Presents evidence connecting community service and religiousness in American youth. These data from nationally representative samples strengthen the case that the many contemporary youth who take religion seriously are vibrantly engaged in their schooling, in the betterment of communities, and the development of identities that presage healthy…

Young pastors are beginning to use experiences as a way of teaching in their parishes. Interest in experiential education grew out of frustration with conventional theological education based on classroom lecture and textbooks, which failed to equip the minister-in-training to deal with day-to-day life of the parish, hospital, or campus. (JHZ)

A survey of Roman Catholic bishops (N=276; total population) and priests (N=655; random sample) on the purpose, effectiveness, and administration of parish religious education programs revealed a broad range of opinion. The respondents were almost unanimous in stating that such programs help people grow in faith into mature adult Christians; that…

Analyzes and contrasts a number of Roman Catholic documents, published in the United States and foreign countries, emphasizing theological themes which are presented as central to adult religious education. Focuses on the tension between church authority and adult education principles. Concludes that the optimism of the documents is diminished by…

Presents the Marriage and Family Awareness Program, a three-stage model for Christian counseling, consisting of a James Dobson film, parent groups, and follow-up counseling. The program was offered to over 100 persons in Texas churches. Feedback from participants was positive. Elements of each session are described. (JAC)

Considers the defining role of ritual liturgical practices (hymn singing, prayer, sacred meal) in establishing and maintaining the faith of a religious community. Argues that liturgical practices (acting as formative and catechesis agents) are critical, constitutive, and normative for persons and communities of faith. (MJP)

Argues that the act of worship can become an act of resistance against the hegemony of a dominant culture. Maintains that congregational life offers the possibility to awaken people's discontent, foster skepticism toward prevailing assumptions, articulate ethical alternatives, and develop readiness for struggle and change. (MJP)

This document reports on a conference that addressed the involvement of the National Council of Churches of Christ/USA in literacy education in North America, at which literacy program participants, national leaders in literacy education, church leaders, and international literacy delegates described their successes and struggles. The first…

This document is the final report of a study conducted to determine what factors contribute to strong Black family life and how these strong families solve problems, in order to add to the knowledge base on stable families so as to enhance practical intervention with families in need, and to identify models of self-help strategies used by stable…

President Eisenhower, in his commencement address at Baylor University, called upon American universities, supported by private foundations, to devote themselves to the development of educational facilities abroad in areas where such facilities are inadequate or are entirely lacking. At the same time he pointed out the need for the development of…

Historically, religion and spirituality have been major influences in the social, cultural, and political lives of African Americans. Spirituality is deeply embedded into their rich cultural heritage, and it is intertwined into all aspects of their life, including beliefs about health and illness. For African Americans, health and illness are a…

Presents a fascinating comparison of the musical styles and respective theologies between an Anglican church service and a black fundamentalist service. Maintains that the Anglican service depends on a logocentric vision of the world, separating emotion from intellect. The black church exemplifies a more holistic, transcendent experience. (MJP)