insights from his personal journey. He highlights a protective parenting approach, influenced by his own recovery from harmful teachings, where he ensures to curate his children's exposure to religious narratives. This process involves being mindful of the questions children may have, such as inquiries about concepts like sin or hell, prompting important dialogues about spirituality. Addressing these sensitive topics requires parents to reflect on their experiences and heal to avoid projecting their fears onto their children.
Engaging with the Bible Thoughtfully
Matthew discusses the challenge of making the Bible engaging and relevant for children in a way that avoids fear-based teachings. He acknowledges that traditional religious stories can be daunting and often require a nuanced understanding that children may not possess. As children grow, it becomes essential to foster meaningful conversations about scripture, helping them see the Bible as a collection of diverse stories rather than merely a moral guide. This reframing encourages empathy and a deeper exploration of life's complexities rather than a simplistic view of faith.
The Importance of Self-Work in Parenting
The conversation stresses the necessity of self-awareness and personal healing in the parenting journey, particularly regarding religious upbringing. By addressing their own past fears and experiences, parents can foster healthier spiritual environments for their children. This approach requires introspection into how personal faith transitions influence parenting choices and narratives shared with kids. Ultimately, prioritizing one's well-being serves as a foundation for creating a supportive and open space for children's faith exploration.
Navigating Tradition and Adaptation
The discussion addresses the complexities of raising children within religious traditions while recognizing the need for adaptation in contemporary contexts. Transforming how children understand biblical narratives can prevent harmful patterns of faith from being perpetuated. By fostering a critical understanding of scripture, parents can inoculate their children against manipulation while still remaining connected to their faith heritage. Emphasizing adaptability encourages a respectful engagement with tradition, allowing for a balance between heritage and the evolving nature of belief.
In this episode of Faith for Normal People, Pete and Jared are joined by Matthew Paul Turner, co-author of the new kids’ book “What Is the Bible?” alongside the late Rachel Held Evans. Matthew opens up about how parenting has shaped him, from questioning his own beliefs to embracing a more open, loving approach. He talks about learning from his kids, unlearning old mindsets, and creating a space where curiosity and kindness lead the way.
Watch this episode on YouTube → https://youtu.be/YPo8gCpAxTg
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This episode is sponsored by Greenlight. Greenlight is a debit card and money app made for families: parents can send money to their kids and keep an eye on kids’ spending and saving, while kids and teens build money confidence and lifelong financial literacy skills. Sign up for Greenlight today at greenlight.com/normalpeople.
