The Religion in Elementary Social Studies Project (RESS) at Florida State University provides an opportunity for determining the effectiveness of an innovative curriculum in religious study. The project stresses objectives dealing with sensitivity, empathy, and tolerance as well as information about religions. Two second grade level classrooms at…

This report is designed to bring schoolmen and other interested citizens up to date on sensitive areas where religion and public education frequently touch off heated debate, therefore it probes the question of school prayers, teaching of evolution, classroom study of the Bible, as well as the pros and cons of government aid to nonpublic…

Examines religious traditions--Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Islam, and Western Christianity--to see how women were taught and what knowledge was transmitted to them. Notes that women have always had some access to religious knowledge in informal ways but were excluded from formal education once sacred knowledge became transmitted in an…

Church and state is discussed in four articles: "Religion, Separation, and Accommodation: A Recipe of Perfection?" (Delos B. McKown, Clifton B. Perry, pp. 2-7); "Public Religion: The Republican Banquet" (Martin E. Marty, pp. 8-9); "Religion in the 1980s" (Ernest van den Haag, pp. 10-11); and "Education in…

Considers the role of lay vocation (here broadly defined as the servanthood of nonordained persons within and without the church) in everyday life and religious education. Discusses the relationship between lay vocation and the holiness movement, a perfectionist doctrine that arose in U.S. Protestantism in the late 19th century. (MJP)

The potential intended and unintended impact of parental rights initiatives on public education and child welfare agencies and on existing laws demands further scrutiny of the legislation and of its proponents and their motivations. Proponents assert that parental rights initiatives would guarantee parents' rights to direct the upbringing of their…

The paper reviews literature related to the active participation of individuals with disabilities in religious organizations. A summary is then presented of a study conducted in a mid-sized metropolitan city of clergy perceptions of services available to individuals with disabilities and their families. The study, involving 125 clergy, examined…

The American Association of University Professors' (AAUP) support for the right of institutions to deny academic freedom to professors of religion is traced historically. It is suggested AAUP would not likely censor an institution that chose to restrain heretical opinions, although this position conflicts with AAUP's strong support for open…

This publication consists of the papers presented at the first national symposium of the Public Education Religion Studies Center (PERSC). The purpose of PERSC is to encourage and facilitate increased and improved nonsectarian teaching about religion within constitutional bounds at the elementary and secondary level. It emphasizes the natural…

Maintains that spirituality, by reason of its very nature and essence, is antithetical to the goals of state education. Argues that efforts to define spirituality as separate from religion are disingenuous and driven by a specific political agenda. Discusses the conflicting goals of spirituality and secular institutionalization. (MJP)

Demonstrates a significant positive relationship between frequency of personal prayer and perceived purpose in life among adolescents in the United Kingdom. The study surveyed male and female adolescents who never attended church, and those who attended church regularly. Includes statistical tables for both groups. (MJP)

Explores the sense in which U.S. Catholic schools can be considered a faith community by administering questionnaires to 1,204 Catholic school students. Compares attitudes and mass attendance of practicing and nonpracticing Catholics, non-Catholics, and their parents. Correlates student mass attendance with positive attitudes toward Catholic…

This book presents a theoretical and practical discussion of how teaching the Holocaust in Christian colleges may serve to reunite the truth and values in Christian faith with the liberal arts, thereby advancing the total educational commitments of the Christian college. By developing programs of Holocaust education, the colleges can begin to…

Science and religion have been referred to as the two strongest general forces which influence humankind. This document contains the proceedings of a conference which was held to address some of the relationships and controversies surrounding these topics. Included are the texts of the major papers presented at the conference. These are: (1)…

Listed are print and audiovisual materials that support the "Curriculum Guide for Division IV: Christian Ethics" intended for use in grades 10, 11, and 12. The course is designed to help students articulate, reflect upon, and understand what they believe and practice. Cited in this resource manual are textbooks, teacher's guides,…