Little Theologians

David M. Csinos is assistant professor at Atlantic School of Theology and founding president of Faith Forward.

"Providing many rich examples of how children think through their beliefs, Little Theologians is a helpful window into congregational life and how it may impact the theologizing done by children who experience that corporate life." Kevin Lawson, Biola University/Talbot School of Theology "Grounded in qualitative research in congregations, Little Theologians makes an important contribution to the study of children and theology with its direct attention to the role of culture in the formation of children's religious worldviews. Csinos shows that the human meaning-making quest begins early in life, and that children often 'know more than they can tell' about theology." Joyce Ann Mercer, Yale Divinity School"In the last three decades, studies of theology of childhood have proliferated, and theologians have written much about children. But few have asked children themselves to speak theologically. In the spirit of Robert Coles' The Spiritual Life of Children, David Csinos engages children in four different congregations in theological conversations. He lets us hear their theological ideas and demonstrates that theological thinking occurs at a very young age." Pamela D. Couture, director of Toronto School of Theology, University of Toronto"This book is a treasure of information about children's views on religious topics. Csinos argues, in line with many others, that children 'actively generate theological meaning,' but he persuasively shows how children's theologies are not only related to their age, but also to the religious and cultural contexts to which they belong. This research is unique in its attention to the content and processes of children's theological thinking. It is a must-read for everyone interested in pastoral work with children and children's theology, but especially for students interested in qualitative empirical research in practical theology." Annemie Dillen, faculty of theology and religious Studies, KU Leuven