The Ology by best-selling children's author Marty Machowski is a stunningly illustrated beginner's theology book to help kids of all ages 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. This storybook of systematic theology takes abstract concepts in the Bible and makes them easier to understand with the use of creative examples, illustrations, and analogies.
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 so the entire families can enjoy it together.
The story begins in the cellar of the old stone cathedral, where Carla and Timothy uncover a life-changing treasure: a carefully wrapped, ancient book known as The Ology. Young readers will discover a tale of adventure, mystery, and wonder, which will lead them to the truth about God, themselves, and the world around them.
As a father to six children, Machowski knows how to intentionally create a vivid resource, full of analogies and word pictures to help kids grasp difficult theological concepts. 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 transformative biblical truth that will point them to the God who loves them and gave himself for them.
There is also a companion album to The Ology by Sovereign Grace Music that celebrates these wonderful theological truths through worship music that the whole family can enjoy.
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 thirty years. He is the author of The Gospel Story Bible, Long Story Short, Old Story New, the Gospel Story Curriculum, the Prepare Him Room advent devotional and curriculum, Wise Up family devotional and curriculum, Listen Up family devotional and curriculum, Dragon Seed, The Ology, Don't Blame the Mud, Parenting First Aid, and Parenting First Aid Study Guide. He and his wife, Lois, have six children and two grandchildren, and they reside in West Chester, Pennsylvania.
ILLUSTRATOR
Andy McGuire is a writer, illustrator, and editor. He illustrated the book, The Ology: Ancient Truths, Ever New authored by Marty Machowski. Andy lives in Minnesota with his wife, Becky, and their two children, Charlie and Jane.
"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!"
Joel R. Beeke, President of Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan
"The Ology has quickly become my favorite introduction to Christianity for children. Machowski has brilliantly written this systematic theology as a story—the great Story. He writes with a profound simplicity that children will understand, yet with a depth and beauty that will move adults to worship. And he makes the gospel crystal clear. This book is a wonderful resource for family worship or children's devotions."
Jon Bloom, Chair & cofounder, Desiring God; author
"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., Professor of Biblical and Systematic Theology, Emeritus, Westminster Theological Seminary
"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
"This marvelous book works on every level: It is thoroughly biblical, doctrinally sound, gospel-centered, well written, and exquisitely illustrated. Though intended for children, The Ology will also be of immense help to their parents, relatives, and friends. I intend to buy this book for my grandchildren and read it together with them over and over and over again. I can't give The Ology a higher endorsement than that!"
Gregg R. Allison, Professor of Christian Theology, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; secretary of the Evangelical Theological Society; pastor and author
"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, Blogger at www.challies.com
"This well-illustrated book clearly and logically introduces theology for children."
Andy Naselli, Assistant Professor of New Testament and Biblical Theology at Bethlehem College and Seminary in Minneapolis
"The Ology is a great answer to the dilemma of how parents can introduce their children to biblical theology. We must go beyond Bible stories and 'be nice' morality. Memorizing a catechism seldom works in today's world. Marty Machowski brings solid reformed theological truth into a most attractive and understandable format. Parents everywhere will rejoice to see their children 'get it' as they work through The Ology together."
Gerry Breshears, Professor of Theology, Western Seminary, Portland
"From the beginning God revealed himself to his people that they might know him, love him, and be his beloved children. Theology was for all of God's people, not just seminary professors! The Ology takes us back to this earlier understanding, using story and art to make scriptural truth understandable and real to all of God's children, regardless of age. I eagerly look forward to reading The Ology with my grandson!"
R. J. Gore Jr., Professor of Systematic Theology and Acting Dean Erskine Theological Seminary, Due West, SC
"Marty Machowski has provided parents with a valuable resource to raise up their children 'in the discipline and instruction of the Lord' (Eph. 6:4). The Ology is biblically saturated, theologically rich, clearly written, and helpfully illustrated. May the Spirit use this book to establish the next generation on the rock of God's Word (Matt. 7:24–27) and produce disciples who follow Jesus for a lifetime!"
