'Children are not disciples therefore they are not Christians.' Discuss.

When children help raise money for charities like Oxfam and Trócaire they show signs of generosity and charity. Many a time I see children asking me to sponsor them in a fast or sponsored silence. But if you asked a child to sponsor you they would give it grudgingly or they would decline to donate. If a child is asked to raise money, it is sufficient. When a child is asked to raise money with the possibility of winning a prize, the amount increases largely. Children are very often selfish and attached to their possessions, much like the rich man in Mark's gospel. Although, children are too young to be expected to be rational and many adult disciples fail as well. Failure goes along with discipleship, as no one is perfect.

Many children attend church on a Sunday proving that they worship God and want to celebrate him. Children will often reflect on their sins and feel guiltier about them then some adults. Children will often pray for their family and the safety of others. While this is true many children do not pray but sit and daydream. They can be loud and distracting from what the priest is saying. The old Victorian rule of children being seen and not heard should be obeyed in church but rarely is.

While at a young age children do not make a conscious decision to answer God's call; they often will serve as altar boys or girls. Like the apostles they are doing a mission for God. The church values their work and praises them for doing so. It may be true however that children are forced into altar service by parents. While this is not their fault it shows that they do not have a genuine interest in helping the church.

We have seen moments were children have been very Christian and not so Christian. However failure is one of the qualities that make a discipleship. In children the good deeds outweigh the bad ones. Children show very Christian qualities without understanding what is meant to be a Christian.

In conclusion children are definitely disciples. In Mark's gospel Jesus says that anyone who wishes to enter the Kingdom of Heaven must be like a little child. If children are not disciples then no one can enter Heaven. The idea of children not being disciples defeats the idea of discipleship. Children are gifts from God, with the right upbringing they can grow up to be good Christian adults.