Kankakee Valley Post, Volume 12, Number 9, DeMotte, Jasper County, 8 January 1942 — THE PASTOR'S COLUMN [ARTICLE]

THE PASTOR'S COLUMN

by Rev. Geo. Gotseh, Pastor of the St John’s Lutheran Church of Union Township

It is frequently stated that religion should not be taught to young children; that the child should decide for itself whether it would be a member of the church or to which denomination it would belong. This is rather queer, illogical reasoning. Apply the same “principle” to other branches of learning. Would you argue that a child should not be taught to read, write, study arithmetic, grammar, geography, until it would be able to decide for itself what branch or branches it chooses to study? You would not be guilty of neglecting to educate your child in secular branches, but totally disdain and disregard the most nesessary education, the spiritual and eternal welfare of the immortal soul of your child! History teaches, and our own time proves, that children growing up without Christian education will with very few exceptions remain unchristion for the rest of their lives. Churches, educators, lawyers, judges, and many other professional men are today deploring the lack of Christian education and training and are pointing out its terrible consequences in the crime wave sweeping the country today among young people. Our gospel for Sunday, Luke 2:41-52. brings us the interesting and educational story of the twelve year old child Jesus in the temple, The highlight of the story is contained in the words of the child, “Wist ye not that I must be about mv Father’s business?” Here we have a valuable lesson for young and old. Parent and elders should heed this lesson; children should eagerly follow the example of Jesus. Sunday School at 9:30. service at 10:15 a.m.