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

by Bruce A. Ware

Equips parents to guide their young children through all major doctrines in an understandable, chapter-a-day format. Sure, it's easy to teach your children the essentials of Christian theology when you're a theology professor. But what about the rest of us? With Big Truths for Young Hearts , Bruce Ware, (you guessed it!) a theology professor, encourages and enables parents of children 6-14 years of age to teach through the whole of systematic theology at a level their children can understand. Parents can teach their children the great truths of the faith and shape their worldviews early, based on these truths. The book covers ten topics of systematic theology, devoting several brief chapters to each subject, making it possible for parents to read one chapter per day with their children. With this non-intimidating format, parents will be emboldened to be their children's primary faith trainers-and perhaps learn a few things themselves along the way.

Genres: Parenting, Theology, Christian, Nonfiction, Childrens, Family, Christianity

240 pages, Paperback

First published April 30, 2009

About the author

Bruce A. Ware (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is professor of Christian theology at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has written numerous journal articles, book chapters, book reviews, and has authored God's Lesser Glory, God's Greater Glory, and Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Reviews

[Lynsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good! And not just for “young hearts”. It went through basic, essential theology and explained it in a clear way. This is good for anyone. New believers would benefit as well as those who have been a believer for some time. Bruce Ware does a fantastic job explaining (sometimes hard to understand) theological topics.

[Danielle Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It explains the systematic truths of Scripture in a way that was so accessible in both time and content. Each chapter is only 2 to 3 pages long. But Ware packs these chapters and the way he did it, it felt more like reading a story than a textbook. It is a gem for parents looking for something to help them walk their kids through a systematic understanding of the Christian faith in an age appropriate, but not a dumbed down way.

Only critique is that there is no Scripture index at the back and this book. It is so full of Scripture references that an index would have a great resource.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a hard one to rate, likely a 3.5 but I can't decide whether to round up or down. The material covered itself was good and really helpful to cover all the bases with the kids that you might not think to cover on the fly or topics that would naturally come up, it's like a simple systematic theology for kids. But it is soooooo repetitive. It got worse as the book went on. Partly, I think it was intended to be that way because you're reading to little kids and saying it more than one way might make it sink in. But at the same time it was so tiring to "beat a dead horse" on a occasion. In the last chapter tonight I got so exasperated with the repetitiveness that I simply skipped over a paragraph that promised to say everything all over again. About half way through I was ready to be on to the next book, but made myself finish, I think I did the same the year I read it to my oldest. I just wanted to be done, it felt like it lasted forever. And sometimes, for all it's repetitiveness, it was unclear--somehow that was possible. It could have been better edited. So on one hand, I'm glad to have read it to all my children, but it was quite the slog after a while. It was not our favorite Bible read, but I liked the thought behind it.

[Blabby Gabi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this for Bible:)
it’s an introduction to biblical theology, and it’s a surprisingly understandable read:) only four stars tho because he’s a little dry 😂😂😂 bahaha

[Ben K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bruce Ware has written an excellent introduction to theology for a younger audience. The title threw me off a bit. I expected it to be aimed at younger children. But as I read it through with my family, it was our kids aged 10-15 that benefitted the most. I think the content would even be fitting for adults who need some basic instruction in theology. It is not written in a childish way, but it is accessible enough that children can understand it.

This book covers all the major topics you would find in a systematic theology, but without most of the technical terminology. It sparked many good questions and conversations with my kids. Each chapter ends with two discussion questions and a memory verse, both of which were helpful as my family engaged with the content.

[Chris Ong · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best devotional book I have found to date for my kids. Its amazing how it goes through a whole curriculum of systematic theology pitched for kids. I'm really enjoying doing it daily with my kids. This is not watered down stuff, and while we are going fairly fast, I'm hoping that some of it will stick. It has a memory verse everyday and it very carefully lays the foundation for the christian faith answering all the questions a person (whatever age) might have when they are trying to make sense of the bible and their theology. I can't recommend this book enough to parents with 'older' kids.

[Jared Segerstrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author does magnificent job of introducing key biblical truths in a fatherly, pastoral way. The book reminded me that we really don't understand something until we are able to teach it to children. I am looking forward to integrating this book into our student ministry.

[Willow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was written for preteens and teens, but its value for adults cannot be overstated. It is so, so good at presenting an understandable, accessible foundation of biblical theology! Admittedly, there is a lot of repetition in the lessons, and many of the discussion questions asked the same thing twice with different wording, which grew a bit tiresome. That's my caveat; and where, in my opinion, it could have been improved. It's one thing to do a quick review at the start of a lesson; another thing entirely to be frequently redundant. It's as if the author could not trust his audience to remember things. Because of the excellent content, I still rate this with five stars even though the presention wanted refining.

