A Treatise on Bringing Children to Christ

""It is a common belief that children were not perceived as children until modern times. In fact the Christian Middle Ages accepted that children are not adults and need attention, training, education, and love. One of the champions of children was the chancellor of the University of Paris, Jean Gerson (1363-1429). His treatise on bringing children to Christ is hardly known today but is now available in this introduction and translation. Gerson, the renowned theologian, took the time and effort to consider the lives and Christian education of children."" --Brian Patrick McGuire, author, history professor ""This treatise by Jean Gerson, the Chancellor of the University of Paris, theologian, and reformer, adds texture to the history of childhood in Europe and resources for reflecting on our own views of children and their moral and spiritual development."" --Marcia Bunge, professor, Gustavus Adolphus College Jean le Charlier de Gerson (1363-1429) was a French Churchman and writer known as the Doctor Christianissimus. In 1395, he became chancellor of Notre-Dame and the University of Paris. There, he sought to reform the Church through the spirit of prayer, sacrifice, and theology engaging life. The Mountain of Contemplation was soon followed by De Vita Spirituale Anime--a pioneer expression of human natural rights theory. By 1415, seeking to restore Church unity, at the Council of Constance he affirmed the authority of those gathered over the pope. Four years later, Gerson retired to Lyons, practicing pastoral theology - including advocacy for the biblical valuing and education of children. The Rev. William Whitty (1849-1914) was born to Irish parents in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In Europe, educated at St. Peter's College, he was ordained in Enniscorthy and entered the House of Missions. His renown as a Canon, Vicar, and preacher across the hemispheres was informed by extensive reading, leading to translation of several ""gems."" This is one of them. The Rev. James D. Smith III (Harvard) teaches as Professor of Church History, Emeritus at Bethel Seminary. He has served as faculty lecturer at the University of San Diego (1993-2010), each Spring is visiting professor at Richmont Graduate University (Atlanta), and is associate pastor of La Jolla (CA) Christian Fellowship.