Today, with all of the controversies surrounding religion in the schools and in the public sphere, it would seem more important than ever that teachers and librarians have a quick source to up to date, correct, unbiased information to give to patrons and students and to inform their classroom practices. The authors of this book (all are or have been professors of religion at various well known universities) do just that. Using this dictionary of religion and culture, teacher will have access to the understanding they need to build unbiased classrooms.The idea for this book came out of the experience of practicing classroom teachers in public schools as they tried to build classroom environments grounded in respect for the many cultures and religions represented. In his foreword for the book, school administrator, David Hubbard discusses the need to develop the trained eye in educators so that they can see their classrooms from the perspective of persons from all religious beliefs. The book is arranged to cover most all of the known (and little known) religions in America from the Bahai Faith to Zoroastrianism. Each section covers topics: Origins, Beliefs, Sacred Book/Scriptures, Practices, Main Subgroups, Common Misunderstandings and Stereotypes, Classroom Concerns, Population Data and Further Readings as well as noting current web page addresses if available. Though there are many guides to religions in America, this book has the unique niche of looking at each religion as it may affect teacher practice in the classroom and other student groups-thus its appeal to public and school libraries as well as classroom teachers and other youth leaders.
Benjamin J. Hubbard, PhD, is professor emeritus of comparative religion at California State University, Fullerton where he was department chair for 15 years. He has been a frequent contributor on religion-related issues to the Los Angeles Times/Orange County and the Orange County Register. His specialties include Judaic studies, the interfaith movement, and religion and media studies.
John T. Hatfield, PhD, is professor emeritus of Ethnic and Women's' Studies at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. He is a past president of the American Academy of Religion's Western Region and of the Far Western Philosophy of Religion Society. His special interests include Native American religion, and religion and pubic education.
James A. Santucci, PhD, is professor and chair of the Department of Comparative Religion, California State University, Fullerton. For nearly 20 years he has edited the journal Theosophical History. He is an expert on Theosophy and other non-traditional religious movements, as well as the religions of South Asia (Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism).
