Let the Children Come: Reimagining Childhood from a Christian Perspective (Families and Faith Series) (Paperback)

~ (Author) "The longing for "operating instructions" (to recall Anne Lamott's phrase from the discussion in my Introduction) for child rearing did not emerge out of thin..." (more)
Key Phrases: knowing children, spiritual agents, household codes, United States, New Testament, History Reinvents Childhood (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

In this important and much-needed book, theologian, author, and teacher Bonnie J. Miller-McLemore writes about the struggle to raise children with integrity and faithfulness as Christians in a complex postmodern society. Let the Children Come shows that the care of children is in itself a religious discipline and a communal practice that places demands on both congregations and society as a whole. The author calls for clearer and more defined ways in which Christians can respond to the call to nurture all children (not just their own) as manifestations of God's presence in the world. Miller-McLemore raises and investigates questions that up until now have largely been left unasked, such as: What are the dominant cultural perceptions of children— including religious perceptions— with which parents must grapple? How have Christians defined children and parenting, and how should they today?

From the Inside Flap

Raising children is one of the most highly charged moral and religious events of human life. Although we strive to raise healthy children, negative cultural trends like consumerism, media violence, and erosion of community and extended family conspire to affect our children adversely. We often feel powerless because we lack a specific religious and moral language to talk about these growing concerns.

In this important and much-needed book, theologian, author, and teacher Bonnie J. Miller-McLemore writes about the struggle to raise children with integrity and faithfulness as Christians in a complex postmodern society. Let the Children Come shows that the care of children is in itself a religious discipline and a communal practice that places demands on both congregations and society as a whole. The author calls for clearer and more defined ways in which Christians can respond to the call to nurture all children (not just their own) as manifestations of God’s presence in the world. Miller-McLemore raises and investigates questions that up until now have largely been left unasked, such as: What are the dominant cultural perceptions of children--including religious perceptions--with which parents must grapple? How have Christians defined children and parenting, and how should they today?

The author retrieves a largely lost Christian understanding of children and adult responsibilities for their care, creating a bridge between historical and contemporary theological understanding. Miller-McLemore’s book is unique in drawing on a rich variety of resources in Christianity, feminism, and psychology to examine our understanding of children and their relationship with God and adults’ moral obligations to their care and nurture.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass; 1 edition (August 6, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0787956651
• ISBN-13: 978-0787956653
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #912,607 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Feminist Theologicans Perspective of Childhood in Christianity, November 2, 2006

By	Ken Johnson "The Jaded CM" (Fresno, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Bonnie J. Miller-McLemore explores childhood from a Christian perspective. She seeks the historical, theological perspectives of children in Christianity. The writing is simple and easy to understand. She does not write in deep theological terms that would be difficult for readers.

I did find much that what she said to be thought provoking. As one who works in children's ministry and blogs about children's spirituality, I was intrigued by much that she wrote. Throughout the text she offers some great questions to help adults think deeper about children and their spirituality.

She writes compassionately from a feministy theology perspective which influences her thoughts toward children as oppressed and forgotten in the church throughout history. This is a helpful reminder to us today. Most theological research has been done by men which has skewed their perspective on women. A woman who writes from her own perspective of a month is helpful for readers. She finishes her text with a series of questions for adults and parents to consider concerning the faith of their children. These are very helpful for all to explore deeper their children's faith and spiritual development.