Matthew S. Harmon, Professor of New Testament Studies, Grace Theological Seminary
"The Ology: Ancient Truths Ever New is a special book. It provides a visual means for teaching a child the basic, biblical doctrines that we as believers love. With the need for greater biblical and theological literacy in the church today, I believe that The Ology can engage and teach both children and adults together. Children's catechisms are a great tool for memorizing theological concepts but The Ology, with it beautiful and creative art work, as well as its vibrant storytelling style, provides a sound learning tool in book form that will stimulate listening, learning, questioning, and discovery. God's truth will come alive to the families who use it. I highly recommend this solid work for use in teaching and training children in basic Christian doctrine. Children will enjoy learning theology from The Ology: Ancient Truths Ever New!"
Rod Culbertson, Jr., Reformed Theological Seminary, Charlotte, NC
"Systematic theology can conjure up images of big, dusty books. Can it be engaging for kids? If you say no, The Ology will surprise you. Discover what election has to do with earthworm chunk ice cream . . . or eschatology with an ant flying a car. Marty Machowski is an artful storyteller. Andy McGuire's illustrations are beautiful. Their children's theology is both surprisingly winsome and biblically faithful. Thanks be to God!"
Jared Kennedy, Pastor of Families at Sojourn Community Church in Louisville, KY
"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
"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
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Jared Kennedy
Champ Thornton
Marty Machowski
This is a great tool for teaching children doctrine. Great illustrations and easy to understand stories.
This is a good book for new Christian parents who are newly learning theology and want to have a tool for family worship/devotion time. It is beautifully illustrated and written. There are so many books written and only so much time in the day so, for seasoned Christian parents I believe just sticking with scripture is best and to express the deep truths from their own heart and mind. Memorizing the childrens catechism might be best.
This is a beautifully illustrated book for children that explains to them the key points of theology, including Who God is, Who Jesus is, and the way of salvation. Written in an easy to understand manner, the doctrines are presented in short chapters with extra Scripture verses for further investigation. At the back of the book are further questions for each chapter to dive a little deeper for older children. While I don't have children of my own, I babysit a lot and see this as an excellent resource to read with children, introducing them to the study of God and understanding sin and the need for a Savior. There is also a CD called "The Ology" by Sovereign Grace Music that can be used to teach some of the key doctrines through fun songs. In the section on salvation, Calvinism is taught in that God is the One Who saves us as we are completely dead and helpless in our sin. There is also a section on the end times, basically on Jesus coming back to judge the world and then the New Heavens and Earth. This is a wonderful book to use with kids in helping to teach them the doctrines of God, salvation, the Bible, and more. The book is also beautiful and appealing with its drawings. I highly recommend using this book, particularly for elementary aged children, to help them in learning theology and being established in what the Bible teaches. It can easily be used as a family devotional.
THE OLOGY is a very good book. I like the way it's written. It's simple, but in a complex way. The story about the two children discovering the ancient book in the old stone cathedral is very interesting. I especially like the part of the story where as soon as they pick the book up it turns into a book that even a child can read. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn theology at a young age. Very interesting book and story. Beautiful illustrations and many issues are discussed in a way anyone can understand.
The author of this book was on the Family Life Today broadcast. I really enjoyed listening to him and his idea to write this book. I'm a Sunday School teacher to pre-K and grade school children. Its an excellent resource for that and biblical parenting.
Such a good theology book for little hearts. Very clear and to the point, my kids love picking a verse to look up out of the pictures on the opposite pages.
So many programs and books simply teach Bible stories and/or how to live the Christian life, but fail to explain what truly sets us apart from the rest of humanity seeking absolution. Many people reach adulthood never understanding what they believe. How can we share the Good News if we can't explain the basics of our faith or even know what they are? There is SO MUCH essential information that we need to learn and we need to start teaching our children when they are young. Children, rather all believers, need this basic framework upon which to build their lives. If we neglect these areas, the world WILL fill in the gaps, which will lead to errors in thinking and eventually in action. That and we will be susceptible to false teaching.
Simple, easy to understand concepts with great illustrations. Great for families to sit down and have discussions about who God is, what he's like, etc.
Illustrations were printed in a very dull, un-vibrant fashion. Too much brow and light blues. Not up to the standard we re used to in children's read along books. I suggest on using a less expensive paper and use more vibrant papers. Text and narrative was excellent. One man's opinion.
