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Introduction to Pagan Studies

Barbara Jane Davy

Pagan Studies is maturing and moving beyond the context of new religious movements to situate itself in within of the study of world religions.

Introduction to Pagan Studies is the first and only text designed to introduce the study of contemporary Paganism as a world religion. It examines the intellectual, religious, and social spheres of Paganism through common categories in the study of religion, which includes beliefs, practices, theology, ritual, history, and role of texts and scriptures. The text is accessible to readers of all backgrounds and religions and assumes no prior knowledge of Paganism.

This text will also serve as a general introduction to Pagan Studies for non-specialist scholars of religion, as well as be of interest to scholars in the related disciplines of Anthropology, Sociology and Cultural Studies, and to students taking courses in Religious Studies, Pagan Studies, Nature Religion, New Religious Movements, and Religion in America. The book will also be useful to non-academic practitioners of Paganism interested in current scholarship.
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AltaMira Press
Pages: 254 • Trim: 6¼ x 9¼
978-0-7591-0818-9 • Hardback • October 2006 • $129.00 • (£99.00)
978-0-7591-0819-6 • Paperback • October 2006 • $49.00 • (£38.00)
978-0-7591-1405-0 • eBook • October 2006 • $46.50 • (£36.00)
Series: Pagan Studies Series
Subjects: Religion / General
Barbara Jane Davy holds a Ph.D. in religion from Concordia University, Montreal. She has been engaged in the academic study of Paganism for ten years, and has written articles on Paganism, shamanism, and nature religion ritual studies, environmental ethics, and the philosophy of Emmanuel Levinas in journals and encyclopedias. She currently serves as President of the Environmental Studies Association of Canada and has been an active member of the Nature Religion Scholars Network within the American Academy of Religion since 1997.
0 Introduction
1 Beliefs
2 Social Organization
3 Individual and Family Practices
4 Group Practices
5 Myths and Historical Origins
6 Literary Origins and Influences
7 Social and Charismatic Influences
8 Denominations
9 Ethics and Politics
10 Current Issues
11 Research in Pagan Studies
13 Glossary
14 Bibliography
15 Index
In this refreshingly grounded, balanced, informative, thorough and equitable work, Paganism comes of age with Barb Davy's Introduction to Pagan Studies. The book discusses Paganism through the categories of theology, cosmology, social organization, ritual practices and historical origins in a comprehensive yet engaging manner that will appeal to insiders and outsiders alike. Davy has successfully chronicled Pagan growth from new religious movement to a world religion - especially its denominational tendency. In short, by exploring the multiple nuances of Paganism, this is the book for which everyone has been waiting.
— Michael York, Bath Spa University


This book provides a detailed and fascinating introduction to the varied worlds of contemporary Paganism. While some might dismiss the rise of nature religions as a fad, Davy skillfully excavates the origins of the movement, as well the multiple streams that have woven their way across the religious landscape. She offers a valuable contribution to the emerging study of contemporary Paganism.
— Professor Douglas E. Cowan, Renison College, University of Waterloo


An essential overview and distillation of current academic thought concerning the history, beliefs, and practices of modern Paganism. Accessible and written as an introductory textbook, Davy provides an excellent starting point to people wanting to know more about Paganism, and to Pagans wanting to explore the burgeoning realm of Pagan Studies. Highly recommended.
— Jason Pitzl-Waters; The Wild Hunt Blog


Davy...has crafted a fine text to support undergraduate scholarly study of this religion...of particular interest are the sections on literary influences, origins, ethics, current issues, and research...This book will be excellent for courses in religious studies, sociology, and cultural studies. Summing Up: Highly Recommended. All levels.
— M.R. Pukkila, Colby College; Choice Reviews


This book is invaluable to teachers and students and a critical addition to every Pagan's library. Introduction to Pagan Studies gives the reader a solid understanding of the diverse and complicated collection of beliefs, practices, and issues involved in the many religious traditions that fall under the banner of contemporary Pagnism, and operates as a springboard to deeper study and research.
— Newwitch


Barbara Davy's excellent introduction to the study of Paganism offers a clear view of the state of academic knowledge about Paganism, anticipates areas of growing interest, and skilfully enables readers to reflect on approaches to this and other religions. This accessible book will be of value to anyone interested in Paganism and to anyone interested in the study of religions.
— Dr. Graham Harvey, Religious Studies, Open University, UK


Introduction to Pagan Studies

Cover Image
Hardback
Paperback
eBook
Summary
Summary
  • Pagan Studies is maturing and moving beyond the context of new religious movements to situate itself in within of the study of world religions.

