CHRISTIAN NEWS MAGAZINE FOR KERALA MALAYALEE CHRISTIANS FROM INDIA AROUND THE WORLD
MAY 2007 ARTICLE
VOL:6 ISSUE:05

THE SUNDAY SCHOOL
By VERY. REV. THOMAS P. MUNDUKUZHY COR-EPISCOPA
[Republished in Memory of V. Rev. Thomas P. Mundukuzhy]

Christian education should be given from the childhood. In a child, the image of God grows with the family. The home shall be a mini Church. Home is the cradle of all possible growth and expansion. It is the responsibility of the parents to teach, guide, and when necessary, to correct. Train their hearts. Cheer more, criticize less.

LITTLE HISTORY: In 1773 John Wesley and in 1769 Hanna Ball tried to train the children, but failed. In 1780 Robert Rajikas for children's safety and human love started Sunday School to teach children Bible stories. Even though children revolted against him and threw mud at him, his attempt eventually developed into ecclesiastical training and sacristical learning. After the industrial revolution, children became very violent with breaking windows, using foul languages, and fighting for anything and everything. The religious education started earlier was the immediate remedy to overcome the situation. In the 18th century, men dominated; women in the 19th; and children in the 20th.

HOME: Christian education should be given from the childhood. "Faith is not put in the life, but grows in the life." In a child, the image of God grows with the family. Home should be a Church to the child. The home shall be a mini Church. Faith shall be nourished there. Make sense of the Church (John 6:35; Luke 22:19) - our tradition and duties. "A child educated only at school is an uneducated child." (George Santayana). Home is the cradle of all possible growth and expansion.

1. Home atmosphere: Conversations, actions, etc. Ruskin loved art because he learned it from his mother as a child.
2. Home discipline: Follow the guidelines, rules, regulations, principles, etc.
3. Home administration: In cooperation with the members of the whole family. Discordant, drinking and daddling parents could not do that. Each one of us can make a difference.

CHILDREN'S EDUCATION: Education begins at birth. Parents are fundamentally responsible for the education of their children (Deuteronomy 11:19; Proverbs 22:6). The develo-pment of the character shall be the fundamental goal of education ... moral power. The basic text book is Holy Bible. God is the administrator and Jesus is the teacher. The Lord shall teach (Isaiah 2:2-3; 11:9). "A child miseducated is a child lost" (John F. Kennedy). "The fate of empires depends on the education of youth" (Aristotle). "Education is a weapon whose effect depends on who holds it in his hands and at whom it is aimed" (Joseph Stalin). "The aim of education is to teach values which should change behavior in a wholesome direction, "a progressive discovery of our own ignorance" (Will Durant). Education should give "the power to tell the good from the bad" (Samuel Johnson).

PARENTS: It is the responsibility of the parents to teach, guide, and when necessary, to correct. We will have to praise as well as to punish them. "A word fitly spoken is like apples of God in settings of silver" (Proverbs 25:11). The primary goal of parents is to prepare our children to adulthood for the day of their independence. "Not all teachers are parents, but all parents are teachers, the indispensable teacher. And as teachers, parents always have had the first and largest responsibility for educating their children" (William Bennett). Parents should teach their children God's ways - instruction, advice, and encourage-ment and also family nourishment - care of the body, mind and spirit - instruction, correction, advice, and encourage-ment. Contribute love to help continue to live. Train their hearts. Cheer more, criticize less. Accept as they are. Kids want to belong (kiss and embrace). Teach good manners, respect, and love. Have quality time and relationship. "That which the fountain sends forth returns again to the fountain" (H. W. Longfellow). "There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children; one of these is roots; the other is wings" (Hodding Carter). "I bend, but I do not break" (Jean Fontaine). "Make a memory with your children, Spend some time to show you care; Toys and trinkets can't replace those Precious moments that you share" (Elaine Hardt).

