December Dilemma v. Thinking Broadly about Religion in Schools

Fb-Button

As I write this, K-12 schools are wrapping up classes or may have already finished them for winter breaks. In elementary schools, no doubt, many teachers have felt compelled to mention Christmas and Hanukkah in some way.

Look at the photo above, though. First-grade teacher Debbie Fagg at the Minneha Core Knowledge Magnet Elementary School in Wichita, KS, is teaching about Hanukkah in early November as part of a multi-week unit on three monotheistic religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. She brought … Continue reading

What Can We Do When Bigotry Seems So Present?

Fb-Button

What can we do to help? I have been giving talks about teaching about religion and the experience of religious minorities in America for more than a year. That question came up sporadically before the election campaigning began in earnest. Now, I get the question every time.

Like I, people I meet are worried and even frightened about the growing vitriol in our country toward people of color, immigrants, Jews and Muslims. I wrote about the hope I had before the election … Continue reading

Seeing Hope in America on Election Eve

It’s the eve of Election Day. I’m anxious, just like the rest of America. I worry about the divisiveness in our country. This tumultuous election has revealed bigotry in many forms, toward people of color, toward Jews, toward people with disabilities, and toward Muslims. Yet, I have a twinge of hope. Continue reading

Reflections from a Religion Writing Conference, Plus Major Award for Faith Ed

Faith Ed wins a national religion book award and the author’s reflections on a national religion writing conference. Continue reading

Chautauqua-bound as Writer-in-Residence & Other Faith Ed. News

Fb-Button

I’m thrilled to announce that I will be a prose writer-in-residence this summer at the Chautauqua Writers’ Center in New York State from Aug. 6-13. My part includes giving a short reading on Sunday, Aug. 7, and a 30-minute lecture on Friday, Aug. 12. During the week, I will teach a daily workshop, Writing Provocative Stories About Religion. Students will analyze essays, op-eds, and other pieces with religion at the focus and try their hand at a story of their own.

Continue reading

Exploring Islam as Flash Point in Schools, Religion Debates & Other Faith Ed News

Fb-Button

booksonsaleGreetings to new and old subscribers! The launch of Faith Ed. is in full swing, and I’m enjoying the ride so far.

One of my latest articles stemming from Faith Ed has drawing a huge online following and impassioned commentary over at Religionandpolitics.org. It’s called “New Clash Over Religion in Schools: Communities Face Backlash on Lessons in Islam.” I’ll let you read the article and judge for … Continue reading