The long history 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.

"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.

Children don't just learn theology. They actively create it, playing with ideas and drawing together aspects of their own lives to form theological understanding. David Csinos offers a groundbreaking exploration of how cultural contexts intersect with the theological meaning-making of children.

A collection of seventeen essays presenting theological perspectives on children throughout history. Discusses the care of children, their spiritual education, and the role of parents, the church, and the state in raising children.

In Seeing Children, Seeing God, Pamela Couture explores the actual and potential relation of the church and the theological school to economically and socially (relationally) poor children. She argues that the solution to the problem of child poverty requires the shared responsibility of individuals, families, neighborhoods, congregations, governments, businesses, and international organizations because children develop within these multiple systems. With their unique access to these multiple systems, churches and theological schools are in a wonderful position to transform the social ecology within which children develop and to assist in children'¬"s flourishing. Concretely, what would it mean for the caring ministries of the church and those who teach and learn about them in seminary to make the issue of children and poverty central to what we do? How would this change the way we live? Pamela Couture argues from a Wesleyan perspective that caring for poor children is a means of grace'¬ ;a grace that deepens our experience as the adopted children of God. She draws explicitly on recent writings that have updated the Wesleyan theological tradition. Seeing Children, Seeing God will be of particular interest to everyone who is concerned about children and poverty, especially from a Wesleyan perspective. Key Features: '¬¢ Brief and accessible '¬¢ Offers a constructive, theologically sound response to the problem of children and poverty '¬¢ Recognizes and shares responsibility for solutions across society, but especially with the church and the seminary Key Benefits: '¬¢ Readers will understand the dynamics and extent of the problem of children living in poverty today '¬¢ Readers will understand ways in which theology has undergirded efforts to deal with this problem in the past '¬¢ Readers will understand and identify with the specifically Christian imperative to respond to this problem '¬¢ Readers will understand how various groups can contributed to a concerted effort to deal with the problem '¬¢ Readers will understand how the church has failed to deal with this problem in the past

A theology of liberation by a victim of child abuse.

Children are theologians with the ability to recognize and respond to God's presence in their lives. Listening to the stories of children helps us to understand how children make meaning out of God's presence and reveals tools that children use as they claim their faith. With this knowledge, adults can then better promote and encourage children's spiritual growth. Offering a theology of childhood, Holy Work with Children values the child's role in the Body of Christ and God's transformative work. Dr. Campen invites readers to consider: -How does listening to children teach us about God and faith formation? -What wisdom and insight do children offer to all of us by how they seek understanding of God and God's presence in their lives? -How can we guide and support the children in our communities in this work? Drawing on direct research with children as they think theologically, this book extends both theological and educational research. Holy Work with Children offers practical examples for how congregational leaders, parents, and those who journey with children can encourage and guide them as they make theological meaning and discover ways to respond to God's grace and love making a difference in their communities and the world.

A landmark work of theology, exploring 14 key theological themes - such as creation, grace, death and judgement - from the perspective of children. Challenging conventional readings of theology, this work challenges those who care about children and their place in the world and the church.