Describes the services of the General Theological Library in Boston, Massachusetts, a nondenominational, ecumenical institution which provides mail order circulation of religious books for clients throughout the United States. (Author/JL)

Uses examples from the author's and others' experiences to describe techniques that "cults" use, including emphases on discipline, group identity, confession, constant activity, an unquestioned doctrine, and control of members' communications. Suggests high school courses be taught on cult methods, the Bible as literature, and…

Examines the efforts of conservative religious and political organizations to influence the schools. Argues that protection of inquiry in the classroom constitutes the first line of defense for the continuation of democracy during times of stress and change. (Author/IRT)

Examines recent court holdings concerning the schools and the celebration of religious holidays, the establishment of religious clubs and organizations, and the distribution of Bibles. (IRT)

Shows that application of the Fair Labor Standards Act and Title VII to religious organizations and lay employees does not violate the free exercise clause, whereas a blanket exemption might run afoul of the establishment clause. Available from University of Pittsburgh Law Review, 3900 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15260; single copies $2.50.…

The role religious organizations and government agencies play in art sponsorship is examined. The importance of bringing art into the community and methods for accomplishing this are discussed. (RW)

Discusses the role of faith-based organizations (FBOs) in providing social services, examining the scope, scale, and effectiveness of faith-based social action. Explains that faith-based approaches are effective because they promote faith, rely on volunteers, are present in the community, and are holistic. Describes creative government-faith…

To ascertain the knowledge level and congruent practices among public college and university student-personnel administrators relating to reported court decisions based on the First Amendment religious clauses, questionnaires were sent to a sample of 250 administrators. Responses from 169 (68%) of the administrators are analyzed. (MLF)

Notes that the congregation-based child care community is a dominant, diverse, vibrant, and growing segment of child care provision, and updates current state of these centers. Explores how congregations are expected to play an increasingly important role in the child care field. Includes overall child care statistics for 12 denominations in the…

Reports on a project that tested the feasibility of recruiting and training volunteers as lay health educators who could coordinate and reinforce the educational efforts of health care providers. The program proved successful in identifying, recruiting, and training volunteers from racially and religiously diverse institutions. Favorable outcomes…

The mother of a young adult with autism suggests ways that religious communities, especially their family's Jewish community, can help in the transition of young people with developmental disabilities to adulthood. She urges inclusion in religious schools, provision of workshops and support systems for young adults and their families, and…

During the 1960s and 1970s, public education's most vociferous critics were political leftists. Current challenges to public school programs and reform efforts are most often initiated by conservative citizen groups with fundamentalist Protestant leanings. This article describes the most active groups; their targets, allegations, strategies, and…

Discusses the CSJ Educational Network, organized by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange to unite elementary schools in California. Reports that 22 schools are involved in the network, from five regions across the state. Lists criteria for membership, and provides recommendations for schools that desire to implement their own networks. (CJW)

This study employs a resource mobilization model to explain racial differences in congregation-based political activism. The fewer resources (i.e., members, income, clergy leadership, civic ties) that black congregations possess relative to white congregations largely accounts for racial differences in congregation-based lobbying and protest…