RESOURCEFUL RESOLUTIONS:

1. Never warn with a "should"
2. Don't tease or say things sarcastically
3. Do not deny their feelings
4. Have positive feed back ... praise with honesty.
5. Do not gender stereotype (calling "sissy" or "crybaby'.
6. Avoid false threats ... replace with promise.
7. Respond to their needs at the nip of the time; know when to say: "Not now."
8. Don't call them stupid, idiot, lazy, sloppy, slob, brat, or such other negative remarks.
9. Encourage with entertainments (music plays an integral part: Psalm: 96:1-2; baby lullabies - not punk, rock, or rap music; David used the skill: 1 Samuel 16:23), sports and games. "Whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them" (Matthew 17:12). "Encouragement enables, discouragement disables" (Shirley Gould).
10. self-esteem (High and Low): Having a positive, yet balanced view of oneself - need to motivate to try new things, to resist pressure. Create confidence: We are what we think (Proverbs 23:7). Children say: "It's too hard"; "I can't", "Nobody likes me", etc. In order to encourage healthy self-esteem:
A. Give unconditional love. Be there when they need you and show love and affection;
B. Respect: Don't belittle or humiliate. Praise them and encourage to change. Just don't see the bad habit alone. Don't create the feelings of rejection and inferiority.
C. Be a positive thinker (Philippines 4:8): Not to worry (Matthew 6:25-34). Show their strength and abilities (Philipines 4:13). God should be their strength.
D. Help to have high standards and reach goals. Don't be overprotective. Help to seek new experiences. Give them opportunities to reach new goals. Don't label them negatively (Colossians 3:21). Teach true values. Parents have to rear their children to have self-esteem.
11. Teach humility (Isaiah 57:15; 1 Peter 5:5: God gives grace to the humble), sincerity, respect, etc.

For children, September is the beginning of the new year - new books, clothes, shoes, friends and so on. Children need help to reach their goals during this time. They need encouragement, not criticism which only hurts and defletes the ego. Parents have to make the following resolutions at this time:

1. I will not call my child an idiot.
2. What is the matter with you? Are you stupid?
3. You are nothing but a liar
4. You have a big mouth
5. This is my house; if you can't live by my rules, then get out.
6. All you do is nag; you are just like your father (mother saying).
7. If you keep eating like that you will look like your father (mother).
8. I've had enough of you.
9. May be you should find another set of parents who will put up with your nonsense.
10. To think, I went through ten months of carrying you and fifteen hours of labor. And for what?

ALPHABETICAL CHILD RAISING RULES:

A. Accountable, Accept, Achieve, Aspire.
B. Behave, Beautify, Bond
C. Courtesy, Consistency, Critical, Christ like
D. Decency, Dignity, Discipline, Dependence
E. Exemplify, Educate, Excel, Earn
F. Firm, Feel, Fair, Forgive, Faithful
G. Give, Gift, Grace, Grateful, Godly
H. Honest, Humorous, Humble, Healthy, Helpful
I. Imagine, Imitate, Ideal
J. Joyful, Jubilant, Justify
K. Knowledgable, Know how
L. Love, Listen, Leisure
M. Model, Mature, Moral
N. No; Nobility, Nuicence
O. Orthodox, Outgoing, Obedient, Obligations
P. Pure, Protect, Present, Perfection, Parents
Q. Quench, Quest, Quiet, Quite
R. Respect, Rely, Reward, Receive
S. Submissive, Sensible, Sincere, Self-confidence
T. Truthful, Tough, Together, Train, Trust, Treasure
U. Upright, Unique, Unite
V. Value, Versatile, Voice
W. Wise, Words
X. Xian (Christian), Example
Y. You and Young
Z. Zealous, Zest.

THE TASTE FAMILY:

1. Hesitate: Reluctant; slow to act
2. Vegitate: Monotonous / passive existence (like a plant)
3. Imitate: Copy, reproduce: Hebrews 6:1; 1 Corint-hians 4:16; 11:1.
4. Irritate: Annoy, make angry
5. Facilitate: Make easier, assist
6. Agitate: Stir violently; upset; disturb, arouse
7. Precipitate: Causes to happen; condense and fall as rain or snow.
8. Meditate: Reflect and Contemplate day and night.
9. Recitate: Narrate.

Examine where we belong-
TEN GOLDEN RULES:

1. Do not give your child everything he asks for: make him to earn - even by doing the chores at home - teach the dignity of work.
2. Do not encourage him to repeat the bad habits or languages.
3. Let him to be himself rather than someone else.
4. Encourage him when he fails; do not disappoint him with anger.
5. Help to cultivate emotional and physical feelings.
6. Parents shall be in a united front - join with the child against the father or mother.
7. Be a model as far as you can (do not fight in front of them).
8. Discipline the child appropriately and reasonably.
9. Do not please them always with gifts and presents.
10. Mould the spiritual life through love of God and care for the fellow human beings. Teach the importance of FAITH and moral values.

