Explores changes that have taken place in the Catholic Church's understanding of the concepts of "religion" and "faith." Discusses the effects of these changes on the ministry of religious education. Makes suggestions concerning the development of a suitable environment and atmosphere for approaching religious education within…

Discusses different biblical translations throughout history in the context of the imminent publication of the New Revised Standard Version of the "Bible." Contends that in the present time, religious educators confront unprecedented disclosures about scripture based on ecumenical and interrelgious scholarship. (DB)

The effects of pluralism on today's college campuses are intense. The place held by religion in this context is often awkward, but as a dimension of diversity and a potent force in human interaction, it deserves the same tolerance as any other aspect of pluralism and should not be trivialized. (MSE)

Argues that children need assistance in dealing with the fundamental questions concerning evil and God. Discusses kinds of evil and God's omnipotence. Urges that the relationship of God to evil be dealt with in religious education so that both children and adults can be adequately prepared to deal with suffering and death. (KO)

General interest books on North American religions are cited in this annotated bibliography for church and synagogue librarians. Over 130 publications, including references, children's books, and adult literature, are listed under the following categories: general books, Judaism, Christianity, and interfaith dialogue. The section on Christianity…

Argues that there is a relationship between theology and religious education. Outlines the metaphysical, experiential-expressivism, and cultural linguistic approaches to religious study. Discusses the teaching methodologies of catechism and experiential learning which dominate the various approaches. Examines the impact of postliberalism on…

Based on a National Council for the Social Studies position statement on the essentials of social studies, a rationale for teaching about religions in the social studies is presented. The author's rationale includes the following points: (1) that knowledge about religion is not only characteristic of an educated person but also necessary for…

Outlines the program of Bethany Baptist Academy, a fundamentalist religious K-12 school in the Midwest. The school socializes the students to think and behave according to the dictates of its religious doctrine. (MD)

Considers the problems of perception and explication in the religious context and their significance for theological education and communication. Examines these problems in the medium of television. Urges that efforts begin to understand the value of television in conveying religious information and to create programs focusing on more than…

Identifies three great religious catenas which interpret suffering. Discusses the classical and post-modern Christian catenas. Urges religious educators to question the classical Christian beliefs concerning suffering while not abandoning the Bible through dissatisfaction. Encourages acceptance of the idea that more than traditional beliefs find…

Examines the sages of Israel's teaching on the relationship between ecological responsibility and justice among the world's people. Contends that the sages' conception of a God whose presence and will are manifested in the world offers insight to the contemporary discussion concerning the relationship between the global ecological system and human…

After interviewing Jewish teenagers about death, finds Reform Judaism teachers teach about love and marriage but not death. Observes students know little of Jewish customs related to death. Notes Jewish doctrine focuses on the needs of the living. Considers elements that will be necessary to provide for effective death education in Reform Jewish…

The author reviews the historical development of the role of religion in American schools and offers relevant advice to administrators. (Author)

A lesson plan, divided into four learning activities, introduces the topic of Zen Buddhism by presenting one of many possible approaches to the academic study of religion in a secondary setting. The lesson plan is designed for integration into world history, global studies, or sociology classes in secondary schools. Learning activity one focuses…

A basic introduction to Buddhism is provided in this unit of study for high school students. The unit can be taught in social studies, geography, humanities, or religion courses. Time required is two class periods of 45 to 50 minutes each. The unit's objective is to help students gain a greater knowledge and appreciation of Buddhism and its…