R. Murray Thomas is professor emeritus at the University of California, Santa Barbara.
"[T]homas here explains the complex story of how religion in public
school contexts is interpreted in a form that is simple but not
simplistic, mixing cogent insights about the historical roots of
America's current dilemmas. He presents not just a review of the
issue but devotes nine chapters to the analysis of specific issues,
e.g., the teaching of evolution, conducting school holiday
celebrations, and praying at school functions. Thomas brings his
admirable analytical approach and nonbiased treatment to a
multiplex issue. Readers will find him a wise companion, offering
guidance in grasping the ramifications of this subject along with a
clear understanding of what it takes to do justice to the manifold
aspects of a subject that sometimes ignites more controversy than
dialog. His deeper consideration of the causes, historical roots,
and consequences of the debate contributes to the outstanding
research value of this work and makes it an essential addition to
academic and research libraries."-Library Journal
"Tells the history of several current controversies, such as prayer
in schools, with guidelines for educators on navigating them
legally."-Education Week
"Thomas attempts to show how religious interests intersect with the
contemporary American public school. After a brief introduction and
a chapter that details the history of religion in education, the
book takes the form of a straightforward, issue by issue analysis
of religion in education. The historical development of each issue
(e.g., Darwinism, school prayer, release time for religious
activities) is described, followed by a depiction of the current
political landscape of a given issue, and an explanation of the
kinds of arguments which are made about various issues. The book is
well written, and comes across as an informative and
straightforward approach to delineate a range of
religious/educational issues. In this sense, it is a good starting
point for any student or scholar who is interested in gaining a
basic understanding of religion and education in America.... the
text makes this survey of the role of religion in public schools
very accessible to a range of readers. Recommended. All
levels."-Choice
"Thomas looks at controversies about religion in schools as an
interaction between the perspectives of the state, the church,
secularists or the concerned secular public, and public schools.
The controversies he profiles include Darwin, prayer and scripture
reading, financial support, holidays, and sexual
matters."-Reference & Research Book News
?Thomas attempts to show how religious interests intersect with the
contemporary American public school. After a brief introduction and
a chapter that details the history of religion in education, the
book takes the form of a straightforward, issue by issue analysis
of religion in education. The historical development of each issue
(e.g., Darwinism, school prayer, release time for religious
activities) is described, followed by a depiction of the current
political landscape of a given issue, and an explanation of the
kinds of arguments which are made about various issues. The book is
well written, and comes across as an informative and
straightforward approach to delineate a range of
religious/educational issues. In this sense, it is a good starting
point for any student or scholar who is interested in gaining a
basic understanding of religion and education in America.... the
text makes this survey of the role of religion in public schools
very accessible to a range of readers. Recommended. All
levels.?-Choice
?[P]rovides a helpful overview of the nine different controversies
involving religion and education, including evolution and
intelligent design, prayer and scripture reading, holiday
celebrations, financial support for religious schools, the Pledge
of Allegiance, released time and clubs, and sex education. In these
chapters, Thomas provides a useful summary of the history of the
issues....?-Journal of Church and State
?[T]homas here explains the complex story of how religion in public
school contexts is interpreted in a form that is simple but not
simplistic, mixing cogent insights about the historical roots of
America's current dilemmas. He presents not just a review of the
issue but devotes nine chapters to the analysis of specific issues,
e.g., the teaching of evolution, conducting school holiday
celebrations, and praying at school functions. Thomas brings his
admirable analytical approach and nonbiased treatment to a
multiplex issue. Readers will find him a wise companion, offering
guidance in grasping the ramifications of this subject along with a
clear understanding of what it takes to do justice to the manifold
aspects of a subject that sometimes ignites more controversy than
dialog. His deeper consideration of the causes, historical roots,
and consequences of the debate contributes to the outstanding
research value of this work and makes it an essential addition to
academic and research libraries.?-Library Journal
?Tells the history of several current controversies, such as prayer
in schools, with guidelines for educators on navigating them
legally.?-Education Week
?Thomas looks at controversies about religion in schools as an
interaction between the perspectives of the state, the church,
secularists or the concerned secular public, and public schools.
The controversies he profiles include Darwin, prayer and scripture
reading, financial support, holidays, and sexual
matters.?-Reference & Research Book News
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