WHAT SHALL WE DO ?

1. Worship together: 1 Corinthians 16:19 (House church)
2. Teach the Scriptures: Deuteronomy 4:9-10
3. Rejoice together before the Lord God: Deuter. 14:26
4. Dwell together in unity: Psalm 133:1
5. Rule the house well: Prov. 31:10 ff (wife); 1 Timothi 3:4
6. Be fruitful: Psalm 128:3
7. Forgive: Matthew 18:21-22; Genesis 50:17-21

"SUNDAY SCHOOL EXISTS NOT FOR CONVERSION, BUT TO PREVENT CONVERSION."

People tend to learn by what they see rather than by what they hear. We have to show our good works. Be model to others by practicing what we teach. If we learn and teach, we will walk in His paths.

A CASE STUDY: CHIP OF THE OLD BLOCKS:
A failure in Abraham was passed to his son, then to his grandson, and then to his great grandson. Abraham (Gen. 20:1ff) devised a lie for his wife Sarah (cf.12:10 ff); Isaac (Genesis 26:6ff) presented his wife Rebekah as his sister like his father as above, and Jacob (Genesis 27:1-45) lied for the birthright.

Carry him to his mother (2 Kings 4:19): Elisha and the Shunamite woman; the child crying, "My head, my head!", and his father saying the above words. Mother has great responsibility for the rearing and caring of a child, home, village, nation.

1. Homely atmosphere
2. Homely discipline
3. Homely administration

TEACHERS:
Teach the truth. Holy Bible is the textbook. It is living and powerful (Hebrews 4:12). Three areas to cover:

1. Knowledge: Accumulation of facts and information (2 Peter 3:18). Need proper attitude. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Proverbs 1:7).
2. Understanding: How knowledge relates to people, places and things? How it fits together? Like David, we have to pray: "Give me understanding that I may learn your commandments" (Psalm 119:73). Take time to meditate (Psalm 119:99). Also need obedience (119:100). We have to do or practice (111:10).
3. Wisdom: Ability to discern how, when, and where to use the undersdtanding of knowledge... the ability to apply knowledge for the right decision. Depart from evil (Proverbs 10:8; 14:16; 15:33; Job 28:28). Obey God (Matthew 7:24). Wisdom is a spiritual gift (1 Corinthians 12:8-10; Ephesians 1:17; Daniel 2:21).We have to ask God to gain wisdom (James 1:5). We need wisdom to understand (Daniel 12:10). Wisdom gives us happiness by making right decisions (Proverbs 3:13, 18). Study the books especially Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, the lives of men and women, the Gospels, Epistles, etc. thoroughly in order to gain wisdom.

TECHNIQUES:

1. Study the basic documents first ("milk") and then complex ("meat"): Hebrews 5:12.
2. By picture or general overview method: "Here a little, there a little (Isaiah 28:10); use a concordance.
3. By analogy: Compare the physical to the spiritual
4. Cause and effect: Obeying and disobeying laws
5. Seasonal and timely technique: "Food in due season" (Luke 12:42) - spiritual food (Pentecost, Palm Sunday, Transfiguration, etc.)
6. Experience: 1 Corinthians 10:11
7. Repetition: The more we look, the more we see.

LIVE THE TRUTH:
People tend to learn by what they see rather than by what they hear (Matthew 5:16). We have to show our good works. Be model to others by practicing what we teach. ICS: Inclusion, Credibility, and Satisfaction: If we learn and teach, we will walk in His paths (Isaiah 2:3).

Husbands teach wives (1 Corinthians 14:35); parents teach children (Deuteronomy 6:6-7); grant parents and older people teach the youngsters (Titus 2:4-5). Answer questions (1 peter 3:15). Teacher taught John Scripture: Three things are here to remember: Teacher, John and Scripture. Children "listen more to what we are than to what we speak; yet the teacher tries to live the Gospel in his life. Education is not what man knows, but what a man is". "Your speech shows it," Pilate's servant told Peter (Mark 14:70).

