‘Children: Biblical and Ethical Teaching’ is E.G. Sherman’s third book

Through his most recently published book, “Children: Biblical and Ethical Teaching,” Eugene G. Sherman Jr. shares lessons for children and families. The 36 topics range from respect for parents to violence to lying and much more, all geared toward teaching children to live an ethical, Bible-based life.

As a pastor, Sherman says he believes that it is the duty for the church to assist the family in filling in the gaps left by the lack of ethical teaching in the public school systems today. On the fourth Sunday of each month, the entire worship service, including the music, at Institutional First Baptist Church in Albany is geared toward children and parents. A Children’s Altar Call invites not only the youngsters, but parents as well to come forward for a lesson. A copy of the lesson is given to each child so he or she can follow along as the pastor introduces the topic, scripture and questions (with answers). Some lessons are based on a familiar fairy tale or poem; others are based on Bible stories. All bring a lesson on ethical living, Sherman says.

Finding that all copies of the lesson were often handed out with additional requests from adults in the congregation, Sherman said he decided to compile a selection of the handouts into a book form. The book has the same lessons used in worship as well as a family homework and reflections section for home use.

Sherman said he firmly believes that ethical and biblical teachings are essential for society to have well-rounded children. The “microwave family setting” is how Sherman describes the typical home today. Such a grab-and-go lifestyle allows little, if any, time for family worship, prayer and sharing, he says.

Speaking about children from his church, Sherman said, “Over the past three decades, many of the children have completed college, graduate and/or professional schools and are now gainfully employed and actively involved in Christian service.”

One of the children Sherman taught recently returned for a visit. Now a lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy, Sherman said, he has served on the presidential surveillance team. Sherman says he believes the positive stories are in part a result of the work of families, churches and communities teaching children at a young age about honesty, respect, compassion, positive self esteem, the value of work and living life by the Golden Rule. This book, his third, is a simple tool for bridging the gap left by the rush of today’s family and the absence of such teachings in school, he said.

Sherman is professor emeritus of sociology, history and philosophy at Albany State University, former vice president for academic affairs at Bethany Divinity College and Seminary in Dothan, Ala., and is founding pastor of Institutional First Baptist Church in Albany.

“Children: Biblical and Ethical Teaching” is available online at Barnes and Noble, Amazon, Lifeway, Books-a-Million and Cross Books.

While this book is only about a month off the presses, Sherman says he has fourth and fifth books in the works. “The Christian Family” and “Beyond the Fear of Death” are the expected titles.