Monday, January 30, 2006

Song of Songs for Kids? Wrestling 5

There's more. (You might be less confused if you read these 5 posts in order.)

If you look on the web for [Sunday School children Song of Songs], there isn't much there. I did find a Rabbi's translation from the Hebrew which puts Song of Songs doubtlessly back in that sensual category, which left me rethinking yet again whether we should do the simple story with kids or not.

If becoming like children in our faith means receiving the kingdom and maturing in Christ, then we have much to learn from children and how they receive and perceive God, His Word, all that's revealed about Him through His creation. They won't see what we see. And of course, you could always take the more explicit parts out...

Though I really want to see how the kids process the story (G-rated and simply told, not interpreted), it violates something in me to water down the scriptures, change them, or take things out. It seems a mis-handling of the Word which would defeat the purpose of presenting the story, and letting the scriptures speak. . . sigh. . .

I may have to settle for "God made me, God loves me," using all of our senses, looking for words to describe what we see, hear, taste, smell, touch. Those are the words that Solomon used to describe his love and that of his beloved. It would be a good lead-in to Lisa's prayer stations and worship the following Sunday- when they'll learn lots of ways to pray and speak to God of their love for Him.

We are fearfully and wonderfully made, created with a huge multi-sensory capacity for love and communication. In whatever ways we interact with His word and wrestle with His stories His Word will accomplish all that He sends it to accomplish. Still wrestling!

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