Child Theology Network

The Child Theology Network

Child theology is a very old and very new movement. 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. Beginning in the early Twenty-First Century, a few theologians have again begun to give children attention in their work, either commenting on theological topics in reference to children, or considering what difference it might make to place "a child in the midst" of any theological topic.

Below are a few links to web sites in one way or another related to contemporary 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 and the organizations and leaders in this area. If you have suggestions for additions to this page, please email don@ratcliffs.net.

Review of Understanding God's Heart for Children: Toward a Biblical Framework

This new book is perhaps the best source to understanding the current views of child theology.

Children's Spirituality Conference: Christian Perspectives

One of the many areas included in this fine conference is child theology.

Child Theology Movement

This is a key web site to learn about the Child Theology Movement as a whole.

Child Theology Bibliography by David Sims

A bibliography from an American consultation on child theology, held in Houston, Texas.

Child in Religion and Ethics Project

A web site maintained by Marcia Bunge, who wrote a key book of the child theology movement.

Child Spirituality Database

This list of books, with short descriptions and chapter titles, includes a number of child theology works, particularly those published in recent years, as well as a wide variety of research-based books on children's spirituality, most of them reflecting a Christian perspective.

Center for the Theology of Childhood

Jerome Berryman has been a prominent leader in the child theology movement from the beginning. He is well known for his method of encouraging children's spiritual experiences, termed "Godly Play"

Center for Children and Theology

Another methodology associated with child theology, based on the work of Sophia Cavelletti, who in turn was a disciple of Maria Montessori. Maria Cavelletti was also a powerful influence on Jerome Berryman's "Godly Play" approach.

Children and Theology paper by Catherine Maresca

(an occasional paper for the Center for Children and Theology)

Viva Network

Viva has been a very important influence in the development of the child theology movement. Viva is an organization that networks many child advocacy and child welfare programs around the world, especially children who are at risk, abused, and neglected. A wide variety of resources are available on their web site, including many related to child theology. Their "Cutting Edge" conferences often highlight aspects of child theology.

Viva International Cutting Edge Conference 2008 "Kingdom Pathways: Journeys of Hope with Children"

This year's conference will be held at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois. This is the first time the conference has been held in the United States.

Topics of previous "Cutting Edge" conferences include:

1. "The Cutting Edge" (1998) 2. "Making a Difference Together for Children in the 21st Century" (1999) 3. "Effective Service in a Broken World" (2001)
4. "Hearing God's Heart for Children" (2002) 5. "Raising the Standard" (2005)

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

Other Videos from Viva: