Author: Marty Machowski

Subtitle:

Ancient Truths Ever New

This beautifully illustrated storybook ushers children into a story of adventure, mystery, and wonder in which they discover life-changing truths about God, themselves, and the world around them.

In the cellar of the old stone cathedral, Carla and Timothy uncover a life-changing treasure, a carefully wrapped ancient book known as The Ology. What adults might describe as a beautifully illustrated storybook of systematic theology, the kids discover to be a story of adventure, mystery, and wonder that leads them to the truth about God, themselves, and the world around them.

Truth is for kids, not just for adults! So The Ology gives kids of all ages a beginner’s theology book to help them understand who God is and how we, as his children, relate to him. Arranged within a traditional systematic theological framework, each truth in The Ology is also connected to the larger redemptive story of Scripture. The doctrine of God, for example, is presented in the larger framework of creation, where the attributes of God are more clearly on display. The Ology takes abstract theological concepts and makes them easier to understand with the use of creative examples, illustrations, and analogies. The goal is not to say everything that could be said about a theological topic, but rather to share the key thoughts behind a theological concept. The Ology is a starting point to learning theology and aims to create a hunger and desire in children to learn more as they grow older. 

Designed for six-year-olds through preteens, this flexible resource includes built-in adaptations for use with younger or older children, so that entire families can enjoy it together. Read The Ology to preschoolers, read it with grade-school kids, and let older kids discover the “hidden” truths by reading the corresponding Scripture passages for each section. However you read it, The Ology will give your children a gift that will last a lifetime—a solid foundation of life-changing biblical truth that will point them to the God who loves them and gave himself for them.

• A beginner’s book of systematic theology in the form of a beautifully illustrated storybook
• Clearly explains life-changing theological truths with everyday examples and simple language that kids can understand
• Takes abstract theological concepts and makes them easier to understand with the use of creative examples, illustrations, and analogies
• Designed for six-year-olds through preteens, with built-in adaptations for use with younger or older children, so that entire families can enjoy it together.

The Ology is a book of systematic theology written especially for six-year-olds through preteens. The author, who has six kids of his own, has intentionally created a vivid resource, full of analogies and word pictures that help kids grasp difficult theological concepts and understand how each truth is connected to the larger redemptive story of the Bible. Built-in adaptations and activities help parents with younger or older kids make the material accessible and engaging for the whole family. 

About the author:

Author Marty Machowski is a Family Life Pastor at Covenant Fellowship Church in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, where he has served on the pastoral staff for more than twenty years. Marty leads Promise Kingdom, the gospel-centered children's ministry of Covenant Fellowship. He and his wife Lois and their six children reside in West Chester, Pennsylvania. He is also the Executive Editor for Children's Resources at New Growth Press. 

Marty Machowski is passionate about teaching the gospel to children through family Bible study time as well as kids Sunday school, so he writes for both audiences. He explains, "As parents and children's ministry workers, we must make sure that every child in our care knows the gospel of Jesus Christ and where they stand in relationship to the gospel." His kids Bible materials, The Gospel Story for Kids products, are designed to do just that.

Marty Machowski, who studied Industrial Design in college, learned to combine the creativity of art with the discipline of mechanical engineering. He reflects on how his background specifically prepared him for his current ministry as an author. "Thinking up the hundreds of object lessons for the Gospel Story for Kids curriculum used problem solving creativity I learned as an industrial designer. It was exciting and challenging to create fun games and object lessons for kids which communicated the biblical concepts of the weekly lessons."

Endorsements:

Few tasks are of greater importance than the discipling of children. Christian parents and Sunday school teachers, committed to biblical fidelity, cannot neglect the tremendous task of teaching children the great truths of Scripture. Marty Machowski’s The Ology: Ancient Truths Ever New is a wonderful new book that will equip parents for the task of discipleship and also help children immerse themselves in the Christian worldview.
-R. Albert Mohler, Jr., President of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary 

I love good children’s books, and this one is truly beautiful, both in its words and pictures. Machowski meets children where they are and tells them the greatest story of all. The best part is, it’s true!
-Dr. Joel R. Beeke, President of Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan 

The Ology has quickly become my favorite introduction to Christianity for children. Machowski has brilliantly written this systematic theology as a story—the great Story. He writes with a profound simplicity that children will understand, yet with a depth and beauty that will move adults to worship. And he makes the gospel crystal clear. This book is a wonderful resource for family worship or children’s devotions.  
-Jon Bloom, Chair & cofounder, Desiring God; author 

The Ology is a beautifully illustrated book. That in itself will hold the attention of children. But the words carefully unfold the teaching of Scripture in a way that doesn’t talk down to children but talks to them, lifting up their understanding of the triune God as Creator and Redeemer. Marty Machowski has given the church a valuable resource for parents and others wanting to disciple the young.
-Richard B. Gaffin, Jr., ThD, Professor of Biblical and Systematic Theology, Emeritus, Westminster Theological Seminary

Appealing, truthful, and comprehensive, Marty Machowski has written The Ology as a systematic theology accessible to children. I can see parents reading this book while their children snuggle beside them or sit on their lap and listen. Little ones will enjoy looking at this beautifully illustrated volume as their parents read it to them. It’s also the kind of book you can read to your children again and again. When they are old enough, they’ll want to read it on their own. Can you ask for more in a Christian book for children?
-Don Whitney, Professor of Biblical Spirituality, Associate Dean for the School of Theology, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary  

