Date of Award

5-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Department

Humanities

First Advisor

Estes, Douglas

Area of Concentration

Religion

Abstract

This thesis considers the connection between religion and education from sixteenth century England to modern day America. There is an inevitable relation between the two that expands from original religious backgrounds to modern day personal bias. This paper considers the issue historically and comparatively in light of early American foundations and modern varying perspectives. Early groups such as the Puritans and Separatists brought their religious views with them to America and its institutions, including education. Over time the religious foundations shifted in many ways, based on changes in population composition and advancements. This was also aided by many court cases that led to the current position of modern separation of church and state. Ultimately, modern America attempts to provide education from a Constitutional, neutral perspective to protect each group from the oppression of others. This research suggests that the pursuit of neutrality may be impossible, due to the innate bias of each individual. The solution to this dilemma is likely incapable of pleasing all groups, yet some change in practice or understanding is necessary moving forward, especially in educational institutions. Students should be protected from possibly confusing, conflicting perspectives until they are prepared to think critically and sort through the ideas. Then they should be trained to think for themselves and develop their own perspectives and worldviews.

Rights

The author has granted New College of Florida the nonexclusive right to archive, make accessible, and distribute for educational purposes this work in whole or in part in all forms of media, now or hereafter known. The copyright of this work remains with the author.

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