Scholar to discuss religion in Texas schools at Baker Institute event

BY FRANZ BROTZEN
Rice News staff

The current debate over textbooks in Texas schools is just the latest salvo in the culture wars. Conservative activists have long called for curriculum changes that include a greater emphasis on Christianity and the superiority of U.S. capitalism. Last year, the Texas Board of Education voted to mandate such changes.

	MARK CHANCEY

Mark Chancey, associate professor of religious studies at Southern Methodist University, will discuss the implications that debates over teaching religion in Texas public schools might have on the nation’s cultural identity at a Feb. 24 lecture at the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy.

Chancey’s presentation, titled “Educating for a ‘Christian America’? Bible Courses, Social Studies Standards and the Texas Controversy,” will begin at 6:30 p.m. in Baker Hall’s Kelly International Conference Facility.

Chancey is the author of “Greco-Roman Culture and the Galilee of Jesus” (2005) and “The Myth of a Gentile Galilee” (2002). He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Georgia and his Ph.D. from Duke University.

Rice faculty, staff and students who want to attend must RSVP by e-mail (bipprsvp@rice.edu), by fax (713-348-5993) or on the Web at http://bakerinstitute.org/events/educating-for-a-christian-america-bible-courses-social-studies-standards-and-the-texas-controversy. A webcast of the event can also be seen at the latter address.

Chancey’s lecture is organized by the Baker Institute’s Religion and Public Policy Program.