30 review for The Religious Potential of the Child: Experiencing Scripture and Liturgy with Young Children

1. 

   5 out of 5

   Mara Cortona – Jan 27, 2016

   I read this book for my Catechesis of the Good Shepherd training. It totally just crushes the simplistic scholasticized Sunday School fluff, instead proposing an approach to catechesis that is carefully considerate of the child's development, respectful to his/her needs, historically accurate and deeply essential (not cartoonish or oversimplified), designed to aid the child in his/her natural inclination to draw close to Jesus in the ways Sofia Cavalletti and Maria Montessori found most effectiv I read this book for my Catechesis of the Good Shepherd training. It totally just crushes the simplistic scholasticized Sunday School fluff, instead proposing an approach to catechesis that is carefully considerate of the child's development, respectful to his/her needs, historically accurate and deeply essential (not cartoonish or oversimplified), designed to aid the child in his/her natural inclination to draw close to Jesus in the ways Sofia Cavalletti and Maria Montessori found most effective in their scientific observation of children spanning many decades in cultures all over the world. CGS is revolutionizing the catechesis of young children in the Catholic church and nearly every other denomination. One of my favorite parts of this book were where Cavalletti talked about how the catechist is merely a guide, and needs to be so careful to step aside, facilitating a relationship with Christ but not intervening, letting Christ speak to the child in His own words. Another was where she explained the incredible importance of reaching the child during early childhood - between the ages of 3 and 6, during the prescholastic time when he or she is "free from any preoccupation and open to the encounter with God and to the enjoyment he derives from it" (Cavalletti 155). During the plane of childhood spanning from 6 to 12, the child is in a sensitive period for morality and right/wrong, and if introduced to God then may come away seeing him as a judge overly preoccupied with sin and proper behavior. Finally, I enjoyed the careful sensitivity to observing and recognizing the particular face of God the child needs at this specific point in his or her development, and balancing that with a staunch emphasis on not censoring, modifying, or watering down essential realities or the Word of God.

2. 

   4 out of 5

   Mariclare Elizabeth – Feb 15, 2020

   This book is essential. Even if you don't have kids. This book is essential. Even if you don't have kids.

3. 

   5 out of 5

   Ryan – Sep 04, 2020

   Very inspirational, full of heartwarming anecdotes and some philosophy, short on practical advice for getting started, and, I suspect, rather a product of its age. I would be interested to see a study of the rate at which children raised with Catechesis of the Good Shepherd leave the faith, compared to contemporaries with either no catechesis, or traditional catechism.

4. 

   4 out of 5

   Julie – Apr 15, 2022

   This is a great book! Really explains how to immerse children within their religious potential. This will be great information as we delve into Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. I look forward to utilizing this resource in the future.

5. 

   5 out of 5

   Jess – Jun 23, 2018

   Not an easy read, but thought provoking. Read in preparation for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd training.

6. 

   5 out of 5

   Anna – Oct 26, 2017

   It was really hard to stick with this book. The author seemed to write for professional educators and much of it went over my head.

7. 

   4 out of 5

   Susana Monedero – Sep 15, 2018

   Un libro fundamental para todos aquellos que deseen profundizar en la catequesis del buen pastor, en la educación religiosa del niño desde la perspectiva Montessoriana.

8. 

   4 out of 5

   Elizabeth – Jun 12, 2020

   Foundational for understanding the purpose and progress of Christian catechesis for the youngest children. A rich study of and meditation upon the capacity of a child's faith. Foundational for understanding the purpose and progress of Christian catechesis for the youngest children. A rich study of and meditation upon the capacity of a child's faith.

9. 

   5 out of 5

   Julie – Sep 28, 2012

   I loved this book. It confirmed a lot of what I have experienced with young children and their grasp of faith. The illustrations done by the children are wonderful. My only complaint is that it didn't give enough of the nuts and bolts, but that is probably because I always want more details. I highlighted a lot and will go back often, I am sure. I appreciated how she emphasized Christ, not just a vague concept of "God." Definitely a keeper. I loved this book. It confirmed a lot of what I have experienced with young children and their grasp of faith. The illustrations done by the children are wonderful. My only complaint is that it didn't give enough of the nuts and bolts, but that is probably because I always want more details. I highlighted a lot and will go back often, I am sure. I appreciated how she emphasized Christ, not just a vague concept of "God." Definitely a keeper.

10. 

    4 out of 5

    Eric Chappell –

11. 

    4 out of 5

    Tracy Elliott –

12. 

    5 out of 5

    Michelle –

13. 

    5 out of 5

    Melissa Heise –

14. 

    5 out of 5

    Margaret Mary –

15. 

    4 out of 5

    Scrumhalf –

16. 

    5 out of 5

    Ana –

17. 

    4 out of 5

    Meggan Manlove –

18. 

    4 out of 5

    Kathleen –

19. 

    5 out of 5

    Sandra McCutchon –

20. 

    4 out of 5

    Janine Kearns –

21. 

    5 out of 5

    Rachel Manley –

22. 

    4 out of 5

    Claire –

23. 

    4 out of 5

    Jennifer –

24. 

    4 out of 5

    David Bjorlin –

25. 

    5 out of 5

    Margaret Whitley –

26. 

    4 out of 5

    Nicole Frachiseur –

27. 

    4 out of 5

    Tori Thompson –

28. 

    5 out of 5

    Mary –

29. 

    4 out of 5

    Jennifer –

30. 

    5 out of 5

    Miranda –