Does God Belong in Public Schools? (Hardcover)

by Kent Greenawalt (Author) "AS WE HAVE SEEN, although American public schools have continually aimed to educate children to be moral persons and good citizens, the place of religion..." (more)
Key Phrases: dominant evolutionary theory, religious propositions, viewpoint discrimination, Supreme Court, Roman Catholic, United States (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
Columbia law professor Greenawalt tackles one of the truly intractable problems encountered in applying the Constitution to public life. Under the First Amendment, the government can neither establish religion nor prohibit the free exercise of religion. How can these two rules, which tug in opposite directions, be applied coherently to government-run schools? Looking at cases that have come before the courts, Greenawalt surveys the many contexts in which the proper place of religion in public schools is at issue. Some decisions are clear-cut: he says, for example, that the courts have stated that while schools may teach about religion's impact on history, they may neither endorse nor condemn the beliefs of any given religion. Where a subject, for example science, has a recognized secular method, views inconsistent with the method, such as creationism, are seen by educators as religious and thus should not be taught. Teachers can explain religious references in works of literature without becoming advocates or critics of the religions involved. In analyzing these and other issues, Greenawalt is refreshingly free of dogmatism. His judgments and conclusions are carefully drawn and nuanced, and he demonstrates how small changes in the facts can produce very different constitutional outcomes. This book will make you think clearly—and show you how.
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Review
"...he provides a lengthy list of religion-related issues considered by the courts in the last four decades". -- Charmaine Yoest, The Weekly Standard

"Greenawalt provides a good jumping-off point, with just enough legal specifics, for further debate on a loaded issue". -- Kathryn Jean Lopez, New York Post

"Greenawalt's book is satisfying, despite its lack of a definitive last word on the subject". -- The American Lawyer

"His judgements and conclusions are carefully drawn and nuanced ". -- Publisher's Weekly

Greenawalt tackles one of the truly intractable problems encountered in applying the Constitution to public life. -- Publishers Weekly

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Princeton University Press (December 13, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0691121117
• ISBN-13: 978-0691121116
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,152,327 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well thought out conclusions., June 17, 2007

By	M. A. Ramos (Florida USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Does God Belong in Public Schools? (Paperback)

Columbia University law professor examines the relationship between religion and the U.S. public school system. Analyses court decisions about constitutional limits.

He does a good job tackling one of the truly intractable problems encountered in applying the Constitution to public life. As the publisher mentions, under the First Amendment, the government can neither establish religion nor prohibit the free exercise of religion. How can these two rules, which tug in opposite directions, be applied coherently to government-run schools?

This is what will be discussed. He considers controversies such as sex education, evolution versus creationism, Christmas celebrations, religious clubs, and alternate lifestyles, among others. He reviews the history and purpose of American education programs. Should be read by all parents and educators.