This paper argues that the progressive, revisionist reaction within Catholic education and schooling, as well as within Catholicism at large, to the challenge of modernity is a mistake. In view of modernity's malaises, it advocates instead the affirmation or reaffirmation of the ideal of traditional Catholicism as the only authentic response for…

This kit is the first in a series intended to help classroom teachers think through possibilities for religion study in elementary-level social studies and use the instructional materials developed by the Religion in Elementary Social Studies Project (RESS). The entire RESS project will be available through ERIC and consists of six classroom…

The overall objective of this working paper, developed by the Schools Council Project on Religious Education (RE) is to encourage curriculum research and development. The specific objective is to examine the nature of RE and related issues, raising questions for public discussion and commentary feedback to the project. Part one looks at RE by: 1)…

Articulates an ethical and theological basis for ethnographic research in faith communities. Interviews with nine ethnographers reveal that both research and researcher are changed by the research act. Argues that ethnography is an opportunity for ministry that is empowering and educational. (MJP)

Argues that too often liturgy and religious education posit an idyllic notion of the reign of God and fail to address the injustice, oppression, and violence endemic to much of modern life. This amounts to a dichotomy between the sacred and the secular. Proposes several corrective measures. (MJP)

Examines and defines the world of play for children and considers what lessons and applications this might have for adults and their spirituality. Particularly notes that the "what-if" and "as-if" dimensions of play can be used as energizing and liberating aspects of a more active adult spirituality. (MJP)

Sophia Lyon Fahs's legacy for religious education is a rich source for understanding the initial decades of the movement, its present situation and its possibilities for future growth. A theorist and practitioner, Fahs's long career in religious education witnessed the ebb and flow of evangelical, liberal, neo-orthodox, radical, and revisionist…

This manual examines peace and justice themes with an interfaith focus. Each unit begins with an overview of the unit, the teaching procedure suggested for the unit and helpful resources noted. The volume contains the following units: (1) "Of Dreams and Vision"; (2) "The Prophets: Bearers of the Vision"; (3) "Faith and…

The American conception of academic freedom, which is derived from 18th century Germany, is traced, and the issue of the right of academic freedom for religion professors at church-related colleges is explored. A committee of 15 American professors in 1915 proposed a "Declaration of Principles" that endorsed academic freedom but…

To encourage a more meaningful celebration of the 1976 Bicentennial, the Interchurch Center is distributing nationally an exhibit of 18 posters, each 36" x 40", which portray various facets of the history of religious freedom in America. Reproductions of the posters together with an informative text make up the contents of this…

Data from a survey of 1,300 four-year undergraduate colleges are analyzed to determine the status of religion studies. Characteristics of public, private, nonsectarian, and denominational institutions were examined to define the contexts in which religion departments exist. Evidence indicates that, although religion is increasingly part of the…

Recommendations for facilitating religious literacy programs in public schools are presented in this 1976 annual report. Written primarily for an audience of Catholic priests, the report aims at spreading understanding about the legal parameters of religious studies in public education and at increasing religious literacy of public school students…

Catholic, Protestant, and Jewish parochial schools have always had religious studies as part of their curriculum, but there has been the question about whether public schools can also. "In 1962 two U.S. Supreme Court cases (Abington School District vs. Schempp and Engle vs. Vitale) prohibited the practice of Bible reading in public schools.…

Argues against the limited definition of spiritual education as strictly concerned with the mystical and transcendental. Maintains that a broader application of spiritual education can and should be offered. Asserts that this application needs to be developed in terms of curricular objectives and assessment. (MJP)

Examines the ways in which African Americans link personal stories with biblical and heritage stories to decide future life directions. Maintains that these activities help people develop a spirituality of hope and restore relational contexts for storytelling and story listening in an age where these contexts have disappeared. (MJP)