Children's Spirituality, Second Edition - Christian Perspectives

In this review of Children's Spirituality, Second Edition: Christian Perspectives, the book is recommended for pastors, children's ministry leaders, and scholars seeking a researched Christian approach to how children experience faith. The revised volume gathers theological essays, social science research, and ministry applications drawn from the Society of Children's Spirituality's early conference work, updated to reflect recent developments such as advances in brain research. The single biggest reason to buy is its blend of scholarly perspective and practical implication, making it useful for forming curriculum or informing ministry practice.

Key Features

• Theological perspectives: Chapters offer varied theological reflections that help readers situate children's spiritual formation within Christian thought.
• Updated research: Recent revisions incorporate advances in brain research to inform how children think and learn about faith.
• Practical ministry insight: Contributors connect research and theology to ministry practice, making ideas actionable for leaders and teachers.
• Historic roots: The book is grounded in the Society of Children's Spirituality's inaugural conference, providing continuity with earlier scholarship and conversation.
• Interdisciplinary balance: The collection blends social science methods with theological reflection to support evidence-informed ministry decisions.

Who It's For

The book is best for church educators, seminary students, and researchers who want a Christian perspective on children's spirituality that bridges theology and empirical study. It is especially useful for those designing curricula or seeking to update ministry practice with contemporary findings on child development and brain research.

Those looking for a quick how-to manual or a devotional for children should look elsewhere; this volume is an edited academic collection focused on research, theological reflection, and applied implications rather than scripted lesson plans or children's stories.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Substantive theological essays that clarify Christian frameworks for children's spirituality.
• Revisions reflect current research, with a notably updated chapter on brain research that informs practice.
• Practical connections help ministry leaders translate scholarship into programs and teaching.
• Maintains continuity with the Society's original conference work, offering historical depth.

Cons

• As an edited volume, chapter styles and depth vary, which may feel uneven to some readers.
• Not a step-by-step curriculum, so leaders will need to adapt insights into concrete lesson plans.

Specifications

Title	Children's Spirituality, Second Edition: Christian Perspectives
Editors/Authors	Kevin E Lawson, Scottie May
Edition	Second Edition, revised
Origin	Based on the Society of Children's Spirituality inaugural conference
Content focus	Theology, social science research, and ministry applications
Notable update	Extensively revised chapter on brain research

Our Verdict

This edited collection is a valuable resource for anyone serious about integrating contemporary research with Christian reflection on children's spiritual formation. It is good value for ministry leaders and scholars who need thoughtful, research-informed perspectives and practical implications, though readers should expect to adapt material into specific curricula rather than find ready-made lessons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this edition update earlier material?
Yes. The second edition revises several chapters and adds updated perspectives, notably including advances in brain research.

Is this a practical curriculum?
No. The book focuses on theology and research with applied insights; it requires adaptation for classroom or programming use.

Who contributed to the book?
Chapters come from scholars and practitioners associated with the Society of Children's Spirituality and the Children's Spirituality Summit.