Children, Youth, and Spirituality in a Troubling World

by Mary Elizabeth Moore, Almeda M Wright

Overview

Essayists address the harsh, challenging, and delicate realities of children and youth - who live as spiritual beings within a beautiful yet destructive world. Providing a practical theological analysis of the spiritual yearnings, expressions, and challenges of children and youth in a world of rapid change, dislocation, violence, and competing loyalties, Children, Youth, and Spirituality in a Troubling World provides readers with a purposeful conversation on this important topic.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780827205130
Publisher:	Christian Board of Publication
Publication date:	12/13/2011
Pages:	288
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Mary Elizabeth Moore is Dean of the School of Theology at Boston University. Moore is an ordained deacon in the United Methodist Church and is the author of several books, including Ministering with the Earth from Chalice Press. Almeda M. Wright is a doctoral candidate in Practical Theology at Emory University, where her research focuses on spirituality and race-identity development among African American youth. She currently serves as the assistant director and research coordinator of the Youth Theological Initiative at Candler School of Theology.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments vii

Contributors ix

Introduction: Children and Youth Choosing Life Mary Elizabeth Mullino Moore 1

Part 1 The Young in a Troubling World

1 When Celebrating Children Is Not Enough Luther E. Smith Jr. 14

2 Children and Religion in the Public Square Bonnie J. Miller-McLemore 31

3 Princess Dreams Katherine Turpin 45

4 Violence, Boy Code, and Schools Rodger Nishioka 62

5 "Sometimes I Feel Like a Fatherless Child" Joyce Ann Mercer 78

6 Healing the Wounds of War Joshua Thomas 92

Part 2 Choosing Life in a Troubling World

7 Yearnings, Hopes, and Visions Mary Elizabeth Mullino Moore 108

8 (Non)Cosmetic Ministry Karen Marie Yust 123

9 Living Out Loud in a World That Demands Silence Veronice Miles 137

10 Subversive Spirituality in Youth Ministry at the Margins Susanne Johnson 153

11 With New Eyes to See Claire Bischoff 168

12 The Power of Testimonies Almeda M. Wright 182

13 Sanctified Rage Evelyn L. Parker 196

14 Welcoming the Vernal Season of the Heart David F. White 210

15 Transformative Listening Jennie S. Knight 226

Conclusion: Choosing Life Requires Action Almeda M. Wright 241

Notes 252

Editorial Reviews

"Stepping with youth into places torn by war, ravaged by injustice, and lulled by materialism, the authors nevertheless maintain a muscular hope. This book pairs fresh insights from new scholars with the voices of sages, framing youth ministry as a global, deeply contextual, and vital work of practical theology. Those who care about the emerging visions of young people and the church's role as those visions take on flesh will find their hearts and minds strengthened for that journey on each page." -- Dori Grinenko Baker

From the Publisher