Presents an essay dealing with two nineteenth-century incidents of religious intolerance. Recounts the story of Joseph Smith, the founder of the Mormon Church, who was murdered by opponents of the new religion. Explains how the writings of Presbyterian minister and newspaper publisher, Elijah Lovejoy, set off a response that led to his death. (SG)

Discusses (1) the relationship between democratic values, religious beliefs, and religious prejudice; (2) legal issues; and (3) policy implications for educating students in a religiously diverse, democratic society. Outlines implications and practical suggestions for teacher educators and classroom teachers. Includes 25 endnotes. (MLH)

Contends that, although Pilgrim leader John Robinson never traveled to North America, he personified the sense of purpose that held the pilgrimage together through trials, failures, and harassments. Discusses the history and issues of separatism during the development of the Puritan church in England and the Netherlands. (DK)

General reasons for the upsurge of religious dogmatism in American society are discussed, the nature of the faculty encounter with dogmatic students is examined, and appropriate responses to student religious dogmatism are outlined. (MSE)

Points out the problems and potential of teaching the Bible as literature. (JL)

An anonymous 12-item, multiple-choice questionnaire was administered to 218 southern college, introductory zoology students prior to and following a study of evolutionary theory to assess their understanding and acceptance of the credibility of the evidence supporting the theory. Key topics addressed were the history of evolutionary thought, basic…

In light of on-going strife in the Middle East, particularly in Palestinian-Israeli relations, it is intriguing to note how relatively unaware many Americans are of the historical and religious framework from which much of the conflict derives. In addition, the perception of many Americans of current Palestinian-Israeli relations has been tainted…

Addresses the question of whether student prayer groups should be allowed to use school facilities. The Equal Access Act allows all noncurricular student groups to meet, whereas four federal appellate court decisions ban prayer groups on the basis that separation between church and state outweighs students' right to free speech. (WTH)

Describes fifteenth-century Spain's tendencies that proved central to the Columbian enterprise: experience as a conquering and colonizing kingdom, interest in Atlantic expansion, and missionary inclination. Argues that Columbus's arrival in Spain came at the perfect time in Spanish history. Stresses Spain's long history of religious war, conquest,…

Cites examples of students refusing to do coursework because of religious beliefs. Outlines a method in which students are encouraged to examine their beliefs to illuminate their objections to coursework. Maintains that teachers should resist efforts of individuals who attempt to shield themselves and others from general knowledge and ideas. (KM)

India, a huge land with the second largest population in the world, socially and economically poor, and culturally and linguistically diverse, became the largest democracy in the world on November 26, 1949 with the adoption of the Indian Constitution. The goals of that constitution are: (1) the achievement of national unity and stability; (2) the…

When the debate heats up over the separation of church and state issue board members need to be keenly aware of the fine line that exists between promoting nonreligious activities in school and encouraging an antireligious sentiment. Ten reminders are given for board members and administrators to remember when addressing the issue of religion in…

Discusses the debate over proper balance between a school board's authority to prescribe a uniform curriculum and parent's First Amendment right to free exercise of religion, citing a recent Tennessee case which determined that uniform use of objectionable texts is not crucial for a sound education. (WTH)

Student activities that focus on the different cultures and the history of the Middle East from Biblical times to the present are suggested. These include debates, art projects, slide shows, maps, and research problems. (IS)

Traces the Armenian experience between 1915 and 1918 when the Muslim Turks carried out a policy to eliminate the Christian-Armenian minority. Focuses on the distinction between massacres and genocide; the use of technology in facilitating mass murder; and the legacy of genocide. Includes maps and photographs. (NL)