Theology of Childhood: An Essential Element of Christian Anthropology

Abstract

This article argues that a consideration of children and childhood should be an essential element of theological anthropology. The argument is situated against the background of recent sociology of childhood, which emphasizes children’s agency; the author offers an interpretative view of this agency. In that context, Rahner’s approach to childhood in the prescient article ‘Ideas for a Theology of Childhood’ is examined. Finally, the author proposes a modest development of Rahner’s approach by focusing on two fundamental themes of theological anthropology: children as created, and their lives as graced. A more explicit theology of childhood is indispensable for contemporary church life, especially in light of both the clergy sexual abuse crisis, and the Catholic Church’s strong commitment to Catholic schooling.

Clergy Sexual Abuse, Trauma-Informed Theology and the Promotion of Resilience

“…McEvoy also argues persuasively that consideration of children and childhood should be an essential element of Christian anthropology. 43 Karl Rahner turned to the scriptures and traditional theology for insights into the Christian meaning of childhood. He identified the unsurpassable value of childhood: "Childhood itself has a direct relationship with God.…”

Children doing theology

“…In recent literature, children's rights are explored in relation to human agency (McEvoy, 2019a). We are invited to consider children as subjects rather than objects and to do this we are challenged to review our notions of subjecthood as defined by moral agency and adulthood (Ott, 2014).…”

“…These reflections on religious issues are referred to by German theologians as 'theology' (Dillen, 2019). More recently, James McEvoy expressed the theological approach of children as openness to "the Mystery of God's presence (McEvoy, 2019a)." God offers God's self to human beings at every age including and especially in childhood (McEvoy).…”

The Catholic Sexual Abuse Crisis as a Theological Crisis: Emerging Issues

“…In the final analysis, the shortcomings in elaborating a theology of childhood must be seen in light of the fact that the concept of childhood remains implicit not only in Scripture, but also in the patristic, theological, and magisterial tradition. 24…”