Whether First Communion or bar mitzvah, religious traditions play a central role in the lives of many American children. In this collection of essays, leading scholars reveal for the first time how various religions interpret, reconstruct, and mediate their traditions to help guide children and their parents in navigating the opportunities and challenges of American life. The book examines ten religions, among other topics: how the Catholic Church confronts the tension between its teachings about children and actual practice; the Oglala Lakota's struggle to preserve their spiritual traditions; and, the impact of modernity on Hinduism. Only by discussing the unique challenges faced by all religions, and their followers, can we take the first step toward a greater understanding for all of us. Religions discussed in this book are: Protestantism, Roman Catholicism, Judaism, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Buddhism, forms of Black religion, Islam, Hinduism, Native American traditions, Confucianism.

Contributions by: John P. Bartkowski, Margaret Lamberts Bendroth, Jennifer Beste, Raymond Bucko, Emily Buss, David Dollahite, Elliot Dorff, Christopher G Ellison