This book argues that understanding the current state of academic teaching, and the study of religion in higher education, requires familiarity with the individuals and organizations that have shaped the field and, more importantly, with the arguments used to justify religion as a field of academic inquiry. The primary focus of the book is on the…

Describes the work of E. Warren Clark, a lay missionary officially employed by the Japanese government as a university teacher during the 1870s. Provides excerpts from Clark's book, "Life and Adventure in Japan" (1878), written after his return. (JDH)

This textbook is a reader that seeks to stimulate interest in history, literature, religion, and art of older civilizations. Subjects include: (1) the Hindus; (2) the Egyptians; (3) the Chinese; (4) the Babylonians, Assyrians, and Chaldeans; (5) the Persians; (6) the Hebrews; (7) the Greeks; and (8) the Romans.

Joining African religion with Catholicism, women of northeastern Brazil re-enact century-old ceremonies. When forced to practice Catholicism, Afro-Brazilians assimilated their concepts of forces into the belief in Christian saints. Sisterhoods and brotherhoods in Brazil were underground manifestations of religions native to Africa. (VM)

In this book, Susan Cornwall aims to illustrate the beauty and value of practical piety, by an attractive exhibition of its salutary influence amid the daily duties and cares and common incidents of life. For this reason, Cornwall selected an interesting phase of mental habits, which, though combining some of the most striking points of…

Offers a reading of St. Augustine that suggests his work as prescient of, and harmonious with, contemporary criticism of colonialist discourse rather than as an authorizing voice for European imperialism. Looks also at a Stephen Greenblatt essay that comments on the relationship between Christianity and national lust for empire. (TB)

Religion and dance are the foci of the essays in this publication. There are four major sections to the volume. The first section provides an overview of the history of dance and religion. The first essay provides an historical review up to the Middle Ages and describes dance as a "catalyst for religion" during this era. Other essays…

Traces 19th-century efforts of the American Methodist Episcopal Church to establish missions and employ Black missionary bishops in Liberia. Points out that the abolition of slavery in the United States contributed to a shift in the Methodist Church's position on recruiting Blacks in the mission movement in Africa. (Author/MJL)

Examines the military career of Roman Nose, war chief of the Hmisis band of northern Cheyenne, highlighting the hostilities of 1865-68. Describes Roman Nose's leadership of the fierce Dog Soldiers, his confrontations with Hancock, Custer, Sherman, and Forsyth, and his religious beliefs and practices. Contains 36 references. (SV)

Describes the origin of the Druze people, a group of approximately 300,000 people living mainly in Syria, Lebanon, and Israel. The secret Druze religion, often mistaken for Moslems, is characterized in the contemporary customs displayed by the Druzes of Israel. (JDH)

Details the case of Elizabeth Linneweil, a Jewish child who was persuaded by her guardians to convert to Catholicism. The motives of the emotionally vulnerable adolescent--desire to conform, to please guardians, and to cement social bonding in the community--are discussed. (JAC)

Presents an essay dealing with two nineteenth-century incidents of religious intolerance. Recounts the story of Joseph Smith, the founder of the Mormon Church, who was murdered by opponents of the new religion. Explains how the writings of Presbyterian minister and newspaper publisher, Elijah Lovejoy, set off a response that led to his death. (SG)

Presents historical perspective suggesting that invitational theory shares many beliefs with ancient Eastern philosophies. Submits that teachers and other educators who embrace the invitational perspective may benefit from an understanding of Eastern principles. Briefly describes Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Zen Buddhism, and their relevance to…

The nature and function of news in the public life of seventeenth-century New England and the legacy this conception of news left for the development of American newspaper journalism in the eighteenth century are explored in this paper. The paper argues that the origin of American news--its subject matter, style, and method of reporting--is deeply…

Assesses the strengths and weaknesses of university study licenses such as the "Licet canon" and the "Cum ex eo" which, when issued by the Vatican in the 13th century, allowed unordained parochial rectors and ordained priests to obtain higher education. Concludes that study licenses improved the education of the parochial…