Considers that because of an assurance of religious liberty, Americans tend to restrict religious convictions within their private domains even though most consider themselves to be religious or spiritual. Discusses how newspapers and broadcasters do not take religion stories seriously and as a result, student journalists seldom see or read…

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)

Decries educators' harsh criticism of Citizens for Excellence in Education (CEE), group of concerned parents determined to return academic excellence to public school classrooms and moral sanity to schools, in all subjects. Schools have short-circuited their traditional ties with parents and public. CEE is one of many well-intentioned parent…

Reasonable-sounding essays in the September 1999 "Kappan," advocating expansion of religion's influence in public education are fundamentally flawed by unstated assumptions and selective historical references. The wall of church/state separation is probably the best way to ensure religious freedom and protect both secular and religious…

Describes one secondary educator's experiences teaching in Belfast, Northern Ireland, noting differences in education practice between Northern Ireland and the United States. The article highlights the pastoral system (in which teachers monitor students' welfare), the national curriculum, and changing schools (schools are beginning to try an…

This article reports on a lawsuit filed by Michael A. Newdow, a California atheist, on behalf of his daughter, against inclusion of the words "under God" in public schools' recitals of the United States Pledge of Allegiance. He said that the words "under God" represent "religious dogma" that is needlessly divisive.…

This article reports on the fiery California atheist who lost his bid at the U.S. Supreme Court to get "under God" stricken from the Pledge of Allegiance. Dr. Michael A. Newdow, an emergency-room physician with a law degree who represented himself before the Supreme Court in the high-profile case against the Elk Grove, California, school…

Advocates students being afforded the same privilege and extended the same opportunity to attain spiritual development as they are given in other areas related to student development in college. Suggests offering prayers by persons in their own traditions at major college events. Claims risk of offending worth benefit of celebrating a spiritual…

Discusses the impact of writing on culture, especially the psychosocial consequences of literacy as a "technology of the intellect." Describes the role played by writing in both a slave revolt in nineteenth century Brazil and a preliterate African culture. Argues that "literacy" serves too many functions to be used as an…

Discusses "Mozert v. Hawkins," pointing out four important factors in the case, and shows the reasonable and reasoned way the judge's final decision was made. (MD)

Discusses the controversy over teaching what religious fundamentalists and social conservatives consider secular humanism. Suggests that modern social studies does not support secular humanism even though they share epistemological and ethical assumptions (the use of the scientific method, intelligent reasoning). Provides suggestions for teachers…

Superintendents face a no-win proposition when confronting attempted school board takeovers by religious-fundamentalist candidates. Public political disagreement may be a legitimate ground for a superintendent's dismissal. The safest course is to work quietly behind the scenes and encourage others to question candidates' qualifications and…

Growing out of Northern Ireland's 1980s Peace Education Project (aimed at breaking down Protestant/Catholic barriers), the Education for Mutual Understanding initiative focuses first on helping schoolchildren deal with everyday conflicts in their lives. EMU uses conflict resolution and peer mediation to help schools organize into learning…

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)