Identifies three great religious catenas which interpret suffering. Discusses the classical and post-modern Christian catenas. Urges religious educators to question the classical Christian beliefs concerning suffering while not abandoning the Bible through dissatisfaction. Encourages acceptance of the idea that more than traditional beliefs find…

A lesson plan, divided into four learning activities, introduces the topic of Zen Buddhism by presenting one of many possible approaches to the academic study of religion in a secondary setting. The lesson plan is designed for integration into world history, global studies, or sociology classes in secondary schools. Learning activity one focuses…

A basic introduction to Buddhism is provided in this unit of study for high school students. The unit can be taught in social studies, geography, humanities, or religion courses. Time required is two class periods of 45 to 50 minutes each. The unit's objective is to help students gain a greater knowledge and appreciation of Buddhism and its…

A perceived relationship between the teaching methods of traditional Zen Buddhism and those of process-based English composition is explored. It is noted that the four main processes of Zen teaching (meditation, physical work, personal interviews, and group lectures) focus on process, not product, as in process writing. Characteristics that Zen…

While the art of Buddhism has an enduring tradition throughout Asia, this teaching guide focuses on the cultures of three countries in which the Smithsonian's Freer and Sackler Galleries' collections are particularly strong: India, China, and Japan. The guide identifies grade level appropriateness for some lessons and activities. It contains 15…

This annotated bibliography is a compilation of audio/visual materials related to Jewish and religious studies that are held by the Film Library of Purdue University (West Lafayette, Indiana). A subject index is followed by an alphabetical listing by title of 206 items. Included in the annotations are: (1) format indications; (2) rental cost; (3)…

Suggests ways of teaching about religion in a historically honest way on the precollege level. Urges making students objectively aware of religion to reduce susceptibility to cults. Encourages in-depth study of religions unfamiliar to students. Suggests role playing to help students understand other religions and religious conflicts. (DK)

Argues that because the cultural composition of the United States is changing, teachers must become better educated in the cultures of the children they teach. Attempts to better prepare educators to deal with children from Buddhist backgrounds. (DB)

This curriculum guide is for a semester length elective course on the world's major religions designed to be used at the 10th grade level in the Newtown Public Schools, Newton, Connecticut. It reviews each religion's origins, historical developments, sacred literature, beliefs, values, and practices while emphasizing the impact of religion on…

Tells the story of Tanyangzi, a young visionary and religious teacher in Ming China. Discusses writings relating to her life and teachings. Emphasizes the concern with chastity, publicity, and fictionality as they relate to the male view of female virtue among men of the late Ming period. (DK)

This unit focuses on differing attitudes toward the environment and the philosophies from which those attitudes developed. After finishing this unit, students will: (1) gain an understanding of the concept of "world view"; (2) trace the historical events that created the Western world view; (3) explain the relationship between world view and the…

This unit focuses on the periods in Japanese history up to the reign of Prince Shotoku (A.D. 592-622) and his role in the transmission of Chinese culture to Japan. A special focus is made on the joint practice of Buddhism and Shinto in Japan. Each lesson's materials and format are described in detail with specific objectives noted and the…

Gives an historical overview of Cambodia during the Pol Pot regime. Describes the genocide that attempted to eradicate Buddhist monks, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Muslim Chams between 1975 and 1979. Argues the regime should still be held accountable and that the case should be tried in the World Court. (NL)

The Student Text begins with a comparison of Eastern and Western World Religions. The three interrelated Abrahamic faiths are compared with Hindu-Buddhist traditions. Subsequent chapter titles are: "New Religions,""Religion and Morality,""Religion and Science,""Religion and Human Life,""A Historical Perspective" and "Getting Together." An…

This high school resource package for the public television series "Healing and the Mind with Bill Moyers" includes: (1) a teacher's guide that provides complete lesson plans for each program in the series; (2) a glossary that features definitions of the terms used in the series; (3) a bibliography containing books of interest to both…