Welcoming Children: A Practical Theology of Childhood (Paperback)

~ Joyce Ann Mercer (Author), Bonnie J. Miller-McLemore (Foreword)
Key Phrases: feminist practical theology, doing good church, parenting writers, New York, United States, North American (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Welcoming Children develops a theology of childhood both from a theological perspective and from practical experience in children and youth ministry. The author draws insights from classic and modern feminist theologians, pastoral theologians, and contemporary cultural criticism to offer strategies for educational and liturgical practices in congregations that welcome children and contribute to their flourishing. Mercer outlines a feminist practical theology of childhood exploring five basic theological claims: 1) children as gifts and parenting as a religious practice of stewardship; 2) welcoming those who care for children; 3) children as fully human; 4) children as part of God's purposes; and 5) acknowledging and transforming the sufferings of children. Her compelling argument reframes ministries with children as processes through which the church can become the foundation for children forming identities that resist consumerist culture and instead walk in the ways of Jesus.

Product Details

• Paperback: 308 pages
• Publisher: Chalice Press (November 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0827242514
• ISBN-13: 978-0827242517
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #710,690 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Welcoming Children, March 23, 2006

By	Heather Jepsen - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is an excellant book offering new ways of thinking about children in the world and in our worship. It is a great study of the factors children face in a consumer driven world and how the church has fallen prey to the same issues. It is an excellant critical look at how we include children in church and what we can do better.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Theological discussion of children., March 8, 2006

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

Joyce Ann Mercer has done a great job integrating practical theology with the church's ministry to children. The church needs more books that integrates theology with children. I know that many of principles and critiques that Mercer has presented in this book I have taken to heart.

I think that she has presented herself and her material very well. Although I do not necessarily agree with everything in the book, I do agree with the principles calling for the church to purposefully examine their approach to children as being valuable in God's sight. I recommend this book for anyone who is working in children's ministry to be able to evaluate their understanding of theology in light of children's ministry.