Conflicting Worldviews in the Classroom: The 'Holdeman' Mennonite School Trial 1978

Authors

  • Andrew Pemberton-Pigott

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21971/P7PP4X

Abstract

Many historians and sociologists have noted that the classroom often becomes the battleground for conflicting social values. The 1978 Regina vs Wiebe trial in Alberta was a clear example of stress caused by changing values in a pluralistic society. Regina vs Wiebe reveals a struggle between three contrasting worldviews: Mennonite traditionalism, Mennonite modernism, and state secular humanism. The result forced provincial approval of independent schools on the grounds of religious freedom. This study outlines the legal, religious, and philosophical themes of the trial and uncovers underlying denominational tensions.

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Author Biography

Andrew Pemberton-Pigott

Andrew Pemberton-Pigott recently completed his M.A. on the Bahai Faith in Alberta from 1942 to 1992. He is now working on his Ph.D. at the University of Alberta on geology in Alberta. He teaches the history of science and comparative religion in the Faculty of Extension at the University of Alberta.

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Published

2008-02-21

How to Cite

Pemberton-Pigott, A. (2008). Conflicting Worldviews in the Classroom: The ’Holdeman’ Mennonite School Trial 1978. Past Imperfect, 1. https://doi.org/10.21971/P7PP4X

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Section

Articles