Children and Family in Theological Perspective

Abstract

This subject looks at two important and surprisingly neglected themes in theology, namely, children and human family and relationships, from a theological perspective. In light of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Sexual Abuse, it examines the place of children, child development, child abuse and its impact, and the … For more content click the Read More button below.

This subject looks at two important and surprisingly neglected themes in theology, namely, children and human family and relationships, from a theological perspective. In light of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Sexual Abuse, it examines the place of children, child development, child abuse and its impact, and the response of denominations to the Royal Commission findings. It also considers the resources that Scripture, Trinitarian theology and ecclesiology offer.

Syllabus

Children and childhood: social, cross-cultural, agency, etc.Child developmentChildren and family in ScriptureChildren as a neglected theme in theology and church lifeThe Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual AbuseThe impact of child abuse and neglectStrategies for healing the impact of child abuse and neglectThe response of the churches and … For more content click the Read More button below.

Children and childhood: social, cross-cultural, agency, etc.
Child development
Children and family in Scripture
Children as a neglected theme in theology and church life
The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse
The impact of child abuse and neglect
Strategies for healing the impact of child abuse and neglect
The response of the churches and church institutions to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse: apologies, redress, ministry implications, pastoral strategies
A contemporary theology of children: Trinitarian, biblical, contextual resources
The church as "family"

Assessment items

1. Class Presentation

2. Essay

3. Experiment Project

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

be able to demonstrate a critical understanding of the theology of children and family across the spectrum of Christian thought and practice;

be able to articulate key features of childhood and family in contemporary multicultural society and to develop relevant pastoral and ministerial strategies;

be able to articulate the effects of child abuse on individuals, families and institutions;

be able to analyse and reflect on the causes and effects of institutional abuse and to apply these findings to church and community institutions; and

be able to demonstrate self-guided learning, including sound research, writing and communication skills.

Assumed knowledge

THL120