The wisdom of Paul rings - "put away those childish things" - but don't be to fast to put away everything - 'cos those childish things can be used another day.

At the time, I took issue with these words because it sounded like we were contradicting the Bible. It seems that even the Thumpies of Thumpers (the author of those words) saw fit to see things his own way. As I write this, I'm reminded that Jesus said - and the exact wording is not coming to me - that you have to think like a child to become a believer.

I enjoy the irony of this new column name, but it's interesting to consider whether the word "childish" has any meaning if some childish things are to be put aside and others (like playfullness) are to be held onto and cherished.

There's no point in being grown up if you can't be childish sometimes

Doctor Who

I heartily agree with this :P

18:4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child,
the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Eh, so which is it?

A lot of teenagers go through a phase in which they try to be as 'adult' as possible, abandoning the toys and pleasures of childhood for more advanced pastimes. Sometimes they sullk when taken to a fair or other thing they once enjoyed but now find beneath them.

Fortunately, this phase generally passes by the time they are responsible adults, and they take pleasure once again in the childish world of play and fun, perhaps vicariously through their own chlildren.