Child studies, religion, and science: the life and work of head teacher Jens Olsen

Jens Olsen (1840–1911), head principal of the Danish town of Varde was in many ways typical for his time. He was an engaging teacher and school reformer. But he was also a Christian, a believer in the ideas of the Danish priest, N. F. S. Grundtvig. Last but not least, he was curious. His curiosity and interest in the nature of children brought him in contact with the Anglo-American movement of child study. This chapter tells the story of how child studies became his way of trying to bridge the gap between the Darwinian approach to the history of humanity and a Christian view.