The Mystery of the Child

Much of today's literature on children treats the child of any age as a problem or a set of problems to be solved, effectively reducing the child to a complex of biological and chemical factors, explainable in scientific terms, or to someone who is the object of control by adults. In contrast, Martin Marty here presents the child as a mystery who invokes wonder and elicits creative responses that affect the care provided him or her. Encourages the thoughtful enjoyment of children instead of the imposition of adult will and control. Treats the impulse to control as a problem and highlights qualities associated with children - responsiveness, receptivity, openness to wonder - that can become sources of renewal for adults. Engages anyone wanting to explore more fully the profound realm of the child.