The Ology: Ancient Truths Ever New (Machowski)

In the cellar of the old stone cathedral, Carla and Timothy uncover a life-changing treasure, a carefully wrapped ancient book known as The Ology. What adults might describe as a beautifully illustrated storybook of systematic theology, the kids discover to be a story of adventure, mystery, and wonder that leads them to the truth about God, themselves, and the world around them.

Truth is for kids, not just for adults! So The Ology gives kids of all ages a beginner’s theology book to help them understand who God is and how we, as his children, relate to him. Arranged within a traditional systematic theological framework, each truth in The Ology is also connected to the larger redemptive story of Scripture. The doctrine of God, for example, is presented in the larger framework of creation, where the attributes of God are more clearly on display. The Ology takes abstract theological concepts and makes them easier to understand with the use of creative examples, illustrations, and analogies. The goal is not to say everything that could be said about a theological topic, but rather to share the key thoughts behind a theological concept. The Ology is a starting point to learning theology and aims to create a hunger and desire in children to learn more as they grow older. 

Designed for six-year-olds through preteens, this flexible resource includes built-in adaptations for use with younger or older children, so that entire families can enjoy it together. Read The Ology to preschoolers, read it with grade-school kids, and let older kids discover the “hidden” truths by reading the corresponding Scripture passages for each section. However you read it, The Ology will give your children a gift that will last a lifetime—a solid foundation of life-changing biblical truth that will point them to the God who loves them and gave himself for them.

• A beginner’s book of systematic theology in the form of a beautifully illustrated storybook
• Clearly explains life-changing theological truths with everyday examples and simple language that kids can understand
• Takes abstract theological concepts and makes them easier to understand with the use of creative examples, illustrations, and analogies
• Designed for six-year-olds through preteens, with built-in adaptations for use with younger or older children, so that entire families can enjoy it together.

The Ology is a book of systematic theology written especially for six-year-olds through preteens. The author, who has six kids of his own, has intentionally created a vivid resource, full of analogies and word pictures that help kids grasp difficult theological concepts and understand how each truth is connected to the larger redemptive story of the Bible. Built-in adaptations and activities help parents with younger or older kids make the material accessible and engaging for the whole family. 

Contents:

The Ology of God

The Ology of People

The Ology of Sin

The Ology of the Promise and the Law

The Ology of Christ

The Ology of the Holy Spirit

The Ology of Adoption into God’s Family

The Ology of Change

The Ology of the Church

The Ology of the End Times

The Ology of God’s Word 

Author

Marty Machowski is a Family Life Pastor at Covenant Fellowship Church in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, where he has served on the pastoral staff for over twenty years. He is the author of the Gospel Story for Kids series, which includes The Gospel Story Bible, Long Story Short, Old Story New, and the Gospel Story Curriculum, as well as the Advent devotional and curriculum Prepare Him Room. He and his wife Lois and their six children reside in West Chester, Pennsylvania.

Endorsements

“Few tasks are of greater importance than the discipling of children. Christian parents and Sunday school teachers, committed to biblical fidelity, cannot neglect the tremendous task of teaching children the great truths of Scripture. Marty Machowski’s The Ology: Ancient Truths Ever New is a wonderful new book that will equip parents for the task of discipleship and also help children immerse themselves in the Christian worldview.” - R. Albert Mohler, Jr., President of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

“I love good children’s books, and this one is truly beautiful, both in its words and pictures. Machowski meets children where they are and tells them the greatest story of all. The best part is, it’s true!” - Dr. Joel R. Beeke, President of Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michiga 

“Appealing, truthful, and comprehensive, Marty Machowski has written The Ology as a systematic theology accessible to children. I can see parents reading this book while their children snuggle beside them or sit on their lap and listen. Little ones will enjoy looking at this beautifully illustrated volume as their parents read it to them. It’s also the kind of book you can read to your children again and again. When they are old enough, they’ll want to read it on their own. Can you ask for more in a Christian book for children?” - Don Whitney, Professor of Biblical Spirituality, Associate Dean for the School of Theology, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

“Every child—and every parent—is already a theologian. The question is what kind of theologian we will be. Will our children grow up learning sound doctrine, rightly dividing the word of truth? Or will they end up fashioning a god—and a theology—in their own image? There are many good theologians in the church today, and many teachers who love children. But few are a combination of both like Marty Machowski. I am delighted to commend this engaging resource to help all of us know and worship the God of the Bible!” - Justin Taylor, Managing editor, ESV Study Bible; coauthor, The Final Days of Jesus

“I love Marty Machowski’s books, and even better, so do my children. The Ology is another beautiful and creative book meant to expose children to the deepest and most important truths. I am reading it with my children, and would encourage you to do the same.” - Tim Challies, www.challies.com

“Many parents struggle to teach their children systematic theology, or even lead family devotions. The Ology will help you do both. Marty has made another significant contribution to biblically faithful, gospel-centered, creatively designed, accessible materials that help parents raise their kids not merely to know about God, but to have a relationship with him through Jesus Christ.”  - Bob Kauflin, Director of Sovereign Grace Music

“I’m always on the lookout for resources that will serve my grandkids, and I’ve just found another one. Marty Machowski has done it again! The Ology takes huge truths about God, Scripture, and Christ and him crucified and makes them accessible and appealing to young minds. I’ll be passing this one out to all twelve of my grandkids.” - C. J. Mahaney, Sovereign Grace Church of Louisville

“The Ology turns the study of what Bible students recognize as ‘Systematic Theology’ into lessons blended into a story for kids 6–12 years of age. Covering all the major topics of the Bible in a comprehensive way, it draws kids in with vivid illustrations, both in words and pictures. I know this is going to be a big hit for parents who want a family worship tool, and for their children to grasp the key subjects the Bible raises. A perfect companion to Marty’s other books.” - Dennis Gundersen, Author, Grace & Truth Books 

The Ology is a beautifully illustrated book. That in itself will hold the attention of children. But the words carefully unfold the teaching of Scripture in a way that doesn’t talk down to children but talks to them, lifting up their understanding of the triune God as Creator and Redeemer. Marty Machowski has given the church a valuable resource for parents and others wanting to disciple the young. - Richard B. Gaffin, Jr., ThD, Professor of Biblical and Systematic Theology, Emeritus, Westminster Theological Seminary