    Introduction to Pagan Studies is the first and only text designed to introduce the study of contemporary Paganism as a world religion. It examines the intellectual, religious, and social spheres of Paganism through common categories in the study of religion, which includes beliefs, practices, theology, ritual, history, and role of texts and scriptures. The text is accessible to readers of all backgrounds and religions and assumes no prior knowledge of Paganism.

    This text will also serve as a general introduction to Pagan Studies for non-specialist scholars of religion, as well as be of interest to scholars in the related disciplines of Anthropology, Sociology and Cultural Studies, and to students taking courses in Religious Studies, Pagan Studies, Nature Religion, New Religious Movements, and Religion in America. The book will also be useful to non-academic practitioners of Paganism interested in current scholarship.
Details
Details
  • AltaMira Press
    Pages: 254 • Trim: 6¼ x 9¼
    978-0-7591-0818-9 • Hardback • October 2006 • $129.00 • (£99.00)
    978-0-7591-0819-6 • Paperback • October 2006 • $49.00 • (£38.00)
    978-0-7591-1405-0 • eBook • October 2006 • $46.50 • (£36.00)
    Series: Pagan Studies Series
    Subjects: Religion / General
Author
Author
  • Barbara Jane Davy holds a Ph.D. in religion from Concordia University, Montreal. She has been engaged in the academic study of Paganism for ten years, and has written articles on Paganism, shamanism, and nature religion ritual studies, environmental ethics, and the philosophy of Emmanuel Levinas in journals and encyclopedias. She currently serves as President of the Environmental Studies Association of Canada and has been an active member of the Nature Religion Scholars Network within the American Academy of Religion since 1997.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
  • 0 Introduction
    1 Beliefs
    2 Social Organization
    3 Individual and Family Practices
    4 Group Practices
    5 Myths and Historical Origins
    6 Literary Origins and Influences
    7 Social and Charismatic Influences
    8 Denominations
    9 Ethics and Politics
    10 Current Issues
    11 Research in Pagan Studies
    13 Glossary
    14 Bibliography
    15 Index
Reviews
Reviews
  • In this refreshingly grounded, balanced, informative, thorough and equitable work, Paganism comes of age with Barb Davy's Introduction to Pagan Studies. The book discusses Paganism through the categories of theology, cosmology, social organization, ritual practices and historical origins in a comprehensive yet engaging manner that will appeal to insiders and outsiders alike. Davy has successfully chronicled Pagan growth from new religious movement to a world religion - especially its denominational tendency. In short, by exploring the multiple nuances of Paganism, this is the book for which everyone has been waiting.
    — Michael York, Bath Spa University


    This book provides a detailed and fascinating introduction to the varied worlds of contemporary Paganism. While some might dismiss the rise of nature religions as a fad, Davy skillfully excavates the origins of the movement, as well the multiple streams that have woven their way across the religious landscape. She offers a valuable contribution to the emerging study of contemporary Paganism.
    — Professor Douglas E. Cowan, Renison College, University of Waterloo


    An essential overview and distillation of current academic thought concerning the history, beliefs, and practices of modern Paganism. Accessible and written as an introductory textbook, Davy provides an excellent starting point to people wanting to know more about Paganism, and to Pagans wanting to explore the burgeoning realm of Pagan Studies. Highly recommended.
    — Jason Pitzl-Waters; The Wild Hunt Blog


    Davy...has crafted a fine text to support undergraduate scholarly study of this religion...of particular interest are the sections on literary influences, origins, ethics, current issues, and research...This book will be excellent for courses in religious studies, sociology, and cultural studies. Summing Up: Highly Recommended. All levels.
    — M.R. Pukkila, Colby College; Choice Reviews


    This book is invaluable to teachers and students and a critical addition to every Pagan's library. Introduction to Pagan Studies gives the reader a solid understanding of the diverse and complicated collection of beliefs, practices, and issues involved in the many religious traditions that fall under the banner of contemporary Pagnism, and operates as a springboard to deeper study and research.
    — Newwitch


    Barbara Davy's excellent introduction to the study of Paganism offers a clear view of the state of academic knowledge about Paganism, anticipates areas of growing interest, and skilfully enables readers to reflect on approaches to this and other religions. This accessible book will be of value to anyone interested in Paganism and to anyone interested in the study of religions.
    — Dr. Graham Harvey, Religious Studies, Open University, UK


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