An exploration of holiness experiences and behaviours in Christian children

Abstract

This thesis is an exploration of whether ‘holy’ is a word that can be used about children who identify as Christian, and if so how that can be described, understood and nurtured. A practical theology research project which sets out to explore the concept of ‘holiness’ in children as a way of deepening understandings of children’s spirituality and faith development. The intention was to ‘hear the voice of the child’ and so an Interpretative Phenomenological Approach was taken to primary research with five children aged between seven and eleven. The data from a range of creative interviews with the children was compiled into five definitions of holiness according to the children, and six narrative accounts of the emergent themes which illustrated the different emphases of the children’s spirituality, faith development and holiness. These emergent themes were then examined in the light of understandings of holiness in adults that reflected a range of theological perspectives. It was concluded that children can and do have ‘holiness experiences’ and engage in ‘holiness behaviours’ but that this is not necessarily recognized or nurtured by the church. Implications for the Academy and recommendations for the church were therefore made that can be summarised under three headings: • A change in the theology and attitude of the faith community to the holiness of children, that starts with an examination of the faith community’s attitude to, and experience of holiness, and an appreciation of what it looks like in children and how this can be nurtured. • A comprehensive consideration of catechesis including understanding the importance of story and digital media engagement and using an adaptation of Egan’s framework for learning. • An intentional encouragement of actively engaged discipleship in children, which harnesses the energy of their passionate appreciation of the Creator God and facilitates and is facilitated by relationship with all three persons of the Trinity.

Date of Award	31 Aug 2021
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	The University of Manchester
Supervisor	Steven Emery-Wright (Supervisor)