Reflection on religious issues is an essential part of education. In secular colleges and universities, religious topics under study should be highlighted, with discussion, challenges, and critique encouraged, not dismissed or ignored. Faculty should openly express their convictions when relevant to the subject or a student's concern. Dialogue can…

Histories of two church-related folk schools established by Lutheran Danish immigrants to the Great Plains reveal different underlying philosophies. Influenced by pietism, one stressed disciplined reading of the scriptures, active participation in the church, and missionary work. The other emphasized the importance of the living church community…

Reviews government-controlled religious education in Japanese public schools. States that, although teaching a specific religion in public schools is prohibited, instruction in various religions and moral education is seen as contributing to a complete education. Cites examples of religion appearing in social studies curriculum. (DB)

Discusses the Pancasila, a statement of five religions principles, that allows for religious diversity and cultural pluralism while forging national unity in Indonesia. States that religious education is composed of state ideology and the people's philosophy of life. Describes how religion and religious tolerance is fostered and enhanced. (DB)

Described is the use of the Bible as a source of information on the availability and use of metals in ancient societies. The use of the Bible in cross-curricular work between science, technology, and religious studies is discussed. (Author/CW)

The New Right regularly claims that the teaching of secular humanism by public schools is responsible for varied social ills and that it violates the constitutional prohibition against the advocacy of religious beliefs. This article explores these as empirical claims, concluding that no reliable evidence supports these allegations. Although such…

Analyzes the party politics of religious education within the London School Board in the 1890s. Concentrates on the parliamentary struggle between two London School Board members: Edward Stanley (Progressive Party) and Joseph Diggle (Conservative Party) over the role of religion in education. Includes reactions of the Australian public to the…

Asserts that parents, especially mothers, were expected to assume responsibility for the early education of children in preindustrial England. Discusses the role that mothers played regarding education at home or through church-related agencies. Concludes that women accepted the responsibility of providing for the education of children. (CFR)

Compares values and ethics related courses in three types of colleges. The study included three variables: Total Values Courses Required, Contemporary Values Courses Required, and Nonreligion Values Courses Required. Discovers that, although Evangelical colleges require greater coursework, instruction is often one-sided. (MJP)

Discusses the constitutional issues involved in government funding of religious schools. Argues against school choice and suggests that religious schools do not offer a real choice. Warns against state involvement in religious schools as a threat to freedom of religion, separation of church and state, and the independence of private schools. (DK)

Suggests an alternative to the traditional epistemological construction that defines the individual as the center of knowledge formation. Criticizes this approach for helping to perpetuate an individualistic culture often at odds with religious teachings. Outlines recent epistemologies, mostly offered by feminists, that challenge these theories.…

Argues that the act of worship can become an act of resistance against the hegemony of a dominant culture. Maintains that congregational life offers the possibility to awaken people's discontent, foster skepticism toward prevailing assumptions, articulate ethical alternatives, and develop readiness for struggle and change. (MJP)

Private Islamic universities are increasing in East Africa, where higher education is increasingly privatized and diversified. The progressive scholars behind the trend are seeking opportunities for dynamic encounters between Islam and modern secular disciplines. The model is the 11-year-old Islamic University in Uganda, which is now attempting to…

Explores how school administrators can provide a quality Catholic education for all families without depleting the parish's limited financial resources. Describes a phase-in process for a parish tuition assistance program as a new model for implementing change. (VWC)

Explores the roles of media and spirituality in contemporary society, and questions whether or not spirituality can be experienced in the medium of film and if educators can use film for religious formation. Describes a model of film education based on spirituality. (VWC)