Reform, by definition, is not a complete break with tradition, but a determination by scholars, activists, politicians and critical thinkers to re-claim the tenets of their faith. Muslim communities have historically displayed a tendency to preserve the status quo. By contrast, the individuals and movements in Islam and the Question of Reform are determined-often at great personal risk-to push aside existing political and social elites and the historically accepted interpretations of Islam and its place in society. The perspectives examined in this volume avoid superficial or apologetic examinations of Islam's political and social role. Instead, they meticulously scrutinise the religion's public role, often questioning the validity of dogmas that have acted as tools of empowerment for existing elites for centuries.

Edexcel's own resources for the 2009 Religious Studies GCSE specification. Written by experienced examiners to give you confidence in our resources, these books provide support for all options, giving you complete flexibility. Differentiated and contemporary content boosts motivation and caters for every student, and ResultPlus combines real exam performance data with examiner insight to give guidance on how to achieve better results.

A carefully selected collection of prayers are presented in a bright and colourful picture book format that is perfect for young children. With beautiful illustrations and sweet, rhyming text, My Very First Prayers makes prayer easy and accessible for young children. This charming book encourages children to talk to God and share their lives with Him. The new paperback format also makes this a perfect gift for churches looking for prize giving or gift and award ideas.

In much of the world, religious traditions are seriously valued but, in the context of religious plurality, this sets educationalists an enormous challenge. This book provides a way forward in exploring religious life whilst showing how bridges might be built between diverse religious traditions. "Teaching Virtue" puts engagement with religious life - and virtue ethics - at the heart of religious education, encouraging 'learning from' religion rather than 'learning about' religion. The authors focus on eight key virtues, examining these for what they can offer of religious value to pupils and teachers. Individual chapters put the discussion into context by offering a vision of what religious education in the future could look like; the need for responsible religious education; a historical review of moral education and an introduction to virtue ethics. Lesson plans and examples demonstrate how the virtues may be approached in the classroom, making it an invaluable guide for all involved in teaching religious education.