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)

Asserts that cultural differences and the media provide inaccurate impressions of both Islamic law and Euro-American law. Describes the historical background of Islamic law and the struggle between forces of fundamentalism and reform. Argues that the 2 legal systems have converged in the past 40 years. (CFR)

This volume of proceedings presents papers in four sections: the keynote address, the presidential address, a focus book symposium, and concurrent sessions. The following papers are included: (1) Keynote Address, "Living With Our Deepest Differences: Reforging a Public Philosophy for Public Education" (Charles C. Haynes); (2) Presidential Address,…

It is clear that there is a new consensus in this country supporting teaching about religion and religious liberty in public schools. For too long educators have misunderstood the distinction between teaching religion, which is unconstitutional, and teaching about religion, which is not only constitutional, but necessary for a sound education.…

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…

This book contains over 50 reproducible pages with simulation activities, strategies, and themes for planning history lessons at the elementary level. Children's books are offered to enrich the teaching of history. The book focuses on how past culture and heritage melded to form present society in the United States. Thematic and multicultural…

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…

Discusses the characteristics and benefits of friendship, not only as a central metaphor for the individual/church relationship, but also as a strategy and guide for the church, the individual, and the community. Identifies the four components of friendship as a shared story, embodied love, committed reciprocity, and a shared vision. (MJP)

Maintains that a difficulty in teaching humanities survey courses is coordinating data from the various disciplines of cultural history. Recommends the use of creation stories as "windows" on the cultures of the Egyptians, Mesopotamians, and the Hebrews. Provides an overview of each culture's creation stories and a bibliography of…

Describes electronic information resources in religious and theological studies, considers the impact these tools may have on theological librarians, and discusses results of a survey of electronic tools in theological libraries that was conducted to measure the attitudes of theological librarians toward computer-aided biblical research. (35…

Reviews the legal history of including religion in the curriculum and maintains that religion may have been the most important determinant of human behavior throughout history. Outlines an instructional model based on California and Illinois state histories and includes four themes that structure the model. (CFR)

Illustrates the astonishing coordination of archaeological and scholarly activities surrounding the Dead Sea Scrolls. First discovered by Bedouin nomads in 1947, the Scrolls consist of a few complete manuscripts and over 80,000 fragments. Discusses the early Christian sect that produced the Scrolls, and provides current perspectives on the…

Although inter-religious conflicts have not yet surfaced as major social problems in Japan, religious education for peace and tolerance is needed in the country as much as in other countries. This article aims to disclose that, in light of political contexts, supposedly neutral "teaching about religion" can be as problematic as history…

Designed as a forum for the exchange of ideas on significant issues in the humanities, this annual journal presents articles written by two-year college faculty in the humanities disciplines. The 1992 issue includes the following: (1) "Broken Glass: America's Racial Nationalists Speak," by Paul J. Devendittis; (2) "Theatre on the Moving South…

This book examines the evolution of Jewish studies as an academic discipline within the history and sociology of higher education in the United States from the late 19th century to the present. Chapter 1 discusses the effects of European and American academic history on the late 19th-century appearance of Jewish learning in American universities.…