As religious diversity in North America increases, there is
a growing belief that every educated person needs to have at least a simple
understanding of the great variety of beliefs and practices taught by the world's major
religions.
However, there are impediments:
Public schools often avoid education students about
religion. Some mistakenly assume that the principle of separation of church
and state means that they must not discuss religion at all.
Private religious schools often confine their teaching to only a
single faith tradition. Even worse, some teach that other religions are
defective and even Satanic.
Some suggest that religious diversity can be taught to children
in the form of special books geared to their specific interests and needs, and
to their growing understanding of English. A variety of books are listed below:
comparative religion books about the world's great faiths, books about
Christianity, religions, multicultural books, and books on such topics as
religious diversity, justice, oppression, etc.
Books comparing world religions:
Many publishers give a recommended grade range for their books.
To estimate the age range, add five to the grade.
Tim Baker, Kate Etue, "Xt4j: Why So Many Gods?"
Nelson Reference, (2002). The book describes 100 faith groups, ranging from
world religions, secular world views, etc from a heavily biased,
conservative Christian perspective. The authors are up front with their
position. In the second paragraph of the book, they write: "In this book
we're going to take the position that [conservative] Christianity is the
only true religion." In a section at the end of each chapter, called "The
Trick," the authors attempt to prove each religion other than their
own to be illogical. Intended for
teens. Read
reviews or order this book safely from Amazon.com online book store.
Elizabeth Breuilly, Joanne O'Brien, Martin E. Marty
(Editor), Martin Palmer, "Religions of the World: The Illustrated Guide
to Origins, Beliefs, Traditions & Festivals," Checkmark Books, (1997).
The School Library Journal describes this book as a "superb overview of 10
major faiths." It is divided into three sections: the main Abrahamic faiths (Judaism,
Christianity, and Islam), the Vedic faiths (Hinduism, Buddhism, and
Jainism), and other major traditions (Shinto, Taoism, Sikhism, and
Baha'i). "The history, development, ways of worship, and celebrations are
given for each....the writing is scholarly, lucid, and nonpartisan." For
ages 12 and higher. Read
reviews or order this book.
Anita Ganeri & Marcus Braybrooke, "Religions Explained: A
beginners guide to world faiths," Henry Holt, (1997). The book gives an overview of many religions, including ancient religions
(from Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece, Rome, Mexico, Peru, and Scandinavia); the
"People of the Book" (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam); religions of India,
China, and Japan; the "spirit religions" (of North and South America,
Africa, and Australasia) and relatively new religions (Rastafarianism,
Baha'i, Hare Krishna, Mennonite, Mormon, the Unification Church, and New
Age). "The text is clear and maintains respectful objectivity." For
ages 9 to 12. Read
reviews or order this book.
Marc Gellman & Jos. A. Smith (Illustrator), "How Do You
Spell God?," William Morrow, (1995). The book describes Buddhism,
Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism, "...with appreciation,
liveliness, and humor in a direct, conversational style that eschews both
contractions and big words..." It describes how each religion answers
basic questions: How should we live?, What happens to us after we die?, Why
does bad stuff happen to good folks?, How can we talk to God? For ages 11 to 14. Read
reviews or order this book
Virginia Hamilton & Barry Moser (Illustrator), "In the
Beginning: Creation Stories from Around the World," Harcout Paperbacks,
(Reprinted 1991). "Twenty-five creation myths from such diverse cultures
as China, Tahiti, Micronesia, and Australia." For ages 4 to 8.
Read
reviews or order this book
Erika Weihs, Betsy Maestro & Giulio Maestro (Illustrator), "The Story
of Religion," Clarion Books, (1996). This is an inclusive book,
covering from the animistic beliefs of early tribal religions, to the Pagan religions of
ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome, to contemporary religions such as
Christianity, Islam, Judaism, etc. She explains the development of religious
beliefs in a manner that can be understood by fairly young children. For
ages 7 to 9. Read reviews or order this book
Mary Pope Osborne, "One World, Many Religions," Knopf
Books for Young Readers, (1996). An "...overview of the world's major
religions..." focusing on Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism,
Confucianism, and Taoism. The author covers each religion's history, main
figures, current status, traditions, and rituals. For ages 9 to 12.
Read reviews or order this book
Lisa Sita, Beth Steinhorn (Ed.) & Bruce S. Glassman (Ed.),
"Worlds of Belief: Religion and Spirituality ," Blackbirch Marketing,
(1995). This is one book in the "Our Human Family" series, which "focuses
on the aspects of life that are common to all cultures." The book
examines recreation, education and religious practices in each of five broad
geographic areas, worldwide. For ages 9 to 12.
