I have found this a book which I am returning to again and again; my list of such books is small.  In a Christian world where there is a tension between a rules-based morality and authenticity, Tom Wright highlights that the Biblical way is actually neither of those.

The Great Commission includes the significant command to “make disciples.”

It may be said of the New Testament letters that thy are addressed mainly to Churches, constituted of numerous Christian believers. One overall emphasis of these letters is that the writers are continuing Christ’s command to “make disciples.”

Virtue Reborn refers to virtue and character, ‘the pattern of thinking and acting which runs right through someone. Tom Wright insists that character is not achieved automatically. It requires effort – numerous NT scriptures are provided to evidence this.

The book contrasts the cultural Greek description of virtue; courage and justice and prudence and temperance. Instead, the NT speaks of humility and patience and purity and love.

The book sensitively, albeit firmly, addresses the current western Christian pursuit of authenticity and freedom. That subject is itself worth further consideration.

I believe the importance of developing Christ-like character is central to the New Testament writings.

Chapters 7 and 8 provide helpful practical considerations. This is important, since discipleship means nothing if not lived out.

Scripture is key to this; listening to, reading, studying scripture are not restricted to Christian leaders, but are essential for us all.

And, crucially, community. Christ-like character cannot be developed in a solitary life. Character is learned and developed in Christian community. The early Christians were devoted to fellowship, ie: community.

I had the privilege some years ago of meeting Irene Smale, author of A History of Children. I remember her being passionate and compassionate, well-informed, enthusiastic, a true follower of Jesus Christ. Readers may know her as wife of Ian Smale (Ishmael), Christian songwriter and worship leader.

Introduction

On reading A History of Children, I am immediately struck by the amount of research that has gone into the book. The author has read an enormous amount of material to condense it down into a modest book. At times information arrives thick and fast and is not easily digested. This sets the scene for the later chapters which draw more directly on the Bible, Old and New Testaments.

Treatment & mistreatment

Some history emphasizes great leaders, military victories, technological inventions and developments, wonderful art and architecture. But perhaps a culture is best judged n how it treats those weakest within it, the children.

Ancient civilisations

Irene Smale introduces us to five major ancient civilisations; Sumer; Egypt; Sparta; Greece; Rome, plus an analysis of the way were (mis)treated in Canaan.

In a western culture where education is ‘universal,’ available to all children, it seems odd that, in many ancient cultures, education was reserved for very few children.

Canaan

The chapter on Canaan makes for shocking reading. The author makes no apology for this. We can err by minimising or sanitising the alleged blood-thirstiness of the Old Testament or other ancient historical documents.

The nation of Israel, the chosen people of God, was called to remain distinct from the way of life practised by the Canaanites. This was not just a minor ‘improvement’ or a nuanced difference in emphasis. Canaan was a dreadful place to live.  Human sacrifice and especially child sacrifice was endemic. Worship of Baal and Molech, referenced frequently in the Old Testament, was accompanied by the sacrifice of innocent children to appease them. Archaeological discoveries confirm this analysis.

Kings from Solomon (1 Kings 11) to Manasseh (2 Kings 21) fell into these dreadful practices. Sections of this chapter make for extremely disturbing reading.

Israel – distinct from the nations

From an early stage, Israel was called out to be distinct from the nations. Their care for their children was one such way in which this occurred. They were educated, loved, nurtured.  They were happy, not fearful of mistreatment, sacrifice, slavery, etc.

The emphasis was on the formation of character within an explicitly monotheistic environment. So, Jewish children were taught to love God and to become truly righteous. The development of character in this way further set the nation apart from other ancient nations.

Example of Christ

Jesus Christ grew up in a Jewish family. He had several brothers and sisters. We understand that Joseph was older than Mary and died before Jesus’ public ministry began. He had become head of the household and provided for the family from working as a carpenter craftsman.

The book refers to Jesus’ attitude to children (page 184ff). He treated them with respect, used them as examples for adults, not vice versa.

Matthew 21 links the second visit of Jesus to cleanse the temple with the shouting out of the children (v12-15). Here is Christ’s scourge against injustice alongside compassion for children, a huge challenge to the religious culture of the day.

Irene Smale cannot but conclude with Christ’s wonderful example in modelling perfect humanity; for us to admire and seek to attain.

God sees work as essentially good. God created a physical world and it was good. He gave Adam work to tend that creation. Work is therefore divinely ordained.

God sees work as blessing. His first command to mankind was to go and multiply, to fill the earth and bless it. Mankind has a mandate to work and to develop and grow. Mankind did not have the task merely to maintain the status quo but to develop and grow what he had been given.

God sees work as worship – our heart and character are revealed in what we do and how we do it. The scriptures refer to honesty and diligence in work. Most Christians are not ‘full time’ workers, as pastors or missionaries, etc. We work in offices, factories, schools, building sites, fields, etc. We express our faith and hope in God in these contexts.

Work develops honesty and generosity (Eph 4.28). Paul writes to commend work, to provide for ourselves and our families, as well was being generous. Do not be idle. So strong was this command that Christians were warned to keep away from those who do not obey! (1 Thess 4.11 & 2 Thess 3.6-12)

Christ frequently spoke of work and market places. Lots of His parables are work-related. He spent time with working people; fishermen, tax collectors and others.

(based on a talk by Scott Marques, with a few comments of my own- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24Iwmm39TD8