What Is Heresy | Christian History for Kids

Your family will love learning about biblical truth and Christian history in this fun, illustrated book for 7-12 year olds, What Is Heresy?.

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Since the beginning of the Christian church, there have been false teachings and false teachers.

Jude 3-4, ESV, says:

Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

These false teachings, which pervert the grace of God and deny Jesus, are addressed throughout the epistles–the letters–of the New Testament.

But, why should we teach our kids about the heresies of the early church?

Theologian Albert Mohler (1959-present) said:

There are no new heresies; only heresies dressed up and repackaged for a new generation.

First, the same false teachings that were present in the first century church show up in our churches today. It is so important that our kids are able to recognize these teachings as pernicious lies.

Second, each first century heresy is a perversion of a true biblical doctrine. We can teach our children God’s truth as we help them identify mankind’s lies.

What Is Heresy?

Now, the truth is not sugar, and a lie is not salt. But a lie mixed with truth is a lot like a cookie with too much added salt. You see, a cookie baked with false sugar looks good to eat. It may even smell good. But a salty cookie tastes terrible. Eating it may even make you sick.

What Is Heresy?, Danika Cooley (Christian Focus Publications, 2026), page 9

In this world, there are things that are true, and things that are not true. Christians believe in the true God who truly saves, as he is shown to us in his true Word, the Bible.

From the very beginning of the church, false teachers began to teach lies about who Jesus is, who God is, the good news of Jesus Christ, and God’s people, the church. Kids will benefit from learning about the truths God teaches us in his Word, and the heresies the Early Church Fathers taught against.

What Is Heresy? will introduce your kids to four important biblical truths. They will also take a look at twelve early heresies. As they do, they will meet early church heretics–people who taught what was sort of true, mostly false, and outright lies. 

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The Who What Why series is the perfect way to teach your kids, ages 7-11, about the history of our faith!

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Early Church Heresies

Your kids need to learn to discern the difference between biblical truth and the lies of this world.

Take a look at a few things your children will learn about heresy and biblical truth:

• Four important Christian truths the Bible teaches.
• Why the truth matters in the church and in our lives.
• How the early church worked to set boundaries for orthodox belief.
• Twelve early heresies.

By the end of the book, your kids will be prepared to contend for their biblical, Christian faith. They will also be able to articulate the gospel and the central truths of the Christian faith.

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The Who What Why series is fun to read!

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Heresies of the Early Church | And Four Biblical Truths

Your kids can learn about biblical doctrine, the early ecumenical church councils that fought for truth, and about the early church heresies that threatened to lead believers astray.

In a fun and engaging tone, the narrative Christian history book What Is Heresy? will help your kids learn about Jesus’ Incarnation, the Trinity, the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and God’s plan for the Church.

What Is Heresy? chapters:

• Chapter One: Remember the Truth
• Chapter Two: In the Beginning was the Word
• Chapter Three: Jesus is God
• Chapter Four: The One Name
• Chapter Five: Three Persons in One God
• Chapter Six: The Power of God for Salvation
• Chapter Seven: The Message Matters
• Chapter Eight: Meet Together All the More
• Chapter Nine: God’s People Forever
• Timeline

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Your kids will learn important history and theology, too!

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In the ancient Roman world, Greek philosophers spent their time thinking about all the things that can be thought about. They imagined there was a force that gave the world order. They called that intelligent force The Word. In a twisted way, those philosophers were right. God did speak–he uttered his Word–and things were created and ordered.

What Is Heresy?, Danika Cooley (Christian Focus Publications, 2026), page 17

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Fabulously illustrated by Martyn Smith, the Who What Why series books are each 95 pages long with 8-9 chapters, perfect for your middle grade (ages 7-12) readers. The fun narrative makes each book an engaging family read aloud, but kids will love, too, that they can read the books on their own.

In fun sidebars, your kids will also learn about the declarations of the Early Ecumenical Councils of the Church:

• What Was a Council?
• The Jerusalem Council (c. 48/50)
• The First Council of Nicaea (325)
• The First Council of Constantinople (381)
• The First Council of Ephesus (431)
• The Council of Chalcedon (451)
• The Second Council of Constantinople (553)
• The Third Council of Constantinople (680-681)
• God’s Truth for Us

What Is Heresy? is a fun way for kids to learn about how God used his people stand firm against twelve destructive lies. As they learn about ancient heresies, they will learn four timeless biblical truths.

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Purchase What Is Heresy?

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Learn more about the Who What Why series and get your FREE Biblical Truth Lapbooks here.

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Christian Biographies for Kids | Christian History for Kids | Theology for Kids

“As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.” – Psalm 16:3, ESV  

Christian History Matters for Our Kids.

History matters. Now, more than ever, we see how important it is for our children to know and understand history and the Bible.

Here’s why:

• God is the sovereign ruler of all things. It’s important for our kids to see his hand in the history of nations and in the lives of both peasants and kings. 
• Christian history is the story of our family history. Our kids get to see how people who love Jesus follow him.
• Understanding history can help our kids learn historic and biblical theology. They learn what the Bible says and what that means for us. They also see when the study of Scripture has taken important turns that have changed the Church.   
• Reading Christian biographies and history can be a wonderful way for kids to think outside their own time and culture. God’s Church spans centuries and includes people from every nation.    
• Christian biographies help kids consider their own faith, walk with Jesus, and the impact their witness may one day have on others–and on history. 

Elementary-aged kids need middle grade resources that are fun, a little sassy, and that teach valuable lessons. 

The Who What Why Series is the perfect resource to teach your kids about history, while helping them apply biblical truths to their lives today.