An Educator's Classroom Guide to America's Religious Beliefs and Practices

Book excerpt: Today, with all of the controversies surrounding religion in the schools and in the public sphere, it would seem more important than ever that teachers and librarians have a quick source of up-to-date, correct, unbiased information to give to patrons and students. The authors of this book (all are or have been professors of religion at various well known universities) offer just that. The book is arranged to cover most all of the known (and little known) religions in America. Today, with all of the controversies surrounding religion in the schools and in the public sphere, it would seem more important than ever that teachers and librarians have a quick source of up-to-date, correct, unbiased information to give to patrons and students. The authors of this book (all are or have been professors of religion at various well- known universities) offer just that. The book is arranged to cover most of the known (and little-known) religions in America. Each section includes: Origins, Beliefs, Sacred Book/Scriptures, Practices, Main Subgroups, Common Misunderstandings and Stereotypes, Classroom Concerns, Population Data, and Further Readings. Though there are many guides to religions, this book has the unique advantage of looking at each religion as it may affect the classroom and other student groups and activities.