God Images

By Mary Ann Moore

---

Theme and Description

This year-long curriculum engages children in their own religious quests. Allows for personal decision making in the context of lively discussion and creative activity. Presents God images that are derived from the Jewish and Christian traditions, from several world religions, and from modern science.

Goals for Participants

To explore the questions and issues that lead to the creation of God images;
To identify God images from Judaism and Christianity, from other world religions, and from modern science;
To express their feelings and ideas about God images through a variety of creative activities.

---

Age Range

Grades 5-6

Size of Group

6-12 ideal

Space Requirements

A medium-sized room with enough display areas for art projects

Number and Length of Sessions

25 sessions
Length: 1 to 1 1/2 hours

Leader Training

The program requires knowledge of and experience with 10 and 11 year olds. A careful reading of the introductory material and the session plans is necessary. Teachers must understand the relationship of the art projects to the discussions and stories. Team teaching is recommended.

Leader Preparation

Approximately 3 hours per session

---

Strengths

Provides leader background material rich in historical, philosophical, and theological information.
Offers well-scripted lesson plans, with clear instructions to leaders.
Contains age-appropriate art activities that are descriptive and well illustrated.
Presents Bible stories in gender-inclusive language.

Limitations

Includes some stories that may be too young for sixth-grade children.
Requires that leaders be skilled at using art materials.
Includes sessions that are too long for some religious education programs.
Lacks drama, music, and dance activities.
Leaders and participants who do not have God beliefs may tire of the repeated theme.

Adaptability

Can be adapted for a small, multi-age church school, or a family setting.
The accompanying filmstrip can be used with a wide variety of ages with adjustments in the script.
An adult version of God Images is available.

Unitarian Universalist Values

The Unitarian Universalist Principles and Purposes are addressed in the introductory and background materials for leaders and in the stories for children. The Principles and Purposes included in Session 1 are referenced throughout. The section in the introduction that relates the Principles to the development of upper-elementary children is valuable.

Reviewed on June 30, 1996

Unitarian Universalist Association
25 Beacon St. | Boston, MA 02108 | 617-742-2100