Child Theologies:
Introduction,
Child Theology Movement,
Diverse Approaches
Marcia J. Bunge, Ph.D.
Professor of Theology and Humanities
Christ College, Valparaiso University
Director of the Child in Religion and Ethics Project
Australia, July 2012
“Child theologies”:
rethink fundamental doctrines and
practices of the Church as a whole,
using the “lens” of the child.
“Theologies of childhood”:
provide sophisticated theological
understandings of children and our
obligations to them.
Strong Theologies of Childhood
Acknowledge and hold in tension children’s:
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Full humanity as well as their need for guidance.
Spiritual wisdom as well as growing moral capacities.
Strengths and gifts as well as their vulnerabilities and
needs.
Develop rich understandings of parenting, childadult relationships, and community life.
Strong
Theologies of Childhood
• Combat simplistic and destructive
conceptions of children
• Strengthen commitment to children
in Christian communities in many
areas:
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Spiritual formation
Religious education
Children’s ministries
Child advocacy
Faith-based organizations
Public Policy
“Child theologies”:
rethink fundamental doctrines and
practices of the Church as a whole,
using the “lens” of the child.
PART I. INTRODUCTION
Primary Task of Child Theologies:
Rethink Christian theology and practice as a
whole in the light of children and childhood
Distinct from but related to:
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Theologies of Childhood
Children’s Theologies (by children)
Children’s Spirituality
Theologies for Children
Religious Education
Children’s Ministries
Like other forms of theology,
Child Theologies Build on Various
Sources, including:
1)The Bible
2)“The Tradition” (history of Christian thought and
practice)
3)Academic disciplines outside theology
4)“Experience” of individuals and communities
(including but not limited to children)
Unlike other forms of theology:
child theologies use the
“LENS” OF THE “CHILD”
as category of analysis
PART II:
CHILD THEOLOGY MOVEMENT
http://www.childtheology.org
The Child Theology Movement
• Began 10 years ago
• Matthew 18:1-5: Jesus puts a little child
“in the midst” of a theological argument
about greatness in the Kingdom
• Form international networks of both
theologians and practitioners
• Host international and regional
consultations
• Participants represent various countries,
denominations, approaches
Child Theology Movement:
One Particular Approach
1) Discuss their understandings of a
specific Church doctrine or practice.
2) Imagine a child in a particular situation
experienced by many children, reflecting
together on that child.
3) Reflect together on how putting that
particular child “in the midst” of their
reflection might or might not help them
rethink that specific doctrine or practice.
Consultation in South Africa:
Example of Reflection on Sin
1) Reflected on their own understandings
of sin and theological and biblical
grounds for it.
2) Considered the situation of child
soldiers and sexually exploited girls in
Africa (shared insights).
3) Invited to rethink: How do their views of
sin speak to the situation of such
children, and how might the situation of
such children inform their views of sin.
Consultation in South Africa:
Example of Reflection on Sin
Participants had to rethink their views of sin
and to consider several issues, such as:
violence against children
children’s own agency
free will
innocence
embodiment
sexuality
Questions for Discussion
1. What questions do you have regarding the
notion of “child theologies” in general?
2. What questions do you have about the Child
Theology Movement in particular?
3. What are the most pressing challenges facing
children in your context?
PART III: DIVERSE APPROACHES TO
CHILD THEOLOGIES
Diverse Approaches to Child Theologies
Child theologies are bound to be diverse!
All will critically retrieve insights from common sources:
-The Bible
-The Tradition
-Insights from Childhood Studies and other Disciplines
-Experience
Yet they will also be formulated by particular theologians and
within distinctive:
-Religious traditions
-Cultural contexts
-Faith communities
Examples of Contemporary Efforts
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Jürgen Moltmann: Hope
Dawn DeVries:
Salvation
D.R.K. Nkurunziza: Human Dignity
David Jensen:
Image of God
My own work:
Vocation
Current project on “Child Theologies:
Perspectives from World Christianity”
Examples of Contemporary Efforts
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Jürgen Moltmann: Hope
Dawn DeVries:
Salvation
D.R.K. Nkurunziza: Human Dignity
David Jensen:
Image of God
My own work:
Vocation
Current project on “Child Theologies:
Perspectives from World Christianity”
Experimenting Further with Child Theology
Writing Exercise #2:
What is one insight or idea from the Bible, theological
traditions, the social sciences or other disciplines, or from
your own experience or experience of children in your
midst that would inform and be a resource for your own
child theology?
Writing Exercise #3:
How might the biblical, theological, or contemporary
insight into children and childhood that you chose for
question #2 help you to reexamine or to rethink the belief,
doctrine, or practice that you chose for question #1?