Chapter 4 of Children's Spirituality was written by Klaus Issler. He has his PhD. He's a professor of Christian Ed and Theology. He's written Wasting Time with God: A Christian Spirituality of Friendship with God, Teaching for Reconciliation: Foundations and Practice of Christian Education Ministry, How We Learn: A Christian Teacher's Guide to Educational Psychology.
He discusses Biblical support for childhood being a time of "developmental grace". He also touches on the "age of discernment," the "age of accountability".
Of interest to us: His comments about Nehemiah 4:2 and 8:2 imply that the children present had reached a "stage of understanding". A different picture than I originally had . Something to look into.
Other questions: In traditional churches the rites of passage for children include such things as:
- infant baptism or dedication
- promotion to the next class in Sunday school
-presentation of Bibles when children can read
-confirmation
-sometimes YA/teen baptism or a public affirmation of faith
-sometimes a form of bat/bar mitvah
-more grown-up opportunities to serve
-taking communion
Understanding that there are different opinions about faith journeys and moments of decision, are there childhood "rites of passage?" In contemporary, less liturgical, less traditional faith community are these important? In a mobile multi-cultural American culture that keeps changing its family/community focus are these important?
There are milestones for children in our culture: 1st babysitter, sleeping through the night, birthdays, no car seat, potty training, 1st day of pre-school, 1st day of elementary school, middle school, high school; reading, passing to the next grade level, 16th birthday, drivers' permit, drivers' liscence, 18th birthday, first job, graduations, leaving home, 21st birthday, 1st apartment, etc...
Are there milestones of faith for children (or adults for that matter)? Is it important to celebrate them? Why? Are they personal (a faith journal/scrapbook)? worthy of a family celebration? a community celebration?
Are there times when we need specific community instruction with others in order to grow into that new place?
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Great questions to be asking, Margie. I think that there are spiritual rites of passage that need to be celebrated by the entire faith community.
ReplyDeleteA child's first Bible should be celebrated by the family and the faith community. Infant baptism or believers baptism should be celebrated by the faith community because it is the entire faith community who is helping to raise that child.
Sadly few churches celebrate these "rites of passage." Fortunately, we do.