Diversity, Religion, and Pedagogy

Mary Ann Hollinger, Director of International Programs and Partnerships at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, will describe how social scientists have long been ambivalent, even wary, about incorporating religion into their teaching and research agendas. As a result, the influence of various world religions on the lives of families, communities and nations is often either trivialized or ignored altogether. This presentation will consider the benefit of infusing religious themes throughout the family science curriculum. It will begin with a brief overview of tensions and competing views of religion in the American academy. This will be followed by an illustrated discussion of religion as a theoretical paradigm, research variable, unit of analysis and curricular component.

How Faith Works and Why Religion Matters to Diverse Religious Couples and Families

Presented from both a research and a pedagogical focus. David Dollahite, Brigham Young University, will report on research related to How Faith Works and Why Religion Matters to Diverse Religious Couples.

Facilitator/Presider: Michelle Knights