Children and the Theologians: Clearing the Way for Grace

by Jerome W. Berryman

The long history of children in theology is told via analysis of some twenty-five theologians, grouped according to six historical periods.
Each account examines what a particular theologian thought about children and the experience it was based upon. Four themes that have shaped our attitudes about children in the church emerge from this ambivalence, ambiguity, indifference, and grace. The result of this study is to promote a healthier church, which will respect and utilize the distinctive gifts of children. In so doing, theologians will be better able to help clear the way for grace in the postmodern church.

Genres: Theology

276 pages, Hardcover

First published January 11, 2009

About the author

Dr. Berryman is presently Director the Center for the Theology of Childhood, which is part of the Godly Play Foundation, established in late 2007. This is the research center for the Godly Play Foundation and is located in Denver. It includes an extensive library and a well-equipped Godly Play room.

Reviews

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love working with children and have a taste for theology, do yourself a favor and savor this book! After a survey of how theologians through the ages have experienced and thought about children, Jerome Berryman (the creator of Godly Play) examines the unspoken doctrine of children and proposes a new, explicit doctrine grounded in grace. Fresh air for the church!

[Rebecca Malone · Rating 3 out of 5]

The historical parts were interesting, but the synthesis at the end seemed kind of awkward and I had trouble getting through it. Also, I wish there were more voices of women included.