Marty and Moore contend that: "in the midst of global, national, and local change affecting worldviews and public action, religion is too widespread and too deep a phenomenon not to be reckoned with in primary or at least secondary schools and thereafter, no matter under what aegis or auspices." Their book is, however, less an argument toward that conclusion than a gingerly worded invitation to converse. "Start talking!" they conclude, puzzling those who have been and disappointing anyone listening for advice on how to reckon with religion at any level of education without either establishing it or interfering with its free exercise. Maintaining that the book is unique in dealing with all levels of education "and in general religious terms with the common good," Marty and Moore assert that Americans lead "a seamless life"--a provocative claim in a debate that persistently distinguishes between public and private spheres and insists on different educational approaches at different developmental levels. If they aim to provoke, their claim may do the trick, but isn't the book in the middle of an old conversation rather than the beginning of a new one?
Steven SchroederCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Review
"I know of no other book that addresses so well the subject of religion in education across the wide spectrum from public schools to universities. And because of his capacity to speak clearly to diverse publics, no other author is better equipped than Martin Marty to promote conversation (as opposed to verbal warfare) about this controversial subject among school board members as well as teachers, concerned taxpayers as well as advocates of religion." (Conrad Cherry, professor, Indiana University/Purdue University)
"Only Martin Marty, our most respected scholar of American religion, has the credibility to frame a new and much-needed national dialogue about the place of religion in American education. This lucid and thought-provoking book asks the key questions that must be addressed as Americans seek the common good across differences that are deep and abiding." (Charles C. Haynes, senior scholar, First Amendment Center)
"With his customary eloquence, insight, and learning, Martin Marty makes a compelling case for including the study of religion in schools and universities. This timely and important contribution to our cultural conversation about education and the common good should be of great interest to educators and the wider public." (Warren A. Nord, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, author of Religion and American Education)
