Children in the Bible: A Fresh Approach

by Anne Richards

What does God think about children? What does this tell us about how we should view and treat children today? In re-examining what the Bible says about children, mission theologian Anne Richards argues that God finds children worthy of call, commission, blessing, healing and salvation. She argues that children are not only deeply woven into God's purposes but are also makers of God's story, 'providers to us of a language through which God's will for the creation is revealed.' Interweaving analysis of the Biblical material with stories about contemporary children and childhood, Anne Richards also touches on issues of infertility, consumerism and neglect.

160 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2013

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Reviews

[Robin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Richards suggests 5 themes of children in the Bible:
1. God finds children worthy of calling
2. God finds children worthy of life and salvation
3. God finds children worthy of salvation
4. God finds children worthy of healing
5. God finds children worthy of blessing
There is much to appreciate here but I wished there was more serious consideration of the actual biblical texts. Often the texts come secondary to stories and comments rather than analysis, relying on summary readings. I felt there were a number of times where passages contradicting her points were not dealt with adequately. I think the thematic approach led, in part, to this.