Contemporary Paganism : Minority Religions in a Majoritarian America

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.

Contemporary Paganism is a very good book. Carol Barner-Barry's thorough research, penetrating insights, and graceful writing combine to produce a work of first-rate scholarship. All told, this is a stunning and controversial indictment of religious extremists and a compliant, if not duplicitous, High Court. However, Barner-Barry's research and analysis solidly and squarely support the charge. She approaches the question of the relations between majority and minority religions by examining the treatment of Pagans at the hands of members of majoritarian American religions. But the lessons that she draws from this disgraceful treatment, as revealed in far too many tales of oppression and harassment, apply equally to all minority religions in America. Anyone interested in understanding the reality of minority religions in a majoritarian America should run, not walk, to the nearest bookstore (or computer terminal) and buy this book and read it. And in the gentle spirit of its author, take up the challenge that Barner-Barry presents to all of us.
—Michael deHaven Newsom, Professor of Law, Howard University

This book is a fine example of Pagan scholarship. It analyzes a great deal of information all within the same framework, thus demonstrating how the minority status of Pagan religions creates challenges for their members in a culture which is not always tolerant of diversity. Carol Barner-Barry includes examples from Pagan experience, supported with examples of other minority religions, and how people deal with various issues. Contemporary Paganism offers a unique and powerful resource for Pagan leaders and scholars. If you run a Pagan business, church, coven, or other organization then you need this book. I’m thrilled to see such serious material hitting the shelves now. Contemporary Paganism is most highly recommended.
—Elizabeth Barrette, Managing Editor of PanGaia

Front Matter....Pages i-xi Introduction: Majorities, Minorities, and Religious Diversity....Pages 1-7 The Historical and Legal Context....Pages 9-28 The Emerging Pagan Movement in America....Pages 29-55 The Challenge of Christian Hegemony....Pages 57-79 Paganism as a Religion....Pages 81-111 The Other: Religious Diversity and the Social Order....Pages 113-145 Threats, Intimidation, and the Strategic Use of Fear....Pages 147-171 Christian Privilege and the Perception of Entitlement....Pages 173-203 Majoritarianism and Religion....Pages 205-217 Back Matter....Pages 219-242