Like a Child: Restoring the Awe, Wonder, Joy and Resiliency of the Human Spirit

Inviting his readers to explore their childlike—not childish—qualities on the path to spiritual transformation, Mooney writes that “becoming like a child is a way to enter the realm of grace... in the here and now.” The Presbyterian minister and spiritual director takes his inspiration from Jesus’s words, “Unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” In lighthearted, playful fashion Mooney addresses the “how” by investigating such topics as forgiveness, humility, trust, humor, and beginner’s mind. He draws on personal experience, a wide variety of writers from popular psychology to classics, and the Bible to illuminate his subject, including charming stories about children he has known. Simple practices encourage self-reflection. While Mooney’s approach is engaging and generally insightful, it can be superficial. The author tends to rely on clichés and generalizations while gliding over the hardships, suffering, and even trauma that may make it difficult for adults to access a childlike joy. This book will appeal most to those firmly in adulthood and middle age, rather than younger adults or baby boomers. (June)