First published in 1964, Religious Thinking from Childhood to Adolescence describes the capacities of pupils of varying ages, abilities and backgrounds to understand religious truths. How concepts of the Bible, of God, of Jesus, of Prayer and of the Church developed from the early years is seen within the psychological context of maturing thought, and the implications for religious education, which are provocative and far-reaching, are explored. Teachers, clergy and parents will find this book a challenge to reconsider not only how the growing child views what he is taught but also the reasons why he frequently misunderstands religious teaching. By presenting a systematic account of religious thinking from 6 to 17 years, Dr. Goldman adds a new dimension to our insights into child development.
Preface 1. The Problems of Religious Thinking 2. Thinking and its Application to Religion 3. A Research Approach to the Problems of Religious Thinking 4 Operational Thinking About Religious Stories 5. Concepts of the Bible 6. The Identity and Nature of the Divine 7. God’s Activity in the Natural World 8. The Holiness of God 9. God’s Concern for Men 10. God’s Concern for Men (continued) 11. Jesus and the Problem of Evil 12. Concepts of Prayer 13. Concepts of the Church 14. The Influence of Church, Home and Other Factors Upon Religious Thinking 15. Some Implications for Religious Education Appendix A Appendix B Appendix C Bibliography Index of Subjects Index of Names
Biography
Ronald Goldman
