America's Religions: An Educator's Guide to Beliefs
and Practices
Benjamin J. Hubbard, John T. Hatfield, and James A. Santucci
Teacher Ideas Press (1997)
Englewood, CO
1-800-237-6124
http://www.teacherideaspress.com/shared/products/LU4694.asp
This book provides a brief introduction to the origins, beliefs,
sacred books/scriptures, practices, and main subgroups of America's
many religions. It also addresses classroom concerns and common
misunderstandings and stereotypes of various religious traditions.
Finding Common Ground: A Guide to Religious Liberty
in Public Schools
Charles C. Haynes and Oliver Thomas
First Amendment Center (2001)
1-615-727-1600
www.freedomforum.org
A comprehensive introduction to the range of ethical, political,
legal, and educational issues that arise in connection with the
topic of religion and public education. Answers questions regarding
religion in the curriculum, religious holidays, religious liberty
rights of students, the First Amendment and the Supreme Court, and
the history of religious liberty in the United States.
How to Be a Perfect Stranger: A Guide to Etiquette
in Other People's Religious Ceremonies
2 Volumes
Arthur J. Magida, Editor
Jewish Lights Publishing (1996)
Woodstock, VT
1-802-457-4000
http://www.jewishlights.com/books/397.html
"We Americans live in a remarkably diverse society, and it's
increasingly common to be invited to a wedding, funeral, or other
religious service of a friend, relative or coworker whose faith
is different from our own. These can be awkward situations . . .
.
What will happen? What do I do? What do I wear? What do I say? What should I avoid doing, wearing, saying? Is it okay to use a video camera? How long will it last? What are their basic beliefs? Will there be a reception? Will there be food? Should I bring a gift? When is it okay to leave?
These are just a few of the basic questions answered in How to Be a Perfect Stranger."
(Taken from the description on the book's dust-jacket)
On Common Ground: World Religions in America
Diana L. Eck and the Pluralism Project at Harvard University
Columbia University Press (2002)
New York
1-800-944-8648
http://www.columbia.edu/cu/cup/catalog/data/023112/0231126646.HTM
This multimedia CD-ROM presents the history, beliefs, and current
practices of fifteen religious traditions. Organized in three sections,
"A New Religious Landscape" offers a geographic portrait
of religious traditions in eighteen cities and regions throughout
the U.S., profiling hundreds of mosques, temples, gurdwaras, synagogues,
and churches in text and photos. "America's Many Religions"
uses text, video, and audio recordings to portray the histories,
beliefs, and practices of religions in the U.S., bringing these
traditions to life with the voices and views of people speaking
about their own faith and experience. "Encountering Religious
Diversity" investigates what the new pluralism means for the
U.S. today and includes a whole anthology of documents for study
and discussion.
(Taken from description on the CD-ROM cover)
Religion & American Education: Rethinking a National
Dilemma
Warren A. Nord
The University of North Carolina Press (1995)
Chapel Hill and London
1-800-848-6224
A comprehensive and in-depth look at the relationship between religion
and education in American history. Offers a balanced and fair approach
to controversies involving the First Amendment, textbooks, multiculturalism,
evolution, indoctrination, moral education, and vouchers.
Religion in American Life
17 Volumes
General Editors: Jon Butler and Harry S. Stout, Yale University
Oxford University Press (1998-2003)
New York
1-800-451-7556
http://www.oup.com/us/catalog/general/subject/HistoryOther/HistoryofReligion/?ci=0195158245&view=usa
This series is designed specifically for readers in high school
through college. Includes volumes on significant religious groups
in America (Protestants, Catholics, Jews, Mormons, Orthodox Christians,
Muslims, Native Americans, alternative religions, Buddhists,
Sikhs, and Hindus) and on specific themes and topics in American
religious
life (women and religion, African Americans, church-state issues,
and immigration). A free teacher's guide is available.
Taking Religion Seriously Across the Curriculum
Warren A. Nord and Charles C. Haynes
Association for Supervision and Curriculum and Development (1998)
Alexandria, VA
1-800-933-2723
http://www.ascd.org
This book charts "a middle course in our culture wars over
religion and public education - one that builds on a developing
national consensus among educational and religious leaders. While
not proper for schools to practice religion or proselytize, it is
not permissible to make them into 'religion-free' zones either;
schools must take religion seriously. Unfortunately, religion is
taken far from seriously in the K-12 curriculum, as the authors'
review of textbooks and the new national content standards make
clear. . . . "
(Taken from the description on the book's back cover)
Teaching About Islam & Muslims in the Public School
Classroom: A Handbook for Educators
Council on Islamic Education
Fountain Valley, CA
1-714-839-2929
www.cie.org
A useful introduction to the history and teachings of Islam and
the beliefs and practices of Muslims presented in a question and
answer format. Includes sections on "Teaching with Sensitivity"
and "Recommended Resources" as well as a "Quick Reference
Glossary."