Child Liberation Theology
@childliberation.bsky.social
Children's rights are human rights. Learn more at childliberationtheology.org.
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An Introduction to Child Liberation Theology
This is the first article in a multi-part series I am writing in 2022 providing an overview of child liberation theology.
rlstollar.com
New to child liberation theology?
Here's an introduction!
Here's an introduction!
Reposted by Child Liberation Theology
"There is a robust Christian case against corporal punishment. I want Christian parents to know that spanking is not particularly biblical (don’t come at me with the Proverbs or Hebrews 12), ethical or effective."
~ @mburtwrites.bsky.social
~ @mburtwrites.bsky.social
Who decides the line between child abuse and spanking?
(RNS) — Those of us who follow Jesus — who himself had the strongest of words for any who harm children or cause them to lose faith — should be the loudest voices decrying this unethical and harmful p...
religionnews.com
November 27, 2025 at 12:04 AM
"There is a robust Christian case against corporal punishment. I want Christian parents to know that spanking is not particularly biblical (don’t come at me with the Proverbs or Hebrews 12), ethical or effective."
~ @mburtwrites.bsky.social
~ @mburtwrites.bsky.social
Reposted by Child Liberation Theology
"The first step in nurturing a child’s spirituality isn’t instruction; it’s simply noticing."
~ @floparisoakes.bsky.social
~ @floparisoakes.bsky.social
Already Theirs: The Kingdom of God Belongs to Children — Flo Paris Oakes
What if you could nurture your child’s faith from a place of love rather than fear? What if their salvation was never on the line? What if your child already knows God, and your work is simply...
www.floparisoakes.com
November 26, 2025 at 4:15 AM
"The first step in nurturing a child’s spirituality isn’t instruction; it’s simply noticing."
~ @floparisoakes.bsky.social
~ @floparisoakes.bsky.social
Reposted by Child Liberation Theology
Pressured to Smile for the Cameras
@rlstollar.bsky.social discusses a side of homeschooling that rarely comes into the public eye: a lack of mental-health education & intense pressure on kids to present a “perfect” family image, so that no one will question what’s happening at home.
@rlstollar.bsky.social discusses a side of homeschooling that rarely comes into the public eye: a lack of mental-health education & intense pressure on kids to present a “perfect” family image, so that no one will question what’s happening at home.
Fear and Faith: The Dark Truth About Christian Homeschooling
YouTube video by Cult Expert - Dr. Steven Hassan
youtu.be
November 24, 2025 at 8:56 PM
Pressured to Smile for the Cameras
@rlstollar.bsky.social discusses a side of homeschooling that rarely comes into the public eye: a lack of mental-health education & intense pressure on kids to present a “perfect” family image, so that no one will question what’s happening at home.
@rlstollar.bsky.social discusses a side of homeschooling that rarely comes into the public eye: a lack of mental-health education & intense pressure on kids to present a “perfect” family image, so that no one will question what’s happening at home.
Reposted by Child Liberation Theology
"For evangelical homeschooling families, there is a whole culture of fear around child protection, like any sort of helping professionals."
I spoke with @cultexpert.freedomofmind.com about evangelical homeschooling and child liberation theology. More here:
open.substack.com/pub/stevenha....
I spoke with @cultexpert.freedomofmind.com about evangelical homeschooling and child liberation theology. More here:
open.substack.com/pub/stevenha....
November 25, 2025 at 1:04 AM
"For evangelical homeschooling families, there is a whole culture of fear around child protection, like any sort of helping professionals."
I spoke with @cultexpert.freedomofmind.com about evangelical homeschooling and child liberation theology. More here:
open.substack.com/pub/stevenha....
I spoke with @cultexpert.freedomofmind.com about evangelical homeschooling and child liberation theology. More here:
open.substack.com/pub/stevenha....
