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It's Considerate to Be Literate about Religion: Poetry and Prose about Religion, Conflict, and Peace in Our World
It's Considerate to Be Literate about Religion is a book of poems and prose for young readers, their parents, and their teachers. Along with Cunningham's award-winning books Dinosaur Name Poems and Your Body Sick and Well: How Do You Know? this new book shares the motif of using the names of things (nomenclature) to introduce topics that otherwise may be unfamiliar, such as the various ways we all tend to be religiously illiterate and how we can be more religiously illiterate in our daily lives.
The lyrical nature of the poems and the engaging pencil illustrations by Susan Detwiler give each topic the traction needed to get youth (and adults) reading right into the poems and on through the expansive "Learn More!" sections that follow each poem.
In addition, a helpful introduction welcomes readers to the concept of religious literacy; a fulsome glossary defines terms used in the book; and a reading-group guide includes topics and questions for further discussion and a section of suggested further reading.
The lyrical nature of the poems and the engaging pencil illustrations by Susan Detwiler give each topic the traction needed to get youth (and adults) reading right into the poems and on through the expansive "Learn More!" sections that follow each poem.
In addition, a helpful introduction welcomes readers to the concept of religious literacy; a fulsome glossary defines terms used in the book; and a reading-group guide includes topics and questions for further discussion and a section of suggested further reading.
102 pages, Paperback
Published November 15, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
February 20, 2026
A nice way to become a bit more literate about religious tolerance
I am not religious and would not have read this book if I had not met the author, who recently joined our book group. It was a lovely change of subject for me.
I must say that I prefer poetry that is a bit more traditional. The sentiments expressed in the poems were, however, lovely and poetically expressed.
Most of the book, however, is prose that expounds on the thoughts expressed in the poems. The overall message is to "love your neighbor" and be tolerant of those who do not believe as you do, with excellent examples like Syria, Myanmar, the Holocaust and Israel/Palestine.
The book made some excellent points. I think my favorite was the idea of "inside" versus "outside". What does the religion actually teach as opposed to how its adherents actually interpret it? Is Al Qaeda practicing "real" Islam? Are the activists from Westboro Baptist Church really good Christians? I gotta say it made me think.
I am not religious and would not have read this book if I had not met the author, who recently joined our book group. It was a lovely change of subject for me.
I must say that I prefer poetry that is a bit more traditional. The sentiments expressed in the poems were, however, lovely and poetically expressed.
Most of the book, however, is prose that expounds on the thoughts expressed in the poems. The overall message is to "love your neighbor" and be tolerant of those who do not believe as you do, with excellent examples like Syria, Myanmar, the Holocaust and Israel/Palestine.
The book made some excellent points. I think my favorite was the idea of "inside" versus "outside". What does the religion actually teach as opposed to how its adherents actually interpret it? Is Al Qaeda practicing "real" Islam? Are the activists from Westboro Baptist Church really good Christians? I gotta say it made me think.
November 14, 2022
Advance Praise for It’s Considerate to Be Literate about Religion
"Dr Cunningham's book is an absolute must-read for all clinicians and educators. As we recognize the importance of providing care to all people with respect for diversity, equity, and inclusion, it is essential that respect for people's religious or spiritual beliefs and values be respected and honored in their care. This book is engaging, thoughtful, scholarly, and practical."
—Christina Puchalski, MD, OCDS, FACP, FAAHPM, Professor of Medicine and Health Science; Executive Director, The George Washington University's Institute for Spirituality and Health (GWish)
"It’s Considerate to Be Literate about Religion is a fun, compassionate, and lyrical journey into religious diversity. With whimsical prose and beautiful illustrations, Cunningham offers kindhearted depictions of religious differences alongside his invitation to appreciate their common moral commitments. A must-have for childhood educators and families hoping to raise open-minded children!"
—Matthew W. Hughey, PhD, Professor of Sociology, University of Connecticut
"Practical and intelligent, this beautifully illustrated book offers many teachable moments. You are certain to broaden your religious literacy within its pages."
—Rosemary Klein, former president of The Baltimore Ethical Society and founder of Three Conditions Press
"It's Considerate to Be Literate about Religion effectively addresses a most timely issue today. Its thoughtful content, apt examples, and clear terminology are complemented with excellent illustrations which further enliven the text and emphasize its message."
