Barrett’s Book Notes: The Ology

I’m always looking for biblical, theological, and fun resources to help my kids learn the great doctrines of the faith. Recently we’ve been working through Marty Machowski’s The Ology: Ancient Truths Made Ever New (New Growth Press, 2015). I really like how precise Marty is at points and my kids often find his metaphors illuminating. Marty also provides Bible references which we enjoy looking up and reading to further understand the lesson. This is a fun book for kids and one that doesn’t compromise on theological depth. And any book that can make theology fun is worth diving into.

Also, don’t miss the sing along CD Sovereign Grace has put together to go along with the book.

Here is the publisher’s description:

In the cellar of the old stone cathedral, Carla and Timothy uncover a life-changing treasure, a carefully wrapped ancient book known as The Ology. What adults might describe as a beautifully illustrated storybook of systematic theology, the kids discover to be a story of adventure, mystery, and wonder that leads them to the truth about God, themselves, and the world around them.

Truth is for kids, not just for adults! So The Ology gives kids of all ages a beginner’s theology book to help them understand who God is and how we, as his children, relate to him. Arranged within a traditional systematic theological framework, each truth in The Ology is also connected to the larger redemptive story of Scripture. The doctrine of God, for example, is presented in the larger framework of creation, where the attributes of God are more clearly on display. The Ology takes abstract theological concepts and makes them easier to understand with the use of creative examples, illustrations, and analogies. The goal is not to say everything that could be said about a theological topic, but rather to share the key thoughts behind a theological concept. The Ology is a starting point to learning theology and aims to create a hunger and desire in children to learn more as they grow older.

Designed for six-year-olds through preteens, this flexible resource includes built-in adaptations for use with younger or older children, so that entire families can enjoy it together. Read The Ology to preschoolers, read it with grade-school kids, and let older kids discover the “hidden” truths by reading the corresponding Scripture passages for each section. However you read it, The Ology will give your children a gift that will last a lifetime—a solid foundation of life-changing biblical truth that will point them to the God who loves them and gave himself for them.

• A beginner’s book of systematic theology in the form of a beautifully illustrated storybook

• Clearly explains life-changing theological truths with everyday examples and simple language that kids can understand

• Takes abstract theological concepts and makes them easier to understand with the use of creative examples, illustrations, and analogies

• Designed for six-year-olds through preteens, with built-in adaptations for use with younger or older children, so that entire families can enjoy it together.

The Ology is a book of systematic theology written especially for six-year-olds through preteens. The author, who has six kids of his own, has intentionally created a vivid resource, full of analogies and word pictures that help kids grasp difficult theological concepts and understand how each truth is connected to the larger redemptive story of the Bible. Built-in adaptations and activities help parents with younger or older kids make the material accessible and engaging for the whole family.

Matthew Barrett is Tutor of Systematic Theology and Church History atOak Hill Theological College in London, as well as the founder and executive editor of Credo Magazine. He is the author of several books, including Salvation by Grace, Owen on the Christian Life, God’s Word Alone: The Authority of Scripture,  and Reformation Theology. Currently he is the series editor of The 5 Solas Series with Zondervan. You can read more about Barrett at matthewmbarrett.com.