Bogoslovska smotra, Vol. 96 No. 1, 2026.
Review article
https://doi.org/10.53745/bs.96.1.5
Understanding the Concept of Children’s Spirituality in Early and Preschool Childhood
Marija Jurišić
Abstract
Contemporary society, marked by haste, the pursuit of instant gratification, productivity, materialism, and consumerism, affords little space for engagement with the spiritual dimension of one’s being. Educational scholars and developmental psychologists agree that spirituality is a fundamental human characteristic and a key component of holistic personal development; therefore, it is to be nurtured from an early age. Croatian scholars of education and religious education have been increasingly recognising both the importance of spirituality in early and preschool childhood and its benefits across different areas of human life. However, systematic understanding of the concept of children’s spirituality remains lacking. This paper presents the key characteristics children’s spirituality based on theoretical insights. Although there is no universal definition of spirituality, certain universal features have been identified. Spirituality is an innate quality necessary for the child’s holistic development. It manifests in ordinary, daily activities, within both religious and non-religious contexts. Distinct characteristics of how spirituality is expressed at different developmental stages are not yet fully clear, although it has been established that children are capable of spiritual development.
Keywords
children’s spirituality; dimensions of spirituality; early and preschool age; spiritual development; holistic development
Hrčak ID:
349165
URI
Publication date:
11.7.2026.
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