If we want to broaden our statements, then we need to be prepared to do the homework to check out the broader background. In many parts of the country, a local Buddhist group, for example, may be run by a well-meaning New Ager with very eclectic interests who conveys a rather eccentric view of Buddhist faith and tradition. This problem is complicated, because the members of many religious groups try their best to gloss over differences within their own faith, when talking with outsiders. Muslims, for example, will tell reporters that there is no difference between local Sunni, Shiite and African-American congregations, when there probably are major differences. When interviewing kids, pack colored markers and paper.
Children have vivid spiritual lives, but they have trouble talking with adults in abstract terms.
You can unlock the spiritual imagination of children much more effectively by asking them to draw pictures. Then, as they describe their pictures to you, you've got the basis for an interview. David Crumm has been the Free Press religion writer since 1986. He has won six national Wilbur Awards for religion reporting since 1988. All rights reserved.