Children And The Theologians

Connects theology with the practice of ministry in new ways.
Connects historical themes with modern research about the meaning and development of children.
A magisterial theological survey that sheds new light on the various ways children have been viewed.
Provides a historical and theological rationale for the Godly Play project.

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, indifferences, 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.