—Rev. John T. Grega, MA, STL, STM, ThM, Director of Religious Studies, Character, and Service, McDonogh School (retd.)
"A learned, nuanced, and beautifully illustrated introduction to key concepts in religious studies. Dr. Cunningham offers a potent remedy for our cultural disease of viewing the world’s diverse religions in simplistic and reductive ways."
—J. F. Alexander, MA, JD, author of the spiritual adventure novel I Am Sophia
“In this important book by Dr. Steven Cunningham, the author builds on his previous works that explore the intersection of poetry and nomenclature to help us see a topic in a new and unique light. In his current work, Dr. Cunningham masterfully uses 'poemenclature' to make religious literacy an approachable topic for a wide population. This book provides a broad welcoming overview of different religious world perspectives. It is a must-read for not only the young, but for people of all ages.”
—Timothy M. Pawlik, MD, PhD, MPH, MTS, MBA, FACS, FSSO, FRACS (Hon.), Professor of Surgery, Ohio State University; scholar of religion
"Dr. Cunningham's contribution to the field of religious studies is creative, accessible, and informative. Most importantly, it addresses some of the most common misconceptions about religion and offers readers a more sophisticated and nuanced approach to understanding our diverse world."
—John Camardella, College World Religion, Prospect High School; Education Fellow, Religion in Public Life Program, Harvard Divinity School
"Cunningham's book is designed to promote religious literacy. Yet, its strength is in promoting curiosity, tolerance, dialogue, and understanding. He breaks down concepts in easy-to-understand language engaging the reader to want to learn more. He educates the reader through poetry, examples, and discussion. His ability to separate religion from the actions of persons who interpret their religion in violent ways is quite timely in promoting religious, cultural humility. This is an essential reader for youth, parents, all adults and particularly religious leaders who are uniquely positioned to promote healing and interfaith peace. The illustrations by Detwiler are excellent and add greatly to the book's content."
—Beth L. Muehlhausen, PhD, MDiv, BCC, LCSW; Sr. Researcher for Spiritual Care & Mission Integration, Ascension
"Dr. Cunningham’s wonderful book does us a double service—it explains convincingly the necessity of religious literacy and it shows us how to be religiously literate. It is a hopeful and informative text, no matter the reader’s religious point of view!"
—Rev. Christopher Dreisbach, PhD, Assisting Clergy, Old St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Baltimore, MD; Professor (part-time) of Moral and Systematic Theology, St. Mary's Ecumenical Institute of Theology
"As a high-school educator and mother of two, I cannot express how deeply important Cunningham's book is to our children and their future. Increasingly so, we live in an ever-changing world with complex issues that often revolve around religion because religion is embedded in our culture, politics, and society. Using wit and humor, Cunningham lays the foundation of religious literacy in a way that is easy enough for a middle schooler to understand, but entirely appropriate for high-school-aged readers and older. The carefully organized pauses and reminders throughout the book allow any parent an opportunity to further discuss concepts or for a child to ask their own questions. I cannot wait to read this with my own children!"
—Jeanne Shin-Cooper, MA, CRSE, National-Board-certified high-school educator, Buffalo Grove, IL
"Dr. Cunningham goes right to the questions to be asking to understand and nurture relationships of all kinds in our complex and challenging world. Yet, in pairing poetic whimsy with informative prose, he leads readers to and through these questions with imaginations opened and defenses lowered. From my perspective as a parent, a priest, and simply a person seeking to live thoughtfully and lovingly in diverse community, this book is a gift: offering a way into conversation and self-reflection."
—Rev. Jenni Ovenstone, MDiv, Sr. Associate Rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Alexandria, VA
"This beautiful and brief educational book is as well written in prose as it is in poetry. Its clear and respectful message regarding religious diversity and inter-religious literacy weaves in social and political considerations without compromising religious nuance and personal integrity. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to every middle and high schooler—in short to all our youth in America who will be the inheritors of a beautiful land rich in heritage with growing diversity."
—Hasan Awan, MD, author of Islam of the Heart: Living Religion with Presence
"A well-crafted and imaginative book assisting students to understand and address one of the critical issues facing our multireligious and multiethnic world—religious illiteracy. The eloquent poems and case studies, skillfully integrated into the text, are brilliant!"
