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The Children’s God

How do children imagine God? Surprisingly, few researchers have asked this question. In crayon drawings, doll-play, letters, and carefully designed interviews, the forty children in David Heller’s study reveal a rich array of spiritual imagery. Though Heller does find some differing views attributable to age, gender, and religious background (the children were Jewish, Catholic, Protestant, and Hindu), he discovers to a surprising degree a common vision of God that cuts across ethnic and religious differences. He also considers related issues of school prayer and the psychology of religion.

176 pages | 10 line drawings | 5.5 x 8.5 | © 1986

Psychology: General Psychology

Religion: Religion and Society

Table of Contents

Preface
1. Introduction: Children’s Conceptions
2. The Method: In Search of the Children’s God
3. Religious Themes
4. Age Themes
5. Gender Themes
6. Personality Themes
7. The Family: A Socialization Scenario
8. Common Themes
9. Conclusion: Implications for Childhood Religion
10. Epilogue: For Children Only?
Appendix
References
Index

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