Strategies for Strengthening Theology of Childhood and Child Theologies

1. Strategies for StrengtheningTheology of Childhoodand Child Theologies 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

2. “Child theologies”: rethink fundamental doctrines and practices of the Church as a whole, using the “lens” of the child.

3. “Theologies of childhood”: provide sophisticated theological understandings of children and our obligations to them.

4. Strong Theologies of Childhood Acknowledge and hold in tension children’s: • 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, child-adult relationships, and community life.

5. StrongTheologies of Childhood • Combat simplistic and destructive conceptions of children • Strengthen commitment to children in Christian communities in many areas: • Spiritual formation • Religious education • Children’s ministries • Child advocacy • Faith-based organizations • Public Policy

6. “Child theologies”: rethink fundamental doctrines and practices of the Church as a whole, using the “lens” of the child.

7. Strategies for Strengthening Theologies of Childhood and Child Theologies

8. The Bible (range of texts, not just those on children) • “The Tradition” (reexamine important theologians in your tradition for their wisdom) • Academic disciplines outside theology (psychology, social sciences, literature, history, etc) • “Experience” of individuals and communities (including but not limited to children) 1. Reexamining and Building on Various and Sometimes Neglected Sources, including:

9. 2. Developing Conceptions of Children that Reflect their Dignity and Complexity • Critically draw on multiple and even paradoxical perspectives from our traditions • Hold them in tension (rather than isolation)

10. 3. Cautiously Incorporating “Children’s Voices” • Recognize importance of incorporating children’s experience and ideas • Yet understand challenges and complexity of doing so • Continue to explore creative approaches

11. 4. Fostering International Conversations among Practitioners and Academics • Incorporate insights of scholars and practitioners • Honor scholarly, practical, international insights

12. 5. Participating in International and Multi-religious Conversations and Consultations • Reflecting on children and childhood with people from other faiths • Helps reexamine one’s own beliefs and practices • Prompts thought-provoking methodological and theoretical questions regarding religion

13. THEOLOGIES OF CHILDHOOD AND CHILD THEOLOGIES Challenge our often simplistic perceptions of children. Enrich our common discourse about children. Help us reexamine central belief and practices in our traditions. Empower us to rethink ministries to children and strengthen our support of children in need. Help theologians contribute more effectively to the academy and public square.

14. HOPE By critically appropriating complex biblical understandings of children and by developing strong theologies of childhood and child theologies, we can all take up more wholeheartedly and responsibly in our particular contexts the Christian call to love and care for all children.

15. WORKING TOGETHER WE CAN Attend to the complex needs and gifts of children. Work on many levels (locally and internationally). Share our work in many forms and types of discourse. Work in many spheres (church, academy, schools, public and political life). Honor and respect one another’s efforts and gifts. WORKING TOGETHER AS MEMBERS OF THE BODY OF CHRIST

16. Questions for Discussion • What additional strategies could strengthen theologies of childhood and child theologies? • What are your thoughts about the value of theologies of childhood and child theologies? • What are the most promising resources for these two tasks?