Secularism as central to society and human life may bring undesired negative consequences in Muslim societies. Increasing social problems among juveniles in Turkey raised questions regarding the right personality development and education of young people. In extending further analysis, we conducted semi-structured interview with experts to assess…

Since 1991, the number of school district/faith-based organization partnerships jumped from 3 to 40 percent, promoted by President Clinton and the federally funded 21st Century Community Learning Centers initiative. Keys to success are identified, and programs, benefits, and problems in three large urban districts are profiled. (MLH)

The report from an informal state-by-state survey lists incidents that implicate the principle of separation of church and state. The report is not meant to be a comprehensive list of every church-state problem in the United States. Rather, it is intended to be a "snapshot" of conflicts throughout the country. The document covers the…

Argues that purging religion from public life ultimately could result in a public life lacking any legitimate moral basis. Agrees with Richard John Neuhaus that a balanced society that tolerates diversity and is underpinned by moral values must be forged. (DB)

Four short papers on pluralistic aspects of education in the United States are presented along with a brief response by a professor of philosophy and education, and the minutes of a discussion among panel participants. Topics presented include: the bilingual education program in Hartford, Connecticut; the textbook controversy in West Virginia; the…

Political and social issues have moral dimensions that make them proper subjects for consideration from a religious perspective. The separation of church and state is not intended to prevent religions, religious leaders, or religious beliefs from playing a role in the development of public policy, but instead to prevent favoritism or…

The U.S. experiment in religious liberty has enormous significance for the United States and for the world. The challenging dilemma of living with the deepest religious differences, as it is currently being met in the United States, is explored in this essay. The point that U.S. success or failure in attempts to deal with religious liberty has…

An annual state-by-state survey of censorship and other challenges to public education is covered in this report that is intended to provide a representative snapshot of the incidents, not a comprehensive picture. Two types of activity are listed: "challenges to instruction"--attempts to remove or restrict literature, instructional materials,…

Addresses some of the concerns surrounding the controversy of religion and public education. Finds some common ground in the ethical issues shared by character education and citizenship education and the nondenominational moral teachings in religious education. Outlines four broad strategies for maintaining productive community discussions. (MJP)

Contends that teachers have an essential part to play in the moral and spiritual education of students. Discusses a white paper on moral education issued by the British government. Concludes that there is no conflict between spiritual and moral education and teaching the knowledge and skills necessary for employment. (CFR)

Finds Protestant fundamentalists and Muslims in England, Australia, and the United States turning away from government schools, finding official policies antithetical to their beliefs. Argues that traditional Judaeo-Christian beliefs have been replaced by the antinomianism of those opposed to any universal moral law. Suggests that the present…

The authors believe that in order to fully develop as an individual and an effective member of a democratic society, one must be able to intelligently evaluate a wide range of conflicting and controversial viewpoints. And it is on this crucial point that our educational system has, no doubt unintentionally, failed a large number of citizens. This…

Presents three law-related education lesson plans discussing the relationship between church and state. The first two lessons, establishment of religion and free exercise of religion, culminate in the third, a round table discussion. The students research, role play, and argue hypothetical and real court cases. (MJP)