Embodied Faith #85: Forming Spiritually Resilient Children
Geoffrey and Cyd Holsclaw explore neuroscience-informed spiritual formation, and in this episode they interview Dr. Holly Allen. Allen asserts that we need to move from informing children, to forming them. Children are wired as spiritual beings and not just as receptacles to be filled with information. As spiritual beings, they come into the world seeking to establish relationship with themselves, with others, and with God.
Allen’s research was inspired by an experience with small intergenerational groups. It became clear that the children in the room had spiritual things to offer, and what they brought was as weighty and important as what the adults brought. Allen’s voice resonates deeply with me (Claire); one of the key findings of James’s research is that intergenerational living produces better outcomes.
In this podcast, Allen recommends two things to promote resilience in kids. She encourages us to let children know, “I’m glad to be with you. You are important. I see you.” And secondly, we must help them to know themselves as “children of God”. We must equip them to know that no matter how adverse life is and how many things or relationships are lost, their identity remains relational and stable.
