This simple, yet indispensable book offers tips and techniques on every aspect of teaching religion. Sr. Kathleen covers every possible aspect of preparing and teaching a religion class: the role of the teacher; shaping a lesson plan; teaching a lesson; good discipline; using Scripture, prayer; stories, music, and drama in your class; writing and other activities; working with parents; and much more. For novices and veteran teachers alike.

Religions flourish everywhere around the planet, shaping people's lives, providing meaning and spiritual guidance in a perplexing world, giving comfort in times of distress. Divided into 52 sections and grouped into four chapters Religion: A Crash Course takes a geographical approach. It covers the ancient religions that emanate from the Indian subcontinent, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism through to the Abrahamic faiths of the Jews, Christians, and Muslims of Arabia and Europe. The third section looks at the way Indian religions found their way to China and Japan, mingling Taoism, Confucianism, and Shinto. Finally, the less well-documented tribal religions of Africa, Australasia, and the Americas are explored as well as recent phenomena in the New World: the Mormons, Rastafarians, and Pentecostalists.

It isn’t just in recent arguments over the teaching of intelligent design or reciting the pledge of allegiance that religion and education have butted heads: since their beginnings nearly two centuries ago, public schools have been embroiled in heated controversies over religion’s place in the education system of a pluralistic nation. In this book, Benjamin Justice and Colin Macleod take up this rich and significant history of conflict with renewed clarity and astonishing breadth. Moving from the American Revolution to the present—from the common schools of the nineteenth century to the charter schools of the twenty-first—they offer one of the most comprehensive assessments of religion and education in America that has ever been published. From Bible readings and school prayer to teaching evolution and cultivating religious tolerance, Justice and Macleod consider the key issues and colorful characters that have shaped the way American schools have attempted to negotiate religious pluralism in a politically legitimate fashion. While schools and educational policies have not always advanced tolerance and understanding, Justice and Macleod point to the many efforts Americans have made to find a place for religion in public schools that both acknowledges the importance of faith to so many citizens and respects democratic ideals that insist upon a reasonable separation of church and state. Finally, they apply the lessons of history and political philosophy to an analysis of three critical areas of religious controversy in public education today: student-led religious observances in extracurricular activities, the tensions between freedom of expression and the need for inclusive environments, and the shift from democratic control of schools to loosely regulated charter and voucher programs. Altogether Justice and Macleod show how the interpretation of educational history through the lens of contemporary democratic theory offers both a richer understanding of past disputes and new ways of addressing contemporary challenges.

In this concise, accessible guide, author Christopher Catherwood takes his readers through the history of the faith, educating them about the uniqueness of Christianity from its birth to the diverse, global Evangelical Church we know today. Church History is the perfect place to start for anyone who wants to know where to begin this quest for knowledge. Enjoy discovering more about the lives of men and women from various times and places, not only to better understand the church, but also to know how to live wisely in this age. These are some of the many reasons why history is so important. From those who desire to learn more about their fellow followers of Jesus Christ throughout history to those who want to learn more about church for themselves, this book will test you to dig deeper in your faith.

Demonstrates twelve different methods for reading the Bible that will not only help you understand its words more fully but will also nudge you toward applying those words to your life more faithfully. "The Spirit of God uses the Word of God to make us like the Son of God." —Rick Warren. You were created to become like Christ. This is one of the five God-ordained purposes for your life that Warren describes in his bestselling book The Purpose Driven Life. And this is why studying the Bible is so important. The Bible's truths have the power to shape you, transform you, align you with the character and ways of Jesus Christ as you encounter him in the gospels and throughout all of Scripture. Rick Warren's Bible Study Methods is an easy-to-understand guide through twelve effective reading methods that allow Scripture to do just that. Simple step-by-step instructions guide you through the how-tos of the following methods: Devotional Chapter Summary Character Quality Thematic Biographical Topical Word Study Book Background Book Survey Chapter Analysis Book Synthesis Verse Analysis The organization of this book allows you to explore each method or jump around to find the ones best suited to your reading and learning style as well as your spiritual growth. Thousands of individuals, small groups, churches, and seminary classes have used this practical manual to unlock the wonderful truths of Scripture. You can too. Written by America's pastor, Rick Warren, Rick Warren's Bible Study Methods will help you develop a customized approach to studying, understanding, and applying the Bible.

The famous French sociologist Emile Durkheim is universally recognised as one of the founding fathers of sociology as an academic discipline. He wrote on the division of labour, methodology, suicide and education, but his most prolific and influential works were his writings on religion, which culminated in his controversial book The Elementary Forms of the Religious Life. Although his influence continued long after his death in 1917, this is the first book to provide a detailed look at the whole of his work in the field of religion. Durkheim on Religion is a selection of readings from Durkheim's writings on religion, presented in order of original publication, ranging from early reviews to articles and extracts from his books. Also included are detailed bibliographies and abstracts together with contributions by such writers as Van Gennep, Goldenweiser and Stanner. This book will be invaluable to those studying sociology and anthropology, but will also be of interest to those studying the history or philosophy of religion, as well as to anyone with an interest in Durkheim.

Catholic school leaders and teachers will love this book! It has everything-absolutely everything-they want and need to know about prayer in school. Sr. Kathleen is a veteran teacher and it's clear that she has "been there and done that" with great joy and enthusiasm. But she knows that not every teacher feels secure about praying with a class, even though they know it's important and realize that parents entrust them with this responsibility. And she also realizes that certain Catholic prayer forms are a mystery to them. On the other hand, there are those who feel very comfortable teaching prayer but are looking for fresh ideas.