AltaMira Press
Pages: 254
Trim: 0 x 0
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 • (£33.00)
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 denominationaltendency. In short, by exploring the multiple nuances of Paganism, this is the book for which everyone has been waiting...
— Michael York
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
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
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 religiousstudies, sociology, and cultural studies. Summing Up: Highly Recommended. All levels....
— M.R. Pukkila
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....
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