Reposted by Child Liberation Theology
"Since the 1970s, Assemblies of God churches have repeatedly reinstated ministers and volunteer leaders accused of sexual misconduct, returning them to pulpits and youth groups."
How Assemblies of God churches shielded accused predators as they abused children
NBC News uncovered a 50-year pattern of sex abuse, silence and cover-up in the world’s largest Pentecostal denomination.
www.nbcnews.com
November 1, 2025 at 4:22 PM
"Since the 1970s, Assemblies of God churches have repeatedly reinstated ministers and volunteer leaders accused of sexual misconduct, returning them to pulpits and youth groups."
"Ezekiel 20:18-19 points us to an important reality: that parents are not the owners of their children and children owe their parents neither unquestioning nor immediate obedience."
Children, Disobey Your Parents In The Lord, For This Is Right - Unfundamentalist Parenting
I spoke to their children and told them, “Don’t be like your parents. Don’t make yourselves filthy with their filthy idols. Don’t follow their laws or
www.patheos.com
November 1, 2025 at 4:51 PM
"Ezekiel 20:18-19 points us to an important reality: that parents are not the owners of their children and children owe their parents neither unquestioning nor immediate obedience."
Reposted by Child Liberation Theology
In the 3rd edition of their 1990 book "Preparation for Parenting," the Ezzos justify letting an infant "cry it out" by referencing the bloody crucifixion of Jesus.
On Children Crying
Authoritarians find crying to be a threat—a form of defiance rather than honest feedback about something important.
rlstollar.com
October 31, 2025 at 4:54 AM
In the 3rd edition of their 1990 book "Preparation for Parenting," the Ezzos justify letting an infant "cry it out" by referencing the bloody crucifixion of Jesus.
Reposted by Child Liberation Theology
We must wrestle with the biblical texts, questioning and challenging them when they ignore the children they contain or justify violence against the children barely visible at their margins.
Noah’s Flood and The Bible’s Unseen Children
The Bible is not a children’s book. If a child must learn about genocide, it should be in an age-appropriate and protective manner.
rlstollar.com
November 1, 2025 at 1:56 PM
We must wrestle with the biblical texts, questioning and challenging them when they ignore the children they contain or justify violence against the children barely visible at their margins.
Reposted by Child Liberation Theology
Respecting the tears of other people—and the emotions underlying them—is a key part of empowering and liberating children.
On Children Crying
Authoritarians find crying to be a threat—a form of defiance rather than honest feedback about something important.
rlstollar.com
October 31, 2025 at 4:14 PM
Respecting the tears of other people—and the emotions underlying them—is a key part of empowering and liberating children.
Reposted by Child Liberation Theology
Respecting children’s autonomy must include their mind: both their thoughts and feelings. We need spiritual child protection, not just physical child protection.
Strongwilled Children Are Child Protection
We need spiritual child protection, not just physical child protection.
rlstollar.com
October 31, 2025 at 5:05 PM
Respecting children’s autonomy must include their mind: both their thoughts and feelings. We need spiritual child protection, not just physical child protection.
"Evangelicals are being mean to kids and there’s no good benefit in doing so—unless, of course, you are an authoritarian like the Ezzos or a Nazi like Haarer who wants children to lose empathy and sympathy."
On Children Crying
Authoritarians find crying to be a threat—a form of defiance rather than honest feedback about something important.
rlstollar.com
October 31, 2025 at 3:07 AM
"Evangelicals are being mean to kids and there’s no good benefit in doing so—unless, of course, you are an authoritarian like the Ezzos or a Nazi like Haarer who wants children to lose empathy and sympathy."
Reposted by Child Liberation Theology
As I research similarities between evangelical parenting teachings and Nazi parenting teachings, I have noticed authoritarians find crying to be a threat—a form of defiance rather than honest feedback about something important.
