Which Way, L.A.?
Teaching Religion in Public Schools
One of the biggest costs of America's wars over religion is ignorance. Polls show that many Americans know little about the world's major religions, including their own. On this rebroadcast of To the Point, guest host Sara Terry explores the role that the study of religion play in schools. Do the media have a responsibility to do more in-depth reporting on religion as a way to better understand the role that religious beliefs play in conflicts and foreign policy? Also, homicides from to their lowest level in over 40 years, and pressures mount on the president of the Ivory Coast to step down.
By Sara Terry • • 52m ListenOne of the biggest costs of America's wars over religion is ignorance. Polls show that many Americans know little about the world's major religions, including their own. On this rebroadcast of today's To the Point, guest host Sara Terry explores the role that the study of religion play in schools. Do the media have a responsibility to do more in-depth reporting on religion as a way to better understand the role that religious beliefs play in conflicts and foreign policy? Also, homicides from to their lowest level in over 40 years, and the election crisis in Ivory Coast could mean renewed conflict in West Africa.
Banner image of Students at Harry S. Truman Elementary School in Allentown, Pennsylvania: Lisa Lake/Getty Images for Office Max
In this episode
3 storiesHomicides Drop to Levels Not Seen since 1967
For the first time in more than four decades, Los Angeles is on track to end the year with fewer than 300 homicides, the lowest number of killings since 1967 when the population was 30 percent smaller.
Read the story1 minThe Cost of Ignorance: Teaching Religion in Public Schools
Public nativity scenes and debates about language dominate the culture wars this time of year but, amid the skirmishes over proper greetings and public displays of religious belief, one of the most overlooked casualties is the fact that Americans are surprisingly ignorant about the world's major religions.
Read the story1 minThe Latest on the Turmoil in Ivory Coast
Nearly a month after the presidential run-off election in the Ivory Coast, President Laurent Gbagbo shows no sign of giving up power, even though his opponent, Alassane Ouattara, is widely perceived as the victor.
Read the story1 min