Recognized as an ECPA Bronze Seller of over 100,000 copies sold.
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.
"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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ÒThe OlogyÓ is filled with life changing; Biblically sound stories that will equip parents to introduce their family foundational theological truths on the subjects of: God, man, sin, promises of the law, Christ, the Holy Spirit, adoption into GodÕs family, the Church, end times, and GodÕs Word. The scripture passages and commentary challenge the reader to go beyond a casual reading and help establish a lifelong habit of Bible study, search for truth, assimilation, and personal application. A parental guide describes how this multilevel resource can be adapted to every age level, from early and upper elementary students, through teens and adults. I like the suggestions for using discussion questions, the different Bible study approaches and the use of journals for optimum effectiveness. Suggestions are also provided for techniques to develop Scripture memory. A glossary of important Bible words helps the reader understand and embrace their meaning. The format, artwork, graphics, and quality paper all add to the enjoyment and sense of importance of the permanence and the truth of the message being illustrated. ÒThe OlogyÓ is a work of art. Every member of the family should be provided their own individual copy and be encouraged to make it a permanent addition to their personal library.
Introduction and Conclusion. This book has a fun little intro and conclusion that kids can relate to and that excites them about what is inside. Organization. The book is neatly organized into 71 chapters that logically walk kids through the major tenets of the Christian faith. The table of contents allows you to easily jump to a topic if needed. Bible References. Each chapter includes scripture supporting scripture quotes, in addition to scripture references if youÕd like to read more on the subject. The Relatable Writing. The chapters include object lessons or anecdotes that make it easier for a child to relate to the topic. For instance, in describing the animal sacrifices, it says, ÒThey were a little like cleaning your room by shoving everything under the bed. The bed covers the mess but the mess is still there,Ó and describes the need for JesusÕ ultimate cleansing sacrifice. Illustrations & Design. The subtle colors of the attractive artwork and graphic design add to the appeal of the book without overwhelming the topics being addressed. The Questions at the End of the Book. Both the scripture references and the questions/answers at the end of the book (one for each chapter) make it easy to use this book as an educational resource or component of a homeschool curriculum. I would make the suggestion that the book be read by parent and child together. While most of the writing is universal for Christians of all denominations, there may be some doctrinal differences or variances. While I personally found variances on the topics of death and baptism, I see this as an opportunity to explore and discuss the topics more deeply with my child. Overall, this book is a great resource for Christian parents.
'The Ology' is not what I expected it to be. I thought it would more like a storybook where we follow two children through the Bible/some scenarios to tackle tough Bible topics. Instead, it does takes some hard parts of the Bible and tries to explain them in a new way, with examples, and illustrations. I can see how it would be a great teaching supplement. A lot of the 'chapters' are pretty short, one or two paragraphs, but each includes a whimsical drawing with verses for further reading. The back of the book also contains a brief glossary and questions and answers for deeper discussion. The Bible has some really difficult concepts, some that I still struggle to fully realize at my age, and 'The Ology' will be a great launching place for a lot of those topics. If you have a six year old, especially a child in the 6-10 age range, I think it would be worth your while to pick this one up and see if it is for you and your family.
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.