The Children's Spirituality Research Database is a compilation of several resources that is intended to help with conducting systematic research of children's spiritual experiences and characteristics. It draws upon prior research from books on the subject, as well as individual chapters of books, journal articles, and other sources. While thorough, it is not to be considered an exhaustive source for the topic. Users are encouraged to supplement this database with standard resources available through college and university libraries. Particularly helpful are library databases related to the social sciences, especially psychology, sociology, anthropology, and education (see the "Other Sources" tab above). Religion databases may also prove helpful, particularly though not exclusively for theologically-based work.

The major areas of the database are listed in the blue area (above) and clicking on one of the options will take you to that section of the database. Books are categorized by decade, then alphabetically within each page. The "Chapters" option refers to individual chapters on children's spirituality (or related areas) in a book that is on a broader topic. A comprehensive search engine for all of these sources is found below, courtesy of Google.

I am grateful for research grants from the North American Professors of Christian Education (NAPCE) and Biola University which helped fund the beginnings of the database in 2003. In addition, Wheaton College has been generous in allowing time--as part of my endowed chair activities--for considerable elaboration and restructuring of the database, as well as funding for assistance. Special thanks to Jennifer Orona at Fuller School of Psychology for her additions to the books section of the database, and to Linda Rozema for compiling the list of journal articles and dissertations. It is my hope and prayer that this database serves you well, and in turn encourages a better understanding and encouragement of children's spiritual nurture, development, and experiences.

--Don Ratcliff, Ph.D.