Ready, Teddy God theology and practice of Christian Education with Leslie J Francis

A presentation in three parts Part one The child as theologian

The Windy Day Teddy Horsley and the Holy Spirit

It is a windy day, and Teddy Horsley is a puzzled bear.

The Windy Day Teddy Horsley tries to make sense of what adults are talking about and he uses all his available tools as a young bear.

The Windy Day He opens his eyes to look for the wind and cannot see it, yet he sees all the activities of the wind all around him.

The Windy Day He stretches out his paws to touch the wind, and cannot feel it. Yet he feels the power of the wind all around him.

The Windy Day He pricks up his ears to listen to the wind, and cannot hear it. Yet he hears the impact of the wind on things all around him.

Teddy Horsley knows that the wind is there, all around him.

The church is celebrating Pentecost, and Teddy Horsley is a puzzled bear.

The Windy Day Teddy Horsley tries to make sense of what adults are talking about and he uses all his available tools as a young theologian.

The Windy Day He opens his eyes to look for the Holy Spirit and cannot see it. Ye he sees all the activities of the Holy Spirit all around him.

The Windy Day He stretches out his paws to touch the Holy Spirit but cannot feel it. Yet he feels the Holy Spirit making him safe and loved.

The Windy Day He pricks up his ears to listen to the Holy Spirit, but cannot hear it. Yet he hears the Holy Spirit making people sing and laugh.

Teddy Horsley knows that the Holy Spirit is there, all around him.

So what is theology? How is theology done?

The classic book What is Theology? Maurice Wiles Oxford University Press, 1976

Geology Subject matter Tools

Theology Subject matter Tools

Experience of God Experience Reflection Examination Language

Sources of revelation

Feasts with Jesus Teddy Horsley’s church helps him to understand how the stories of Jesus illuminate the experiences of the young hear who comes to worship on a Sunday.

Feasts with Jesus Teddy Horsley discovers the links between: the feeding of the 5,000; the Last Supper in Jerusalem; the house in Emmaus; the bread and wine shared in his own church.

So what is theology? How is theology done?

The new book Ordinary Theology Jeff Astley Ashgate, 2002

Ordinary theology Looking Listening Learning

Sources of revelation Experience Scripture Church

Child as theologian Daily experience Exposure to scripture Exposure to church

Mark 10:13-16 They brought children for him to touch; and the disciples scolded them for it. But when Jesus saw this he was indignant, and said to them, ‘Let the children come to me; do not try to stop them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.’ And he put his arms round them, laid his hands upon them, and blessed them.

Getting to know you The Lord be with you

Ways with water Collect for purity

Barrier builders Confession

The mender Absolution

Making music Glory to God

Your clergy Collect

Hear all about it Ministry of the word

Follow the signs We believe in God