I read an article last Sunday in the Gazette entitled “Changing Views.” It described how many young Christian couples have “shifted from conservative to progressive views” and how they are leaving the old message behind and trying to communicate those new values to their children. The article painted traditional Christianity (at one point identified as a “conservative Independent Fundamental Baptist Church upbringing”) as “a negative example” filled with “toxic theology, toxic masculinity [and] patriarchy.” Instead of you are a sinner and you needed Jesus to die for your sins, kids need to hear that God created them, adores them and made them with purpose. I found the article to be a classic case of either-or when it should have been both-and. A false dichotomy reigned. Children do need to hear that God created them, loves them and has a purpose for their lives…a purpose that cannot be fulfilled until they recognize that they are sinners in need of a Savior who died in their place because He loves them. Balance is the key. We need to communicate both messages clearly. As the old children’s song says, “Jesus loves the little children…” (verse 1) and “Jesus died for all the children…” (verse 2).