| This study on the mainline Protestant portrayal of Jews and Judaism in religious education materials is a "next step" in the fifty-year tradition of content analysis in the field. The research provides a rationale for further work in the area through examination of resources since completion of the latest dissertation in 1992 and through interviews with ten experts engaged in religious education, interfaith relations, and other related fields. Because religious education materials historically have been a source for anti-Judaism and antisemitism, and the current research shows the problem persists, this study does not provide a new content analysis. Instead, the dissertation focuses on results from past content analyses and moves forward to a practical model for use by creators of religious education materials and those who teach religious education. This abbreviated model provides denominational policy (the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is used as an example), and provides a word list of themes and concepts that have been problematic in all forms of religious education, from pulpit to classroom. The model also contains sample antibias guidelines and current print, electronic, and human resources. |
