Children and the Church

Description

“Incorporating current knowledge in child development, Dr. Mountain provides a multi-modal framework–including play therapy, arts, and the Child Theology Movement— to make the case that children can be seen as active and independent agents of their own spiritual growth and maturation. Citing scripture, such as “And the last shall be first,” this project makes for an exceptionally enjoyable read as it provides the contexualization of the Christological affect in psychotherapy with children: mainly, that we may all recognize the inner symbols and power of the psyche to lead children to their own psychospiritual healing. Highly recommended!” — Eric Green, PhD, Associate Professor at University of North Texas (Dallas), Faculty Associate at Johns Hopkins University, Author of “The Handbook of Jungian Play Therapy with Children and Adolescents”
Dr Keith White, the co-founder and chair of the international Child Theology Movement says,
Child Theology is a lively movement that is developing, with a range of personal insights and much cultural variety. What Vivienne charts so delightfully is the story of her own awakening primarily in an Australasian context, richly informed by the experiences and reflections of children and adults from around the world.
This book will inspire those who work with children. It also offers insights and challenges for all people who are engaged in ministry. It asks what does it mean ‘to place the child in the middle’ for discipleship and for the church itself? Dr Alan Niven, vice-principal of Stirling Theological College, Melbourne, says ‘Competent research, measured theological reflection and insights from practice, combine to offer us a resource that will enable and empower.

By Vivienne Mountain