The Conceptualization of God in Children Aged 4 to 6 During the Preschool Period

This study was carried out to examine the concept of God among preschool children aged 4 to 6. Based on the idea that religious knowledge, which is shaped by the education received and rooted in early childhood, forms the basis of an individual's personal belief system, the study focuses on how children in this age group perceive God. The research was conducted using a qualitative research method with a phenomenological design. The study group consisted of 24 children, 12 girls and 12 boys, attending preschools that do not provide religious education in the Yenimahalle district of Ankara. Participants were selected using a non-probability sampling method, and data were collected through a semi-structured interview form. The interviews were conducted around two main themes. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive and content analysis techniques. The children's conceptions of God were shaped by how they imagined God, how they perceived God's actions, how they communicated with God, what God disapproves of and how God reacts, their emotional connection with God, and their thoughts on divine love. Furthermore, the children’s imaginations of God were reflected in their sensory perspectives, their tendency to concretize abstract concepts, enviromental factors, and the fact that children conceive God as both an observing and active being, and that they use a wide range of imagination in their conceptions. The children’s idea of communicating with God was based on concrete needs, emotional attachments, moral considerations, and imagination. In their understanding of the relationship with God, children tended to perceive God as a loving and protective figure, associating divine love with human-like, visible behaviors. Additionally, they appeared to develop a personal sense of awe and reverence toward God’s might. The findings show that children's perceptions of God are influenced by sensory perspectives, a tendency to concretize abstract concepts, environmental factors, and a broad imagination that views God as both observant and active. Their way of communicating with God is based on tangible needs, emotional bonds, moral values, and imagination. The study reveals how children’s perception of God is shaped by developmental processes, environmental influences, moral values, social media, digital exposure, and cultural imagery. The outcomes of the research aim to provide guidance for parents and serve as a reference for similar future studies.