Faith Ed: Teaching About Religion in an Age of Intolerance

by Linda K. Wertheimer

A look at the debate over religion in public schools—and how to best teach children religious literacy and tolerance
 
Veteran education journalist Linda K. Wertheimer has traveled the nation listening to all sides of the controversy surrounding the teaching of religion in public schools, interviewing clergy, teachers, children, and parents who are Muslim, Jewish, Christian, Sikh, and atheist. In Lumberton, Texas, a hundred people filled a school board meeting to protest a teacher’s dress-up exercise in which a girl was allowed to try on a burka during a lesson on Islam. In Tampa, the head of a Muslim civil rights group spoke to high school history classes about Islam, sparking debate about which guest speakers are appropriate. In Wichita, a Messianic Jewish family's opposition to an elementary school’s display about Islam led to such upheaval that the school hired extra security. But in Modesto, the heart of California’s Bible Belt, teachers have avoided problems since 2000, when the district began requiring high school freshmen to take a world religions course. Students learn to fight for their rights and those of religious minorities who once seemed alien. Wertheimer’s fascinating investigation reveals a public education system struggling to find the right path forward and offers a promising roadmap for raising a generation of religiously literate Americans.

Genres: Religion, Education, Nonfiction

240 pages, Hardcover

First published August 18, 2015

About the author

A veteran journalist, I'm the author of Faith Ed, Teaching About Religion In An Age of Intolerance, published by Beacon Press. Reporting for Faith Ed took me back to a small town in Ohio where I moved in fourth grade and was the only Jew and around the country, where I delved into stories about teachers trying to teach about the world's religions in the face of controversy. I'm, naturally, an avid reader. I love great stories, whether nonfiction or fiction. I worked full-time for major metro newspapers for over 20 years, including as education editor for The Boston Globe.

People love to confuse me with the Other Linda of NPR. No, that's not me.

Reviews

[Clifford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Living in a county that recently experienced a controversy in the teaching about Islam in a public school's world religions course, I was interested to read about similar situations in other parts of the country. This is a terrific book that confirmed for me the need for all Americans to be better educated about world religions and cultures.

Read my full review here: Review of Faith Ed. by Linda K. Wertheimer

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know the cliche "I laughed, I cried, I couldn't put it down?" I don't think I laughed, but I actually did cry reading parts of this—and it *was hard to put down. First of all, I learned so much: Yeah, they teach religion in schools, legally—and that's a good thing! Linda K. Wertheimer answered so many of my questions. I would have liked a little more depth in some spots, but couldn't stop thinking about how I wanted to force an Islamaphobic family member to read this and really understand. This sensitive, thorough, instructive book should be, perhaps...required reading.

[April Helms · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wertheimer took several years and crossed the country to tackle a sticky issue: teaching religion in the nation's public schools. By teaching, I mean teaching religion in the context of world and national history, and the impact of religion on the shaping of history. This is an issue many districts shy from, and understandably. Aside from abuse or embezzlement, few topics will generate more bad press - deservedly or not- than religion in the classroom, particularly Islam. She illustrates the controversies that have arisen when something goes awry or, more frequently, there is a misunderstanding that gets blown up. But her book also illustrates why, even though its a challenging subject, it is more critical than ever to objectively teach about at least the main world religions. A common theme I saw is that the students, for the most part, got it. It's the adults that need work. But understanding and finding commonalities rather than harping on the differences is the first step in maintaining peace. Kudos to Wertheimer for taking on such a subject, and presenting it in a level way.

[Liza Wiemer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faith Ed is a must read for all educators and parents.

This is an important, extensively researched book on teaching, not preaching about religions in schools. It shows the impact these courses have on students, in particular how these courses help build respect for different faiths. It also examines the impact this learning has on the children. Although there wasn't a specific study that measured the overall change in perceptions students had toward people with different faiths, it's clear that those who teach this topic effectively leave a lasting impression. It builds respect and understanding WITHOUT indoctrinating anyone toward a particular religion. That respect helps create a foundation for a better world.

