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

About the 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.

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.
*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.
*CHOICE*

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*