An introduction to the increasingly popular topic of children's spirituality, showing how choices made in churches and homes can stimulate or stifle a child's spiritual development. Suitable for anyone who works with children.

Rebecca Nye

Cover

Title page

Copyright page

Foreword

Acknowledgements

Introduction

1 Children’s spirituality: what is it?

What is spirituality?

What is children’s spirituality?

2 Children’s spirituality: how important is it?

Luxury or necessity?

Why it matters to us and to our churches

3 Encountering children’s spirituality

Getting in touch with your childhood spirituality

Getting in touch with children’s spirituality

4 Nurturing children’s spirituality 1: some general principles

Six criteria for ensuring spiritual foundations

5 Nurturing children’s spirituality 2: spiritual practices

Prayer

Using the Bible

6 Christian thought and imagery about children

Childhood and ‘theological attention deficit’

Images and ideas in theology

7 Frequently asked questions

Notes

Index

An introduction to the increasingly popular topic of children''s spirituality, showing how choices made in churches and homes can stimulate or stifle a child''s spiritual development. Suitable for anyone who works with children.

This concise guide is an ideal introduction to the increasingly popular topic of children's spirituality. Mixing theory with tips on 'good practice', leading expert Rebecca Nye shows how choices made in churches and homes can stimulate or stifle a child's spiritual development, exploring: \* Childhood as a natural source of spirituality \* Ways to help children value and express their spirituality \* The role of Christian nurture and worship in early spiritual development

'A brilliant mix of thought provoking theology and challenging practical applications. It has changed how I see children and church.' -- Ben Mizen, Youth and Children's Work Adviser, Diocese of Portsmouth 'A powerful reaffirmation and exploration of the importance of childhood spirituality for the ministry and mission of the church, which will be welcomed by all working in this field.' -- Alister McGrath

This concise guide is an ideal introduction to the increasingly popular topic of children's spirituality. Mixing theory with tips on 'good practice', leading expert Rebecca Nye shows how choices made in churches and homes can stimulate or stifle a child's spiritual development, exploring:

- Childhood as a natural source of spirituality
- Ways to help children value and express their spirituality
- The role of Christian nurture and worship in early spiritual development

'A brilliant mix of thought provoking theology and challenging practical applications. It has changed how I see children and church.'

'A powerful reaffirmation and exploration of the importance of childhood spirituality for the ministry and mission of the church, which will be welcomed by all working in this field.'

\["For parents and educators focused on spiritual growth", "Addresses how to encourage children's spiritual development", "You will empower children to express their spirituality"\]

This essential guide explores the importance of children's spirituality and how to nurture it.

The Good Book Stall

Spirituality has still to gain credibility in some Christian circles. However Rebecca Nye dispatches any such scepticism with a carefully argued case, suggesting that children’s spirituality is a formative influence on their development. It was Nye, after all, who introduced Godly Play to Britain. Children, she maintains, delightfully lack adult need to define and categorise, thereby separating religious from non-religious. They see mystery as a normal component of existence. Their world erupts with wonder. Therefore Nye reasons that it is time for Churches to take this on board and assess the spiritual merits of all they offer to their children.   
  
That is quite a challenge, but her 'Think and discuss...' interjections help focus the mind, and the later chapters offer more detailed guidance. She suggests that our telling of Bible stories should lack prescriptive explanation, a neglect that would still terrify many a Church. Nye even suggests that Churches aren't necessarily the best places to encounter children's spirituality - the bath may be better.   
  
There is much here to prompt thought, to encourage conversation, and to transform what we do. It is all presented in a well organised accessible style. I would certainly recommend it to those who work with children, and those who do not see such activity as their particular forté - adding also those who avoid it like the plague.

Children's Spirituality: What it is and Why it Matters

Children's Spirituality

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Children's Spirituality

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An introduction to the increasingly popular topic of children''s spirituality, showing how choices made in churches and homes can stimulate or stifle a child''s spiritual development. Suitable for anyone who works with children.

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