“The Spirit of Children Past”: A Century of Children's Spirituality Research

Abstract

Children's spirituality has roots in more than a century of research conducted around the world. An overview of some of this research is provided, reflecting four phases that emerged over time, each with its distinctive emphasis. Tracing children's religious and faith development research through holistic periods, declining interest, cognitive phases, and the recent spiritual emphasis lends a textured understanding to current research and generates stimulating possibilities for the future.