This qualitative study provides a phenomenological perspective and comparative analysis of character education within the Christian school and home education milieu. The study is based on semi-structured interviews of fifty-two individuals (N = 52) representative of a sampling of Christian educators from four private, evangelical Christian Schools…

This guide completes a 6-year American Textbook Council project on religion in the schools. An inquiry into textbook content expanded into this exposition on religion, curriculum, and character education. The guide explores the sources of moral instruction in an era when spirituality comes in many forms, and cracks in public culture are apparent.…

Neither public nor private agencies address the extensive religious involvement that children and youth receive in child care facilities and foster home placement situations. In a five-state mid-west study (N=252), this paper examines religious practices in foster homes. The study identifies a strong Christian-based affiliation of foster homes.…

Of the educational work of the Young Women's Christian Associations only a part is done in the educational departments. The whole association is an educational project. For specific pieces of education, it organizes educational committees and departments in those associations that are large enough, and classes in those that do not maintain…

Discusses the problem of fundamentalist Chiristian day care facilities and schools that mete out corporal punishment to young children and justify it with Biblical passages and Christian doctrine. (GC)

In this article, historical aspects of the pre-Lenten celebration of Carnival are discussed and the Carnival is examined in terms of its meaning as a "rite of passage." One of the most important functions of Carnival is its original one of being a ritual with profound secular and religious implications. (Author/MC)

Reviews the Christian fiction series, "Cedar River Daydreams," by Judy Baer and recommended for grades 7-10. The main character is a girl who has moved to a new town, and struggles with socializing in school, peer pressure, popularity, acceptance of her Down's Syndrome afflicted brother, and being herself. Includes an annotated list of…

Suggests that Catholic school administration should provide opportunities for faith formation in the following ways: (1) placing the work of the board in upper theological context; and (2) reinterpreting the practical work of the board as an adult faith response to baptismal calling. Doing so will provide spiritual and material rewards. (MZ)

Advocates that dialogue is a tool that transforms those that are involved in it and that it can create or improve relationships. Claims that Catholic schools should teach students how to have effective dialogue skills. Gives seven suggestions on how Catholic schools can change the status quo by nurturing dialogue. (MZ)

Explored an interactive framework for understanding how gender influences the counseling process in religious counseling. Found that female counselors were perceived as more religious and effective than were their male counterparts. Results illustrate that the effects of gender on the counseling process can be predicted with an interactive model.…

Explores the effects of Toni Morrison's novel, "Beloved," on readers. Explains that it maps a new direction for the African-American apocalyptic tradition because Morrison relocated the arena of racial battle from the streets to the African-American psyche where memories of the atrocities of the past have been buried. (JS)

Acknowledges the limited extend to which modern Soviet or Russian literature has dealt with the relationship of religion and children. Provides a bibliographic essay illustrating the religious deprivation of most Russian children, how they are becoming more religious, and how this is reflected in contemporary Russian literature. (CFR)

Examines how religious educators can help solve world problems through educational processes founded in Christian traditions. Suggests that the Catholic church influences as much through its conduct as its teachings. Argues that religious educators must draw on tradition both for vision of world repair and sustenance for pursuing repair. (DB)

To initiate dialogue on religion as integral to human and cultural identity, "MultiCultural Review" interviewed scholars in the field. Supplemental elements promote consideration of issues raised by Peter Turner, Mayassa Abou Youssef, Jonathan D. Sarna, John J. Denniston, and Phyllis Tickle. (SLD)