Whether world religions are taught as a part of history, geography or a specific social studies class, this book provides many important arguments for why faith ed is a critical part of students' learning. There are examples of best practices, sharing both successes and challenges, which can be a strong guide for anyone teaching this topic. There's a lot to unpack and think about in these pages. I'm glad I read it.

Highly recommend!

[Meryl Ain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Linda Wertheimer’s remarkable book, Faith Ed, should be the centerpiece of a national dialogue at this moment in time. With hate speech and bias attacks on the rise, her thorough and insightful investigation into the issue of teaching about world religions in the public schools is long overdue. With the keen eye of an education journalist and the heart of a mother, we travel with her throughout the country to witness first-hand the issues and conflicts that teaching about religion engenders. She introduces us to students, teachers, parents, community leaders, and members of the clergy. Wertheimer adeptly raises many important questions. For example, does fostering an understanding about other religions help prevent bullying? Is it okay to take students on a field trip to a house of worship, such as a mosque? Is religious literacy a way to promote respect? In these challenging times, Wertheimer has given us valuable food for thought

[Patricia M Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicely written book. The question is what is right and what is going too far. Religion is a personal choice. However, I am thankful for my education in different religions it is what formed me with who I am. Being more informed made me more understanding and respectiful to others peoples choice. I may not agree with the grade level to begin but I am glad their are people trying to make things right in education with Faith Education. The last half of the tigle in the Age of Intolerance, personally I feel people have always lived in an age of intolerance such as religion, race, culture, and gender. We as a people seem to jump to the place of grouping and judging. I am thankful that we do live in a country where there are many of us who try.

[char · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating book! A bit more anecdotal than I was expecting, but learning that the author is a journalist, that makes more sense. I do wish that the penultimate chapter, which looks at the larger picture of secular religious education in the US, was closer to the beginning, to have that historical framework throughout the rest of the text. It takes a while to get to the main practical conclusion -- teachers must walk on eggshells in fear of parents' misunderstandings to teach religion in their classrooms -- but the journey there is certainly an interesting one.

[Ray Grasshoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Largely an anecdotal, case study of the challenges faced by public schools as they try to secularly educate students about the world’s major religions, this well-written book provides welcome insights from across the country. The latter part of the book recognizes what seems to be a successful comparative religion course in California, but perhaps a sequel will offer much more, and similarly needed, analysis and conclusions, leading to firm recommendations.

[Meta · Rating 5 out of 5]

These days, especially, call for an understanding of and tolerance for all the world’s religions…starting in the classroom. Linda K. Wertheimer brings her acute observations as a journalist (she was previously the education editor at the Boston Globe) as well as her empathy to this mission. As with all great books, it will open your heart and make you think.

[Jennifer Mangler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wertheimer takes a mostly anecdotal look at how public schools teach about religion and at various controversies that have erupted in different schools across the country in response to this. I think anyone who teaches about religion would find this book enlightening and useful.

[Jo Oehrlein · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about teaching about world religions in public school, along with the controversies and conflicts that happen. Besides talking about how various places approach teaching about world religions, it talks about why you would want to do so, what the goals of the course are, and how to avoid problems.

[Jimmie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed!

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

how we teach children about other religions in school

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-written exploration of various ways public schools have approached teaching religion.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me angry at times because of the ignorance and intolerance but very hopeful at others that some school systems are doing their best to help educate the next generation with facts and basic information about different faiths. It is hard to truly understand history and discuss current events without some level of understanding of how religion plays such an important role in it all.

[Abby · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book for free as part of the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program.

An interesting look at the difficulties faced by public schools when it comes to religious education. Without knowledge of the world's religions, one cannot be said to have a truly well-rounded education. Particularly in response to the religious intolerance that has taken root in America since 9/11, many public schools have tried to offer classes that somehow incorporate objective, secular lessons about world religions. They have often faced criticism from parents, however, particularly when teaching about Islam. Faith Ed takes us on a tour of several different schools, their attempts at religious education, and the various responses they have gotten, from angry parents to grateful students.

