What is “Child Theology”

Jesus put a child in the centre of the disciples when they were having a theological argument about greatness in the kingdom of God.  It is plain that Jesus thought the child’s presence would give the disciples a clue to the essential truth they were missing.

Occasionally over the centuries, the child has disturbed theologians at work, but has not been in a position to shape theology consistently.

In Child Theology, we are invited to take good note of the child in the midst as we think about, for, to, from and with God in Christ. As we do that, we expect our theology to change for the better. In Child Theology, we embark afresh on the journey with Christ into the open secret of God in the world.

How CTM works

The Child Theology Movement works primarily by consultation. This means facilitating open exploratory discussion, out of which will come refreshed and new networks and alliances, contextually aware, identifying and appreciating any child theology which is already being practised, and developing and enriching it.

CTM is not an ideology being disseminated from a central point. It is a servant of free responsible thinking disciples who are seeking for the Kingdom of God and want to work at theology with the child in the midst.

So CTM works as a movement in conversation with varied persons, groups, organisations and churches. Conversation can be theoretical and practical, critical and cooperative, down-to-earth and as open as the call to the kingdom of God.

CTM is encouraging relevant publications, such as books, booklets and articles. Three booklets have been published introducing Child Theology in general, describing the method of child theology as currently practised and developing ideas on Child Theology in a specifically Asian contexts. More booklets are planned.

In addition, CTM is cooperating with seminaries to develop curricula so that Child Theology becomes a regular strand in all theological and mission training.