Section Three

Growing up in Faith

Certainly in Old Testament times (and through into the New Testament), children were largely taught within the household where they grew up. Many people could not read and so were taught with stories and using the spoken word. For example, the history of Israel in the Old Testament was often taught through generations by telling children the stories and by observing festivals or days that commemorated past events. In this way, the values of the household would be preserved. Faith was seen in a similar way. Thus, after a child was born, they would grow up being a part of a household, clan, tribe and nation. They would therefore be taught the values, ethics and practices associated with these. Children were considered to be a part of these units until they became old enough to decide for themselves. Children were seen as key to the passing on of faith. Faith was a generational thing.