Here are 12 questions a middle-school child might ask a Christian parent, with responses that are appropriate for their age level:
1. Why do we believe in God if we can’t see Him?
– Response: Believing in God is a matter of faith, which means trusting in something even when it’s not visible. Just like we believe in things like love and gravity without seeing them, we can believe in God because of the world around us and the feelings in our hearts that tell us He’s real.
2. How do we know that what the Bible says is true?
– Response: The Bible is a collection of writings that have been passed down for thousands of years. Many people have studied its history, and a lot of what it says matches up with other historical records. For Christians, it’s also a matter of faith and experiencing how its teachings make a positive difference in our lives.
3. Why are there so many different religions?
– Response: People around the world have different cultures, histories, and experiences, and that leads to different ways of understanding and worshiping God. Christians believe that it’s important to respect others’ beliefs, even as we share our own faith.
4. What is heaven like?
– Response: Heaven is described as a place of peace, joy, and being close to God. It’s where Christians believe we go after we die if we’ve trusted in Jesus. It’s hard to know exactly what it’s like, but it’s often thought of as a place where there’s no more sadness or pain.
5. Why do bad things happen to good people?
– Response: This is a tough question that people have wondered about for a long time. Christians believe that bad things are a part of this world because it’s not perfect. But God can bring good out of bad situations and gives us strength to get through tough times.
6. What does it mean to be saved?
– Response: Being saved, in the Christian faith, means that you’ve asked Jesus to forgive your mistakes and you’ve decided to follow His teachings. It’s about having a relationship with God now and the hope of eternal life with Him after death.
7. Why do we have to go to church?
– Response: Going to church is a way to learn more about God, to worship Him with other believers, and to support each other in our faith. It’s like a weekly family reunion where we encourage one another and grow together.
8. How should we treat people who have different beliefs?
– Response: Jesus taught us to love everyone, even people who are different from us or disagree with us. We should treat them with kindness, respect, and love, just as we would want to be treated.
9. Why do we pray before meals?
– Response: Praying before meals is a way to thank God for providing us with food and to remember that everything we have comes from Him. It’s a moment to pause and be grateful for His blessings.
10. What does it mean to have a personal relationship with Jesus?
– Response: Having a personal relationship with Jesus means talking to Him through prayer, listening for His guidance, and trying to live in a way that reflects His love and teachings. It’s about knowing Him not just as a figure from history, but as a real presence in your life.
11. Can I still be a Christian even if I have doubts?
– Response: Absolutely. Doubts are a normal part of faith for many people. Being a Christian doesn’t mean you have all the answers; it means you’re on a journey to understand more, and you can ask God to help you with your doubts.
12. What does it mean to be a good Christian?
– Response: Being a good Christian means trying to live like Jesus did—showing love, forgiveness, and kindness to others, standing up for what’s right, and growing in your relationship with God. It’s not about being perfect, but about trying your best and asking for forgiveness when you mess up.
These responses are designed to help middle-school children understand complex concepts in a way that resonates with their growing ability to think critically and reflect on deeper issues.
