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Theology of childhood: An essential element of Christian anthropology
McEvoy, James Gerard
McEvoy, James Gerard
Author
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.
Keywords
Charles Taylor, childhood studies, Karl Rahner, sociology of childhood, theology of childhood
Date
2019
Type
Journal article
Journal
Irish Theological Quarterly
Book
Volume
84
Issue
2
Page Range
117-136
Article Number
ACU Department
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Event URL
Open Access Status
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File Access
Controlled