Discusses the history and conceptual, cultic, and communal aspects of the Islamic religion. Explores the duties of Muslims, which are referred to as the "pillars of Islam." Describes Muhammed's place in the Islamic faith as its primary prophet and model of behavior. Identifies an approach to the study of Islam that is equally applicable…

Rastafarians have used biblical geography to invest themselves with sanctity, status, and a global significance. They have reinterpreted the geography of the Bible in a novel manner that makes sense for them and provides a world map essential to their doctrine and manner of life. (RM)

This book is a brief guide to understanding Islam, intended to help individuals better understand Islamic culture, Muslims, and the Holy Quran. It consists of the following three chapters: (1) Some Evidence for the Truth of Islam; (2) Some Benefits of Islam; and (3) General Information on Islam. The book is extensively illustrated with photographs…

Zoroastrianism, an ancient religion dating back to the Iranian Stone Age, is still practiced in areas of Iran and India. Following centuries of oppression under Muslim rule in Iran, the adherents are located today in remote areas and only recently have welcomed unbelievers into their fire temples to view the sacred fire (Atash Bahram) and the…

This paper, a summary of a multi-carousel slide presentation, reviews literature on the cultures, religions, and art of African people. Before focusing on West Africa, highlights of the lifestyles, religions, and icons of non-maskmaking cultures of North, West and South African people are presented. Clarification of West African religious concepts…

Discusses how the author deals with matters of personal religious faith in the context of teaching college religion courses from an academic perspective. Refers to Bernard Lonergan's schema for consciousness and five precepts for trying to show connections among experience, understanding, judgment, and decision. (DB)

This paper offers a critique of western culture's use and abuse of scholarly traditions and activities through secularization. The paper argues that scholarly activity is connected to forms that tend to function as "religion" and that modern academe refuses to acknowledge the forms as a kind of secular religion, thereby promoting a…

Offers suggestions for a sociology course in extraordinary groups, utopian studies, or alternative communities to help broaden awareness and understanding of human behavior, past and present groups, and cultural pluralism. Includes ideas for field trips, projects, readings, and films and videos. Discusses basing lectures on commitment, conversion,…

Maintains that a common component of geography courses is to show how a globe is an accurate representation of the earth whereas flat maps give a distorted view. Presents a case study and lesson plan in which the Muslim practice of praying while facing Mecca is used to illustrate this idea. (CFR)

Cancellation of the screening of a film, "The Last Temptation of Christ," at Furman University (South Carolina), then at a public library, and the debate over granting of credit to students for participating in a related discussion, are described. Faculty response and the aftermath of the controversy are also discussed. (MSE)

Jewish history and the dynamics of anti-Semitism should be incorporated into social work curricula, and students should explore their own ethnic identities and religious backgrounds. This self-exploration enables them to be open to new information and aware of misinformation. Role playing can help students practice responses to incidents of bias.…

Ten reasons for teaching about religion in secular higher education institutions are offered: religion motivates most killings, contributes to most healing, is globally pervasive, has a long and broad past, is hard to define, helps explain many human activities, involves many disciplines, is a dimension of pluralism, relates to practical issues,…

Contends that religion has played a significant role in the founding and development of higher education. Reports on a study of the sociodemographic and educational background characteristics of sociologists teaching in 31 colleges belonging to the Christian College Coalition. (CFR)

Discusses court decisions on the rights of religious groups to rent public school facilities and to distribute religious literature on public school grounds. Compares decisions and reasoning in U.S. appellate courts and the Supreme Court. Predicts that the relationship between religion and public education will continue to evolve. (DK)

Presents an annotated bibliography originally designed for use at the Catholic-Jewish Colloquium. Includes historical and biblical studies, general resources regarding the relationship between Jews and Christians, ecclesial statements and commentaries, theological resources, and educational and liturgical materials. (MJP)