Welcoming Children: A Practical Theology of Childhood

"Joyce Ann Mercer's Welcoming Children represents a breakthrough for religious education as significant for the twenty-first century as was Walter Rauschenbush's writing for the nineteenth century. Eminently well-written, this substantial work holds together a superb critical mastery of contemporary literature on religious education and child development, a strong theological grounding, and a sound, comprehensive proposal for the renewal of Christian education in today's churches. Mercer's cross-cultural experience as a theological educator in the Philippines contributes to her analysis of the mission of the Church and Christian formation in the United States. With excellent scholarship and a readable style, this substantial volume should be 'read, marked, and inwardly digested' by anyone who cares seriously about the future of Christian formation and faithfulness in today's churches and society." - James W. Fowler, Candler School of Theology, Emory University