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Yes, Your Children Can Understand Theology

Yes, Your Children Can Understand Theology — and Paws & Tales Can Help!

By Insight for Living


 
Christian parents are always looking for creative ways to instill God’s Word in the hearts and minds of their young children. As Easter approaches, mums and dads have an opportunity to teach their children some of the greatest truths of Christianity. But they can’t rely on cartoons to accomplish this important task ... or can they?

Recently, we sat down with Eric Baesel, manager of Creative Media Production for Living Bridge Ministries at Insight for Living USA, to discuss how Paws & Tales helps parents teach God’s truth to their children.

Insight for Living: What is your hope for parents and children who listen to or watch Paws & Tales?

Eric: By creating loveable characters and stories that children can relate to, we want children to begin to think deeply about the things of God — His attributes, the gospel, the Bible, and how to live in ways that honour Him. And it starts with parents being purposeful about teaching theology. That can be intimidating. But Paws & Tales can serve as the springboard for having those important conversations with pre-school and primary school-aged children. We want families to experience Paws & Tales together and talk about how they can live out God’s Word.

Insight for Living: Does Paws & Tales have an Easter episode parents can use to show children what lies beyond bunnies and eggs?

Eric: Yes! In the Easter episode, “I’m a Believer!” the character C. J. participates in a dramatic portrayal of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. It transforms C.J.’s view of Easter.

Insight for Living: What is the role of the delightful music and songs in Paws & Tales episodes?

Eric: Children learn in a variety of ways, so we use music to reinforce the biblical principles taught in the Paws & Tales stories. Songs make the truths “stick.” Each episode of Paws & Tales includes an original song, written and produced by Sandy Howell and her talented team of collaboraters. They work closely with us to take the spiritual concepts in each episode and turn them into memorable, well-produced songs.

Insight for Living: How do the Paws & Tales episodes achieve Insight for Living’s mission?

Eric: Insight for Living teaches the Bible. Historically, the ministry has accomplished this mission through resources produced primarily for adults and through the broadcasts featuring Chuck Swindoll or Terry Boyle. But Chuck and Terry would tell you that the ministry of Insight for Living is not about them. It’s about God and His Word. Chuck and Terry are simply the instrument. Paws & Tales is another vehicle that Insight for Living uses to make the truth of God’s Word interesting, understandable, and relevant, specifically for children.

Insight for Living: What should parents, grandparents, or church leaders do if they want to learn more about Paws & Tales?

Eric: They can go to www.insight.org/broadcasts/pawsandtales to find out more. We currently have a total of 69 radio episodes, and in May we will release two more DVDs to add to our animated collection.

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About the Author:  Insight for Living


Insight For Living