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Children doing theology

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Abstract

How we understand children and childhood has changed across time and cultures. In the secular environment there is increasing focus on children’s agency and voice. In the religious domain there is an increased interest in doing theology of, for and with children. While this interest is largely academic it has significant implications for religious educators. This research explores 10–12 year old children’s responses to questions about God and makes recommendations regarding children doing theology in religious education classes.

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Notes

  1. Vatican II Council, Gravissimum Educationis (hereafter GE), Declaration on Christian Education, 1965, accessed May 8, 2009. http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_decl_19651028_gravissimum-educationis_en.html par, 1–5.

  2. This was a view of Aquinas, reiterated throughout history by Popes and theologians, as detailed in Whitmore and Winwright, "Children: An Undeveloped Theme in Catholic Teaching," 176.

  3. As reported in James McEvoy, “Towards a Theology of Childhood: Children’s Agency and the Reign of God,” Theological Studies 80(3) (2019): 674.

  4. Pollefeyt and Boewens, Identity in Dialogue, 45/46. As defined by Paul Ricoeur, the term Post Critical Belief refers to belief in God after reflecting on reasons not to believe and thus coming to a renewed faith. Students in schools in some Dioceses of Australia are surveyed, as part of the Enhancing Catholic Identity project using the Post Critical Belief Scale. This is a joint project between Australian Dioceses and KU Leuven.

  5. External critique involves a literal critique of the Bible and religious truths which leads to rejection of the possibility of a transcendent reality.

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Acknowledgements

The author would like to acknowledge the support of Dr Janine Luttick, supervisor of the original research which was completed as part of a Master’s study.

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  1. Catholic Education Office Diocese of Sandhurst, Bendigo, VIC, Australia

    Geraldine M. Larkins

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Correspondence to Geraldine M. Larkins.

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Larkins, G.M. Children doing theology. j. relig. educ. 69, 193–208 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40839-021-00138-6

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