Read reviews or order this book
Sponsored link:
Bible based books:
Rabbi Marc Gellman & Harry Bliss (Illustrator), "And God Cried, Too :
A Kid's Book of Healing and Hope," HarperTrophy, (2002). A young
angel-in-training is mentored by an experienced angel. Together, they
try to understand issues like: why 911
happened, why a pet died, why God works miracles, etc. For ages 9 to 12.
Read
reviews or order this book safely from Amazon.com online book store.
August Gold & Matthew J. Perlman, "Where does God Live?" Skylight Paths Publ., (2001). A little girl asks this question of her parents, and finds
God through they eyes of her heart. For ages 3 to 6.
Read reviews or order this book
Jan Karon & Robert Gantt Steele (Illustrator), "The Trellis and the
Seed: A Book of Encouragement for All Ages," Viking Press, (2003). This
is a gently told parable of patience and faith. It describes the journey of
a single seed which becomes a fully grown, beautiful plant. The book
contains many allusions to biblical verses.
Read reviews or order this book
Mark Water, Diana Shimon (Illustrator), "The Pilgrim Book of Bible
Stories," United Church Press, (2003). This book features the great biblical
stories told in inclusive language when referring to God and humanity. Ages 9 to 12.
Read reviews or order this book
Margaret Silf, "100 Wisdom Stories from Around the World," United
Church Press, A hundred stories are grouped by topic: The Created Universe;
Human Relationships; Rites of Passage; A World in Pieces; Suffering,
Healing, Growth; The Journey to the True Self; The Road to Transformation;
and The Dream Fulfilled. They are taken from "a wide range of time
periods and cultures around the world," and reflect Christian values. Suitable for children
and adults.
Read reviews or order this book
Multicultural books:
Sophia Lyon Fahs, Patricia Hoertdoerfer, & Cyrus LeRoy Baldridge (Illustrator), "From Long
Ago and Many Lands," Skinner House, (1995). Twenty classic fables from many
eras and cultures "illuminate themes" that are "key to a child's
religious development." As an aid for parents and teachers, lesson
plans, discussion questions and age-appropriate activities are included.
For ages 4 to 8.
Read
reviews or order this book safely from Amazon.com online book store.
Mary Ann Moore, "Hide-and-Seek With God," Skinner House, (2003).
Twenty nine tales directed to four-to-eight-year-olds. "God comes alive
in a variety of multicultural, non-sexist forms—as transcendent mystery, the
mother and father of life, peace and silence, light and darkness, and more.
Perfect for exploring the religious questions of curious youngsters."
For ages 4 to 8.
Read reviews or order this book
Jeanette Ross, "Telling Our Tales: Stories and Storytelling for
All Ages," Skinner House, (2002). A
collection of thirty-eight traditional and original tales "from around
the world reveals the connection between people of all cultures, and
explores classic themes of creation, action and consequence, heroism and
romance."
Read reviews or order this book
Books on diversity, justice, inequality, discrimination, etc:
Kathyrn Reid, Ken Hawkley, "Children Together: Teaching girls and
boys to value themselves and each other," United Church Press. The book
teaches children about inequality and discrimination. It helps them learn to
value themselves and others for what they are.
See the United Church Press at:
http://www.unitedchurchpress.com
Desmond Tutu, Douglas Abrams, LeUyen Pham (illustrator), "God's Dream,"
Candlewick Press, (2008). Publishers Weekly states: "This is not a book to win
converts, but a wide range of believers, including children at the younger end
of the target audience, should respond to its heartfelt appeals, Ages 2-8."
Read reviews or order this book. Quotes from the book:
"God dreams that every one of us will see that we are all brothers and
sisters-yes, even you and me-even if we have different mommies and daddies
or live in different faraway lands."
"God does not force us to be friends or to love one another.... But when
we say we're sorry and forgive one another, we wipe away our tears and God's
tears, too."
Books for parents and teachers:
Elizabeth Caldwell, "Making a Home for Faith: Nurturing the
Spiritual Life of Your Children," United Church
Press, (2000). This book "offers guidance to parents and caregivers who want to
take an active role in the faith development of their children. Includes
reflection questions."
Read reviews or order this book safely from Amazon.com online book store.
Another source:
Another source might be the Unitarian Universalist Association. This
is the central organization of Unitarian Universalism, a very liberal religion
whose religious education courses for children involve comparative religion
classes which study all of the major world religions. Their bookstore is at:
http://www.uua.org/bookstore/
That page has links to children's books, religious education books and
youth/young adult books.
