The Soul of the Child: Nurturing the Divine Identity of Our Children

In this book Gurain expresses what I have felt: which is that no one religion has exclusive claim to the truth, all religions and science have in common. God burns in the soul of a child and we are all children of the magical mystery. A must read for illuminating our trail to understanding.

" I just couldn't put this book down. It truly connects with one's soul,while igniting new discoveries for all human souls."

Gurian has broken new ground again!Michael Gurian blends a perfect mixture of science, religion and child development theory/practice in his cutting edge book, The Soul of the Child. Too many books on parenting/children focus on one area, such as child development, but neglect faith and spirit. Or they blend child development with religion, but omit any discussion of our biological nature. What is brilliant...and arguably ahead of his time, is Gurian's discussion of a child's soul. Here Gurain accesses knowledge/ wisdom from the world's religions and then combines those ancient traditions with the most recent discoveries in brain science and genetics to actually "locate" and identify the soul...to prove the soul's existence. What most of us know intuitively, Michael proves with science...and religion...that the soul is light, and the child's soul is light. It is our job as adults to tame, nurture and expand this light...or we can darken it. But that is just the beginning! Gurian then takes us through a child's development and shows how events...both good and bad...imprint on the soul. In essence, he wants us to realize that in our interactions with children...whether they are ours, in the neighborhood, or at our school, or wherever, that we do have an impact on our children, and this impact can be measured through technologies such as PET scans. Again, he is reinforcing things that most know intuitively...and this strengthens our knowledge and can help us with children.And there is much, much more. Nowhere have I found such a broad, deep, compassionate synthesis of science and spirituality in one book. By the time you have finished this, not only will you have a better understanding of your child, but you will understand yourself...and the human being as well. And you just might agree with Michael, that "God IS the child."

The author has come up with yet another important workdealing with children during their formative years. Itcombines both logic, practicality as well as spiritualneeds of maturing children. It would be especially useful to parents of young children and educators.

The Soul of the Child is an inspiring book. I was fascinated by the science discussed in the book as well as moved by Gurian's words about protecting the sacredness of childhood. The Soul of the Child is an important book for all parents and grandparents. I recommend it highly.