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)

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)

The Accelerated Christian Education Curriculum used in many fundamentalist private schools and home schooling in Australia is examined in the areas of Social Studies and Science and found to be at odds with widely accepted educational principles, not in compliance with registration requirements for private schools, and designed solely for the…

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…

Attempts a comprehensive investigation into the impact of nonconformity on the development of elementary education in Swansea, Wales, between 1851 and 1900. Nonconformity was a dissenting strand of English Protestant theology popular among the working class. Recounts the early efforts of the nonconformists in establishing Sunday schools. (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)

This book recounts the 1960's struggle of Mercer University, a historic Southern Baptist university in Georgia, to confront racism and cultural change. The account focuses on Sam Oni, an African and the first black student admitted to Mercer. Oni was also a Southern Baptist, a product of Mercer missionaries to Africa. In a pivotal incident when he…

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)

Explicates some of the forces and realities shaping the formation of religious identity in the modern world. Identity can no longer be be constructed in isolation from others and the community at large. People also are aware that identity is constructed socially. Discusses the impact of this on Christian-Jewish relations. (MJP)

Outlines a series of components deemed essential for interfaith dialog and education: (1) productive interfaith education cannot occur in isolation; (2) interfaith education strengthens the separate faiths; and (3) these efforts should be initiated at an earlier age. Briefly addresses problems concerning curricula in religious institutions. (MJP)

Reflects on the personal growth experienced at the Catholic-Jewish Colloquium by asking a series of questions. The questions reflect on such issues as pre-meeting expectations, adult learning experiences, the process of interfaith sharing, and the moving beyond communal faith boundaries. (MJP)

Proposes a mode of religious education that accentuates the self-actualizing, humanistic aspects of religious thought while downplaying the exclusionary and confrontational pathologies. Maintains that the power of spiritual commitment, devoid of rancorous judgments, can be a force for positive global transformation. (MJP)