[[alternative]]Young Children's Concept of God--Taking A Christian Church Affiliated Kindergarteners as an Example

[[abstract]]The purpose of this study was to explore young children’s concept of God, and the influence of the practice of religion education on their conception of God. The study was mainly conducted through the method of qualitative research with semi-structured interviews. The study was done in a Christian Church affiliated kindergarten. The curriculum includes education on the Christian religion (mainly gospel lessons). The study sampled 15 male and 15 female children. 11 of them were from Christian families, the other 19 were from non-Christian families. After one-on-one interviews, the children’s response and reaction were observed, marked, and then analyzed. This study had made the following findings: 1. The concept of God of these children came from the church, family, and kindergarten. 2. When the children described the appearance of God, they could make concrete descriptions about Jesus based on their knowledge. However, the children also thought that God was in Heavens and could not be seen. The friends of God were the mankind and the disciples of Jesus. There were various responses when the children are asked about God’s family members. The answers included Jesus, Heavenly Father, Maria, Joseph, the Angels and the mankind. 3. In the minds of these children, the abilities of God included the power of creation, healing, resurrection, and driving away the “dark forces”. The omniscient and omnipresent power of God was what the children at this age could not fully understand. 4. The children believed that God was real and got angry or happy. God would like good things. And the children thought that God loves them. 5. The children could feel God through prayers. And they experienced God’s help and protection in daily lives. 6. The boys and girls had similar knowledge of God. But they differed in feelings and expression. 7. Whether from Christian families or not, the children’s initial knowledge of God did not show differences. But differences can be found when the children were asked deeper questions. 8. The environment where the children were in (the kindergarten, family, church), and the people around the children (parents, teachers, friends, brothers and sisters) had influences on their conception of God. Finally, based upon the study findings, the researcher proposed a few points for discussion. And drawing on the study results, references and personal observations, the researcher also gave suggestions on the practice of life education for the reference of relevant parties of this study --- parents, teachers, and the educational authorities. Key words: Young Children, Concept of God, Christian, Life Education, Religion Education, Spiritual Education.