1. Know the subject: 1 Peter 3:15; study: 2 Timothy 2:15; Grow in grace and knowledge: 2 Peter 3:18. Self study is important to increase knowledge. Should know the faith and discipline of the Church.
2. Set good examples: Lights to the world (Matthew 5:14-16); Live God's way. Obedience of Israel is an example (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). Live His way (Romans 2:21-23). Should be dedicated to Jesus Christ with sanctity of life. Should be model to students in dress, language, attitude and manner. Be on time for worship services and be prompt and punctual. Should have prayer life and communion life.
3. Use authority well: Help to learn, improve and prosper. Handle situations responsibly. Should know (his) students who and what they are.
4. Communicate well: Explain from different angles in humility and warmth. Clarity in teaching ... explain in full.
5. Show outgoing concern: Helping, serving, caring attitude. Have godly love (1 Corinthians 13). Be merciful (Luke 6:36) and compassionate.

FIVE M's:

1. Management: Arrangement and adjustment of the environment of classes - board, chalk, atlas, etc.
2. Motivation: What to accomplish.
3. Matter: Prepare well.
4. Method: Who, What, Why, When, How?
5. Manner: Happy face; simple language; asking intelligent questions to all; letting them to ask and if don't know the answer, research and answer in the next class, appreciate: Luke 2:40, 52.

CHILDREN:
Children learn about God from environments - family, friends, school, etc. It helps children to grow if they learn that there exists an all-powerful and protective God who provides them an enormous sense of security. "A child is a mystery and a shut-casket of immense possibilities." "How do you know the fruit is ripe? When it leaves the bunch" (Andre' Gide). "Every child born into the world is a new thought of God, an ever-fresh and radiant possibility" (Kate Wiggin). Children reinvent your world for you." (Susan Sarandon). A child depends everything on his/her parents. Children have firm faith in them; no worries or burden. They know that their parents have everything. They have pure hearts; no cheating or treachery; their obedience and complete submission and surrender. Children are angels .. at least most of them... their appearances, behavior and attitude. At Jesus' birth, the angels proclaimed the message: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men" (Luke 2:14). At Christ's death, they sang: "Holy art thou, O God." Angels are messengers. They listen, obey, and perform. Like children, they are the extension of God's love. They are instruments of judgments. We do not worship them (Colossians 2:18; Revelation 19:10). They watch, guide, reveal, praise, provide, and protect. Children have angels (Matthew 18:10).

Children, when they are in first grade, talk about them like "my dad, nose, eyes" etc.; in second grade about their parents, "my dad, mummy"; in third grade about the town, village, or city; in fourth grade about the county; 5th grade about their state; sixth grade and seventh about their country and by eighth grade about the world. When they become a teenager, all these change into a new spectrum. So also their conception about their parents also change: At four, a child thinks that daddy can do anything; at seven, daddy knows a whole lot of things; at eight, daddy doesn't know quite everything; at twelve, oh, well, naturally father doesn't know that either; at fourteen, father is hopelessly old-fashioned; at twenty one, that man is out of date; at twenty five, he knows a little bit about it, but not much; at thirty, may be it is better to find out what dad thinks; at thirty five, try to get dad's assessment before do anything; at fifty, dad was pretty smart and wonder what he would have thought about that; at sixty, dad knew absolutely everything; and at sixty five, "I'd give anything if dad were here so I could talk this over with him; I really miss my dad."

"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6). The first question a child asks is: "Why?". When a child makes its first step, we are all happy. But when starts running and yelling, we finally say "shut up." Teach them when they are young: Who is God? Love: John 3:16; 1 John 4:8
Who we are? Children of God: John 1:12
What is the purpose of our life? Witness (Acts)
Teach the importance of ACTS: A: Adoration; C: Confession; T: Thanksgiving; S: Supplication. "Life is an egg, do not break it, but hatch it." Teach them three beautiful words: "I love you"; three difficult words: "I forgive you"; and another difficult word: "No" at times. One needs courage and strength to use the three royal refuses: (1) David refused to put on the armor (1 Samuel 17:38-39); (2) Daniel refused king's table to eat meat (Daniel 1:8); Jesus refused king's crown (John 6:13).

A child's mind is very sensitive - inqusitiveness. Have the child nearby during family prayer and at worship services. A child is greatly swayed by instincts. Heriditory in the blood runs in the family. The story of Laban, Jacob, and spotted and stripped lamb (Genesis 30:32-43) is a good example. Family life and environment shall be ideal. Have Bible reading, prayer life, church going all together. Train them to swim against the waves. Jesus considers children as an integral part of the Church:

1. Jesus called a child and set him in the midst of them (Matthew 18:2): Central position.
2. Turn around (convert) and become like a child: Matthew 18:3.
3. Jesus to disciples: "You do not despise these children" (Matthew 18:10).
4. Told to allow little children to come to Him: Mark 10:4.
5. Jesus blessed the children.
6. "Feed the lamb": Jesus told Peter : John 21:15. The child is the Father of Man.

