Teaching about the Reformation

A friend recently asked me what we use to teach about the Reformation.  I thought while I was going about answering her question that I may as well make it a blog post.  We certainly do not go too far in depth, but it accomplishes our goals.  I suppose I should start with our goals...

1. We want to teach church history.

2. We want the kids to know about those that have given so much in obedience to God so that we may be able to read God's word and freely live out our faith.

3.  We want them to know and understand that following Christ is not easy.  Following Him involves suffering and sacrifice.

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world.  John 16:33

But even if you suffer for what is right, you are blessed.  "Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened." 1 Peter 3:14

For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him.  Pilippians 1:29

Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you Matthew 5:12

We love the children's books by Voice of the Martyrs.  God's Pilgrim: The real story of John Bunyan and The Pilgrim's Progress and God's Outlaw: The real story of William Tyndale and the English Bible are two of our favorites.

While many went before him and many after as well, Martin Luther is considered by many to have started the Reformation.  We've enjoyed these two simple books about Martin Luther.

                                                         


                                                         

We've really enjoyed reading the book Courage and Conviction: Chronicles of the Reformation Church.  They are short chapters focusing on one person in one point of time during the Reformation.  The book can be read as a whole to give a bigger picture, or pick and chose the chapters to learn of individuals.  I've used this as both a read-aloud or assigned it to individual children.


                                                            
There are a few DVD's that we enjoy this time of year as well.

                                                           


                                                           


                                                            

We do have other books, many historical fiction that help bring the time to life.  Maybe I'll do another post another year?  For now this is a great jumping off point.  Many of these books and DVDs were found simply by searching for one book that lead to another, and then another, and another....

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