Learning as A Child
Learning is an interesting phenomenon. We start children in grades 1 or kindergarten and begin their education by introducing basic information, learning the alphabet, learning numbers, learning to add, subtract, multiply, and divide. As they progress through the various grades we add more and more information to the information they learned in the previous grade.
When we are children we have a different capacity to learn which changes as we grow older.
A couple of things research has discovered.
- Children grow synapses more quickly than adults.
- Whenever you learn something new, your brain must create a spot in the brain to store and retrieve that information.
- Synapses are the connectors between the various areas of the brain. For example, I’m thirsty. My brain must connect that information to the solution, get a drink. The synapses make the connection.
- When children learn they use more areas of the brain than do adults.
These are just a couple of reasons children are more open to brand new information and it also why they seemingly adapt and use new technology quicker than adults.
Learning as an Adult
As adults we have accumulated a vast array of information coupled with a myriad of experiences. All of this influences how our brain is wired. As adults, when we acquire and process new information, we usually connect it with the wiring or the information that is already there. If that new information is not connected to existing information it gets lost. We need context for understanding and retention of information. Or to put in another way, we need a framework on which to hang knowledge.
Hap-hazard learning is not very efficient. It’s like going into a room and just throwing things everywhere instead of putting them where they belong. Consequently, the process of learning is as important as the information to be learned. When learning doesn’t happen, it is often the case, it is due to the poor method of presentation, than the lack of ability of the learner. Even a genius will struggle if the information is presented poorly.
Why Christian’s Don’t Know Their Faith
Typically in the church we do not follow an organized or systematic teaching of our faith. Often the information is presented in a disjointed fashion. What does the story about David and Goliath have to do with Jesus Christ? There is a connection, but most average Christians couldn’t tell you what it is. The consequence is that we have a large number of Christians who have difficulty explaining what they believe and why they believe it. They may have been exposed to a significant amount of information, but they don’t know how it all fits together because that part of their Christian education didn’t happen.
There are many reasons why cohesive teaching doesn’t occur in the church, and no one person or even group of people are to blame. However, the church does need to give attention to this very serious problem.
Disciplined Intention
Every solution must start with an individual and that individual has to be me. Very little in life is accomplished without disciplined intention and the subsequent action to achieve a desired goal. Someone once said, “If you aim at nothing, that’s what you’ll hit.” With regard to your faith in, and relationship with, Jesus Christ, what are your intentions? Sunday School stories are acceptable for children but when we reach adulthood, more is expected of us.
Hebrews 5:12-14
- For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food.
- For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe.
- But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
The Apostle Peter wrote:
1Pe 3:14-16
- But even if you should suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. “Never be afraid of their threats, and never get upset.
- Instead, exalt the Messiah” as Lord in your lives. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you to explain the hope you have.
- But do this gently and respectfully, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak evil of your good conduct in the Messiah will be ashamed of slandering you.
