Discusses the life and career of Joachim Wach, a proponent of comparative study of religion (CSR). Reports that Wach envisioned "Religionwissenschaft," a unitary science taking a systematic approach to the study of religion using elements of theology, philosophy, and social science. Presents Wach's "basic and eternal" questions…

Discusses the scant attention that education has paid to religion historically. Suggests perceiving Christianity in its historical development as ecclesiastical, social, and personal. Observes that religious education is independent of both theology and pedagogics. Demonstrates that the discourse between pedagogics and theology must be based on…

This monograph offers an overview of the various ways conversations about religion and religiously informed scholarship are increasing among scholars in secular and church-related colleges and universities. Specifically, it addresses the history of secularization in American higher education and scholarship, the general models of faith and…

Examines the relationship between autonomy and religiosity. Argues that the latter does not necessarily exclude the former. Outlines a theory regarding the development of religious judgment. Describes basic characteristics of religious education. Discusses questions concerning the universality of religion and the role of atheistic attitudes within…

Examines the relationship between life history and religion and the relationship's implications for education. Argues that the topic is a traditional one for education. Describes research findings concerning the religious implications of autobiographical reflection and the development of meaning in life history. Concludes that religion remains a…

The multi-faceted assessment of the teaching of religious history in the elementary and secondary schools of Indiana developed from a need for the assessment, a concept and procedure for the assessment, and the applications to educational practice. Textbooks have neglected religious history, and a national movement exists to improve the curricular…

Describes the schools established and operated by the Dutch Reformed Church in the Netherlands from the sixteenth to the twentieth centuries. Contends that the neo-Calvinists created a form of moral education consistent with their religious beliefs. Argues that ordinary citizens were still broadened intellectually and socially by these schools.…

This literature review examines the "God concept," defined as the "cognitive or affective internal psychological representation of God." Most religions have a conception of God. In this review relevant literature focused on: (1) conceptual representations of God; (2) factors related to or predictive of these representations;…

Presents observations concerning religion study in 150 Moscow schools. Reports that, although there are still some extracurricular activities promoting traditional former Soviet atheistic ideology, religion is now taught openly. Indicates that religion and atheism also are being studied on a scientific-philosophical basis. Examines how various…

This paper explores the representation of the human body through the literature and art of early India. From its beginning, Indian art has employed an uninterrupted iconic mode of representation that focuses on an anthropomorphic mimesis to describe desire, devotion, and ascetic denial. The paper focuses on the earliest such representations of the…

Presents an annotated bibliography originally designed for use at the Catholic-Jewish Colloquium. Includes historical and biblical studies, general resources regarding the relationship between Jews and Christians, ecclesial statements and commentaries, theological resources, and educational and liturgical materials. (MJP)

Reviews recent research on the effects of women teachers on female students. Argues that dramatic shifts have occurred in the cultural and religious landscape as a result of feminism and the empowerment of women. Contends that women teachers must help female students to recognize and resist the false images of themselves and the world. (CFR)

Contends that the sociology of U.S. organized religion is undergoing a period of ferment. Discusses the development of an open market in the historiography and sociology of U.S. religion studies. Concludes with suggestions for further research. (CFR)

This syllabus describes a college course developed to address South Asian literature and culture with a focus on India. Suggestions for student readings and discussion, oral communication, listening, writing, and field trips are included. The empires of South Asia, its religions, social stratification, parallels of history and religion with the…

This book of essays provides a set of reference sources on the field of social studies. The introduction places the discipline in context, connecting it with the society and the world that it helps to explain. The 15 chapters include: (1) "Persistent Issues in the Social Studies" (Stanley P. Wronski); (2) "Reform Revisited: The Story of Elementary…