The Case for a Creator for Kids

Lee Strobel tackles tough questions about the roles of God and science in the creation of the world. Strobel does an admirable job of showing how scientific discoveries in cosmology, physics and biology all point to God as the intelligent designer of the universe.

Strobel uses clear analogies and kid-friendly arguments to explain how the Big Bang theory and the order of the universe correspond to the Genesis account of creation. He then uses logic and probability to show how Christians physicists use gravity and the “cosmological constant” as further evidence of God's hand in creation. Then, Strobel tells 8-12-year-olds how our DNA provides still more biological evidence of God as our Creator.

However, as in his other books, (The Case for Christ; The Case for Faith) Strobel doesn't stop at providing evidence for his arguments. Instead, he explains how a relationship with Jesus is essential,and he invites readers to try it for themselves. He says, “. . . try an experiment. Try that faith out. Ask God to speak to your heart. Ask Him to come into your life, just as a good friend would come into your home. See what happens.”

This book, like the others, includes black and white cartoon drawings, questions and places to write notes, and boxes highlighting verses, definitions and important quotes. Strobel also references many well-known scientists.

What I Like: I really appreciate how thorough and scientific Strobel's arguments are. He puts scientific principles into kid-friendly language, and uses clear, logical analogies to illustrate his points.

I also like how clear Strobel is about his faith. He unequivocally believes the God of the Christian gospels created the universe and all that is in it. However, he leaves the precise details open for debate. Therefore, this book is a perfect launching point for discussions about Creation, regardless of whether you think more like Ken Hamm, who supports “young earth creationism” (answersingenesis.org), or whether you agree more with Francis Collins, the head of the Human Genome Project, who wrote The Language of God.

What I Dislike: Nothing

Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: 8-12, although this book is more technical and the arguments are a bit more complicated than Strobel's other books for kids.

Publisher Info: Zonderkidz; 2006; ISBN #: 978-0-310-71148-3; Paperback; $7.99

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Special Info: View our other reviews of Lee Strobel's books for kids here.

Patriotic Fun Fest

If you are looking for a fun, easy way to share Jesus with friends, these Patriotic Fun Fest tracts may be perfect for you. Aimed at 7-10-year-olds, they include a "From Sea to Shining Sea" maze, a presidential crossword puzzle, and a "Celebrate America" word search. They also include a short salvation message.

The message begins by talking about the blessings God has given America, including the freedom to talk about ideas, live and work and go to school where we choose, and the freedom to go to church. The message continues by quoting John 3:16, and saying "God wants us to experience the best freedom of all--living forever with Him in Heaven." The tract explains how sin separates us from God, and also explains how to "accept God's freedom" and pray a prayer of salvation.

The back page contains silly jokes, sure to appeal to children, and the Statue of Liberty as well as various flag motifs are colorfully illustrated.

What I Like: I like the gentle, but clear approach to salvation in this tract. Rather than condemning children, the tract issues a pleasant invitation for readers to join in the freedom Jesus offers.

I also like the way the tract makes it clear God's freedom through salvation is not just for people who live in America, but for "everyone in the whole world." These tracts would be perfect to give children in a Sunday church service, or Sunday school class, or to give to friends at summer barbecues.

What I Dislike: The only thing I don't like is true of tracts in general. It is sometimes easy to hand someone a tract and overlook the fact our best opportunities to witness come out of genuine, caring relationships. These tracts are well done, but I would hope readers would use them along with other means of witnessing.

Overall Rating: Very good

Age Appeal: 7-10 (The crossword and word search are fairly easy, but good for those who can read independently.)

Publisher Info: Crossway Books, 2003; ISBN #63575-72700 ; Paper Tract, $2.49/10

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