Baptistic Theologies, 2009

into this concise work introducing Child Theology and considering attitudes and approaches to it. The CTM consultations were organised in several locations, including Malaysia, Brazil, South Africa and Prague, with the objective of bringing together theologies from differing contexts to discuss, compare and learn from each other as to how Child Theology is addressed and worked out in particular communities. Smaller reports have been produced from these consultations, but this is the first substantial piece of work emerging from the Child Theology Movement. Part One gives a clear introduction to the book as well as to the approach which the Child Theology Movement takes when theologising with children. This section includes essential information for those who are novices in the world of Child Theology by clarifying from where Child Theology has developed, what it is and what it is not. Chapters six to ten make up Part Two, which gives a face to the ‘child’ in Child Theology by recounting stories told by consultation 128 Baptistic Theologies participants of their own childhood experiences as well stories from children with whom they work and know. From these accounts, questions and issues emerge which directly relate to the culture in which these children are being raised and often point to the oppression that children face whether puiposeful or not. The largest section of the book, Part Three, looks to developing a Christian response to the oppression of children around the world, coupling this with doing theology with the ‘child in the midst’. These chapters are educating and informing the reader as to how this can be done in very practical ways, walking through some basic teachings of scripture, relating these to the child’s context and vice versa, discusses basic needs of any child, and how scripture encourages and insists on involvement. The fourth and final part carries with it a strong international tone. These chapters are specific reflections and responses from CTM participants, who relay examples of how they have appropriated Child Theology in the specific contexts of their churches and communities. The objective of this last part is to motivate the reader to do more research and further work into his or her own area of interest in light of Child Theology. Overall, Toddling to the Kingdom is a strategic book to initiate the reader into today’s conversations of what is taking place in Child Theology and is fresh enough to welcome new voices into the discussion. Vanessa Lake, IBTS, Prague