In many of our modern, sophisticated congregations…
““In many of our modern, sophisticated congregations, children are often viewed as distractions. We tolerate children only to the extent they promise to become "adults" like us. Adult members sometimes complain that they cannot pay attention to the sermon, they cannot listen to the beautiful music, when fidgety children are beside them in the pews. "Send them away," many adults say. Create "Children's Church" so these distracting children can be removed in order that we adults can pay attention. These professors at Duke University conclude their point by noting, Interestingly, Jesus put a child in the center of his disciples, "in the midst of them," in order to help them pay attention… The child was a last-ditch effort by God to help the disciples pay attention to the odd nature of God's kingdom. Few acts of Jesus are more radical, countercultural, than his blessing of children. (Nashville: Abingdon, 1989, p. 96)””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Children are often dismissed as distractions in churches, yet Jesus placed them centrally to teach attentiveness and challenge cultural norms
In simple terms: Churches ignore children, but Jesus used them to teach focus
Key Takeaway
Value children’s presence as a teaching tool
Themes
children
religion
culture
attention
counter‑cultural
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
challenging
Type
Children
Duke university
Pay attention
Church Distracting
Distracting Children
Congregations Children
Center Disciples
Children Pews:Children:1
Duke university:0
Pay attention:1
Church Distracting:0
Distracting Children:1
Congregations Children:0
Center Disciples:0
Children Pews:0
When to use this quote
- church services
- family gatherings
- educational settings
- faith communities
Key Concepts
inclusion
spiritual education
cultural critique
Questions to Reflect On
- How can churches balance reverence and inclusion of children?
- What does Jesus’ example suggest about societal values?
A Different Perspective
Some may argue that children can indeed be disruptive, requiring practical solutions beyond idealism