Dumont on religion

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Emily R. Gill

Draws an extended comparison between religious belief and sexuality, arguing that, just as the First Amendment to the Constitution allows for religious freedom, it should ensure that citizens may marry as they see fit as well. "The relationship between religious belief and sexuality as personal attributes exhibits some provocative comparisons. Despite the non-establishment of religion in the United States and the constitutional guarantee of free exercise, Christianity functions as the religious and moral standard in America. Ethical views that do not fit within this consensus often go unrecognized as moral values. Similarly, in the realm of sexual orientation, heterosexuality is seen as the yardstick by which sexual practices are measured. The notion that "alternative" sexual practices like homosexuality could possess ethical significance is often overlooked or ignored. In her new book, An Argument for Same-Sex Marriage, political scientist Emily Gill draws an extended comparison between religious belief and sexuality, both central components of one's personal identity. Using the religion clause of the First Amendment as a foundation, Gill contends that, just as US law and policy ensure that citizens may express religious beliefs as they see fit, it should also ensure that citizens may marry as they see fit. Civil marriage, according to Gill, is a public institution, and the exclusion of some couples from a state institution is a public expression of civic inequality. An Argument for Same-Sex Marriage is a passionate and timely treatment of the various arguments for and against same-sex marriage and how those arguments reflect our collective sense of morality and civic equality. It will appeal to readers who have an interest in gay and lesbian studies, political theory, constitutional law, and the role of religion in the contemporary United States."--Publisher's description.

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Karen Mundy ... [et al

This comprehensive book explores major issues in education today through international and intercultural research. The contributors draw on comparative research from North America, Africa, Asia, Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East, and touch on themes including history and philosophy of comparative education, the right to education, teacher formation, alternative pedagogies, testing, multiculturalism, gender, conflict resolution, and global citizenship. Offering a vivid portrayal of global educational practices, contributions from preeminent scholars, and invaluable teaching resources, this text is vital reading for teachers, teachers-in-training, and comparative education scholars.

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Stanley A. Freed, Ruth S. Freed

"Festivals are the most visible feature of village Hinduism. All common ritual practices are on display. The relationship of festivals to family life, the agricultural year, and to the everyday concerns of village people are clearly seen in offerings to deities, gifts exchanged between relatives, songs, drama, and storytelling. Festivals are the best point of entry into the study of Hinduism in ethnographic context."--BOOK JACKET. "In Hindu Festivals in a North Indian Village the authors describe each festival, tracing its relationship to other important village institutions, such as caste, kinship, and seasonal agricultural activities. Their analysis goes beyond the festivals as practiced in Shanti Nagar to include comparisons with practices in other villages and references to Indian and Hindu history, mythology, astronomy, and astrology. They note differential participation in festivals by caste, sect, age, and gender. The study covers a period of two decades. Although the festivals continued almost unchanged during this time, the authors point out the few discernible differences."--BOOK JACKET.

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Philip M. Parker

This work is a study of quantitative comparisons encompassing over 70 religious groups on a transnational level, including factors that affect economic development, demographic behavior, and general business policies. Over 26,000 statistics are presented.