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The Spirit of the Child

Reviewed by Patricia Otter.

This is a revised edition of a book first published in 1998. This edition is necessary, because even in this short time, spirituality has surged into much greater prominence in the social and political life of our world and the speed of development in the field of spiritual education has been equally rapid.

David Hay was formerly Reader in Spiritual Education in the University of Nottingham, where he directed the Children’s Spirituality Project. Rebecca Nye is a child psychologist.

Despite the title, this is not just a book about children. We were all children once, and the discerning reader will be led to question the framework within which s/he was educated. The book is written in the first person and this style encourages dialogue with the text.

Part 1 focuses on spirituality and the way in which it has become separated from religion. A fundamental insight is that each of us has the potential to be much more deeply aware, both of ourselves and of our intimate relationship with everything that is not ourselves. In the past the language of religion has been used to express this reality.

David Hay considers that spirituality has political and social importance, because in his research he has discovered a strong connection between spiritual awareness and ethical behaviour. It is therefore very unfortunate for the health of society if spirituality is seen simply as a source of private comfort in an otherwise secular society.

The origins of modern secularism are persuasively discussed. The reader will recognise the knowledge-based educational system and the need for measurable outcomes; the emphasis on cognitive development and the idea that spiritual experience is extraordinary rather than ordinary and formative for the child.

Part 11 is the core of the investigation. Rebecca Nye explains ways in which she talks to children about spirituality, and she uses engaging excerpts from taped interviews. She identifies the core of children’s spirituality as relational consciousness.

Part 111 reflects on this. Children up to ten years old will express their spirituality; sometimes in remarkable language. But from about ten years upwards they seem to sense that, in a secular world, it is something that should be concealed for fear of derision. This leads on to the nurturing of the spirit of the child.

The notes to all the chapters are at the back of the book. These are illuminating and well worth reading. An extensive bibliography allows the curious reader to pursue topics in greater depth.

This is a book to be read, shared and discussed. It leads us think of ourselves, and the shaping of society, as well as the children with whom we work. The insights should influence the way in which we prepare material for use in groups, and lead us to plan ways in which to affirm, encourage and support both children and adults. It deserves to be a Handbook.