—Ali S. Asani, PhD, Murray A. Albertson Professor of Middle Eastern Studies, Professor of Indo-Muslim and Islamic Religion and Cultures, Harvard University
"As Steven Clark Cunningham says, being religiously literate helps us understand one another, which helps us live together more harmoniously. The wonderful poems and thoughtful examples in his book make it an excellent introduction to religious literacy."
—George Fitchett, DMin, PhD, Professor, Department of Religion, Health & Human Values, Rush University
"This book provides indispensable nuance, compassion, and empathy to how diverse people grapple with humanity’s enduring questions. It is a beautiful introduction to how we should orient ourselves around religious literacy and difference."
—Benjamin Sax, PhD, Jewish Scholar, Institute for Islamic, Christian, Jewish Studies, Baltimore, MD
"Steve Cunningham provides his young readers with a detailed and clearly written introduction to religious literacy. He manages to give serious depths to the topic while keeping each section manageably short and precise while continuously drawing his audience in. Even a more experienced reader will find his book a well-balanced combination of carefully chosen examples and important background facts that are well illustrated."
—Nina Redl, BCC, Chaplain, Lincoln, NE
"Now more than ever, religious literacy is needed in a world where 'othering' is far too common. Dr. Cunningham provides useful insights and a sense of playfulness to help readers gain insights that lead to understanding and move beyond mere tolerance: to curiosity, dialogue, and respect for religious difference. I highly recommend this book!"
—Rev. Ann Ritonia, MA, MDiv, Rector, St. John’s Episcopal Church, Ellicott City, MD
"It's Considerate to Be Literate is a wonderful example of what religious literacy is and how it can be fostered. The approach is thoughtful and educational and the illustrations beautiful. Many will learn from it."
—Wendy A. Cadge, PhD, Barbara Mandel Professor of the Humanistic Social Sciences, Professor of Sociology, Dean of the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, Brandeis University
"An engaging primer on the role of religion in social life. Dr. Cunningham's clear prose and clever poems make challenging concepts accessible to young readers—when's the last time you read YA poetry about Ludwig Wittgenstein and the definition of 'religion'?"
—Henry Goldschmidt, PhD, Interfaith Educator, New York, New York
“Wherever we find ourselves—in a classroom, a workplace, a neighborhood—we encounter the presence of religious diversity. In his book, Dr. Steven Cunningham reveals a key way to avoid conflicts and tensions in our relationships: by becoming familiar with and learning about religion, especially religions that are not our own. The examples in the book clarify the various points he brings. Knowledge develops respect, tolerance, and acceptance of the ‘other,’ exactly what our society needs now. Knowledge is power. I would recommend this book to anyone, no matter what age.”
—Rabbi Ziona Zelazo, BsC; Assoc. Chaplain, Valley Hospital, Ridgewood, NJ; Disaster Spiritual Care Provider for the American Red Cross
"An engagingly creative approach that teaches the complexities of religion both in terms of appreciating its value and cautioning against its potential dark side."
—Peter Hill, PhD, Director, Office of Academic Research and Grants; Professor, Psychology of Religion, Biola University, La Mirada, CA
"Well-produced, accessibly written, and beautifully illustrated, this book encourages the kind of well-informed engagement with religions that is all too rare, and yet increasingly a requirement of civilized encounter with others in our time."
—Bruce D. Chilton, PhD, MDiv, Bernard Iddings Bell Professor of Philosophy and Religion; Director, Institute of Advanced Theology, Bard College
"Dr Cunningham's book is an absolute must-read for all clinicians and educators. As we recognize the importance of providing care to all people with respect for diversity, equity, and inclusion, it is essential that respect for people's religious or spiritual beliefs and values be respected and honored in their care. This book is engaging, thoughtful, scholarly, and practical."
—Christina Puchalski, MD, OCDS, FACP, FAAHPM, Professor of Medicine and Health Science; Executive Director, The George Washington University's Institute for Spirituality and Health (GWish)
"It’s Considerate to Be Literate about Religion is a fun, compassionate, and lyrical journey into religious diversity. With whimsical prose and beautiful illustrations, Cunningham offers kindhearted depictions of religious differences alongside his invitation to appreciate their common moral commitments. A must-have for childhood educators and families hoping to raise open-minded children!"
