Most adults have a hard time understanding the language of the 28 Fundamental Beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, so it is no wonder children struggle to understand them. Best-selling children’s author, Jerry D. Thomas, is out to change that. He has written a book called What We Believe to help kids make sense of the core beliefs of the Adventist Church.

In What We Believe, Thomas uses a story to teach each belief. Each story is accompanied by a short summary of the belief in kid-friendly language and a corresponding Bible verse. Discussion questions and suggested activities follow to further reinforce the lesson. Thomas says, “By tying our church’s beliefs into a concrete story or experience, we make them more real and more meaningful. By attaching them to experiences that children can identify with, we make them a part of their identity, and we make the church a part of their identity. This book is intended to help kids understand what their church teaches—to help them understand what it means to be an Adventist.”

Donna Habenicht, Ed.D., former chair of the Educational and Counseling Psychology Department at Andrews University, says, “It's not easy to simplify official doctrinal statements, but Jerry D. Thomas has done a wonderful job explaining Adventist beliefs in kid-friendly language. This book is an important resource for parents and teachers alike.”

Thomas is communication director for the Southwestern Union and editor of the Record. He has degrees in both theology and education. He is also the author of over 25 books, including the popular Detective Zack books, Great Stories for Kids, Messiah, and Conversations With Jesus. He and his wife Kitty live near Burleson, Texas. They have three grown children.

Copies of What We Believe may be purchased at any local Adventist Book Center, or by calling 800-765-6955, as well as online at www.AdventistBookCenter.com.

Pacific Press Publishing Association press release