Interview with James Beeke

Recently I interviewed James Beeke on Bible Doctrine: For Older and Younger Children a 4-Volumes Set published by RHB.

James Beeke was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan.  He obtained his B.A. and M.A. (Educational Administration) degrees from Western Michigan University.  After teaching for three years in the Kalamazoo Public School System, he and his wife, with two young children, moved to Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada.  Jim was the founding principal of a new Christian school there and served as principal for 21 years, as the school grew from a small elementary to a large elementary, junior and high school.
In 1998 he entered British Columbia’s Ministry of Education and served two years as Deputy Inspector and then seven years as the Inspector (Director) over the independent (private) schools in the province (state).  Upon retirement in 2005, Jim accepted a position as Vice Chair of Maple Leaf Educational Systems and Superintendent of its schools – schools  that deliver British Columbia’s educational program in English in China using British Columbia certified teachers..
James Beeke has authored several books (including the Bible Doctrine for Younger Children, Older Children, and Teens and Young Adults series), written many published articles and spoken at many conferences, conventions and professional development forums in North America and internationally.
Jim has served as a church elder for more than 25 years, been actively engaged in youth work and outreach ministries, and filled various positions with the Society of Christian Schools in British Columbia.  He and his wife, Ruth, are blessed with 5 children and 17 grandchildren.

Interview with Jim Beeke on Bible Doctrine: For Older and Younger Children (4-Volumes Set)

When did you originally begin the project of writing these and how long did it take?

The Bible Doctrine for Younger Children, Older Children, and Teens and Young Adults series were written from 1983 – 1990, while serving as principal of Timothy Christian School in Chilliwack, BC.  The seven books were written in seven years, approximately one book per year.
Have you often went back to update o revise anything in these volumes?
Minor revisions were included in most new printings, but not major changes.

What was your purpose behind writing the Bible Doctrine volumes for younger and older children?

The purpose was to provide children of different ages with clear explanations of key Christian doctrines that were true to the Word of God; sound in Reformed expression; age-appropriate, understandable and interesting for children; and contained numerous diagrams, charts, examples and illustrations to aid understanding.

Our gracious Lord’s thoughts and dealings are far higher than ours.  When initially writing these books/series, the focus was on students at Timothy Christian School in Chilliwack and other students in NRC Christian Schools.  God’s vision was much greater.  His vision is the reality we witness today, as the books are used all over North America in churches, Christian schools, home-schooling, family reading and personal study; as well as in other English speaking countries, in mission outreaches in different continents, and in other languages through translation.

Did you do them both the younger and older books at the same time?

The basic outlines for the 3 series were developed at the beginning, at the same time.   The actual books, however, were written separately, one at a time, in sequential order from Younger Children – Book A through Teens and Young Adults – Volume III.

How does the Bible Doctrine (4 volumes) set different from that, other material has to offer for children learning the doctrines?

These books differ from other material available in that they strongly reflect an historical Reformed understanding of main biblical truths (doctrines); are doctrinally-focused; introduce key doctrinal terms; incorporate historic catechisms for children; include numerous diagrams, charts, illustrations and examples to enhance comprehension and interest; and provide workbook pages to assess children’s learning.

How does this particular 4-volume set go together with your 3-volume set for teens Bible Doctrine for Teens and Young Adults?

The Bible Doctrine for Teens and Young Adults series incorporates the same approach and structure as the series for Younger and Older Children, but the doctrinal teaching is more comprehensive in terms of doctrines studied; depth of study; differences of belief or explanation within Christian churches, in-depth discussion questions; and linkage with church creeds and Reformed doctrinal standards.
What would you tell parents, if one was to ask you, “Why should I use these for my children?”
I pray that the LORD will richly bless this means of teaching your precious children the eternal truths (doctrines) of His infallible Word.  The approach described above was developed from classroom teaching practice by actually using draft chapters from the books with children of the age that the books attempt to reach.  This experience has also helped in developing the books as fitting instructional resources for children of various ages.

How do you see the need for such material to be taught to our children today? And how do you see these volumes here help in a culture that declines in biblical knowledge, and morals and ethics more and more every year?

In our current culture, which is rapidly declining into individualism and a belief that each person has a right to, and can determine truth for him or herself, the need to base and root our children in the infallible, unchanging and eternal truths (doctrines) of Scripture is increasingly crucial.