—Matthew W. Hughey, PhD, Professor of Sociology, University of Connecticut
"Practical and intelligent, this beautifully illustrated book offers many teachable moments. You are certain to broaden your religious literacy within its pages."
—Rosemary Klein, former president of The Baltimore Ethical Society and founder of Three Conditions Press
"It's Considerate to Be Literate about Religion effectively addresses a most timely issue today. Its thoughtful content, apt examples, and clear terminology are complemented with excellent illustrations which further enliven the text and emphasize its message."
—Rev. John T. Grega, MA, STL, STM, ThM, Director of Religious Studies, Character, and Service, McDonogh School (retd.)
"A learned, nuanced, and beautifully illustrated introduction to key concepts in religious studies. Dr. Cunningham offers a potent remedy for our cultural disease of viewing the world’s diverse religions in simplistic and reductive ways."
—J. F. Alexander, MA, JD, author of the spiritual adventure novel I Am Sophia
“In this important book by Dr. Steven Cunningham, the author builds on his previous works that explore the intersection of poetry and nomenclature to help us see a topic in a new and unique light. In his current work, Dr. Cunningham masterfully uses 'poemenclature' to make religious literacy an approachable topic for a wide population. This book provides a broad welcoming overview of different religious world perspectives. It is a must-read for not only the young, but for people of all ages.”
—Timothy M. Pawlik, MD, PhD, MPH, MTS, MBA, FACS, FSSO, FRACS (Hon.), Professor of Surgery, Ohio State University; scholar of religion
"Dr. Cunningham's contribution to the field of religious studies is creative, accessible, and informative. Most importantly, it addresses some of the most common misconceptions about religion and offers readers a more sophisticated and nuanced approach to understanding our diverse world."
—John Camardella, College World Religion, Prospect High School; Education Fellow, Religion in Public Life Program, Harvard Divinity School
"Cunningham's book is designed to promote religious literacy. Yet, its strength is in promoting curiosity, tolerance, dialogue, and understanding. He breaks down concepts in easy-to-understand language engaging the reader to want to learn more. He educates the reader through poetry, examples, and discussion. His ability to separate religion from the actions of persons who interpret their religion in violent ways is quite timely in promoting religious, cultural humility. This is an essential reader for youth, parents, all adults and particularly religious leaders who are uniquely positioned to promote healing and interfaith peace. The illustrations by Detwiler are excellent and add greatly to the book's content."
—Beth L. Muehlhausen, PhD, MDiv, BCC, LCSW; Sr. Researcher for Spiritual Care & Mission Integration, Ascension
"Dr. Cunningham’s wonderful book does us a double service—it explains convincingly the necessity of religious literacy and it shows us how to be religiously literate. It is a hopeful and informative text, no matter the reader’s religious point of view!"
—Rev. Christopher Dreisbach, PhD, Assisting Clergy, Old St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Baltimore, MD; Professor (part-time) of Moral and Systematic Theology, St. Mary's Ecumenical Institute of Theology
"As a high-school educator and mother of two, I cannot express how deeply important Cunningham's book is to our children and their future. Increasingly so, we live in an ever-changing world with complex issues that often revolve around religion because religion is embedded in our culture, politics, and society. Using wit and humor, Cunningham lays the foundation of religious literacy in a way that is easy enough for a middle schooler to understand, but entirely appropriate for high-school-aged readers and older. The carefully organized pauses and reminders throughout the book allow any parent an opportunity to further discuss concepts or for a child to ask their own questions. I cannot wait to read this with my own children!"
—Jeanne Shin-Cooper, MA, CRSE, National-Board-certified high-school educator, Buffalo Grove, IL
"Dr. Cunningham goes right to the questions to be asking to understand and nurture relationships of all kinds in our complex and challenging world. Yet, in pairing poetic whimsy with informative prose, he leads readers to and through these questions with imaginations opened and defenses lowered. From my perspective as a parent, a priest, and simply a person seeking to live thoughtfully and lovingly in diverse community, this book is a gift: offering a way into conversation and self-reflection."
—Rev. Jenni Ovenstone, MDiv, Sr. Associate Rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Alexandria, VA
"This beautiful and brief educational book is as well written in prose as it is in poetry. Its clear and respectful message regarding religious diversity and inter-religious literacy weaves in social and political considerations without compromising religious nuance and personal integrity. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to every middle and high schooler—in short to all our youth in America who will be the inheritors of a beautiful land rich in heritage with growing diversity."
