Introduction to Pagan Studies

A text on the academic study of contemporary wicca and paganism throughout the world.

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.

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