Provides historical information on religious freedom within the United States and the meaning of constitutional order. Discusses how different religious minority groups, such as the Jehovah's Witnesses, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints, and the Native Americans, used strategies of balance to abide by the constitutional order. (CMK)

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)

Participation in the Freedom Forum's California 3 R's project enabled The Ramona School District to find workable solutions to contentious religious issues without damaging the integrity of those involved. A sidebar outlines Ramona's board policy on student and staff rights and responsibilities, school calendars, religion in the curriculum,…

Investigates children's conceptions of the characteristic features of category members. Hypothesized that (1) children initially perceive category members in terms of individual characteristics and (2) only later do children conceive of category members in terms of shared beliefs and values. Two separate studies confirm the hypotheses. (CMK)

Three issues--the Catholic school experience, the ruling of the Supreme Court on abortion, and the nuclear debate--are discussed from the point of view of a Catholic living in the United States. (JM)

Provides a survey of various Internet sites that focus on the religious practices in modern China (People's Republic of China) listing such sites as: (1) the China Daily Web site; (2) the U.S. Department of State online documents; and (3) the Web site for Human Rights in China. (CMK)

Summarizes court cases bearing on religion in the school setting and the use of the three-part "Lemon" test in Establishment Clause cases; and examines a Louisiana District Court decision that affirmed the action of a school principal prohibiting a religiously oriented valedictory address. (MLF)

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…

Traces history of European interaction with Islamic countries of Middle East from Crusades through World War I. Explains political expendiencies of war and resulting mandate system. Provides religious and political bases for Arab distrust of West. Concludes that no lasting peace is possible in area as long as Palestinian question is ignored. (DK)

Reuben Snake, a Winnebago elder, discusses the importance of living in harmony with creation; the significance of ceremonial life; the continuous struggle to maintain American Indian culture, values, and religious beliefs; and the importance of "reculturalization" through repatriation of sacred objects. (LP)

Considers the religious rights of prison and jail inmates and discusses the role of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act that was passed in 1993 granting people greater rights to practice their religion. Proposes an instructional idea where students discuss the benefits and challenges of allowing inmates to practice their religions within an…

Asserts that the pressures on religious freedom are increasing especially in relation to the issue of religion in the public schools. Focuses on school prayer, the use of school facilities for religious activities, and the controversy surrounding school vouchers. Addresses when religious expression is permitted in public schools. (CMK)

In the decade and a half after the Civil War, the American public school rose and fell as a central issue in national and state politics. After a relative calm on matters of education during and immediately after the War, the Republican Party and Catholic Church leaders in the late 1860s and early 1870s joined a bitter battle of words over the…

This article address the legal and constitutional issues surrounding how far school leaders can go in restricting distribution of materials that are viewed as religious in nature. Does restricting the student's right to distribute the flyer amount to a suppression of free speech based on content? Does the principal's action constitute unlawful…