Prepare children for worship participation by:

1. Worshipping (praying) at home
2. Visiting worship places and introducing to Church leaders.
3. Introducing to new people who worship
4. Helping to say responses in the worship services.
5. Participating in other sacramental services: Baptism, etc.
6. Training to get involved in worship services
7. Preparing physically, mentally and emotionally.
8. Parents' participation
9. Talking about what happened after the service.

Fifteen Guidelines:

1. Obedience is better than sacrifice: 1 Samuel 15:22 cf. 3:19
2. Honor parents: Exodus 20:12 cf. Genesis 46:29
3. Listen to parents: Proverbs 23:22
4. Be obedient to parents: Ephesians 6:1-2
5. Avoid the temptations of the world: Proverbs 1:10-19
6. Be faithful: Hebrews 11:1
7. Be truthful /sincere: "Come to the knowledge of truth" (2 Timothy 3:7)
8. Be submissive: in all reverence: 1 Timothy 3:4
9. Be excellent: Wisdom is ethical and moral associated with excellence - truth, righteousness and knowledge: Proverbs 8:6-11.
10. Be sensible: Evaluate the five senses when doing/talking.
11. Study the Holy Scriptures: The spoken word and the incarnated word: 2 Timothy 3:15-16
12. Keep the Law / commandments: Proverbs 28:7
13. Honor elders: Leveticus 19:32
14. Prepare children for worship physically and emotionally
15. Introduce children to the leaders and visitors of the church.

Six stages of Moral Development according to Kohlberg's Model:

A. Preconventional:
1. One does what is right based on the fear of punishment;
2. Based on procuring something in return.
B. Conventional:
3. Concerned for the approval of others
4. concerned about the rules and regulations
C. Postconventional:
5. Breaks out of being controlled by others and regulates one's own behavior
6. Development of a healthy conscience - does the right thing because of one's own belief.

Few questions to ponder:

1. "What will be the boy's rule of life and his work"? (Judges 13:12): Manoah's question to the angel.
2. Why are you going to him today? (2 Kings 4:23): Shunamite woman's husband.
3. What kind of a child will this be? (Luke 1:66): John the Baptist. "Is this not Joseph's son?" (Luke 4:22): Lord looks at the heart: 1 Samuel 16:7.
4. Whose son are you, young man? (1 Samuel 17:58): Jesse's youngest son, shepherd of Bethlehem, giant slayer, composer of Psalms, musician, Jonathan's closest friend ... Was a fugitive but became Israel's king, a champion in battle and a troubled monarch. Glorious triumph, but great tragedy; strong in battle, weak at home; a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:13-14; 16:1; Psalm 78a:70-72.
1. Spirituality: A heart like God's - in harmony with him, obeying His command: 2 Chronicles 16:9
2. Humility: Committed heart
3. Integrity: Wholesome and pure: Psalm 78:70-72
4. Skilful: 1 Samuel 16:18 cf. Proverbs 18:16. (Parumala Thirumeny, Mother Theressa, Florence Nightingale, Fr. Damian, George Muller): Social work and gospel work intertwined.

Psalm 127:3-4:

1. Children are gifts (heritage): God's property assigned to parents.
2. Children are fruits: nurturing, cultivation, hard-works in shaping a life.
3. Children are rewards.
4. Children are arrows pointing to a certain target. Children are very sincere, straightforward and truthful. Children should have the attitude of gratitude. Nathaniel: "There is no guile in him" John the Baptist: "No other greater person than him." Peter: the rock to build the church. Ask ourselves: "Show me myself, Lord, show me myself.' Pray: "Lord, show me Thyself."

A. Be faithful: Hebrews 11:1
B. Be truthful/sincere: "Come to the knowledge of truth: 2 Timothy 3:7.
C. Be submissive: In all reverence: 1 Timothy 3:4.
D. Be excellent: Wisdom is ethical and moral associated with excellence - truth, righteousness, and knowledge: Proverbs 8:6-11.
E. Be sensible.

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