The following is an excerpt from John Owen’s The Glory of Christ. John Owen sheds great light on the theological and practical implications of the second commandment in the midst of a chapter explaining the difference between faith and sight.
Crucifixes, Images, and Paintings – An Imaginary Christ
I cannot refrain here from a necessary short digression. This transforming efficacy, from a spiritual view of Christ as proposed in the Gospel, being lost, as to an experience of it, in the minds of men carnal and ignorant of the mystery of believing (as it is at present by many derided, though it be the life of religion), fancy and superstition provided various supplies in the room of it. For they found out crucifixes and images with paintings to represent him in his sufferings and glory. By these things, their carnal affections being excited by their outward senses, they suppose themselves to be affected with him, and to be like him. Yea, some have proceeded so far as, either by arts diabolical, or by other means, to make an appearance of wounds on their hands, and feet, and sides; yea, to be wholly transformed into his image. But that which is produced by an image is but an image. An imaginary Christ will effect nothing in the minds of men but imaginary grace. Read the rest of this entry »
Thabiti Anyabwile has shared a few thoughts for parents who don’t go about the whole Santa thing. You might also want to read Sinclair Ferguson’s article on Christ and Santa.
Christ the Center recently had the privilege of discussing credo-baptism with James Dolezal. There is a very interesting discussion currently underway in the comment thread. While this leans heavily toward the academic side, the baptism issue is an extremely important issue for families to think through. There is a helpful (and friendly) debate on the subject of paedo- versus credo-baptism during the last twenty minutes or so.
Reformation Heritage is close to releasing a 2nd edition of God’s Alphabet for Life, by Joel R. Beeke and Heidi Boorsma. The second edition of this helpful book for young children has a completely new layout as well as a new introduction, conclusion and appendix of Bible memory verses. If you haven’t seen the first edition, this book provides 26 devotional meditations for children ages 4-9. They’re based on Biblical texts that children can understand and memorize.
Reformation Heritage Books writes that the aim is to stress
that, like adults, children must be born again, come by faith and repentance to the Lord Jesus Christ, and live lives of thankfulness to God for His great salvation.
While not reformed [or necessarily Christian for that matter] the Pioneer Woman provides many helpful homeschooling resources. This site has come recommended to me from homeschoolers at my church not only for its homeschooling section, but for all types of helpful tips to benefit a family.
