What is it about?
The article expresses Jesus’ concern for children in his proclamation of “the kingdom of God” (Mk 1:14-15). In ancient Israel a child was God’s gift and blessing. In the New Testament Jesus relates the child and discipleship and challenged those who lowered the status of children. The Church in Africa is not by itself a kingdom, but rather a community in service of the kingdom of God. By the sacrament of baptism, the Church in Africa, gives birth to millions of disciples. For the traditional African societies the child is a blessing and a gift from God. Yet, there was erroneous belief that a woman giving birth to twins or triplets was a curse if kept alive. Some societies killed both the child and the mother with a good intention to ‘save’ the family and the large community from misfortune. However, other societies “greeted the birth of twins with great joy. Still others when a baby’s milk teeth began to grow from the upper jaw, it was a curse, thus would be killed. It is a pastoral challenge for the Church in Africa to welcome and embrace the displaced and vulnerable children which calls for effective pastoral remedies. A need for more active pastoral approach to reach and identify vulnerable children. Small Christian Communities (SCCs) can bring people together. Improve its method of preaching. Have joint efforts between the Church and humanitarian organizations. Develop a mutual religious feature with other religions. The Church has to be courageous and dare for change.
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Why is it important?
The article is important because in our days, the Church in Africa in protecting and caring for children has to be courageous and dare for change, because God is merciful, transcendent and inviting every person with good will "to move beyond the system, beyond evil, beyond suffering, beyond our narrow and limited ideas of what is possible."
Perspectives
My own perspective is to share knowledge, that anyone who will happen to read this article becomes a good ambassador for protecting and caring for children. It needs a little sacrifice for others - to have a good will and opt for change that will bear fruits of respect for human dignity and making this world a safe and better place for children and all people of God.
Dr. Mrio Vincent Peter
THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF EASTERN AFRICA (CUEA) - GABA CAMPUS ELDORET KENYA
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Jesus’ Concern for Children: A Stance for the Kingdom of God in the Church in Africa, Journal of Youth and Theology, September 2022, Brill,
DOI: 10.1163/24055093-bja10039.
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