Describes religious illiteracy among undergraduate students. Examines high school textbooks in United States and world history, economics, home economics, and biology. Finds religion almost completely ignored. Argues that the religious neutrality mandated by the Supreme Court effectively eradicates religion from the curriculum. Suggests a new test…

Discusses how the author deals with matters of personal religious faith in the context of teaching college religion courses from an academic perspective. Refers to Bernard Lonergan's schema for consciousness and five precepts for trying to show connections among experience, understanding, judgment, and decision. (DB)

Posits that the 1990 publication of the New Revised Standard Version of the BIBLE offers a teaching opportunity for public schools, especially in social studies and literature. Points out that new knowledge about ancient texts generated by biblical scholarship and changes in the English language necessitated creating a new standard text. (CH)

Discusses two religion and public instruction seminar series for teachers and administrators. Reports that one series addresses U.S. religious pluralism, the relationship of religion to moral education, textbook controversies, and teaching about religion. Indicates that the second series deals with religion's role in history and literature, the…

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)

Compares assumptions regarding teaching about religions found in a 1959 report with those held by contemporary advocates of religion studies. Explores ways of preparing future teachers to handle teaching about religions. Urges teachers to be aware of students' religious perspectives. Suggests using reference to religions in textbooks, legal cases…

Examines the revision process, begun in 1973, that created the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, published in 1990. Stresses the importance of accurate reflection of ancient texts in contemporary yet enduring language. Notes the ecumenical nature of the committee responsible for this revision. Provides an annotated list of Bible…

Presents a four-day lesson plan for secondary U.S. literature or Bible-and-literature classes, using the Garden of Eden story and Nathaniel Hawthorne's "Rappaccini's Daughter." Identifies objectives, materials, procedure, and evaluation measures. Develops students' ability to discover analogies and irony in literary texts. Lists teacher…

Offers a perspective on the challenge teachers face with the question of religion's role in the public schools. Discusses seven guidelines for curricular decision making. Cautions against seeking absolute solutions to the questions that will continue to surround the religious liberty provisions of the First Amendment. (DB)

Describes the public school bias toward objectivity that has produced a value-neutral education. Reviews literature on textbook content and examines textbooks and curriculum to assess the impact of the denatured curriculum on history, literature, home economics, and science instruction. Advocates strengthening the humanities where students can…

Addresses the issue of spiritual needs in the face of a materialistic, technological, self-aggrandizing culture in a speech to the American Academy of Religion. Urges religious educators to point society in the direction of environmental awareness, reintegrating spirituality with rationality. Sees the vital role religion plays in helping students…

Summarizes findings of a 50-state survey of state laws, regulations, and guidelines concerning religion and moral education. Describes legislation affecting the curriculum, student and teacher behavior, and nonpublic schools in 30 topic areas. Reports the need for further verification and clarification. Finds minimal regional differences.…

Examines contexts pertinent to teaching religious literature as literature at secondary and college levels. Explores effects of teaching religious literature in public schools, stressing maintaining secular goals. Considers influences of literary criticism. Advocates teaching practices that respect the full range of student religious traditions…

Offers a two-day lesson plan for secondary literature classes, using biblical proverbs from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, Benjamin Franklin's "Poor Richard's Almanac," and anonymous adages. Identifies objectives, materials, procedure, evaluation, and suggests student projects. Includes proverbs for discussion and…

Recognizes the importance and utility of archaeology for understanding ancient texts and revealing how they illuminate biblical meaning and history. Presents guidelines showing classroom teachers how to incorporate archaeological knowledge into their lessons. Describes current Middle Eastern excavation sites, using Jerusalem as a case study.…