Gum, Geckos & God

Gum, Geckos and God is a new release by Zondervan Books, and I'll be interviewing author and professor (of philosophy at Taylor University) Jim Spiegel tomorrow as part of a blog tour already underway!

I'm not quite sure how to categorize Gum, Geckos and God, subtitled "A Family's Adventure in Space, Time, and Faith." It's not really a parenting book; it's not really a theology book. But somewhere in between, it falls as an inspiring example of how parents teach theology when they answer kids' tough questions about God, life, the afterlife, Creation, evil and all the rest. We may teach intentionally or unwittingly--but teach we do.

So it seems that it would be wise to think deeply about these questions ourselves, and that is what Dr. Spiegel's book does with us. Using actual conversations that he's had with his kids as a springboard, he covers the tough questions first in language that a child can understand; then he unpacks the ideas at an adult level.

It's been years since my Christian college philosophy, logic and Christology classes, but it started all coming back as Dr. Spiegel explained some pretty difficult concepts in engagingly simple terms and metaphors. However, these are no simple one-line answers, but thorough explanations that touch on all the complexities involved.

Gum, Geckos and God reminds parents of truths they probably already know but might not have thought to apply with children's questions. For example, the chapter on "What Will We Do in Heaven?" was full of Scriptural insights, including the answer to the toughie, "Will animals be in heaven?" (The answer: Yes. Read the chapter yourself for the logic and Scripture behind it!)

This book also models how we can use ordinary situations to teach our children about God. Just as Christ taught from everyday life in the parables, so a fallen oak tree, the death of the Crocodile Hunter, or a molting gecko can all provide opportunities to discuss spiritual concepts with kids.

So read, and be instructed and inspired to make the most of your children's curiosity and honest questions! You just may get a few of your own questions answered as well.

You can order Gum, Geckos and God through the Amazon portal in my sidebar :) ...or look for it at a Christian bookstore near you.