Introduction to Theology for Teens

Bitesize Theology by Peter Jeffery is the perfect introduction to theology for teens in middle school and high school.

One of the subjects my husband and I agreed to be faithful about covering is theology. We want our children to truly understand biblical doctrine and be able to readily explain words such propitiation, justification, and regeneration.

This is not because we hope their heads will swell and explode — it’s because God’s Word is important, and being biblically grounded is foundational to a vibrant relationship with Christ.

During the search for materials that could be used to educate our kids in the area of theology, and with my classical / Charlotte Mason-ish bent, I liked to approach an issue from a number of different angles, and use a variety of mediums.

Introduction to Theology for Teens

One of the books we used with our teens was Bitesize Theology: An ABC of the Christian Faith by Peter Jeffery.

Bitesize Theology is a fantastic primer for middle school and high school students of the basics of the Christian faith. The book is written for lay people, and as such, it makes an excellent introduction to parents hoping to disciple their children as well.

At just 109 pages, the book is manageable and easy to progress through. Each chapter is short — just 6 pages or less. The chapters are each divided into subtopics, making them perfect for shorter devotional readings (if that’s the way your family rolls).

Bitesize Theology

The topics in Bitesize Theology truly are, well, bitesized. Each of the 20 chapters covers a very specific aspect of theology, breaking it down into salient points.

Each of the introduction to theology points are thoroughly supported by Scripture. There’s an “It’s Worth Quoting” section at the end of each chapter with an excerpt on the given subject from a well-know (theologically conservative) writer. Review questions help students think through what they’ve learned in the light of Scripture, and each chapter also includes a suggestion for a book that would allow for further reading on the given topic. (Perhaps great resources for high school students!)

Bitesize Theology covers the following topics:

ABC (The point of studying theology)
Big Words
God
Jesus
The Holy Spirit
The Trinity
Sin
Atonement
Grace
Regeneration
Repentance and Faith
Reconciliation
Redemption
Justification
Adoption
Union with Christ
Sanctification
Election
Eternal Security
The Second Coming

Bitesize Theology is a great little primer on theology for your older students. It’s clear, to-the-point, and encouraging. You don’t have to take my word for it, though. The book comes recommended by Pastor John MacArthur who says: “Peter Jeffery has a unique gift for presenting difficult concepts precisely, with clear and simple language. Bitesize Theology is both sound and simple — a combination that is all too rare in modern evangelical literature. This is an invaluable resource for both lay people and serious students of theology.”

Purchase Bitesize Theology

I want to thank EP Books for providing a copy of Bitesize Theology in return for my honest review.

ChristianBook: Bitesize Theology: An ABC of the Christian Faith

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