Childhood Transformation: Toward an Educational Theology of Childhood Conversion & Spiritual Formation

How does a child become a Christian? Is conversion necessary, or can a child simply be raised Christian? When is a child really ready to make an affirmation of faith, or is an affirmation even necessary? These questions raise profound theological, educational, and pastoral concerns. This article will address the question of childhood transformation by summarizing the major positions on the subject and identifYing the determining factors in reaching such positions. It will conclude with an attempt to coalesce the various positions into a paradigm of childhood transformation.