When Children Draw Gods: A Multicultural and Interdisciplinary Approach to Children's Representations of Supernatural Agents

This open-access book explores how children draw God, looking at drawings from different cultural and religious traditions. It demonstrates the richness of drawing as a method for studying representations of the divine and offers new insights into the concept's origins, development, and limitations. Readers will learn about the importance of spatial imagery, color choices, and emotional expression in drawings of God.

Format: Hardback
Length: 569 pages
Publication date: 05 January 2023
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This open-access book delves into the captivating realm of how children perceive and depict God. It explores a vast collection of children's drawings from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds, shedding light on the rich tapestry of artistic expressions used to represent the divine. Through comprehensive coverage, the book showcases the profound significance of drawing as a method for studying representations of the divine. Moreover, it contributes to our understanding of this concept, its historical origins, and its evolution.

This interdisciplinary endeavor brings together scholars from various corners of the world, including Switzerland, Japan, Russia, Iran, Brazil, and the Netherlands. Beyond presenting the outcomes of their research and analysis, the volume goes beyond mere sharing. It critically evaluates the contributions and limitations of this methodology, fostering a deeper understanding of the field. Additionally, it reflects on the emerging empirical and theoretical perspectives within the broader framework of studying this concept.

The concept of God is a complex and multifaceted one, challenging our understanding and perception. This volume offers fresh insights by examining the diverse ways in which children across the globe depict God. Readers will embark on a journey of discovery, exploring the importance of spatial imagery and color choices in the drawings of God. They will also delve into the fascinating correlation between the emotional expression of the divine, factors such as age, gender, and religiosity, and the creative strategies employed by children who are prohibited from visually representing their God.

The book's chapters are organized in a manner that facilitates a seamless exploration of the subject matter. Each chapter begins with an introduction that provides context and highlights the key findings of that particular section. The subsequent chapters delve into the intricacies of children's drawings, exploring themes such as the representation of God's physical attributes, symbolic elements, and the role of the divine in everyday life.

Throughout the book, numerous illustrations accompany the text, providing visual representations of the children's drawings and highlighting the key points discussed. These illustrations not only enhance the reader's understanding but also serve as a testament to the creativity and imagination of the young artists involved.

In conclusion, this open-access book offers a unique and insightful perspective on how children perceive and depict God. It provides a wealth of information and insights into the diverse artistic expressions used to represent the divine, shedding light on the complex relationship between children, art, and religion. By exploring the many different ways in which children depict God, the book contributes to our understanding of this concept and its significance in various cultural and religious contexts.

Weight: 1027g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030944285
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023