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: Paperback / softback
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 examines a diverse collection of children's drawings from various cultural and religious traditions, showcasing the richness of drawing as a method for studying representations of the divine. Through its comprehensive coverage, the book not only presents the findings of scholars from diverse backgrounds but also contributes to our understanding of this concept's origins, development, and complexities.

The volume brings together scholars from Switzerland, Japan, Russia, Iran, Brazil, and the Netherlands, fostering a multidisciplinary and international approach. It goes beyond mere sharing of research and analysis, engaging in a critical examination of the methodologies employed. Moreover, it reflects on the emerging empirical and theoretical perspectives within the broader framework of studying the concept of God.

The concept of God is a profound and intricate one, making this volume an invaluable resource for those seeking to gain new insights. By focusing on the diverse ways children depict God across the world, readers are invited to explore the significance of spatial imagery, color choices, and the emotional expression of the divine. The book also sheds light on how children navigate the challenges of representing their God when faced with restrictions or prohibitions.

Through its engaging and informative content, this book offers valuable perspectives on the multifaceted nature of the concept of God and its impact on children's artistic expressions and spiritual development. It serves as a testament to the power of visual storytelling and the enduring significance of exploring the divine through the eyes of young minds.

Weight: 874g
Dimension: 157 x 235 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030944315
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023