Originally Posted by Esaias
I teach my children like I teach anyone else: Here's the bible, here's what it says, here's what you could and should do with it. And, prove all things, hold fast that which is good.
In other words, I only teach what I believe whole-heartedly to be Bible truth. Some things I simply have an opinion on, because I am not convinced of one position or another, or because I have not studied the particular issue in-depth enough to come to a rock-solid conclusion. Those things I present (if at all) as merely my opinion, along with the reasons for my opinion. Sometimes I just say "I don't know, I'd have to look into that."
But regardless, EVERYTHING I teach and believe is always subject to clarification, revision, reproof, correction, and change to become more conformed to the Bible's statements. I always taught my kids from the beginning that although I try to follow the whole Bible, I am human and subject to error, therefore if they see a conflict between Scripture and my statements, they need to go with Scripture. Hopefully, they would notify me of the error so we can discuss it and I can see if I am indeed in error on something!
I taught and teach my kids to examine everything, test it ruthlessly, and only hold onto dogmatically that which cannot be shaken. So, vigorous debate is a regular feature around our house. (Some people think all we do is argue with each other. And sometimes it can get heated. But in the end we are all trying to answer the question "What does the BIBLE say?" All of us, myself included, have benefited from this approach. The unexamined life is boring, after all.)
As far as prophecy and eschatology, I teach it like everything else. I have NEVER taught ANYONE that there is such a thing as "non essential doctrine". If the Bible teaches something, we best learn it and promote it. If the Bible doesn't teach something, then we ought not waste time with it.
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