Every child—and every parent—is already a theologian. The question is what kind of theologian we will be. Will our children grow up learning sound doctrine, rightly dividing the word of truth? Or will they end up fashioning a god—and a theology—in their own image? There are many good theologians in the church today, and many teachers who love children. But few are a combination of both like Marty Machowski. I am delighted to commend this engaging resource to help all of us know and worship the God of the Bible!
-Justin Taylor, Managing editor, ESV Study Bible; coauthor, The Final Days of Jesus 

This marvelous book works on every level: It is thoroughly biblical, doctrinally sound, gospel-centered, well written, and exquisitely illustrated. Though intended for children, The Ology will also be of immense help to their parents, relatives, and friends. I intend to buy this book for my grandchildren and read it together with them over and over and over again. I can’t give The Ology a higher endorsement than that!  
-Gregg R. Allison, Professor of Christian Theology, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; secretary of the Evangelical Theological Society; pastor and author 

I love Marty Machowski’s books, and even better, so do my children. The Ology is another beautiful and creative book meant to expose children to the deepest and most important truths. I am reading it with my children, and would encourage you to do the same.
-Tim Challies, www.challies.com   

This well-illustrated book clearly and logically introduces theology for children.
-Andy Naselli, Assistant Professor of New Testament and Biblical Theology at Bethlehem College and Seminary in Minneapolis 

The Ology is a great answer to the dilemma of how parents can introduce their children to biblical theology. We must go beyond Bible stories and ‘be nice’ morality. Memorizing a catechism seldom works in today’s world. Marty Machowski brings solid reformed theological truth into a most attractive and understandable format. Parents everywhere will rejoice to see their children ‘get it’ as they work through The Ology together.
-Gerry Breshears, PhD, Professor of Theology, Western Seminary, Portland 

From the beginning God revealed himself to his people that they might know him, love him, and be his beloved children. Theology was for all of God’s people, not just seminary professors! The Ology takes us back to this earlier understanding, using story and art to make scriptural truth understandable and real to all of God’s children, regardless of age. I eagerly look forward to reading The Ology with my grandson! R. J. Gore Jr., DMin, PhD, 
Professor of Systematic Theology and Acting Dean Erskine Theological Seminary, Due West, SC  Marty Machowski has provided parents with a valuable resource to raise up their children ‘in the discipline and instruction of the Lord’ (Eph. 6:4). The Ology is biblically saturated, theologically rich, clearly written, and helpfully illustrated. May the Spirit use this book to establish the next generation on the rock of God’s Word (Matt. 7:24–27) and produce disciples who follow Jesus for a lifetime!
-Matthew S. Harmon, Professor of New Testament Studies, Grace Theological Seminary 

The Ology: Ancient Truths Ever New is a special book. It provides a visual means for teaching a child the basic, biblical doctrines that we as believers love. With the need for greater biblical and theological literacy in the church today, I believe that The Ology can engage and teach both children and adults together. Children’s catechisms are a great tool for memorizing theological concepts but The Ology, with it beautiful and creative art work, as well as its vibrant storytelling style, provides a sound learning tool in book form that will stimulate listening, learning, questioning, and discovery. God’s truth will come alive to the families who use it. I highly recommend this solid work for use in teaching and training children in basic Christian doctrine. Children will enjoy learning theology from The Ology: Ancient Truths Ever New!
-Dr. Rod Culbertson, Jr., DMin, Reformed Theological Seminary, Charlotte, NC 

Systematic theology can conjure up images of big, dusty books. Can it be engaging for kids? If you say no, The Ology will surprise you. Discover what election has to do with earthworm chunk ice cream . . . or eschatology with an ant flying a car. Marty Machowski is an artful storyteller. Andy McGuire’s illustrations are beautiful. Their children’s theology is both surprisingly winsome and biblically faithful. Thanks be to God!
-Jared Kennedy, Pastor of Families at Sojourn Community Church in Louisville, KY 

Many parents struggle to teach their children systematic theology, or even lead family devotions. The Ology will help you do both. Marty has made another significant contribution to biblically faithful, gospel-centered, creatively designed, accessible materials that help parents raise their kids not merely to know about God, but to have a relationship with him through Jesus Christ.  
- Bob Kauflin, Director of Sovereign Grace Music 

I’m always on the lookout for resources that will serve my grandkids, and I’ve just found another one. Marty Machowski has done it again! The Ologytakes huge truths about God, Scripture, and Christ and him crucified and makes them accessible and appealing to young minds. I’ll be passing this one out to all twelve of my grandkids.
-C. J. Mahaney, Sovereign Grace Church of Louisville 

The Ology turns the study of what Bible students recognize as ‘Systematic Theology’ into lessons blended into a story for kids 6–12 years of age. Covering all the major topics of the Bible in a comprehensive way, it draws kids in with vivid illustrations, both in words and pictures. I know this is going to be a big hit for parents who want a family worship tool, and for their children to grasp the key subjects the Bible raises. A perfect companion to Marty’s other books.  
-Dennis Gundersen, Author, Grace & Truth Books