Jack S. Veltkamp is a high-school student residing in Rock Hill, South Carolina, United States.

In today’s society, the most respected member of the community is the scientist. The Nobel Prize is one of the most influential and honored awards of this time. But what about theologians and religious philosophers? Every day fewer and fewer people are interested in pursuing a life of faith and biblical reflection. Where are the John Calvins and Martin Luthers of today?

I say it is up to the ministers and leaders of the church today to inspire the hearts of the people. When I joined middle school, my family left the church we were frequenting, and I lost my zeal until the minister in my new church gave a sermon that stuck in my heart. He said that to truly understand God, you must learn about Him. He continued with this topic and encouraged everyone to read and write about the Bible. This is what inspired me to start my Christian writing career. I have decided to write this because I want everyone to feel the grace I felt that Sunday.

The essentials

The point I want to convey is that it is essential for ministers to inspire biblical reflection and study. It is important to let your followers learn about God in their own surroundings and to understand how they want to understand God. Only then can they truly have God in their hearts. It is even more important to do this with the young Christians of today.

If we teach children to learn about everything in Christianity to the same extent that schools teach about science, then we can inspire them to choose a life of theology and philosophy. This is why it is crucial to have in-depth teachings of the Bible with children, tailored to a proficiency level which they are at. One of my closest friends, from another denomination, told me that his church conducts seminary for kids in high school every weekday. My friend loves to discuss and debate the Bible and I can tell that he knows what he is talking about and he loves what he is talking about. If we can get all our kids to know and love this level of devotion, then the church and Christianity globally will grow stronger and be more unified.

The application

So, for everyone, I ask you to read a chapter of the Bible, whether it is from Exodus, John, or Revelation, then write a paragraph of your thoughts about it. The YouVersion Bible app I have on my phone is great. I can read a section and write a note about it, then I can look at all the notes I have and organize them into a paper or thesis. It is so easy, and it makes you feel so good to know that you are learning about God in a way you never have before. So, do this—using the points I have outlined—and let’s make theologians and philosophers esteemed once again!

*I wish to disclose that I am a 10th-grade student and an active member of my Presbyterian youth group. I often volunteer to help in the church and I aspire to be a member of the church leadership when I am older.     

*I wish to disclose that I am a 10th-grade student and an active member of my Presbyterian youth group. I often volunteer to help in the church and I aspire to be a member of the church leadership when I am older.     


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Jack S. Veltkamp is a high-school student residing in Rock Hill, South Carolina, United States.

January 2021

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