The stories told are all very interesting, and reading this book certainly gave me a much higher appreciation for the difficulties faced by public schools when attempting to teach religion. One of the primary themes seemed to be how utterly careful teachers feel they have to be, to avoid stepping on anyone's toes. Unfortunately, this often comes at the expense of some truly great learning experiences, such as field trips to different religious buildings, or open discussions in class.

The author clearly cares about the subject and has done a lot of in-depth research, and she presents various viewpoints with neutrality--almost too much neutrality, at times. I would have liked to read more overt discussion of which teaching methods worked and which didn't, and what the best route forward for religious education in America would be. As it is, the author recounted many fascinating stories, but seemed to share very little of her own thoughts. As interesting and important as the stories in Faith Ed may be, they seem a bit aimless without any in-depth analysis and comparison.

Overall, I would say it was definitely an interesting read. It is well-written, if at times a bit more descriptive than was really warranted. If you want to know more about the current state of religious education in American public schooling, this is definitely a great overview of the topic, and would be an excellent read for education students. If you're looking for practical advice on how to teach about religion, however, this book won't necessarily give it to you, although it will definitely serve to provoke thought and start a conversation with others.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faith Ed is a journalistic look at the state of religious diversity education in the United States. Most of the stories are anecdotal (hence the journalistic) and the ideas seems to be driven from the author's own experience as a Jew in a small school in Ohio which religious diversity wasn't given, only Christian teachings. It is my firm opinion that religious diversity should be taught in ALL schools, public and private, but religion should only be preached at religious schools which is what drew me to the book. I can think on my own experiences as a Christian coach at a religious minority school and the way that many of the schools interact with us. I truly believe some stems from true Antisemitism, but most of it comes from ignorance. In our country ignorance is used as a shield. People don't feel racist, misogynist, Antisemitic, Islamophobic, etc. if they are ignorant. They aren't taught how to respectfully ask questions when someone is different than themselves, instead many feel differences are to be feared or closeted. I think this book does a great job of proving why religious diversity education is important in public schools and how it can help in such a diverse society.

The author has traveled the country collecting stories of how religions have been taught in school and the backlash or support that those programs receive. One school she visited centered around an event called Burkagate in which students tried on Islamic clothing as part of a world history class and parents took offense. Another story spoke of a field trip to a mosque in which students were filmed voluntarily praying along with the congregation and used for a hateful propaganda film. The author does a great job of talking to people on BOTH sides of the controversy and getting to the crux of the issue. Not all stories involve discourse. The story at the end looks at a program in Modesto that has seemed to thrive without controversy for years and the author talks with students about what they feel they gained by learning that at school.

[Brad McKenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

A series of case studies of when teaching religion in public schools has kicked up a hornet's nest of controversy. Since it's written in the post-9/11 world, the majority of the stories have to to with Islam. There are a few mentions of being Jewish or Atheist in a predominantly Christian country.

The people whom squawked about teaching about other religions really get my goat. (baaa!) If you don't agree with something, that's fine but don't try to censor learning. These people really perpetuate the misunderstanding of religions which causes buckets of hatred. I saw teach the kids as objectively as possible and give them the skills to evaluate what they learn and ergo make their own decisions.

That said, another good point the book brings about is: When? As in when to teach kids about religions. Kindergarten? 6th Grade? 9th? 12? I don't think there's one answer here. But one thing I will say is that perhaps its no an all-or-nothing concept. Teach it in increasing degrees of complexity. For instance, we don't teach 1st graders calculus. We build up from basic 'rithmatic (y'know, the last of the Three Rs?) why can't religion be the same.

In any event, it was a solid read. I think most everyone should at least read a chapter or two. Because even though we have a separation of church in state...do we really?

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Linda Wertheimer was a child, her family moved to rural Ohio, where she and her brothers were the only Jews in their school district. The taunting she received from other kids combined with (and possibly fueled by) the alienating Christian religious schooling integrated into her public school education left a deep scar on her pscyhe. As an adult, she became an education reporter for the Boston Globe and naturally found herself drawn to controversial stories about the intersection of religion and education.

