Created by God
Created by God: About Human Sexuality for Older Girls and Boys is a resource prepared by the General Board of Discipleship of The United Methodist Church through the Division of Church School Publications and published by the Graded Press Division of the United Methodist Publishing House. It is one component of human sexuality resources for persons of all ages.
Created by God addresses many of the questions that older elementary girls and boys have about their physical development and growing awareness of sexuality. Its biblical foundation affirms sexuality as a gift of the God in whose image we have been created--a gift we are to express responsibly. Created by God affirms the family as the source, for most children, of love and guidance. It acknowledges parents as children's primary sex educators and strives to support parents as they talk with their children and serve as important role models.
This resource also addresses issues such as social stereotypes, peer pressure, the influence of the media, and the consequences of irresponsible sexual behavior. It also speaks to some of the issues that young people will face within the next several years and to the importance of learning to make sound decisions.
This resource also addresses issues such as social stereotypes, peer pressure, the influence of the media, and the consequences of irresponsible sexual behavior. It also speaks to some of the issues that young people will face within the next several years and to the importance of learning to make sound decisions.
The tone of Created by God--as communicated through both the text and the illustrations--is warm, positive, and inviting. The facts are presented with honesty and compassion, realizing that this age group is looking for both information and affirmation.
Created by God has been designed as a reading book for older elementary girls and boys. Parents may use it as the starting point for discussions with their sons and daughters. It has also been developed for use in a human sexuality study for older elementary girls and boys and their parents.
Participation in this study will provide basic biological and developmental information, build self-esteem in the students, strengthen communication skills among older elementary girls and boys and between them and their parents, and introduce participants to the fact that their sexuality is an integral part of being human. Students will learn and practice using proper terminology. They will also focus on the real meaning of intimacy-a special closeness or friendship that grows as people get to know and learn to accept one another.
Created by God is intended to assist parents and churches in communicating a word of grace and peace to young people who are moving into a fast-paced and sometimes confusing period of growth.