The child goes through several stages in life where their way of learning varies diametrically[1]. However, by way of a summary, it can be said that humans in general go through four stages where they can learn different things:

1. From birth until age 5, they learn about the well-being of living in an environment marked by commandments.
2. Starting at age 5, they can learn more from their study of the Bible through narratives with teachings applicable for today.
3. From age 10 onward, they can learn more about basic topics of biblical theology and church history.
4. And from their Bar Mitzvah ceremony onward, they can learn from their own experience of voluntarily living under God’s will.

Of course, when we say “studies”, we are not suggesting something at the level of university theology degrees, but rather general subjects that individuals can assimilate.

Focusing now on the Bar Mitzvah stage, they should receive special training in different areas:

Prayer time: Not only should they be encouraged by their parents to pray, but they should also be taught the meaning of each part of prayer (thanksgiving, creed, supplication, prayers, etc.). They should also learn about the three general times for prayer (night, morning, and afternoon).

Scripture reading: Efforts should be made to teach them its cultural and linguistic foundations (Hebrew, Greek, Aramaic) so they feel comfortable studying and can use advanced tools such as linguistic dictionaries, interlinears, etc.

Subdivisions of a day for the Lord and their profound significance (individuality, family, and the faith community), as well as edifying details.

The dignifying importance of personal offering, contributing to the expenses of their faith community and aiding those in need within that community.

Although these are the main areas, it should not be overlooked that the Christian life is not limited to gathering with other believers in worship or celebrating biblical festivals. God’s law and commandments should be present in every moment of life, setting standards for commercial ethics, proper speech, honoring parents, and even in simple areas like caring for pets.

The entire Scripture is the best “instruction manual” for maximizing our pleasure and potential in life. It forms the basis for understanding: How to live meaningfully? How to build prosperous relationships? How to act honestly and achieve our fullest potential? How to be different from the surrounding world?

Studying the entire Scripture emphasizes building a rational foundation of beliefs to engage the mind, stimulate intellectual thought with questions and debate, and thereby nurture the soul. It is not about blind faith leaps, all-or-nothing decisions, or detachment from the world.

Every believer’s goal should be not only to study, but to attain the stature of the perfect man: Christ Jesus, who exemplified how to live and fulfill every commandment. In Him are found the highest values and expressions of faith that one can aspire to: “commitment to God”, “love for neighbor”, “peace and justice for all”, “universal erudition”, “unconditional friendship”, “dignity”, etc. All these concepts are suggested and defined in Scripture and can be seen realized in the person of the Savior.

Thus, becoming a Bar Mitzvah, at the end of the day, does not represent the culmination of Christian education, but rather another step towards a full, deep, and mature relationship with God through the Spirit and the study of His entire Written Word. And this will mean: Defending the values that God has instilled in them, taking responsibility for the world, and loving God’s work, plans, and purposes.

[1] For better understanding, refer to Book 6 of DICDAC in our Virtual Institute.

Author: Dr. Liber Aguiar.