Praise for Starting Points

“Justin Maaia has written a substantial and urgent book on learning about and teaching religion. Our world torn apart with ethnic and religious conflicts and living under the existentialist threats of climate change and theories of end of times, this is a book that offers good sense and hope. It is indispensable reading.”

Akbar Ahmed, Distinguished Professor and Ibn Khaldun Chair of Islamic Studies, School of International Service, American University and Global Fellow, Wilson Center.

“Starting Points is a wonderful book—clearly written, incisive, thoughtful, and comprehensive. Justin Maaia guides readers through the incredibly complex phenomenon of religion in the world today and its remarkable influence on human cultures and societies around the globe. It will be an invaluable resource to religion teachers as well as social studies and history teachers, advanced undergraduate and graduate students in Religious Studies & Theology, and members of religious communities interested in inter-religious dialogue, as well. Anyone seeking to understand religious and spiritual traditions will find a marvelous resource in this insightful work.”

Erin M. Cline, Paul J. and Chandler M. Tagliabue Distinguished Professor in Interfaith Studies & Dialogue, Georgetown University, and Senior Research Fellow, Berkley Center for Religion, Peace & World Affairs.

“An unexpected assignment from the principal or head of school can cause anxiety, even panic. Especially if she has asked you to teach a course on world religions. And you’ve never taught such a course before. Nor taken as much as a college survey course on Christianity, Islam, or Buddhism.

Not to worry. Your tutor has arrived. Justin Maaia opens his well-traveled suitcase of books, articles, pamphlets, online links to unusual resources, videos, films, TV programs, sample curricula, best practices, sample syllabi, even sample tests. Most importantly, he lays out the key issues and approaches to consider when introducing a religious tradition to a class of teenagers. His voice is engaging, conversational, and collegial. His 20 years of teaching shine through. You can relax. You’re in good hands.”

Andrew D. Scrimgeour, Ph.D., Archivist Emeritus, Society of Biblical Literature and Dean of Libraries Emeritus, Drew University.

“Justin Maaia does all of us who teach a course on World Religions a great service with this practical guide on how to teach and model the Study of Religion in the classroom. While there are more than enough textbooks that provide factual information on a wide range of religious traditions around the world, none of them equip students with the skills to actually do the Study of Religion. Based on many years of classroom experience and deep reflection on the theoretical and historical basis of religious studies, Maaia offers here tips and insights on how to structure a course that goes way beyond imparting the basic facts about the major world religions. Instead, Maaia aims at teaching students how to think, reason, and investigate like true scholars of religion. The book is filled with tried-and-true classroom activities and fieldwork suggestions that will engage your students like never before.”

Jacco Dieleman Ph.D., History and Social Sciences, Holton-Arms School