[Forest Keeper]

FK: In any case, in my opinion part of what Jesus is talking about is that a childlike (as opposed to a childish) faith is one that is unblocked by any agenda or pride that an adult frequently has.

Child-like, as in—naïve, gullible and easily persuaded?

Not at all, the Bible teaches us against that. For example:

Matt. 10:16-17 : 16 I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. 17 “Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues. ...

The point, I think, can be found here:

Matt. 18:2-4 : 2 He called a little child and had him stand among them. 3 And he said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Childlike faith is humble at its core. Such a faith understands to a higher degree how much greater God is than us, and that we should unconditionally trust Him as a child unconditionally trusts his/her parents.

If I were creating a religion, I would want my followers to be child-like, naïve, gullible, uncritical, and capable of believing anything and everything, no matter how bizarre or unreal it may be. A child-like faith can also accept any lie and Ponzi scheme one can think of.

Sure, that makes perfect sense. But I don't think Jesus was talking about this kind of situation. Elsewhere in God's word we are told to beware of false teachers and to test against scripture, etc. So, having a childlike faith does not mean weakness, it means humility.

[kosta50]

Childlike faith is humble at its core. Such a faith understands to a higher degree how much greater God is than us, .

There is nothing humble about children. However, they are naïve and gullible. Children couldn't possibly "understand" how much greater God is than the adults.  Why should we unconditionally trust him? Why gives us reason only so we can blindly accept things? Only humans could come up with such a scheme, David Koresh or Jim Jones...

and that we should unconditionally trust Him as a child unconditionally trusts his/her parents

I am not sure kids unconditionally trust their parents. Abused children don't trust their parents; they are scared to death of them. And I wouldn't put it past a child not to trust a stranger who offers him candy.

Elsewhere in God's word we are told to beware of false teachers and to test against scripture, etc. So, having a childlike faith does not mean weakness, it means humility.

Children cannot be aware of false teachers; they are naïve, and therefore subject to be misled. Once you are distrustful, you are no longer child-like, so there goes that argument.

So, having a childlike faith does not mean weakness, it means humility

Again, children are not humble, but boastful, and self-absorbed. Besides, they are fallen humans bound for hell according to St. Augustine and his followers.