A Critical Overview of the Facets of Children-Focussed Theologies

The essay is a critical overview of historical and thematic aspects of the more recently
developed Children-focussed
theologies (CfTs). The CfTs offer vigorous and multi-continental
trajectories especially focussing on varied understandings of the centrality
and agency of children. As constructive roles, these theologies recognize
children's abilities and agency that are helpful in further enhancing theological
meanings about foundational Christian themes and doctrines. These theologies
move on from understanding children as passive recipients to seeing them as active
agents in church and society. As critical roles, these theologies question the stronghold
of adult language systems that have pervaded every walk of our lives. The essay
is presented in three sections. Section One presents different trajectories of Children-focussed
theologies and offers a methodological framework to analyse the historical
and thematic developments so far. Section Two presents a critical discussion of the
themes and some historical and geo-political
implications for these theologies and
their hermeneutical principles. Section Three offers demonstrations for interpreting
biblical texts in the light of child-centred
principles. It also presents brief summaries
of some of the ongoing research in this robust field.