Jason 
We have all faced doubts.
Our children will all face doubts.
We will yet face doubts.
Doubt often comes unsolicited.
There will come a time in the life of faith for every child when they will have to decide for themselves, “Do I really believe this?” Doubt is a part of the process of maturing. It is not easy, but it is necessary.
What can we do? Can we short circuit the process? Do we need to buy a new curriculum?
Parents, Revealers of God to their Children –– It is probable that parents as a class feel more than ever before the responsibility of their prophetic office. It is as revealers of God to their children that parents touch their highest limitations; perhaps it is only as they succeed in this part of their work that they fulfil the Divine intention in giving them children to bring up––in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Charlotte Mason, Parents and Children, p 41
Preparation – But there is much to be done beforehand, though nothing when the time comes.
Charlotte Mason, Parents and Children, p 43
Charlotte Mason’s words of encouragement, however, are not for the faint of heart, and challenge many commonly-held views in modern Western Christianity. Her’s is a refreshing voice in a time when so many are abandoning their faith when times of doubt come. There is hope. There is a better way.
This is a recording of the closing plenary talk given at the 2021 “Living Education Retreat” (LER).
These are not safe words, but they are so very good.
The key to moving through seasons of doubt.
Evidences, no matter how compelling, are not proofs.
The essence of Christianity is loyalty to Jesus Christ
The way of Jesus cannot be imposed or mapped.
Resources:
Jason, thank you for having the courage to address this most needed and important topic. It is a difficult one to take in for many people in my experience. It has been a topic of discussion in our CM book study in the past which has proven to be a very sensitive subject for most. Even very committed CM home educators have drawn a line in the sand when it comes to Mason’s acceptance of reading the Scriptures other than literally. In my view, Mason’s emphasis on meditating on the ‘essential’ Truth of God revealed to us through the help of the Spirit is vital to her whole philosophy of education. Building one’s understanding of God on ‘accidental’ truths and ‘evidences’ is fragile indeed and has the propensity of leading one into dualistic thought, exceptionalism, and a false sense of certainty which can be incredibly divisive. If the purpose of education is ‘to know God’ it is the spiritual work of discerning the essential Truth of God that will bring us into True knowing. I believe this is at the heart of what Mason is saying here. Thank you again for your care and vulnerability. I was encouraged to hear a voice in the CM community willing to approach this topic.
Jennifer,
Thanks for adding your thoughts to this important conversation. “Building one’s understanding of God on ‘accidental’ truths and ‘evidences’ is fragile indeed and has the propensity of leading one into dualistic thought, exceptionalism, and a false sense of certainty which can be incredibly divisive.” Well said. Thanks again.