The Role of Guides Devised by the New Consensus Movement Proponents in Popularizing the Ideals of Religious Freedom in the U.S. Primary and Secondary Level Education

Abstract

The mid-1980s saw a decisive shift in the approach to religious liberty in American educational system. The shift was the fruit of a concerted effort of numerous infl uential bodies – both political and religious – which subsequently led to the emergence of the new consensus on teaching about religion and religious liberty in public schools. One of the ways used to facilitate the implementation of the new consensus ideals in public education was the nationwide dissemination of informative materials (guides). Addressed primarily to school offi cials, teachers and parents, the guides outlined the constitutional and educational role of religion in the public school. The article analyzes a number of selected guides with respect to their religious liberty content. It also discusses the impact they exerted on the U.S. system of education at the primary and secondary school levels.