A Theology For Children

"Theologians rethink and reinterpret theological doctrines and practices regarding the strengths and vulnerabilities of one of the world's most exploited and marginalized groups: children"--

The long story of children in theology is told via analysis of some twenty-five theologians, grouped according to six historical periods. Each account examines what a particular theologian thought about children and the experience it was based upon. Four themes that have shaped our attitudes about children in the church emerge from this history: ambivalence, ambiguity, indifference, and grace. The result of this study is to promote a healthier church, which will respect and utilize the distinctive gifts of children. In so doing, theologians will be better able to help clear the way for grace in the postmodern church.

How important is childhood in the spiritual formation of a person? How do children experience God in the context of their lives as they grow? What does God do in the lives of children to draw them to himself and help them grow into a vital relationship with him? How can adults who care about children better support their spiritual growth and direct it toward relationship with God through Jesus Christ? These are critical questions that church leaders face as they consider how best to nurture the faith of the children God brings into our lives. In this book, over two dozen Christian scholars and ministry leaders explore important issues about the spiritual life of children and ways parents, church leaders, and others who care about children can promote their spiritual formation.

Children and childhood are among the most neglected subjects of Christian theology. What does it mean to be a child of God if the examples of childhood in Scripture and the Christian tradition are taken seriously and placed in dialogue with twenty-first century science, sociology and morality? This collection of essays draws together a wealth of different perspectives on a much neglected but vital subject of theology and Christian living.

This book develops a theology of childhood both from a theoretical basis in biblical theology (especially the gospel of Mark) and practical experience in children and youth ministry. Mercer builds on classical theologians such as Augustine, Calvin, Barth, and Rahner as well as modern feminist theologians such as Brock and Russell. She gains insights from pastoral theologians such as Capps and Couture and from contemporary cultural criticism. Mercer challenges approaches to educational and liturgical practices with children in congregations that segregate children from the rest of the church and its key practices of service, mission, worship, care, and learning. She reframes ministries with children as processes through which the church as a "community of practice" forms children into an alternative identity that resists surrounding consumerist culture and walks in the ways of Jesus. This book offers strategies for educational practices with children in congregations as it seeks to address the question, "What might educational practices that welcome children and contribute to their flourishing look like in the context of a faith community where children's learning happens in collaboration with experienced practitioners of faith?" Outlining a feminist practical theology of childhood, it explores five basic theological claims: (1) children as gifts and parenting as a religious practice of stewardship; (2) welcoming those who welcome and care for children; (3) children as already fully human; (4) children as part of the purposes of God; and (5) acknowledging and transforming the sufferings of children.

'Looking through the eyes of a child is not a twee, cosy or easy experience. It can be unsettling, uncomfortable, edgy...' - from the Introduction Who has the right to 'do' theology? Only academics? Only adults? Or do we all have a voice in the kingdom of God? Through the Eyes of a Child considers 14 key theological themes from one of the most neglected of perspectives - that of children. Honouring Jesus' command to place the child at the centre, theologians, psychologists and educationalists take us from our comfort zone to look afresh at some of the most grave, difficult and beautiful topics in Christian theology. Challenging conventional readings of theology, this landmark work will fascinate and challenge anyone who cares about children and their place in the world and the church.