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Valiant For Truth

Cover Stories

School has begun. Students are busy with homework. Teachers are busy grading papers. Parents are encouraging their children to study. Kindergarten is the place where formal learning begins. There was even a book titled, “Everything I Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.” But for people of faith, we might re-title it, “Everything I Needed to Know I Learned in Sunday School.” Our fundamental Christian truths are taught in Sunday School. In their simplicity, they are profound. First, God is love. This is the first Bible verse I learned by heart and describes the basic character of God. Second, Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so. One of the most influential theologians of the 20th century, Karl Barth, was once asked what was the most profound doctrine of the Christian faith. After a moment’s pause, he responded with the words to this song. What a surprise for his questioners who were expecting to hear some complicated doctrine expounded. This is not just some sweet little song children learn; it is one of the most profound truths of the Christian faith. Third, we learn that almost all the questions teachers ask can be answered with one of two words—either God or Jesus. Just watch any group of children during the children’s message or Sunday School answering with these two words. When I was studying for my degree in elementary education, I learned that a good teacher always asks questions that require mental evaluation and cannot be answered with a simple response. But is that really true? What is wrong with living life on such a level that one believes that most of our problems one of two answers—Jesus or God? Can you imagine a group of adults who lived each day genuinely acting as if and believing that God was to only necessary answer to life’s problems? We might be tempted to call them simpletons, yet read the book of Acts—that is what the early Christians did! Adolphe Monad, a 19th century French evangelist wrote toward the end of his life: “I have strength for nothing more than to think about the love of God. He has loved us—that is the whole of dogmatics. Let us love God—that is the sum total of the ethics of the Gospel.” The greatness of our Christian faith is that it is so simple even a child can and must receive it. And yet it is so profound that centuries of study will never uncover all of its spiritual depths. Blessings in Christ Trish

18 Letting Your Light Shine as a Family By Scott Wagoner Named North Carolina Family of the Year, John and Laura Altizer and family, live out their Quaker values through service. 10 Growing Up Quaker By Diane-Ellen McCarron Gorgen family members share how growing up Quaker has shaped who they are and what they do. 11 Abraham, Isaac and Molly By John Edminster The questions of 10-year-old Molly cause her father to reflect on the story of Abraham and Isaac. 12 Cross Country Journey to Raise Funds for AGLI To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Rwandan genocide, Laura and Matt Chico are crossing the United States to raise money. 14 A Quaker Experiment in Preventing Violent Conflict By Bridget Moix Fifty international Quakers gathered for the fifth consultation of the Quaker Network for the Prevention of Violent Conflict. Read their responses to taking away the occasion of war.