Little Theologians: Children, Culture, and the Making of Theological Meaning

by David M. Csinos

Overview

Children don't just learn theology. They actively create it, playing with ideas and drawing together aspects of their own lives to form theological understanding. David Csinos offers a groundbreaking exploration of how cultural contexts intersect with the theological meaning-making of children.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780228004400
Publisher:	McGill-Queens University Press
Publication date:	11/18/2020
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	3 MB

About the Author

David M. Csinos is assistant professor at Atlantic School of Theology and founding president of Faith Forward.

Table of Contents

Table and Figures ix

Acknowledgments xi

Introduction: Burning Questions and Bustling Congregations 3

1 "Thank You for Making Church": Parkdale United Church and a Theology of Community 31

2 "We Put Our Tradition in It": Messiah Methodist United Church and a Theology of Interconnectedness 57

3 "Engaging the Stories of the Faith": Burke Street United Church and a Theology of Speculation 89

4 "Healing That Colonial Wound": Colkirk United Church and a Theology of Acceptance 115

5 Kaleidoscopic Theology: An Interpretation of Children's Theologies 140

6 Toward Transformation: An Analysis of the United Church's Vision for Becoming Intercultural 167

7 Renegotiating a Field of Study: An Analysis of Scholarship in Children's Spirituality and Theology 186

8 Waymarks for the Road Ahead: Future Directions for Research and Pastoral Practice 204

Notes 215

Bibliography 233

Index 245

Editorial Reviews

This book is a treasure of information about children's views on religious topics. Csinos argues, in line with many others, that children 'actively generate theological meaning,' but he persuasively shows how children's theologies are not only related to their age, but also to the religious and cultural contexts to which they belong. This research is unique in its attention to the content and processes of children's theological thinking. It is a must-read for everyone interested in pastoral work with children and children's theology, but especially for students interested in qualitative empirical research in practical theology.” Annemie Dillen, faculty of theology and religious Studies, KU Leuven


“In the last three decades, studies of theology of childhood have proliferated, and theologians have written much about children. But few have asked children themselves to speak theologically. In the spirit of Robert Coles' The Spiritual Life of Children, David Csinos engages children in four different congregations in theological conversations. He lets us hear their theological ideas and demonstrates that theological thinking occurs at a very young age.” Pamela D. Couture, director of Toronto School of Theology, University of Toronto


“Grounded in qualitative research in congregations, Little Theologians makes an important contribution to the study of children and theology with its direct attention to the role of culture in the formation of children's religious worldviews. Csinos shows that the human meaning-making quest begins early in life, and that children often 'know more than they can tell' about theology.” Joyce Ann Mercer, Yale Divinity School


“Providing many rich examples of how children think through their beliefs, Little Theologians is a helpful window into congregational life and how it may impact the theologizing done by children who experience that corporate life.” Kevin Lawson, Biola University/Talbot School of Theology

From the Publisher