Cush, D (2015) Forest church or Anglican Druids? Developments at the interface of Christianity and Paganism. In: Foundations and Futures: British Sociological Association Sociology of Religion Study Group Annual Conference, 7 - 9 July 2015, Kingston University, UK.
Abstract
This paper originates with the experience of the presenter in acting as 'impartial' chair in an inter-faith encounter between Christians and Pagans and subsequently editing a book with contributions from both 'sides'. It examines new developments in the relationship between Christianity and Paganism in contemporary Britain. This includes inter- faith dialogue, shared ritual practice, mutual influence, joint endeavours in educational or environmental activities, new organisations such as Forest Church as well as individuals who draw upon both traditions to inform their own personal spiritual practice. How far have motifs from Pagan traditions influenced aspects of popular culture, or is contemporary Paganism a product of popular culture? How do we interpret developments at the interface of the two traditions - as covert evangelisation, overt attempts to produce new hybrid forms, or creative offshoots of inter-faith encounter? It also looks at the impact on research when the roles of researcher and researched, adherents, academics and popular writers become fluid and interchangeable, and reflects on the experience of editing a book with contributors who identify as adherents or academics or both at the boundary between academic and popular literature.
| Item Type: | Conference or Workshop Item (Paper) |
|---|---|
| Subjects: | B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BL Religion |
| Divisions: | School of Writing, Publishing and the Humanities |
| Date Deposited: | 22 Jul 2015 10:00 |
| Last Modified: | 08 Feb 2023 18:29 |
| URI / Page ID: | https://researchspace.bathspa.ac.uk/id/eprint/6484 |
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