As parents we decided that when our daughter asked if Santa was real we would tell her the truth - that Santa was as 'unreal' as the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy. We just didn't think that the question would come before she turned 3! (And let me say that the lifting of the conspiratorial veil of parental secrecy did not spoil the excitement, or anticipation of Christmas, Easter or loosing teeth.)
Our decision was based on the theory that if we told her the truth about these cultural idols then when she asked us if Jesus was real she would know that we were telling the truth - and that not only did God exist but that he was engaged in our living.
It is interesting to me that the issue of 'proof of God' is not just a matter for children. For most, if not all euro-centric theological institutions the priority for the examination of the existence of God is a core subject, and necessarily a priority. Hours are spent researching the ontological, cosmological and teleological arguments for God.
This same focus, the revelation and proof of God is reflected in the majority of preaching and teaching from platforms all over the western ('minority') world. We want to have proof that God exists, that there is a supreme being that is in control.
The interesting contrast is that in my experience with Pacific Islanders, Africans and Asians, (and from a theoretical cultural anthropology perspective) the people of the 'majority world' know that God exists. Their priority is not 'proof of God'.
They know that God exists, they have a practical theology that accepts and interacts with the spirit realm. They want a theology of healing, demonisation and poverty. They want to hear about how the God that lives will step into their reality and make a difference - now!
It's not enough to pronounce that God is Real, God is the Answer, or that Jesus is the Reason unless we are willing and able to move beyond the theoretical, cognitive, scientific and rational argument and be jesus in relationship: in love, acceptance, healing, freedom and sharing.
