Maintains that exposing the historical roots of self, other, and cultural traditions is a prerequisite for any effort at interreligious education or any education that penetrates cultural boundaries. Discusses how this perspective can inform future planning and implementation of interreligious educational efforts. (MJP)

Outlines a series of components essential to the construction of an interfaith dialog as a transformative experience: (1) study and reflection with and in the presence of the other; (2) an ongoing reevaluation of self-understanding in light of new information; and (3) formal and informal sharing of truths. (MJP)

Explores the reasons for the extraordinary conversion to Christianity among the Naga peoples of northeastern India. Almost the entire population has converted within the last 100 years. Tests the usefulness of models of religious change generated from fieldwork on conversion in Africa, specifically Robin Horton's "intellectualist"…

Describes the main features of a new method for teaching religious education to children. Compares this method to other British religious education approaches. The "gift method" approach begins with the child receiving some easily understood component of a religion (song, prayer, material object) then progresses to a more complex…

A national sample of high school seniors completed surveys about their educational plans. Results indicated that educational plans were significantly related to race and religious involvement. The racial difference was more pronounced for males than for females. There was a positive relationship between the likelihood of seeking more education and…

Articulates an ethical and theological basis for ethnographic research in faith communities. Interviews with nine ethnographers reveal that both research and researcher are changed by the research act. Argues that ethnography is an opportunity for ministry that is empowering and educational. (MJP)

Argues that too often liturgy and religious education posit an idyllic notion of the reign of God and fail to address the injustice, oppression, and violence endemic to much of modern life. This amounts to a dichotomy between the sacred and the secular. Proposes several corrective measures. (MJP)

Examines and defines the world of play for children and considers what lessons and applications this might have for adults and their spirituality. Particularly notes that the "what-if" and "as-if" dimensions of play can be used as energizing and liberating aspects of a more active adult spirituality. (MJP)

Reviews the background and consequences of the most violent and effective textbook confrontations in U.S. history, summarizing the objectives of religious fundamentals to a K-12 language arts curriculum. Decries the individual and societal operation of agnosis (not wanting to know). Condemns the publishing industry for self-censorship based on…

Examines the general concept of judicial activism, then looks at three specific areas where charges of usurpation of policy-making power have been leveled at the courts: (1) racial desegregation; (2) due process for students; and (3) religion in public education. Concludes that judicial involvement in school policy occurs when explicit…

Discusses the attitudes of the Arabic-speaking peoples toward the learning of Western languages, particularly English. Ethnic Arabs regard Arabic as a God-given language. The Arab world is suspicious of any form of foreign influence: political, economic, cultural or educational. A case study of Lebanon is presented. (21 references) (CK)

Examines how rural-urban, nonconformist-Anglican dichotomies characterized Welsh educational history. Discusses how nineteenth-century industrialization and social status encouraged Anglicization of Welsh schools and society. Analyzes subsequent developments that reawakened national consciousness, and demands for Welsh language instruction, now…

Whether or not the spatial cognitive development of students from distinct social-cultural milieus, specifically Anglos from the southwestern part of the United States and Native Turks, would proceed along approximately the same lines was investigated. The overall findings tend to indicate that at times the acquisition of spatial structures may be…

Presents findings of a meeting, sponsored by the Massachusetts Advisory Committee of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, on racial tension and religious intimidation on Massachusetts campuses. Student representatives of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and Smith College at Northampton (Massachusetts) describe experiences and provides…

Presents a bibliography on education in Africa. Topics addressed include religion and education; modernization and development, including political aspects, language policy, planning and financing, and international cooperation; education for community and rural development; education and work; demographic and environmental problems; and groups in…