As I reflect on the collection of articles for this issue, a play on the title of Mortimer Adler’s book, The Difference of Man and the Difference It Makes, came to mind. These articles share a common theme of "the difference in perspective and the difference it makes."

Perry Glanzer sounds this note as he opens the issue arguing his case for why teaching about religion, though important, is not enough. Rather, he suggests, we need to step back and first consider worldview. Diana Denton follows in the second article by considering differing perspectives in her study of fostering spiritual growth in a context that crosses traditions. Our third article dramatically changes context and perspective as Neil Southern discusses fundamentalism in Northern Ireland classrooms. Angela Leonard, then, takes us through a series of contexts in the fourth article of the issue—sacred sites used in teaching to evoke racial perspectives past and present. The fifth article features Felicia Blacher-Wilson’s exploration of PK-12 leadership preparation and the place of spirituality in aspiring school leaders. Closing out this issue is the report of a study by Michael Firmin and Amanda Burger on evangelical students in public schools.

The cover art is a piece called Archangel Cross-Carpet Page by Lisa Laughy of Bethlehem, New Hampshire. It was part of an art exhibit, A Question of Faith, at the University of Northern Iowa Gallery of Art, October 2001.

Michael D. Waggoner, Editor
Religion and Education
Spring 2004