CHOIS Connection is published quarterly by Christian Homeschoolers Of Idaho State.
This article appeared in a previous issue.
CHOIS Connection
Resource Review
by Suzanne Reid
"Raising boys"
Spring 2010
Bringing Up Boys
Dr. James Dobson
Bringing Up Boys was written by Dr. James Dobson, Ph.D. in Child Development, and founder and president of Focus on the Family. This man has something to say on the matter. His delightful, humorous and down-to-earth manner disarms the reader and settles parents' worries about their sons.
Dobson explains that boys are different… from girls. The pressure of our society to be "gender neutral," has forced children into a one-size-fits-all model and is harming our young men, according to Dr. Dobson. Because boys are inherently less stable than girls, they are more vulnerable to the temptations and dangers of the world. In Bringing Up Boys, Dr. Dobson explains why boys are the way they are, how to understand their emotional and physical development, and the best way to motivate them to become godly men.
Books for Boys
Thoughts for Young Men
By J.C. Ryle
Thoughts for Young Men is a timeless treasure trove of truth that men, young and old, should read at least once in their life, and preferably annually, as they take account of their lives. Written in the 1800s by J.C. Ryle (1816-1900), the first Anglican Bishop of Liverpool, the book presents eternal truths as compelling for our young men today as for those of his day.
Following the example of the Apostle Paul to Titus, Ryle offers a "few words of timely and friendly exhortation to young men." He says there are four things which I propose to do: First, I will mention some general reasons why young men need exhorting. Second, I will mention some special dangers against which young men need to be warned. Third, I will give some general counsels which I entreat young men to receive. Fourth, I will set down some special rules of conduct which I strongly advise young men to follow."
"On each of these four points," Ryle continues, "I have something to say and I pray to God that what I say may do good to your soul." Frankly, his pointed message, while at times is challenging and difficult to hear, does well for all of our souls.
Under his first section of reasons for exhorting young men, Ryle states "what young men will be, in all probability depends upon what they are now." He says that "youth is the seed-time of full age," and that it is by the shoot that we judge a tree. He warns young men that they cannot willfully serve themselves and their pleasures in the beginning of life and then expect to serve God with ease at life's end. Habits become strong bonds, difficult to unravel over time.
Also, in this section he reminds young men that they are the objects of Satan's attacks. He warns them that Satan is relentless. "He never sleeps." He reiterates 1 Peter 5:8, in that Satan is as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Ryle says, "You may be careless about your soul; he is not."
The dominant point throughout the book is that nothing is more important than living for one's soul. All of Ryles' thoughts, counsels and insights point the reader back to the supreme vocation of protecting the soul. He says, "Your soul is eternal. The angel's voice shall proclaim one day, that ‘Time shall be no longer' (Rev. 10:6). But that shall never be said of your souls." Men must realize their duty to make the body a servant to the soul, and not the soul a servant to the body.
J.C. Ryle concludes Thoughts for Young Men with the remark, "I have said things that many perhaps will not like, and not receive: but I appeal to your conscience, Are they not true?"
Boyhood and Beyond
With the compassion of a grandpa, Bob Schultz writes to preteen boys about the character issues of life that boys need to consider as they grow into manhood. Boyhood and Beyond contains 31 three-to-five page chapters each teaching a spiritual truth through real-life examples, reinforced with a scripture and review questions. Topics include Authority, Coveting, Temptation, Justice, Leadership, Preparing for a Wife, etc. This book could be given to boys as a short term devotional or as a read aloud with dad providing a springboard for discussion.
Created for Work: Practical Insights for Young Men
This book continues in the same format as Shultz's Boyhood and Beyond; however the emphasis in this book is to teach boys what it means to be a good worker. Shultz willingly shares his personal experiences as a carpenter who loves Jesus and teaches us Godly wisdom and common sense.
These books deliver more than just truth. Shultz's storytelling provides a heritage of Christian living told in a tradition of old – from father to son.