—Hasan Awan, MD, author of Islam of the Heart: Living Religion with Presence
"A well-crafted and imaginative book assisting students to understand and address one of the critical issues facing our multireligious and multiethnic world—religious illiteracy. The eloquent poems and case studies, skillfully integrated into the text, are brilliant!"
—Ali S. Asani, PhD, Murray A. Albertson Professor of Middle Eastern Studies, Professor of Indo-Muslim and Islamic Religion and Cultures, Harvard University
"As Steven Clark Cunningham says, being religiously literate helps us understand one another, which helps us live together more harmoniously. The wonderful poems and thoughtful examples in his book make it an excellent introduction to religious literacy."
—George Fitchett, DMin, PhD, Professor, Department of Religion, Health & Human Values, Rush University
"This book provides indispensable nuance, compassion, and empathy to how diverse people grapple with humanity’s enduring questions. It is a beautiful introduction to how we should orient ourselves around religious literacy and difference."
—Benjamin Sax, PhD, Jewish Scholar, Institute for Islamic, Christian, Jewish Studies, Baltimore, MD
"Steve Cunningham provides his young readers with a detailed and clearly written introduction to religious literacy. He manages to give serious depths to the topic while keeping each section manageably short and precise while continuously drawing his audience in. Even a more experienced reader will find his book a well-balanced combination of carefully chosen examples and important background facts that are well illustrated."
—Nina Redl, BCC, Chaplain, Lincoln, NE
"Now more than ever, religious literacy is needed in a world where 'othering' is far too common. Dr. Cunningham provides useful insights and a sense of playfulness to help readers gain insights that lead to understanding and move beyond mere tolerance: to curiosity, dialogue, and respect for religious difference. I highly recommend this book!"
—Rev. Ann Ritonia, MA, MDiv, Rector, St. John’s Episcopal Church, Ellicott City, MD
"It's Considerate to Be Literate is a wonderful example of what religious literacy is and how it can be fostered. The approach is thoughtful and educational and the illustrations beautiful. Many will learn from it."
—Wendy A. Cadge, PhD, Barbara Mandel Professor of the Humanistic Social Sciences, Professor of Sociology, Dean of the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, Brandeis University
"An engaging primer on the role of religion in social life. Dr. Cunningham's clear prose and clever poems make challenging concepts accessible to young readers—when's the last time you read YA poetry about Ludwig Wittgenstein and the definition of 'religion'?"
—Henry Goldschmidt, PhD, Interfaith Educator, New York, New York
“Wherever we find ourselves—in a classroom, a workplace, a neighborhood—we encounter the presence of religious diversity. In his book, Dr. Steven Cunningham reveals a key way to avoid conflicts and tensions in our relationships: by becoming familiar with and learning about religion, especially religions that are not our own. The examples in the book clarify the various points he brings. Knowledge develops respect, tolerance, and acceptance of the ‘other,’ exactly what our society needs now. Knowledge is power. I would recommend this book to anyone, no matter what age.”
—Rabbi Ziona Zelazo, BsC; Assoc. Chaplain, Valley Hospital, Ridgewood, NJ; Disaster Spiritual Care Provider for the American Red Cross
"An engagingly creative approach that teaches the complexities of religion both in terms of appreciating its value and cautioning against its potential dark side."
—Peter Hill, PhD, Director, Office of Academic Research and Grants; Professor, Psychology of Religion, Biola University, La Mirada, CA
"Well-produced, accessibly written, and beautifully illustrated, this book encourages the kind of well-informed engagement with religions that is all too rare, and yet increasingly a requirement of civilized encounter with others in our time."
—Bruce D. Chilton, PhD, MDiv, Bernard Iddings Bell Professor of Philosophy and Religion; Director, Institute of Advanced Theology, Bard College
July 22, 2024
A very accessible book that would be ideal as an intergenerational read. This book introduces a variety of concepts across various faith traditions in ways that are understandable, generous, and memorable. Although great for teens, adults will learn from its pages, as well. Nicely done.
December 25, 2022
This book is insightful! It teaches the readers about religious sensibility. The prose and poems were written cleverly and beautifully.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews