1st Edition
Civic Education at a Crossroads The Christian Nationalist Threat to Public Schools
This book turns to political theory as a framework for understanding the rise of political and religious extremism, and in particular the Christian Nationalist position, identifying solutions to civic challenges, and arguing for the vital role that public schools play in providing the civic education that prepares young people for participation in democratic self-government.
Drawing on scholarly debates between liberal and republican political theorists, the author maintains that if we want to preserve our republic, then policymakers and educators must unapologetically promote a normative “vision of good citizenship” that cultivates in students the requisite civic virtue and rational autonomy needed to defend democracy from the rise of illiberal extremism.
A timely contribution to academic debates about the role of civic education in the preservation of democracy, it will appeal to scholars, educators and policymakers concerned with the future of civic education, as well as the philosophy of education, political science, and educational policy.
1. Civic Education at a Crossroads
2. Quick, Someone Call a Political Theorist!
3. Moving From Neutral to Normative
4. The Root of the Problem
5. A Republic, If We Teach It
Biography
Bryan J. Henry is Professor of Political Science at Lone Star College, USA.
"As reactionary lawmakers around the country hijack public education to further their Christian nationalist agenda, public schools cannot remain “neutral” in safeguarding liberal democracy. Bryan Henry lays out a captivating vision for civics education that defends liberty and justice for all.”
Samuel L. Perry, Professor of Sociology, University of Oklahoma, USA."Bryan Henry asks how do we prepare children for a democratic society? In Civic Education at a Crossroads: The Christian Nationalist Threat to Public Schools, Henry precisely dissects the tension between liberal democracy, Christian nationalism and parental rights. His prognosis for our schools and democracy, is revealing and terrifying."
Chris Tomlinson, Author of ‘Forget the Alamo’
