Overcoming Religious Illiteracy: A Cultural Studies Approach to the Study of Religion in Secondary Education. Diane L. Moore. New York: Palgrave Macmilan, 2007. Pp. 226. $26.95, paper. ISBN: 1-4039-6349-5. TEL: 888-330- 8477 • FAX: 800-672-2054

At a time when knowledge of the world’s major religious traditions is needed more than ever, the vast majority of citizens in the United States are woefully ignorant about religion. In this book, Moore, who is Harvard Professor of the Practice of Religious Studies and Senior Instructor in Philosophy and Religious Studies, Phillips Academy, argues that the historic hegemony of Protestant Christianity coupled with concerns about teaching religion in America’s public schools has served to foster a climate of religious illiteracy that is dangerous and debilitating to us all.

Moore believes the consequences of this religious illiteracy are profound and include fueling the culture wars, curtailing historical understanding and promoting religious and racial bigotry. She combines theory with practice to explain why we should teach about religions in our public schools and how to go about it. This timely book should invigorate classrooms and enhance democratic discourse in the public sphere.