Religious Dimensions of Child and Family Life

the long version

This volume seeks to examine child and family life from the perspective of various religious traditions in relation to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Special attention is paid to the religions' moral codes of conduct governing parental behaviour, child rearing norms, and the role of children in spiritual practice. Eight of the world's most practised religions are discussed: Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Bahai religion, Chinese popular practice, Hinduism, and North American Native spiritual belief. The purpose is to see where the religions positively support the UNCRC and where they criticize or disagree with the ideas of the Convention. Each religion has very clear notions as to the functioning of the child in the context of the family. When considered in relation to the UN Convention, these ideas provoke a lively discussion.