I really like this book for kids (and adults). Our daughter is three -- and though a bit of this is over her head we don't stop teaching. It just gives us as Mom and Dad, more of an opportunity to sit and read with her. It's really geared to start around kindergarten and 1st grade and I feel like that is accurate. Here are some reasons why I like this book (not in any specific order): 1. Practical - I love how it uses up to date everyday life to incorporate the understanding of the big picture. For example, (page 152) "A delicious root beer float as only two main ingredients, root beer and vanilla ice cream. These two ingredients combine to form an amazing dessert. Did you know that faith in Jesus has two ingredients? To become a Christian you need to believe, which means trusting that Jesus is God, died for your sins, and was raised from the dead. And you need to repent, which means you need to turn away from your sin and from going your own way and follow Jesus. This is what the Bible means by faith -- believing and turning. Of course, even faith is a gift from God. We don't do anything to earn faith. The first time you turn to Jesus in faith, you become part of God's family. From then on, we have the Holy Spirit so we can keep believing and repenting whenever we sin. That's what it means to follow Jesus. Have you turned toward Jesus and asked him for forgiveness? [Acts 20:20-21, 2 Chronicles 7:14, Acts 17:30, Hebrews 6:1, Acts 2:38]" [Special note from me: There's more to chapter 42 that is not copied above. I only copied 1/2 of it.] So in this -- the author gives a simple illustration of the root beer float and brings it into a discussion about the topic of faith. This is something that we as parents can do in everyday life and bringing something that we are doing and use it as a teaching opportunity. 2. The questions in the back -- In the back of the book each of the chapters have questions that go along side of the text. For example, the questions in the back for the above portion of 42. Faith is, "How do we know we are truly children of God? What three things did Paul tell King Agrippa he did to make sure he was faithful to the message he was given?" 3. The answers in the back -- Oh the answers! Ever so as we teach our little ones. There's a section for the questions AND a section for the answers. For example, the answers in the back for the above questions, "Question 1's Answer: We know we are children of God if we love him and carry out his commands. 1 John 3:9-10. Question 2's Answer: Paul preached that people should repent, turn their hearts to God, and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds. Acts 26:20." This book went beyond my expectations in teaching the Bible's purpose, authority, and redemption theme. The author presents 11 important Biblical doctrines and the good news of Jesus as the Savior, in easily understandable words. Though it is a systematic theology book, the gospel is clearly presented and theological concepts are illuminated with examples even young children can comprehend. I bought this to read to my grandchildren, but I'm going to buy a few more copies for my niece and nephews. I'm keeping this book in mind as a valuable baby shower gift or birthday gift for a child. 4. Nicely organized in a logical manner -- There are 71 chapters (or points of topic) that the author covers and 11 major topics the author cover. The major topics are: a. The Ology of God, b. The Ology of people, c. The Ology of sin, d. The Ology of the Promise and the Law, e. The Ology of Christ, f. The Ology of the Holy Spirit, g. The Ology of Adoption into God's Family, h. The Ology of Change, i. The Ology of the Church, j. The Ology of the End Times, k. The Ology of God's Word. I really like how the author organized it. 5. Parents Guide -- As parents we are called to teach our children. The author has explained how we can use this book to best teach our children. 6. Holds attention of myself as an adult and also my 3-year-old -- So I was reaching when I bought this book and was thinking that she would dive deep like I did. But honestly, when we were reading it for the first time she kept asking me to read more and she sat and listened. 7. (Very important to me!) Thoroughly biblical, doctrinally sound, gospel-centered, ... well written and beautifully illustrated. -- Excellent! This book is staying TRUE to scripture and has the big picture in mind as it describes the details with such power and strength. This is huge for me -- it's hard to find good children's books that have some good "meat" and not watered down too much. I want something that is going to make my children think and learn about how awesome our God is! This book is an excellent teaching tool. Great book.. what's awesome about this devotional is that there is enough meat in each short devotional that you can tailor it to all different ages. We're currently using it as family devotions (kids ages: 10,11,13,15.) Our ten year old boy loves checking out the pictures and each picture page also has multiple bible verses you could have them look up and read. Great stuff. Highly recommend. It's great that the devotional is theologically sound presenting important doctrinal concepts - it's not a simple "Jesus loves you" "Be kind to your neighbor" watered down type of book. Over all, I give this book my highest number of stars. I am looking forward to diving deeper and reading this book over and over again. The author did a beautiful job at creating a wonderful story that captures the mind and hearts of little ones and adults. It is a wonderful addition to our resource library for family worship and our family's books of devotion collection. I pray that this book ministers to you and your family as it has ministered to my family and me.