Using an environmental perspective that acknowledges the importance of places to an individual's sense of identity, this article examines the meaning of neighborhoods and their function for urban residents. Presents a brief case study of the Lubavitch Hasidim, a sect of orthodox Jews (Brooklyn, New York), to assess group affiliation and commitment…

Reports instance of mass suicide committed by seven members of local religious cult following leader's death in Japan in November 1986. Case is discussed from following viewpoints: (1) Japanese feudal form of suicide called Junshi; (2) religion and current social changes in Japanese society; and (3) destructive aspects of a cult. (Author)

Presents a preliminary study of psychotherapy and treatment of evangelical Christians. Therapeutic strategies taking into account the unique characteristics of this population are discussed in light of four stages in the development of the helping relationship. (Author/BEF)

In fighting off fundamentalists' attempts to cut off funds and change the way trustees are elected, Mercer University and moderate Baptists accomplished the first major defeat of the conservatives since they took over the Southern Baptist Convention eight years ago. (MSE)

Discusses the problems of Sephardic Jews, before and after their expulsion from Spain in 1492. Explains that, although some converted to Christianity, they remained targets of discrimination in Spain. Explores the Sephardic influence upon other Jewish communities across the Mediterranean. Describes the Sephardic role in Columbus' voyages. (SG)

The power of the symbol "Sephardic" to foster community association is extremely problematical in the Washington, D.C., context. Washington's Sephardic population is heterogeneous with respect to generation, self-definition, and culture. Complicating the situation is the nature of Washington itself, which in turn is inextricably linked…

Describes the special problems of the Vietnamese and Soviet Jewish elderly who have recently come to the United States as refugees. Discusses family support systems, loss of esteem, dependency, religion, clustered living circumstances, and civic organizations and volunteerism, all in relation to these populations. (KH)

A number of organizations are working with alumni of Black colleges and with Black churches to attract more students to the campuses, raise money for financially strapped institutions (particularly for scholarships) and promote more alumni participation in college affairs. (MSE)

The author considers the 1974 Kanawha County textbook censorship controversy as an attempt by fundamentalist parents to banish "alien" moral influences from the schools and to strengthen community control over learning. He focuses on the role and views of school board member Alice Moore, a leading spokesperson of the fundamentalists.…

Describes the origins and transformation of the Israeli youth movements. Touches on their educational programs, political affiliations, and inculcation of leadership values. Discusses their role in meeting adolescents' psychological and social needs, providing ideological continuity, influencing collective conceptions, strengthening patriotism,…

Although Wake Forest University recently dissolved its ties with the Baptist church, it is committed to maintaining its Baptist tradition while emphasizing high-quality teaching and academic freedom and increasing diversity in its student population. (MSE)

This paper summarizes the findings of a questionnaire study comparing government aid to private schools in Australia and the United States. The study drew questions from those raised in a hearing of the Senate Committee on finance about tax credits for private schools. The paper covers the answers of ten Australian respondents, given in the form…

Potential threats to academic freedom from within the institution are increasing, including faculty lawsuits over tenure and appointment decisions, research-related conflicts of interest, collective bargaining processes, and the use of academic freedom as a catch-all protest. (MSE)

Distinguishes between therapeutic values (inherent in a theory) and therapy values (held by particular therapists) and between clients' specific value positions and their principles for valuing. Suggests value conflicts involving religious clients often occur because of confused perceptions. Identifies approach to human authorities and to doctrine…

The Old Order Amish community is a unique minority group that does not receive adequate public school services. While a majority of Amish children attend an estimated 470 Amish parochial elementary schools, some Amish enrollment is in small rural public schools. However, six states with large Amish populations have no significant public school…