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When the Secular Becomes Sacred: Religious Secular Humanism and its Effects Upon America's Public Learning Institutionsis an analysis of American K-16 public learning institutions from a unique perspective.
Secular teachings, such as social-emotional learning, and sexual and identity philosophies, are behind movements to capture the minds and hearts of America's students. Contemporary learning institutions resemble places of worship in several ways. This book will explain how this is the case. From educational philosophy to classroom practices, this book exposes tactical intersections between secular humanism and religion.
In today's secular culture there is strong evidence to support the notion that worship of the self, the individual, has usurped the historically sacred place reserved for a transcendent deity. The fact is that this worship of the individual is certainly more fashionable and attractive than traditional orthodoxy or evangelical theology, in a today's society. Bolstering this self-worship are mandated programs, such as those found in states' controversial History-Social Science Frameworks, English-Language Arts Frameworks, and new sex education programs.
The intention of this book is to provide the reader a realistic look into the effects of religious humanism upon America's schools and students. Readers will be challenged with the notion that separation of church and state is being ignored for the political advantage of some. Furthermore, the reader will be presented with the argument that self-worship has become more attractive than traditional Judeo-Christian religious teachings, leading to the individual becoming both the worshipper and the object of such self-worship.
List of contents
List of Tables
Preface
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Chapter 1: Humanism: Secular and Religious
Chapter 2: Education as Religion
Chapter 3: The God of Self
Chapter 4: Cracks in the Ivory Towers
Chapter 5: Seeking Converts
Chapter 6: Is Public Education Too Far Gone?
Index
About the Author
About the author
Ernest J. Zarra IIIis a lifelong educator. He has authored thirteen books and over a dozen journal articles, served as a district professional development leader, presented as keynote speaker for various educational organizations, and served as assistant professor of teacher education at Lewis-Clark State College.
