It's Considerate to Be Literate about Religion is a book of poems and prose for all ages. The book introduces topics that otherwise may be unfamiliar, such as the difference between the religious and the secular, or between a devotional approach to practicing a religion and an academic approach to studying religion, or among all the various ways one can be religiously literate and religiously illiterate.
The lyrical nature of the poems and the engaging pencil illustrations by Susan Detwiler give each topic the traction needed for deeper understanding and reflection. Each poem is also followed by an expansive "Learn More!" section.
In addition, a lively preface explains the joy of creating words, such as "poemenclature"; a helpful introduction welcomes readers to the concept of religious literacy; a fulsome glossary defines terms used in the book; and a section of suggested further reading offers a wide variety of sources for those who want to learn more.
Advance Praise for It's Considerate to Be Literate about Religion
"A must-have for childhood educators and families hoping to raise open-minded children!"
-Matthew W. Hughey, PhD, Professor of Sociology, University of Connecticut
"Practical and intelligent."
-Rosemary Klein, former president of The Baltimore Ethical Society and founder of Three Conditions Press
"Thoughtful content, apt examples, and clear terminology"
-Rev. John T. Grega, MA, STL, STM, ThM, Director of Religious Studies, Character, and Service, McDonogh School (retd.)
"Learned, nuanced, and beautifully illustrated"
-J. F. Alexander, MA, JD, author of the spiritual adventure novel I Am Sophia
"It is a must-read for not only the young, but for people of all ages."
-Timothy M. Pawlik, MD, PhD, MPH, MTS, MBA, FACS, FSSO, FRACS (Hon.), Professor of Surgery, Ohio State University; scholar of religion
"Creative, accessible, and informative."
-John Camardella, College World Religion, Prospect High School; Education Fellow, Religion in Public Life Program, Harvard Divinity School
"This is an essential reader for youth, parents, all adults."
-Beth L. Muehlhausen, PhD, MDiv, BCC, LCSW; Sr. Researcher for Spiritual Care & Mission Integration, Ascension
"A wonderful book!"
-Rev. Christopher Dreisbach, PhD, Assisting Clergy, Old St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Baltimore, MD; Professor (part-time) of Moral and Systematic Theology, St. Mary's Ecumenical Institute of Theology
"Deeply important."
-Jeanne Shin-Cooper, MA, CRSE, National-Board-certified high-school educator, Buffalo Grove, IL
"This book is a gift."
-Rev. Jenni Ovenstone, MDiv, Sr. Associate Rector of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Alexandria, VA
"Beautiful and brief."
-Hasan Awan, MD, author of Islam of the Heart: Living Religion with Presence
"Brilliant!"
-Ali S. Asani, PhD, Murray A. Albertson Professor of Middle Eastern Studies, Professor of Indo-Muslim and Islamic Religion and Cultures, Harvard University
"An excellent introduction to religious literacy."
-George Fitchett, DMin, PhD, Professor, Department of Religion, Health & Human Values, Rush University
