Christian Privilege in U.S. Education

This book examines the subtle yet pervasive influence of Christianity in U.S. public education, challenging the notion of a strictly secular system.

Using critical curriculum theory as its lens, Christian Privilege in U.S. Education explores the intricate relationship between religion—specifically, Christianity—and secular public education in the United States. Although various court decisions in the 20th century aimed to separate religion from education, the authors argue that religion is not absent from public education. Instead, it is deeply embedded within current educational practices, discourses, and the underlying assumptions about teaching and learning.

The book reframes the ongoing discussion about religion and education, positing that religious influences persist in the language and metaphors utilized within educational contexts. It examines how these influences manifest in the daily routines of schooling, the conceptions of the 'child' and 'teacher,' and the interactions that occur in learning environments, such as classrooms and curricula. The authors delve into how these religious undertones shape perceptions of the educational process and the role of schools, especially in light of contemporary movements toward accountability, standardization, and testing.

Rather than questioning whether Christianity has a place in public education, Christian Privilege in U.S. Education focuses on the pervasive ways in which it permeates a legally secular educational system, even when religion is not explicitly taught. This critical examination invites readers to reconsider the implications of these influences on education and the broader societal context in which it operates.