Ever wondered what your child or children are thinking about when you read the bible together? Well, if you are looking for a book that illustrates the freshness with which children can still respond to the Bible, and its relevance to life today, then A Child Sees God by Rev Dr Howard Worsley, is that kind of training manual. Although the introduction appears quite academic, the following chapters seek to examine several different Bible passages, within clearly defined thematic titles. As selected parents and children discussed the stories together, their conversations and experiences have been recorded and then Howard Worsley has added a relevant comment relating to their discussions. It certainly provided an interesting insight into how children, of varying ages, still respond to the Bible.
This collection of essays on faith-based education is bound together by reflections on the life and achievements of Terence McLaughlin and is published at an important time. Although from an essentially Roman Catholic perspective (addressing specific denominational issues of doctrine and practice) the book provides a robust defence of Christian education across the spectrum. Even though it has been written as an academic collection, the writing is accessible and provides clear coverage of the critical issues. My only regret is the lack of a biography to fill me in and frame the work of this energetic and effective academic who has left such an interesting collection in his wake.
This is a very important book for anyone wishing to understand the place of children in the Church and how to use that understanding to enrich and engage. Gavin Knight is a priest and a School Chaplain, and Joanna Knight is a child psychologist. They explore the identity, formation and vocation of children and adolescents, from both a theological and psychological viewpoint, using the sacraments and faith/life occasions – baptism, confirmation and ordination – as the pathway. Borderlands refers to the route through childhood to adulthood, together with their present geographical location of Monmouth. At times I was not sure that I was finding cohesion between the two journeys of theology and psychology, but that was of less concern because of the discovery of exciting ideas and thoughts so vital to assist children at a time when so many childhood values are threatened.
Review by Carole Burrows(01/06/10)
Paperback Price: £14.99
Publisher: Mowbray imprint of Continuum Published: 25 February 2010
ISBN: 978-1-441-13761-6
- New Insights in Theology from a Child’s perspective
by Edited by Anne Richards & Peter Privett
To mark the thirtieth anniversary of the United Nations International Year of the Child, this book has been published by Church House Publishing (C of E). The reader must judge whether the contributors to this volume have succeeded in their aim of seeing religious experience through the eyes of a child. Perhaps more importantly the essayists address the still problematic issues of the theology of childhood, children’s theological insights, childhood spirituality, and so on. In spite of decades of observation there still does not seem to be an agreed understanding of the religious development of the child, and certainly no consensus on how that development relates to the adult, and adult religious development. This is a work in progress.
Children's Spirituality: What it is and Why it Matters
by Rebecca Nye
Spirituality has still to gain credibility in some Christian circles. However Rebecca Nye dispatches any such scepticism with a carefully argued case, suggesting that children’s spirituality is a formative influence on their development. It was Nye, after all, who introduced Godly Play to Britain. Children, she maintains, delightfully lack adult need to define and categorise, thereby separating religious from non-religious. They see mystery as a normal component of existence. Their world erupts with wonder. Therefore Nye reasons that it is time for Churches to take this on board and assess the spiritual merits of all they offer to their children.
That is quite a challenge, but her 'Think and discuss...' interjections help focus the mind, and the later chapters offer more detailed guidance. She suggests that our telling of Bible stories should lack prescriptive explanation, a neglect that would still terrify many a Church. Nye even suggests that Churches aren't necessarily the best places to encounter children's spirituality - the bath may be better.
There is much here to prompt thought, to encourage conversation, and to transform what we do. It is all presented in a well organised accessible style. I would certainly recommend it to those who work with children, and those who do not see such activity as their particular forté - adding also those who avoid it like the plague.
- Practical pointers for anyone working with Children and Young People
by Sarah Bingham and Vickie Blyth
A great book to encourage us all to use creative ways to pray. It is difficult enough for some adults to sit still to pray – let alone children. So this book gives lots of ideas and examples of practical ways to pray but also stresses the principles behind prayer. Though it is a book for those working with children and young people, some elements of the book could be adapted to teach children about the importance of prayer. It’s also full of real life examples of prayer methods which were effective, which are an encouragement to all. It is written in a very easy to digest style and concise enough to read in one sitting, but also very good to dip in and out of.
Review by Ann Evans(16/03/09)
Stapled A5 Pbk. Price: £2.99
Publisher: Scripture Union (SU) Published: 18 January 2008
ISBN: 978-1-844-27322-5