But in Why I Am Not a Secularist, distinguished political theorist William E. Connolly argues that secularism, although admirable in its pursuit of freedom and diversity, too often undercuts these goals through its narrow and intolerant ...

Multiculturalism and “The Politics of Recognition.” An Essay by Charles Taylor with commentary by Amy Gutmann, editor, Steven C. Rockefeller, Michael Walzer, and Susan Wolf.

Praise for 'Spirituality and the Curriculum' "The current interest in spirituality shows no sign of abating. This volume consists of a useful set of essays from educationalists and theologians. Overall the volume will be important reading not only for teachers of theology but also for those concerned with the spiritual development of children and adults alike." -- Theology, May/June 2000 "This book fizzes. Addressed to those working in an educational context, it is an attempt to speak theologically about spirituality and (...) morality. Adrian Thatcher, its editor, has assembled a group of contributors who write well and who have innovative ideas to communicate. Fresh arguments and new perspectives make it an exciting read as it exposes the distressing emptiness of what passes as secularised spiritual nurture in most contemporary schools. Its seminal chapter is by Mary Grey. What an imaginative tour de force this is. She is not afraid to speak of the Transcendent or to see the wider value of liberation and feminist theologies. What [Adrian Thatcher] offers is a sharp critique of the high sounding moral sentiments of the present generation of curriculum makers. There is a vision here which can reach beyond Christianity and which ought to be taken account of by parents and teachers. Again, prophetic in its own way, it is controversial. Ian Markham's short chapter is a gem.... Adrian Thatcher has given us a refreshing book which reasserts the right of theology to be heard in the current debate about the spiritual dimension of education. But that is not the point. What he wishes us to do is to think further, better and more fairly about the issues which are before us. That surely is something we all must do. This book is a marvellous help in this. Buy it." British Journal of Religious Education 23.1 (Autumn 2000) "It offers an informed, critical, accessible and thought-provoking set of reflections on the possible connections that might be made between spirituality and the curriculum, especially at school level. It helps it the task of establishing a credibility of spirituality as a valid dimension of the curriculum. It also offers some guidance for educators as to how they might approach this area and offers some valuable insights into aspects of practice." -- The Heythrop Journal 41.4 (October 2000) "It is rarely possible to do justice to books which contain a number of substantial essays because there is seldom space to give adequate consideration to all the contributors and this collection is no exception....The book will be of most use to those researching this subject, but I would hope that it might also be read by theologians who may see it as an invitation to them to focus more of their attention on theology and education." Resource: Professional Reflection on Theory and Practice in Religious Education 23.2 (Spring 2001) "...there is much good material for those who wish to work with the spiritual, moral, social and cultural dimensions of their school or colleges environments, shaping or challenging the power structures in which they operate and determining the ethos which they seek to encourage. Those involved in religious education or student services or educational policy will all find articles to stimulate the current debate as to whether theology and/or spirituality can create community, consensus and so nurture a more humane experience within education." -- Tim Macquiban, Journal of Beliefs and Values 22.1 (2001). (shrink)