On Children Crying
Authoritarians find crying to be a threat—a form of defiance rather than honest feedback about something important.
rlstollar.com
October 31, 2025 at 2:59 AM
As I research similarities between evangelical parenting teachings and Nazi parenting teachings, I have noticed authoritarians find crying to be a threat—a form of defiance rather than honest feedback about something important.
Reposted by Child Liberation Theology
"I was hungry, and you didn’t feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn’t give me a drink... When you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me."
~Matthew 25:42, 45
~Matthew 25:42, 45
October 30, 2025 at 1:32 PM
"I was hungry, and you didn’t feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn’t give me a drink... When you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me."
~Matthew 25:42, 45
~Matthew 25:42, 45
Reposted by Child Liberation Theology
Want to learn more about protecting and empowering children in Christian families, faith communities, and religious organizations?
I wrote a book about it!
More info and order it here:
www.eerdmans.com/978080288283....
I wrote a book about it!
More info and order it here:
www.eerdmans.com/978080288283....
October 28, 2025 at 9:45 PM
Want to learn more about protecting and empowering children in Christian families, faith communities, and religious organizations?
I wrote a book about it!
More info and order it here:
www.eerdmans.com/978080288283....
I wrote a book about it!
More info and order it here:
www.eerdmans.com/978080288283....
"If you are interested in learning more about how Christians have thought about and treated children throughout history and current Christian efforts to think about and treat children better, Aasgard’s bibliography is invaluable."
The Bible and Children: A Bibliography by Reidar Aasgaard
If you are interested in learning more about how Christians have thought about and treated children throughout history and current Christian efforts to think about and treat children better, Reidar…
rlstollar.com
October 27, 2025 at 6:52 PM
"If you are interested in learning more about how Christians have thought about and treated children throughout history and current Christian efforts to think about and treat children better, Aasgard’s bibliography is invaluable."
"There is a profound and significant connection between how we treat children in small, local contexts like church and how we as a society have created a world that discriminates against and abuses children in systemic fashion."
Why Your Faith Community Needs Child Liberation Theology
Faith communities need child liberation theology because they are one of the primary locations where children learn about their place and value in the world.
rlstollar.com
October 26, 2025 at 4:59 PM
"There is a profound and significant connection between how we treat children in small, local contexts like church and how we as a society have created a world that discriminates against and abuses children in systemic fashion."
Reposted by Child Liberation Theology
Children are not mere creatures of parents. They are not projects or weapons. They are inheritors of God’s Kingdom, images of that God, and they are capable of prophecy, leadership, teaching, and theology.
An Introduction to Child Liberation Theology
This is the first article in a multi-part series I am writing in 2022 providing an overview of child liberation theology.
rlstollar.com
October 23, 2025 at 10:11 PM
Children are not mere creatures of parents. They are not projects or weapons. They are inheritors of God’s Kingdom, images of that God, and they are capable of prophecy, leadership, teaching, and theology.
Reposted by Child Liberation Theology
Hey, here's an idea: don't hit your kids! I call it the "don't hit your kids, you fucking ghoul" style of parenting!
Authoritative parenting is often seen as a pro-child alternative to authoritarian parenting. But research by "parenting styles" creator Diana Baumrind found that "on average, authoritative parents spanked just as much as the average of all other parents."
'Authoritative' isn't the best parenting style | Your Parenting Mojo
Think authoritative parenting is the gold standard? The creator of parenting styles said authoritative parents "spanked just as much as the average of all other parents." There's a better way than con...
yourparentingmojo.com
October 22, 2025 at 6:03 PM
Hey, here's an idea: don't hit your kids! I call it the "don't hit your kids, you fucking ghoul" style of parenting!
Reposted by Child Liberation Theology
Authoritative parenting is often seen as a pro-child alternative to authoritarian parenting. But research by "parenting styles" creator Diana Baumrind found that "on average, authoritative parents spanked just as much as the average of all other parents."
