A few friends of mine have expressed concern about the recent social chaos and violence televised in Hong Kong. They are at a loss to know how they can explain to their children about what has actually happened and who are really to blame. They wonder aloud on what values they ought to educate their children from now on.
I understand their worries as it has become increasingly difficult to guide children to tell right from wrong. When approached for advice, however, I will recommend with enthusiasm the adoption of Christian values. By this I mean we can guide our children to learn to see things from Jesus Christ’s perspective and be guided by and attached to his teaching. In fact, what he did and said while he was still on earth could be very useful lessons to apply to life situations today.
Children need to be educated on a loving and caring attitude. Jesus taught his disciples to love one another as he had loved them. If children are brought up in a loving environment, they will learn to care not only for their own needs but for others’ as well. They will also learn to appreciate others’ goodness and to share their joy instead of being envious of their success. There will then be no place for anger, hatred and revenge, which are often the roots of all evils.
Another core Christian value to be infused among children is an understanding and considerate attitude. In Jesus’ teaching there is strong advice against self-righteousness - the belief that one is superior to others in opinions and behavior. People with what is called a ‘holier-than-thou’ attitude tend to look down on, criticize, judge, condemn, or even try to control other people. Being unable to handle stress and interpersonal conflicts, they easily get involved in heated argument, fierce fights, or in worse cases, even violence. Children educated on the importance of broadmindedness and tolerance, on the contrary, are more likely to cooperate well with others. They will grow up to be humble and sympathetic members of society, broad-minded enough to consider a different way of thinking and willing to contribute to social wellbeing and harmony by being accepting and tolerant.
As I was watching the scene of bloodshed and violence on TV, I thought of a Bible verse: "He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." (John 8:7)
Another core Christian value to be infused among children is an understanding and considerate attitude. In Jesus’ teaching there is strong advice against self-righteousness - the belief that one is superior to others in opinions and behavior. People with what is called a ‘holier-than-thou’ attitude tend to look down on, criticize, judge, condemn, or even try to control other people. Being unable to handle stress and interpersonal conflicts, they easily get involved in heated argument, fierce fights, or in worse cases, even violence. Children educated on the importance of broadmindedness and tolerance, on the contrary, are more likely to cooperate well with others. They will grow up to be humble and sympathetic members of society, broad-minded enough to consider a different way of thinking and willing to contribute to social wellbeing and harmony by being accepting and tolerant.
As I was watching the scene of bloodshed and violence on TV, I thought of a Bible verse: "He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." (John 8:7)
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