Institutionalizing the Relationship between Religious Teaching and Religious Freedom: The Case of the Republic of San Marino

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

I found this article very interesting, especially since I am from the United States, and it is new for me to see how the State relates to religion in a European context. I would like to make two ponts, one related to style and one related to content.

In relation to style, I appreciate the long quotes from various documents but it would be helpful if some context is given about the document it is from before it is quoted. These quotes are well references at the end but the context would better help the reader understand and situate them from the start. 

In relation to content, I think the crux of your recommendations begin with the paragraph that starts on 359 with the discussion of Peter Berger's work. I think this should be expanded upon, perhaps to argue that all students would benefit from a interreligious approach to what is taught, including Catholic students. I am not sure if this has been written about in the European context but it has been written about in the United States, especially in the university context. Some authors who might be helpful to read are Diana Eck and Eboo Patel. 

See above. 

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Dear Editor, 

 

Thank you for sending the text which is interesting. The article is worthy of publication as it provides a good reference point for debate on alternatives to religion as taught in schools and if such a thing should or should not be attempted.  The bibliography is note-worthy and extensive, and the author sets out the historical agreement (in detail) between the Holy See and the State of San Marino; all of which is laudable.  

 

However, as a suggestion and only that, the style of the text needs some attention and should be shown to a native speaker of English before publication.  In some parts of the text, the style is rather ‘’laboured’’.  The author is at risk of losing valuable participants in the debate because they were unable to ‘’wade’’ through some parts of the work.  This point can be easily rectified.  

 

With the greatest respect to the author, scientific papers are submitted in the passive voice.  Page 1 line16 needs to be changed, as do other parts of the text.  Page 2 lines 75 and 83 require attention.  As a suggestion, line 75 might be: it was found relevant…., line 83 might be: Specifically considering ……., line 127 on page 4: this process involved a workshop which provided for ……, and line 180 on page 5 …. which is found … .  If such details as writing scientific texts are not written in the passive voice, the study can sometimes be considered compromised.  Please check for other necessary changes.

 

The text can be considered for publication after corrections to the English in the text.

The article requires some correction in the English used in the text.

Author Response

Please see the attachment

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Round 2

Reviewer 2 Report

I would like to thank the author of this text for having followed the advice that I suggested in my original review.  The text has been sufficiently altered to make it publishable.  I can now see the research problem and the methodology is clear.  I would suggest changing the first sentence to: teaching in public schools 5 at the background of a broader debate, 

......in the light of a broader debate,.... 

The English initially required some improvement, but the author willing undertook the suggestions offered after the first review.