Programs for Boys
Raising a Modern Day Knight
By Robert Lewis
Faced with the daunting task of raising sons, Pastor Lewis and two other pastors and long-time friends developed a knighthood model as a process by which to raise their boys. The process includes manhood language, rites of passage ceremonies, clear visions of manhood, and strong father-son bonding. Raising a Modern Day Knight is a result of Lewis's personal journey with his sons and is a tool Christian men can use in raising Godly sons by following Lewis's knighthood model. Lewis' intent in writing the book is to provide dads answers to their question, "How can I raise my boy into a real man?" His book is full of ideas and practical how-to's to help men imbue their sons with masculine energy. Lewis says, "We want to leave them a legacy of masculine health that will empower their families and communities of the next generation."
Lewis organizes his book into five parts. Part One, "The Need for a Modern-Day Knighthood," shows the need for manhood in today's society and reports on the results of absent fathers and drifting sons. Part Two, "The Knight and His Ideals," teaches Godly character qualities by pursing three knightly ideals: manhood vision, code of conduct, and transcendent cause. Part Three, "The Knight and His Ceremonies," reveals the significance of ceremonies, four key manhood ceremonies, and, most interesting, the ceremony that commemorates a transcendent cause. He illustrates with the example of Christ's baptism. Lewis says, "At His baptism, Jesus embraced His transcendent cause." Part Four, "The Knight and His Round Table," imparts "that boys become men in the community of men" and that "the chief component in a boy journey to manhood is Dad; his character, his modeling, his involvement."
This is step-by-step resource gives Dad a heartwarming, biblical plan to follow for developing a life-long relationship with his sons and leaving a legacy of healthy manhood, so needed in our society. Lewis ends his book with, "The glory of sons is their father."
Teleo Scouts: A Course in Christian Adventure for Fathers and Sons
By Kenneth Knott book of lessons
Teleo Scouts is a group discipleship program, in which two or like-minded men join with their sons for the purpose of mutual adventure and godly learning. Designed for boys between the ages of 11 and 18, the curriculum provides an array of lessons, which teach godly character development and an adherence to a Christian worldview. Depending on unique interests of a chapter, fathers and sons can select outdoor activities to reinforce the lessons, and the calendar for accomplishing both the lessons and activities is set by the group.
Teleo Scouts comprises three tools. Made for Manhood is the curriculum. The Parents' and Leaders' Manual complements the lesson book and guides parents in presenting the material for a Teleo Scouts chapter. The Folio of Merit Awards and Resource Guide is a kit full of reproducible prints of all available merit awards and is a resource for advancing scouts through the program.
The theme of Teleo Scouts is to develop young men complete in Christ. Teleo is a Greek word meaning completed, accomplished, well-rounded, and finished. It is the same word Jesus used when He declared, "I have finished (teleo) the work which thou has given me to do." (John 17:4) Knott chose the word "Scouts" because he says young men "will be sent forth to discover and accomplish great things." Knott encourages boys to think of themselves as a "scout who is on his way to becoming complete." He defines complete as being "a Christian, for no man can ever hope to be complete without aligning himself with God's holy Son." Thus the phrase "Completion in Christ" appears throughout much of the printed Teleo Scout materials.
One of my favorite chapters in Made for Manhood is "Social Skills," because so few really teach this to our boys, and Knott expounds on correct etiquette and Christian behavior. In coaching boys on proper and improper introductions, he addresses "what to do first," eye contact, handshakes, engaging in conversation, and phone skills. Best of all in this chapter is Knotts's description of the ugliness of whining and the beauty of the alternative – "Making an Appeal." Culminating with a lesson on "the golden rule," this chapter is great primer on civility.
Another great chapter is "Loving Righteousness and Hating Sin." What Christian doesn't need to hear this? Here Knott defines righteousness, discusses sin, that none are righteous, and all are sinners. He introduces the concept of sin offering, the Law of Moses, and "A New Offering" – meaning God's Holy Son Jesus, the perfect One. This chapter shares the gospel message and teaches the importance of hating sin.
Teleo Scouts offers much support to its chapters. Representatives are available to provide training and answer any questions related to starting a chapter. To learn more go to teleoscouts.com.
Suzanne and her husband Brian are board members of Idaho Coalition of Home Educators. They have been blessed to homeschool their children for the past 13 years. To contact Suzanne, email her at suzanne@iche-idaho.org.
