An essential of Christian education is teaching children and youth to think for themselves and not merely to reflect others' thoughts. Unfortunately we seldom hear about how to teach others to think, thus the volume these authors have provided pastors, teachers, and parents is much needed.
Divided into three sections of 13 chapters each, this book teaches the reader "wisdom thinking" skills. Each skill has clearly described subsets. The authors don't waste space and time citing horror stories about nonthinking children. They jump right in and describe their process while showing the reader how to make personal use of the skills and how to feel comfortable teaching them to others.
The authors remind us that recent changes in our world make thinking skills even more important now than they were 50 years ago. During the late sixties and early seventies, society questioned and rejected traditional moral standards. The information explosion that has come in the intervening 20 years forces us to cope with mountains of data. As a result, we are faced with evaluating what makes up responsible moral choice and learning how to make sense of stacks of data.
When Kohlenberger and Wescombe decided to write their book, they researched biblical records and modern ac counts of successful thinking. Their re search uncovered three basic skills wise thinkers possess. These include (1) having a basis on which to build (gathering, sorting, and choosing); (2) thinking about thinking (focusing on the problem, being fair-minded, using your feelings, reviewing what you have done); and (3) thinking about God (finding principles from the Scriptures, learning to read the Bible, listening to wise counselors).
The authors cite examples from Scripture that add believability to their instruction. And they offer illustrations from real life. For example, the chapter on "rethinking" what has happened will be of great value to parents who want to help their children think through choices based on poor thinking.
While reading this book, I found my self saying frequently, "This makes sense--I'll try it." In fact, I have tried some ideas already. I also believe this book can be used as a text for teacher in service (Sabbath school and church school) and family life seminars. It is a book worth having in your personal library and the church library.
Many how-to books become cumber some with their long lists. But these authors, one a librarian and the other a teacher, have followed an essential concept of teaching. They present only six or seven ideas, and they present these ideas clearly, using illustrative stories. They also repeatedly remind the reader, "You can begin to use this one step at a time according to the ability the children have to use the ideas. There is no need to rush things."
If you have not given careful attention to the thinking process, you'll find this book a good short course to use in brushing up on your own skills as well as learning to teach others to think.
