Overview

In this provocative book Warren A. Nord argues that public schools and universities leave the vast majority of students religiously illiterate. Such education is not religiously neutral, a matter of constitutional importance; indeed, it borders on secular indoctrination when measured against the requirements of a good liberal education and the demands of critical thinking. Nord also argues that religious perspectives must be included in courses that address morality and those Big Questions that a good education cannot ignore. He outlines a variety of civic reasons for studying religion, and argues that the Establishment Clause doesn't just permit, but requires, taking religion seriously. While acknowledging the difficulty of taking religion seriously in schools and universities, Nord makes a cogent case for requiring both high school and undergraduate students to take a year long course in religious studies, and for discussing religion in any course that deals with religiously controversial material. The final chapters address how religion might best be addressed in history, literature, economics, and (perhaps most controversially) science courses. He also discusses Bible courses, and the relevance of religion to moral education and ethics courses.While his position will be taken by some as radical, he argues that he is advocating a middle way in our culture wars. Public schools and universities can neither promote religion nor ignore it. Does God Make a Difference? increases our understanding of a long and heated cultural conflict; it also proposes a solution to the problem that is philosophically sound and, in the long run, eminently practical.

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9780199766888

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Infusing American public schools and colleges with an intellectual seriousness about religion that produces liberally educated students without religious indoctrination will be a challenge. Nord makes a convincing argument that it is possible. Sadly, our public education system could not be transformed during Nord's lifetime. Fortunately, he left us this intriguing blueprint. First Things

<br> Infusing American public schools and colleges with an intellectual seriousness about religion that produces liberally educated students without religious indoctrination will be a challenge. Nord makes a convincing argument that it is possible. Sadly, our public education system could not be transformed during Nord's lifetime. Fortunately, he left us this intriguing blueprint. --First Things<p><br> Warren Nord has been among the most fair, incisive, and thoughtful voices in our discussions and arguments about religion and education in recent decades. Does God Make a Difference? is a gift to all of us who want to think clearly and smartly about what is reasonable, just, constitutional, and intellectually defensible when it comes to religion and schools. A must read. <br>-- Christian Smith, William R. Kenan, Jr. Professor of Sociology and Director, Center for the Study of Religion & Society, University of Notre Dame <br><p><br> Does God Make a Difference? is a daring, provocative an

Author Information

Warren A. Nord was director of the interdisciplinary Program in the Humanities and Human Values (1979-2004) and taught the philosophy of religion and the philosophy of education (1981-2009) at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

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