3.TALKING TO CHILDREN ABOUT JESUS
By Rita Foelker

Jesus, according to Spiritism, is an instructor, a Master and a model of moral perfection for humanity.

Although his dids impress us, the phenomena narrated in the Gospel are nothing more than applications of the natural laws, possible thanks to his spiritual evolution, his knowledge and his capacity to love.

As Calunga 1 says, the teachings of Jesus are "a proposal for the inner kingdom". Understanding this proposal in all its consequences and making the indispensable inner transformation is, in a few words, to teach yourself.

But Jesus is still seen more as a healer and a miracle worker, considered more for the exceptional things he presents to our eyes, more as a saint to whom we say our prayers, rather as a human being who reached higher levels of personal and spiritual development and someone who brings us instructions to reach our progress by our own efforts.

To talk to children about Jesus is necessary to be delicate and natural to emphasize his human side and how much he is influenced by the virtues already established in his way of living, thinking and treating people. This idea can be found mainly in "The Gospel According to Spiritism". Jesus isn't God or a special creature but our brother and a part of humanity.

When talking about phenomena, it's interesting to add the explanation which proves the effect of thought and will above energy (cures, transfiguration) or the development of the spiritual senses (clairvoyance, telepathy). In "Genesis" there's important material to support this idea.

However, it's vital to emphasize that the proof of Jesus superiority isn't found in phenomena but in the moral essence of his teachings. And our goal is learning to live according to this moral.

One common doubt among spiritist educators is whether the parables should simply be narrated or should be explained.

When we use the appropriate language for the group to understand, explanations become practically unnecessary.

Historical or geographical information can be interesting to help contextualize the facts as long as not in excess. The excess of personal interferences in history can make it difficult to understand its genuine message.

What can always be done (especially if you have doubts about having reached the activity's objective or not) is to ask the children their impressions and their understanding about what was narrated by starting a dialog where there is the opportunity to study the text deeper and interpret aspects of the parables that are related to their lives.

The parables are like small literary jewels with their own brightness and it's necessary to be careful not to hide this brightness with our thoughts and opinions.

Note:Calunga is a spiritual friend of mine.