'Authoritative' isn't the best parenting style | Your Parenting Mojo
Think authoritative parenting is the gold standard? The creator of parenting styles said authoritative parents "spanked just as much as the average of all other parents." There's a better way than con...
yourparentingmojo.com
October 22, 2025 at 5:54 PM
Authoritative parenting is often seen as a pro-child alternative to authoritarian parenting. But research by "parenting styles" creator Diana Baumrind found that "on average, authoritative parents spanked just as much as the average of all other parents."
Reposted by Child Liberation Theology
Disappointing.
Washington will not require priests to report child abuse disclosed in confession • Washington State Standard
Washington has ended its effort to force Catholic priests to divulge information on child abuse and neglect they learn of in confession.
washingtonstatestandard.com
October 23, 2025 at 1:36 PM
Disappointing.
Reposted by Child Liberation Theology
"Talking about peace without being prepared to see the roots of violence in childhood is like wanting to heal a person by covering up and ignoring a giant abscess."
~Alice Miller, "For Your Own Good"
~Alice Miller, "For Your Own Good"
October 22, 2025 at 3:29 AM
"Talking about peace without being prepared to see the roots of violence in childhood is like wanting to heal a person by covering up and ignoring a giant abscess."
~Alice Miller, "For Your Own Good"
~Alice Miller, "For Your Own Good"
Reposted by Child Liberation Theology
Treating children like human beings with human rights does not require studying fancy theologies or philosophies or learning parenting kung fu. It really comes down to something quite simple: the Golden Rule.
The R.L. Stollar Update #1
Hello friends, colleagues, and followers! I am starting something new: The R.L. Stollar Update.
rlstollar.com
October 18, 2025 at 11:54 PM
Treating children like human beings with human rights does not require studying fancy theologies or philosophies or learning parenting kung fu. It really comes down to something quite simple: the Golden Rule.
Reposted by Child Liberation Theology
A society that truly values families must see and value children as individuals with their own perspectives, vulnerabilities, and rights.
Seeing Children: Why the Family Frame Isn’t Enough
open.substack.com/pub/bruceles...
Seeing Children: Why the Family Frame Isn’t Enough
open.substack.com/pub/bruceles...
Seeing Children: Why the Family Frame Isn’t Enough
There is a quiet but consequential debate within the advocacy world – one that risks paralyzing the very movement meant to protect children and families.
open.substack.com
October 21, 2025 at 6:13 PM
A society that truly values families must see and value children as individuals with their own perspectives, vulnerabilities, and rights.
Seeing Children: Why the Family Frame Isn’t Enough
open.substack.com/pub/bruceles...
Seeing Children: Why the Family Frame Isn’t Enough
open.substack.com/pub/bruceles...
Reposted by Child Liberation Theology
"To center children is not to oppose families; it is to ensure that family policy begins with the child’s well-being as the irreducible unit of concern."
~ @brucelesley.bsky.social
~ @brucelesley.bsky.social
Seeing Children: Why the Family Frame Isn’t Enough
There is a quiet but consequential debate within the advocacy world – one that risks paralyzing the very movement meant to protect children and families.
open.substack.com
October 21, 2025 at 6:28 PM
"To center children is not to oppose families; it is to ensure that family policy begins with the child’s well-being as the irreducible unit of concern."
~ @brucelesley.bsky.social
~ @brucelesley.bsky.social
Reposted by Child Liberation Theology
“The uncomfortable sexual dimensions of spanking have, until this point, been politely left unspoken in much of the dialogue about corporal punishment, but I appreciate the authors of Myth drawing them out into the open.”
What if We Just DIDN'T Train Our Children That They Have to Obey Us?
My Review of "The Myth of Good Christian Parenting: How False Promises Betrayed a Generation of Evangelical Families"
open.substack.com
October 15, 2025 at 5:33 AM
“The uncomfortable sexual dimensions of spanking have, until this point, been politely left unspoken in much of the dialogue about corporal punishment, but I appreciate the authors of Myth drawing them out into the open.”