Catholic Schools, Public Education, and American Culture

by John B.P. McDowell

Our Sunday Visitor Press, 2000. Trade paperback. (ISBN 0-87973-397-7) Good copy, good wrappers. Nothing gives a better insight into the culture of a nation than the nature and quality of its schools and the way of life which they inspire. What then has been the effect of education on American culture or the American way of life? What effect will two very different forms of education — Catholic and public — ultimately have on American culture? This book addresses these and other important questions, recounting how religion was removed from public education in America and how a secular philosophy of life has taken its place as the basis of that educational program. In public schools today, parents play a minimal roll beyond paying taxes. Moreover, the Supreme Court of this nation has made the official schools not only secular and non-sectarian, but godless, thus defining so clearly both American education and culture. What culture results from this secular, parentless, and godless program which has become the official education program? To understand American Catholic education we must view it in relation to American public education. In this book, Bishop John McDowell examines the history, philosophy, and court decisions that have shaped America's two parallel educational systems. This book is indispensable for school administrators, teachers, parents, and others who will help to shape — or reform — American education in the coming centuries. Education, sociology.

154 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000