|
| Author |
Message |
marginallymanic
Cabinet Minister
User is Offline
Joined: 09 Mar 2005
Posts: 4070
|
| Posted: Sun Dec 23, 2007 9:15 am Post subject: Religious Literacy: |
|
|
Prothero (American Jesus), chair of the religion department at Boston University, begins this valuable primer by noting that religious illiteracy is rampant in the United States, where most Americans, even Christians, cannot name even one of the four Gospels. Such ignorance is perilous because religion "is the most volatile constituent of culture" and, unfortunately, often "one of the greatest forces for evil" in the world, he writes. Prothero does more than diagnose the problem; he traces its surprising historic roots ("in one of the great ironies of…history, it was the nation's most fervent people of faith who steered Americans down the road to religious illiteracy") and prescribes concrete solutions that address religious education while preserving First Amendment boundaries about religion in the public square. Prothero also offers a dictionary of religious literacy and a quiz for readers to test their knowledge. This book is a must-read not only for educators, clergy and government officials, but for all adults in a culture where, as Prothero puts it, "faith without understanding is the standard" and "religious ignorance is bliss." (Mar.)
Stephen Prothero
_________________
"An it harm none, do what ye will"
"I'm straight, but I'm not narrow" |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Phillippe
Sgt. at Arms
User is Offline
Joined: 21 Feb 2005
Posts: 2518
Location: Westmount, Québec, Canada
|
| Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2008 11:54 pm Post subject: |
|
|
If Religious literacy were a requirement for calling one's self Christian, then most Christian teachers, and even Church workers would be out of a job.
_________________
I run a student organization.. You can call me El Presidente. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Menehune
Sgt. at Arms
User is Offline
Joined: 22 Feb 2005
Posts: 2521
Location: The Real South
|
| Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 2:42 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Why would an all knowing God read let alone care if anyone else did??
_________________
18-1...Looks good on them!!! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Menehune
Sgt. at Arms
User is Offline
Joined: 22 Feb 2005
Posts: 2521
Location: The Real South
|
| Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 6:20 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Rereading what I posted was a little harsh. What I meant to say was there ever an era where religious literacy was actually high?? Didn't the catholic church conduct services in Latin for the longest time?? I don't think Christians are supposed to be unwelcoming to the illiterate and I don't think literacy prevents you from being a good christian. Not knowing the gospel chapter and verse doesn't prevent us from understanding cultural influences.
_________________
18-1...Looks good on them!!! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
