The "IDRA Newsletter" serves as a vehicle for communication with educators, school board members, decision-makers, parents, and the general public concerning the educational needs of all children in Texas and across the United States. The theme of this issue is "Religion Equity." Articles include: (1) Religion Equity in Schools…

This collection of 16 reflective accounts and data-driven studies explores the interrelationship of religious identity and English Language Teaching (ELT). The chapters broaden a topic which has traditionally focused on Christianity by including Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim and non-religious perspectives. They address the ways in which faith and ELT…

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)

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)

Argues that in an attempt to avoid presenting religion in a manner that might be considered controversial or offensive many textbook publishers have watered down their coverage to the point of misrepresentation. Examines several texts' treatment of significant religious subjects. (MJP)

Examines the historical fallacy, popular in western civilization from medieval to early modern times, that Muslim allies were somehow secretly Christian. These fallacies often served to explain Christian-Muslim diplomacy to the public at a time when Islam was portrayed as the enemy of Christianity. (MJP)

Describes a Jewish teacher's presentation on Hanukkah for a group of Gentile elementary students. The presentation covers the history of the holiday as well as activities involving toys, food, and memorabilia. Includes a list of resources for teaching about Hanukkah. (MJP)

Describes the significance of religion in India to illustrate the importance of religious beliefs as major determinants of human behavior throughout world history. Contends that the world history course provides many opportunities to help students learn about religions and religious beliefs. (CFR)

Considers some of the specific problems and possibilities inherent in the combination of adult education and religious education. Warns of the dangers of assuming a shared knowledge base among adults. Identifies three components of religious education as knowledge, authenticity, and meaning. (MJP)

Maintains that exposing the historical roots of self, other, and cultural traditions is a prerequisite for any effort at interreligious education or any education that penetrates cultural boundaries. Discusses how this perspective can inform future planning and implementation of interreligious educational efforts. (MJP)

Outlines a series of components essential to the construction of an interfaith dialog as a transformative experience: (1) study and reflection with and in the presence of the other; (2) an ongoing reevaluation of self-understanding in light of new information; and (3) formal and informal sharing of truths. (MJP)

Designed for use in Iowa elementary schools, this unit introduces students to Iowa's Amana Colonies. Four lessons cover the history and cultural heritage of the colonies, daily life in historical times, daily life in modern times, and the colonies as a corporate museum. Throughout the lessons, emphasis is placed on the values and organization of…

Provides an extensive recounting of a colloquium convened at the Institute for Christian-Jewish Studies in Baltimore, Maryland. The colloquium brought together Catholic and Jewish educators from the northeastern United States for six intensive, two-day sessions over a period of nearly three years. Discusses the development and implementation of…

Presents a summary and interpretation of responses from the participants of the Catholic-Jewish Colloquium. The participants reflect on a number of issues including the changing nature of the relationship between Judaism and Christianity, the rationale and impact of this changed relationship, the particular elements involved in the…

Maintains that interreligious learning takes place most beneficially among people who are reasonably secure in their own relationship with God and also are comfortable with the mystery of that relationship. Argues that people with little tolerance for mystery and ambiguity will become uncomfortable with other religious experiences. (MJP)