The Oxford Handbook of Religion and American Education

From the founding of Harvard College in 1636 as a mission for training young clergy to the landmark 1968 Supreme Court decision in Epperson v. Arkansas, which struck down the state's ban on teaching evolution in schools, religion and education in the United States have been inextricably linked. Still today new fights emerge over the rights and limitations of religion in the classroom.

The Oxford Handbook of Religion and American Education brings together preeminent scholars from the fields of religion, education, law, and political science to craft a comprehensive survey and assessment of the study of religion and education in the United States. The essays in the first part develop six distinct conceptual lenses through which to view American education, including Privatism, Secularism, Pluralism, Religious Literacy, Religious Liberty, and Democracy. The following four parts expand on these concepts in a diverse range of educational frames: public schools, faith-based K-12 education, higher education, and lifespan faith development.

Designed for a diverse and interdisciplinary audience, this addition to the Oxford Handbook series sets for itself a broad goal of understanding the place of religion and education in a modern democracy.

Michael D. Waggoner is Professor of Higher Education at the University of Northern Iowa and editor of the journal Religion & Education and the book series Routledge Research in Religion and Education. His recent books include Sacred and Secular Tensions in Higher Education and Religion in the Public Schools.
Nathan C. Walker is the executive director of 1791 Delegates, a consortium of constitutional and human rights experts who address issues of religion and public life. His recent books include Whose God Rules?: Is the United States a Secular Nation or a Theolegal Democracy? and Cultivating Empathy: The Worth and Dignity of Every Person--Without Exception.