I really enjoyed studying the individual characteristics and roles of the Persons of the Trinity, and I liked the way the author worded the breakdown of our sin: our inherited sin nature, our responsibility for our own sin, the weight of our sin requiring a weighty punishment, the glory of Christ in paying a weighty price to save us from that weighty punishment of weighty sin. The way the author explained all this gave me a deeper understanding of it.

There is always something more to learn about our God and His plan of salvation for a fallen people. Just reminds me that we need to be in the Word more and more and we need it and the Lord every minute of every day our whole lives through.

This book/knowledge/understanding is much-needed for every believer, new and seasoned and in-between; for every person everywhere: nonbelievers, those who consider themselves Christians but do not live in obedience to Christ; for kids and preteens and teens and young adults and the middle-aged and elderly.
And especially for those of us who think they already know all this. 😉

[Faith M:) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this for school, which is why it took me so long to read.

It was very good!!! Every devotional/chapter in the book had a similar format. It was a little dry, but this is a book that I would 100% recommend:) Give this a try!!! The theology is great!

[Lindsay Costner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great discussions for new and even old believers!

[John Brackbill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this through with my 10 year old son. Very helpful. Each chapter is only a few pages making it possible to read one chapter each sitting. It is clear and Biblical. His theological position seems to be Calvinistic though he defends limited/unlimited atonement. In the area of spiritual gift he acknowledges differences among believers. He doesn't get specific in this area though I wish he had. He also seems to be of the historical premillennialism persuasion. Though in this area he also doesn't get so specific that I felt like I had to discuss from a pre-trib viewpoint This is a great resource to read through with your children. I plan to encourage my son to read through it again on his own in the future as we did read it a little early for his age.

[Ash_Claunch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I greatly enjoyed the systematic theology in this book, not only for my children's sake, but mine as well. I learned some church history, which is a weak area in my knowledge of the faith. Truths about God were solidified in my heart and mind. I will definitely be reading this book again. My children will also be reading it when they reach this reading level. In the mean time I will be relaying much of this as I teach them. Many adults would benefit greatly from this book! Very enjoyable read. I also greatly appreciate Dr. Ware, the author of this book, and his heart for the Lord and for His glory.

[August Maclauchlan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little too old for my boys yet. I am hoping to get into it again as the boys get older

[Nate Bate · Rating 4 out of 5]

A basic Bible doctrines book aimed for children 9 and up and adults. Excellent basic overview, but I have a hard time thinking it is for children as young as 9. I suppose with a parent reading it to them and stopping to discuss it that it could be for children as young as 9. I think it is more geared to high school on up.

It contains very short, concisely worded chapters on the main doctrines of Scripture with some reflection questions at the end of the chapter. There is a slight calvinistic bent that comes out occasionally. After reading this, I decided it would be a good book to give to my 13 and 14 year olds, but I think most adult church goers would benefit from this as well.

Although it was a very quick read for me, I enjoyed some of Bruce Ware's illustrations and his wording as fresh ways to think about these Bible doctrines.

[Brandon Sickling · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. It is recommended for kids 6 to 14. It is an indictment on our failure to catechize our children and disciple new believers that there were many times in reading that I thought “ would children understand this?” I don’t think this is because Dr. Ware was writing in a way that was hard to understand, it just has not been common practice to address such big theology with young hearts. I do think that a lot of the book could be addressed with Leah who is five, but there are definitely sections that I think would be a big stretch for her. So I think the 6 to 14 recommendation is probably good. But on the other hand, it is a shame that it is targeted specifically two children, because it is an excellent systematic theology for any new believer.

[Tessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 star read! Ware explores topics in an easy to understand way for believers. The purpose of the book is to help parents share the love of God by raising them to know and love theology. As parents or any believer how can we disciple without knowing basic theology? I appreciated the simple writing style and thought-provoking questions I can use now with my family.
The areas explored are:
1.God's Word and God's Own Life as God
2.God As Three in One
3. Creator and Ruler of All
4. Our Human Nature and Our Sin
5. Who Jesus Is
6. The Work that Jesus has Done
7. The Holy Spirit
8. Our Salvation
9. The Church of Jesus Christ
10. What will take place in the End

[Bryan Eberl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’d say somewhere between 3.5 and 4, but rounded up because of how much I liked the beginning of the book. It starts out as over simplifying and essentially allowing me to experience the simple truths of the gospel in a new way. It opened my eyes to fundamentals of scripture and gave me a rivaled excitement to when I first believed. I’d say the second half of the book was riddled with repetition, and some confirmation bias based on scripture. The first half would definitely be useful in teaching kids, but the second half is geared less towards kids and more towards “kids of the faith.” Overall I’d still recommend and would be useful for general overviews of theology.

