Theology and Children

 
 
 

Theology about the child is a very old and very new area of study. Theological perspectives of children are included in both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, and many theologians throughout history have commented on children. Yet over the last century or so children have been marginalized by theology, overlooked by most theologians as apparently irrelevant to their main concerns

"Child Theology" is a phrase that is somewhat ambiguous, as some use it in a very general sense and others in a more specific manner. The creation of the phrase is attributed to Keith White, who suggested that it describes the difference that "placing a child in the midst" of the theological process could make. In some respects, this can be compared with feminist theology or liberation theology--it is an approach to doing theology that asks, "What difference would it make if we did as Jesus did, placing a child in the midst, and letting the child's perspective guide our approach to theology.

Some people use "child theology" to designate only the idea above, while others suggest it has a broader meaning. Historically, there has been regular interest in asking questions of theology in relation to the child in general and Christian children in particular. Such questions relate to topics such as the nature of the child, when children should be able to join the church or partake of the Eucharist or communion, what Jesus meant by makiing an example of children, and the like.

A third possible meaning of "child theology" is the theology created by the child. Rather than being something that creates amusement, the distinctive quality of the theology of children may reveal not only the kind of thinking that is taking place, but also the nature and quality of the relationship between God and the child. The study of children's theology is perhaps more a social science process than a theological process, yet the object of study is the child's theology.

This web page offers links to web sites that in one way or another relate to child theology as it emerges as a growing interest among theologians and others who care about children. The goal for this page is to encourage networking between people who have an interest in this area--however it is defined--and the organizations and leaders in this area. If you have suggestions for additions to this page, please email don@ratcliffs.net.

 

 

 

 

IMPORTANT PAPERS RELATED TO CHILD THEOLOGY

AND THEOLOGY OF THE CHILD
 

"Understanding God's Heart for Children: Engaging the Scripture"

(Lifestream Ministries)

 

"From a Child's Word"

Joni Middleton

 

 

Report of the Penang Consultation on Child Theology

(by John Collier)

Facilitation Guidelines

 

 

"Child Theology" (version 1)

Haddon Willmer

Haddon Willmer is affiliated with the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies

"Child Theology" (version 2)

by Haddon Willmer

Introducing Child Theology

by Haddon Willmer

 

"A Little Child Will Lead Them"

by Keith White

Keith White was a speaker at the 2006 Children's Spirituality Conference: Christian Perspectives

"A Little Child Will Lead Them"

[pdf version of the above]

 

"Biblical Perspectives"

by Keith White

Keynote Paper

by Keith White

(For the Church of England Forum)

The Child in the Midst of Biblical Witness

Keith White

(For the Quito Child Theology consultation)

 

Fallen Angels by John Walls  

 

Children and Mature Spirituality

Jerome Berryman

(for the Houston Child Theology consultation)

 

God Gives Children as a Gift

"The Fuller Papers"

 

Child Theology in Africa? - Johannes Malherbe

From "Hear the Cry" conference in Nairobi, Kenya.

Child Theology in Africa?

[second site with above paper]

 

Celebrating Children Training

 

Evangelism of Children

Lausanne Occasional Paper

 

 

Don Ratcliff's web page

The Children's Spirituality Web Page

 

 

report errors webs@ratcliffs.net

soli deo gloria

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Videos

 

 

The Great Omission Video

 

This superb video, although relatively short, emphasizes the importance of children from God's perspective, and how they should be important to the church. Several organizations, including the Viva Network, were involved in its production, and it is well worth viewing. A 10 minute version available in Quick Time (4mb) or in Windows Media File (10mb) with booklet by Patrick McDonald, International Director of Viva Network and speaker at the 2006 Children's Spirituality Conference: Christian Perspectives

 

 

See additional videos at www.childfaith.net