Book Review - Big Truths for Young Hearts

Big Truths for Young Hearts: Teaching and Learning the Greatness of God

Bruce A. Ware

Crossway Books (April 30, 2009)

In short: Theology 101 written at a level that older pre-teens will understand while still engaging the adult reader. I can't recommend this book highly enough.

"Theology matters, because if we get it wrong, then our whole life will be wrong."

Josh Harris

"In the church growth heyday, scholars and pastors were wrestling with how to reach out without dumbing down. Today I would argue that we reach out precisely by not dumbing down. The door is open like never before to challenge people with good Bible teaching. People want to learn doctrine."

Kevin DeYoung

I've been thinking and writing a lot lately (see here) about the shallowness of the evangelical church today. Please don't think I am speaking on this from a position of strength. These thoughts and writings have been just as much a critique of my own, often, superficial understanding and knowledge of the character of God as revealed in His Word, as they are of anyone else's. I need more theology. Theology is simply the study of the nature of God. It is simply an attempt to understand God as He is revealed to us in the Bible. We are all theologians, or at least should be.

This book is the perfect antidote for moving away from the shallows into the deep. Consider it a theology primer or theology for the rest of us or, as the author's daughters note in the foreword, Theology 101. Bruce Ware has written a magnificent summary and introduction of doctrine and theology that can be used by parents, teenagers or new believers to deepen their understanding of the classic core doctrines of the Christian faith. As he notes:

"I’m aware that this book may be used in different contexts than the precise one out of which it has grown. Yes, parents may wish to read these chapters with their children, discussing these rich truths together and looking at passages of Scripture that teach aspects of our faith that we need to understand and embrace. Middle and high school students may find it helpful simply to read the book on their own, working bit by bit through some of the core teachings of Scripture on the great doctrines of the Christian faith. Homeschool and Sunday school settings are also places where this book may meet a need. Since it covers the whole range of Christian doctrine, from the doctrine of the Bible all the way through to the doctrine of last things, some may wish to use this as an introductory curriculum for young people to gain a foundational understanding of the whole of the Christian faith. Perhaps also young converts to the Christian faith, no matter what age they may be, will find here a helpful overview of Christian teaching that will give them a better grasp of the truth and beauty God is and has for them to behold."

From bibliology to eschatology (although he doesn't use those big theological terms) Dr. Ware covers it all. Splendidly written chapters explaining the Trinity, the problem of evil, the reality of hell, the work of Jesus, and our human nature, just to name a few, are written at a level that older pre-teens will understand while still engaging the adult reader. Consider this section from the chapter titled, "Sirs, What Must I Do to Be Saved?"

"This is why the Bible sometimes would answer the jailer’s question,“Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30), by speaking together about turning from our sin (repentance) and believing in Christ. For example, in the very first words of Jesus recorded in Mark’s Gospel, Jesus says, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel” (1:15; see also Acts 20:21). Repentance involves seeing sin for the deceitful and deadly thing that it is, so that we turn from it. Belief in Christ involves seeing Christ for the gracious and powerful Savior that he is, so that we turn to him. These two acts go together in a person’s salvation. Repentance and belief are like two sides of the same coin. You can’t have one side of the coin without having the other side also."

Extensive Scripture references as well as questions for thought at the end of each chapter provoke further study and application.

I can't recommend this book highly enough. May we all burn these big truths on our young hearts to the glory of God.

This book was provided for review by Crossway Books.

Rating: Hardback