Interreligious Studies and Secondary Education: Pedagogies and Practices for Living and Learning in a Religiously Plural World is a groundbreaking collection of eighteen essays that delve into the vital role of interreligious and interfaith studies in public, private, and parochial secondary education, as well as in youth programs. Edited by Lucinda Mosher, Axel M. Oaks Takacs, and Christine Gallagher, this volume is divided into four comprehensive parts: Theory, Practice, Religiously Affiliated School Settings, and Outside and Beyond Secondary Education. Each section offers unique insights into the challenges and opportunities of teaching about religion in diverse educational contexts.
The book begins with a theoretical exploration of the history and legal frameworks surrounding religious education in the United States and beyond, emphasizing the importance of inclusive and equitable teaching strategies. Contributors, including secondary educators, scholars of interreligious studies, and community youth program organizers, share their experiences and innovative approaches to fostering religious literacy and understanding among students. Essays highlight the necessity of addressing religious diversity in curricula, the impact of Christian privilege in public schools, and the transformative potential of interfaith dialogue and experiential learning.
Practical chapters provide real-world examples of how educators can integrate interreligious studies into their classrooms, from curriculum redesign to the use of devotional practices in pluralistic spaces. The section on religiously affiliated school settings offers reflections on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by Catholic, Quaker, and other faith-based institutions. Finally, the book explores extracurricular and co-curricular initiatives that extend beyond traditional school settings, such as youth-led community organizations and interfaith experiential education programs.
With contributions from leading voices in the field, this volume is an essential resource for educators, administrators, and anyone interested in promoting religious literacy and interfaith understanding in a religiously plural world. It not only addresses the theoretical underpinnings of interreligious education but also provides practical tools and strategies for creating inclusive, empathetic, and informed learning environments. Interreligious Studies and Secondary Education is a timely and urgent call to action for educators to embrace the complexities of religious diversity and to prepare students for meaningful engagement in a multireligious society.