Faith Ed grows out of both of these experiences, resulting in a book that is one part memoir of Linda's search for closure on her painful childhood experiences and one part investigation into the state of learning about religion in public schools today across the United States. Those looking for an academic examination of religion and education or a set of recommendations for implementing such courses in their own schools should look elsewhere. That's not what this book is about. But you'd be foolish to bypass this deeply personal and deeply felt dose of optimism as Linda seeks (and often finds) signs that the next generation is learning tolerance in a way her generation did not.

[BJ Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

Faith Ed addresses important questions about how to educate children for the religious diversity that increasingly characterizes the US: Who will teach? What will be taught? How can teachers inform without advocating? When should this start? As early as kindergarten or when critical thinking develops in late middle school and high school? I found Faith Ed's treatment of 'why' disappointing. The book is an awkward mix of memoir and reporting, and focuses more on what's gone wrong, flattening the different parties to conflicts into villains and heroes (or the enlightened and unenlightened.) The penultimate chapter finally presents a success story from Modesto CA, but the author doesn't do move beyond anecdote to a research basis for her position or for effective teaching strategies, nor does she do the heavy lifting of connecting literacy about world religion to the Common Core or addressing how teachers will add it to all that they now do.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Linda Wertheimer does an excellent job of reviewing several major issues related to education about religion in public schools in a way that is easily accessible for all stakeholders in this discussion: students, parents, teachers, administrators, and policy makers. She is obviously an advocate for educating students about religion in schools, but that doesn't prevent her from problematizing the issue and exploring the messiness of the matter from various angles. She also weaves in plenty of the history and jurisprudence regarding schools and religion to give the reader a healthy beginning to that aspect of the discussion. I would highly recommend this book for anyone, but especially for everyone who is interested in promoting a curriculum for students that will indeed prepare them to be better citizens in an increasingly globalized society where religious similarities and differences must be better understood if we are going to make the world a better place.

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an important topic in the world today as people are exposed to more and different religious beliefs. All too often the instinct is to shun the "outsider" belief system and to hang on to the hate and fear without learning about the similarities or the individuals holding those beliefs. Wertheimer describes how school districts around the US have tried to integrate world religion facts along with history and geography. And that's fine. Teach but don't preach. No religion has been, or can be, proven to be more correct or truer than any other. By learning the facts of traditions, we can hope to learn to respect each other's personal beliefs and reduce the fear, bullying, and hatred.

I found this book after hearing the Friendly Atheist podcast interview a few weeks ago. There was a wait for the book from my lical library, so that's a good sign.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book through a GoodReads First Read give-away. I thought the book gave accounts of what teachers went through as they attempted to teach religious tolerance in the classrooms. We all know that religion is a very touchy subject and with world events as they are, people can be judged wrongly. The message repeated with almost every chapter. Other than the book being written more about the intolerance of one or two religions more than others, it was well done. The last couple of chapters were good in that they explained more of how the teachers were handling the mistakes of others and modifying their curriculum to ensure they did not overstep bounds and not make anyone uncomfortable. Hard subject to cover as many do not want to read about it but done well.

[Jessie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Argues in favor of teaching about world religions in schools throughout the curriculum (from pre-K or K and up, with special focus at some point in middle school and in high school), generally in association with history or geography lessons.

The book is structured mostly around cases, either of successful/semi-successful religion programs in schools or schools that have had very controversial incidents around the teaching of religion. There are also a couple of chapters that are more personal to the author.

[Scott Haraburda · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enlightening discussion of what should and should not be discussed about religion in the public school systems within the United States. A useful read for anyone interested in understanding this highly volatile and heated debate.

[Lamiya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Each chapter is a case study detailing controversies erupting from parents with their child's exposure to certain religions in a World Religion's class. Interesting and informative quick read. Exposes intolerance and how schools must navigate between education and parent concerns.

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read about the very diverse country we live in and how some places are doing a better job than others of learning about other faiths in ways that make sense in different settings.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't normally read much non-fiction but I really enjoyed this book. So thought provoking.

[The Jewish Book Council]

Review by Judd Kruger Levingston for the Jewish Book Council.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good discussion of why world religions should be taught in school.