Asserts that intelligent believers and nonbelievers share similar doubts and ethical commitments. Argues that education conscientiously taught for intelligent belief and nonbelief would result in greater communication between the two groups. Explores several curricular topics designed to illuminate and develop this thesis. (MJP)

Reviews government-controlled religious education in Japanese public schools. States that, although teaching a specific religion in public schools is prohibited, instruction in various religions and moral education is seen as contributing to a complete education. Cites examples of religion appearing in social studies curriculum. (DB)

Discusses the Pancasila, a statement of five religions principles, that allows for religious diversity and cultural pluralism while forging national unity in Indonesia. States that religious education is composed of state ideology and the people's philosophy of life. Describes how religion and religious tolerance is fostered and enhanced. (DB)

Described is the use of the Bible as a source of information on the availability and use of metals in ancient societies. The use of the Bible in cross-curricular work between science, technology, and religious studies is discussed. (Author/CW)

Suggests an alternative to the traditional epistemological construction that defines the individual as the center of knowledge formation. Criticizes this approach for helping to perpetuate an individualistic culture often at odds with religious teachings. Outlines recent epistemologies, mostly offered by feminists, that challenge these theories.…

Argues that the act of worship can become an act of resistance against the hegemony of a dominant culture. Maintains that congregational life offers the possibility to awaken people's discontent, foster skepticism toward prevailing assumptions, articulate ethical alternatives, and develop readiness for struggle and change. (MJP)

Private Islamic universities are increasing in East Africa, where higher education is increasingly privatized and diversified. The progressive scholars behind the trend are seeking opportunities for dynamic encounters between Islam and modern secular disciplines. The model is the 11-year-old Islamic University in Uganda, which is now attempting to…

Describes the successful Kids for Peace movement, which electronically links students from schools around the world in a week of prayer, study and good works. States that a school can register for the pilgrimage by e-mailing the Web site. Highlights the effectiveness of connecting schools via the Internet-it is cost-effective, free to use, and…

Describes an educational foundation that offers financial support to those wishing to institute a San Miguel/Nativity or Cristo Rey model school. Reports that these schools must strive to reduce dropout rates, increase number of students prepared for college, and increase number of students receiving Catholic education. (NB)

Uses participatory ethnography to interview lay persons about the role of religion and the church in personal meaning-making. Probes the motives that call people to theology, the theological methods people use, how people engage in religious knowing, and how the church helps these efforts. Suggests shortcomings in present religious education. (DSK)

In 2004, Santa Clara University's Bannan Center for Jesuit Education brought together online religious teachers and practitioners from the three world religions to discuss important issues associated with Middle East conflict: resistance, suicide bombing, America's role in the Middle East, and the future shape of peace. These conversations aimed…

This article details the work of the Birmingham Initiative, a Methodist inspired, ecumenical research project that operated in Birmingham, in the West Midlands of the United Kingdom between 1995 and 1999. As the Christian Education Development Officer employed by this project, the author undertook doctoral research among twenty-six inner-city,…

At the turn of the millennium, the term "spiritual" began to gain more prominence in the educational discourse in Hong Kong, both in official policy documents and in religious schools' descriptions of their own mission. Addressing each of these two cases in turn, a description of the context in which the increased use of the term has…

Many theological educators ask how on-line classes can provide students with the kind of personal teacher-student interaction that is needed in a healthy and holistic approach to preparation for ministry. A quantitative study was undertaken for the purpose of examining the relationships between three major types of teacher-student interaction…

Noting that character formation within Catholic education has undergone several changes over the last 10 years, this paper examines character education and character formation as they are currently implemented in Catholic elementary and secondary schools. Section 1 of the paper considers the definition of character, and traces the development of…