Contemporary Paganism : Minority Religions in a Majoritarian America / by C. Barner-Barry.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Barner-Barry, Carol, 1938-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Religion and sociology.

Political science.

Sociology of Religion.

Political Science.

Local Subjects:

Sociology of Religion.

Political Science.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (245 pages)

Edition:

1st ed. 2005.

Place of Publication:

New York : Palgrave Macmillan US : Imprint: Palgrave Macmillan, 2005.

Summary:

This book explores the legal bias in the United States against Paganism and other non-Christian religions. Despite being one of the most religiously diverse countries in the world, the U.S. legal system developed when the population was predominantly Christian. Built into the law is the tacit assumption that all religions and religious practices resemble Christianity. Using the Pagans as a case study, Barner-Barry shows how their experiences demonstrate that both the law affecting nondominant religions and the judiciary that interprets this law are significantly biased in favor of the dominant religion, Christianity. This creates legal problems, as well as problems of intolerance, for religions with significantly different practices. Special attention is given to a series of Supreme Court decisions interpreting the Freedom of Religion Clause in terms of neutrality and interpreting the Establishment Clause loosely and its impact on nondominant religions in the US.

Contents:

Cover

Contents

Preface

Introduction: Majorities, Minorities, and Religious Diversity

Chapter 1 The Historical and Legal Context

Free Exercise as a Legal Concept

The Native American Experience

The Sherbert Test in the Post-Smith Era

The Legal Status of Emerging and Minority Religions

Chapter 2 The Emerging Pagan Movement in America

Widely Shared Core Beliefs

Men and Women in Paganism

The Pagan Mythical Basis

Pagan Identity

Chapter 3 The Challenge of Christian Hegemony

Accusations of Satanism

Nontraditional Religious Identity and the Law

The Judiciary

Chapter 4 Paganism as a Religion

The Legal Definition of Religion

Places for Worship

Ordination and Clergy Status

Religious Holidays

Chapter 5 The Other: Religious Diversity and the Social Order

Child Raising and Conformity

School System Enforced Conformity

Public Appearance and Dress

Chapter 6 Threats, Intimidation, and the Strategic Use of Fear

Workplace Harassment and Deprival of Livelihood

Vulnerable Businesses

A Place to Live

Violence

Police: Friend or Foe?

Chapter 7 Christian Privilege and the Perception of Entitlement

Ceremonial Deism

Ceremonial Deism in Practice

Public School Involvement in Evangelism

The Consequences of "Opting Out"

The Theory of Privilege

Chapter 8 Majoritarianism and Religion

Notes

References

Index

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

Y

Z.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9786611367145

9781281367143

1281367141

9781403973382

1403973385