When I Was a Child: Children's Interpretations of First Communion / Edition 1

by Susan B. Ridgely

Overview

In this ethnographic study of children's religious lives, Bales listens to children's own perspectives on the ritual of first communion. Based on work in an urban African American congregation and in a white and Latino congregation, Bales argues that age should be a factor as distinct as race, class, and gender are to scholars of religion.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	2900807856337
Publisher:	The University of North Carolina Press
Publication date:	09/26/2005
Edition description:	1
Pages:	272
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 1.25(h) x 9.00(d)

About the Author

Susan B. Ridgely is associate professor of religious studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

Bales has written a groundbreaking ethnography about children's ritual experience that challenges the long neglect of children by scholars of religion. Her scholarship is cutting edge, and her reflexive approach serves as a model for others who are conducting ethnographic research within faith communities and, especially, with children.—Sarah M. Pike, California State University, Chico

Editorial Reviews

[Bales] blends a thoughtful ethnographic look at first communicants in two North Carolina churches.—Chronicle of Higher Education

In this landmark study of children's interpretations of religious ritual, Bales makes a compelling case for scholars of religion to allow children's voices the chance to shape both the starting assumptions and the outcome of their work.—Family Ministry

From the Publisher