Religion in the Classroom

Book excerpt: An indispensable resource for understanding religion's place in American schools and in matters concerning the separation of church and state in the United States. The framers of the American Constitution, in drafting the so-called "Establishment Clause" of the First Amendment-Congress shall not establish nor prohibit the practice of religion-intentionally juxtaposed two seemingly contrasting articles, understanding that we would grapple with these questions anew each day. And, indeed, we have. This book treats the Constitution, and the First Amendment in particular, as a living document, one that requires interpretation and re-interpretation on a regular basis as our nation and its people evolve. The book begins with an overview essay discussing the background of the contemporary debate over religion in schools. A timeline then highlights key events related to religion and education. Approximately 50 alphabetically arranged reference entries follow. These focus on contemporary concerns and provide objective, fundamental information about events, legislation, people, and other topics. The entries provide cross-references and suggestions for further reading, and the volume closes with an annotated bibliography.