[Ben Frei · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too introduction

This book is a good introduction to the Christian faith. It is not best for children, but would be good for an adult who wants to learn more about what conservative Evangelical Christians believe.

[Stephen Temple · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple and clear systematic theology. Well laid out and broken up to answer the key questions. I particularly found his illustrations to be really helpful, especially for teaching these truths to 'younger' believers.

[Bambi Moore · Rating 3 out of 5]

My husband sweetly read this to our family and he would probably give the book four stars but I felt it was very dry and repetitive for the kids. The teens were able to get more benefit but not the 7-13 age and certainly no younger than that.

[Paul Vawter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent treatment of systematic theology! Ware communicates with children in mind and offers excellent illustrations and simple explanations of some pretty complex and heavy truths. Read this with/to your kids and grandkids, but read it also for yourself.

[Crystal Laws · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good but way too repetitive, even for a child. Book could be cut in half.

[John Muriango · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very easy to understand systematic Theology book. Can't believe it's targeted for kids! Everyone should read it, no matter their age.

[Brent · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved using this book to tackle tough topics or find ideas to challenge my kids faith.

[Jenny Penley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not just for kids. Solid theology for all ages, probably 9 and older.

[Kaylee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really appreciated the approach of this book but some of the concepts would be harder for little children to grasp. I would recommend it for middle and high schoolers, possibly older elementary.

[Kimberley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh... God ?

[Tim Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5, but appreciated much of it! Not just for kids: lots of novel angles to help shape my own understanding.

[Michael Dunlop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great introduction to systematic theology for kids and teens.

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

In Big Truths for Young Hearts, Dr. Bruce Ware talks about the basics of the faith for young people. I hesitate to say children, because I think of children as 10 years of age and younger.

This book originated at the request of Dr. Ware’s daughters. They were so grateful for the lessons that he taught them at their bedside each night before going to bed, they asked him to put those lessons into a book, and “Big Truths for Young Hearts” was the result. I have just completed the 60 devotions with my children now 15 and 11, and I can see how they have changed positively as a result of understanding fully the greatness and glory of God, and his love and grace towards us, His creation. My eldest daughter has now decided that she is going to go through the book again in her devotional time to understand more fully the Biblical concepts contained.

This book is actually a seminary course, re-written in a way that it is simple and understandable for children 9 years and up (however I would suggest that your youngest is at least 10), which means that adults will understand it just fine. The topics that Dr. Ware covers are God's Word, the Trinity, God as Creator, Human Nature and Sin, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, salvation, and the church. He covers all the bases. All the subtopics are important ones that young adults need to understand. The short essays address the questions well and thoroughly. I would suggest reading them aloud as a family, maybe at a pace of one a week, I would read ahead and consider where you wish to pause and discuss. I would also read while encouraging your children to stop you when they don't understand so that you might pause and address their questions.

This book would also be a good reference for you as a parent if your children ask questions that you aren't sure how to answer or can't remember the biblical references for (as often happens to me). You could also use it to guide your family worship and ground your children in sound doctrine. It is important for them to know what they believe and understand God's Word.

I have been pondering the question of how much we should teach our children and want them to learn and understand. How much can they understand? Sometimes we expect too little of them, but we can also expect too much. This is a book that will help you answer a lot of tough questions kids can face about God as they grow up and want to understand. What we and our children believe about God, the Bible, and who God is will help us all when our hearts fail us. Doctrine--what we believe about God--matters. This is a book about doctrine. It isn't a Bible story book. It may be a book that you will pick up with your sixth grader and realize that it is not connecting with them. So, you set it down for a year or two and come back to it when they are older and more mature--emotionally and intellectually. I find that is the case with many good and helpful books. It is also a book that may help you understand how to explain the basics of the Christian faith to someone who doesn't believe in God when they have questions. I find that often books written for children are very helpful.

This is a book with much potential, whose purpose depends on the person in whose hands it is. I know many families for whom I think this book would be a great fit for family worship times and devotionals.
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