Books like Introduction to Pagan Studies by Barbara Davy

A comprehensive survey of Neo‑Paganism in the United States, offering detailed insights into demographics, beliefs, and practices of this growing spiritual movement.

A scholarly study of Neo‑Paganism and Wicca, tracing its 1960s U.S. emergence, feminist and environmental influence, and participant observation of eastern seaboard practitioners.

This study is an attempt to forge a full-orbed theology of Christian leadership grounded in the teaching of Scripture. What emerges from tracing the theme of leadership through the biblical record is a servanthood pattern, one that is wholly distinct from prevailing secular models. Our exposition begins with the biblical language of the servant, the term of choice for those great leaders used of God to further his saving purposes in the world. Eleven Old Testament and five New Testament leaders are profiled. The portrait of Jesus Christ focuses on three motifs that governed his training of the twelve for kingdom ministry. The Pauline letters are mined for those convictions that governed Paul's practice of leadership, both of his mission team and of the faith communities that emerged from that mission. The treatment of each leader, from Joseph to Paul, begins with a series of preliminary questions and concludes with a mini-profile that correlates the biblical data with these questions. The final chapter offers a summary profile of the servant leader, one whose character, motives and agenda align with the divine purposes.

In the first balanced, authoritative account of the siege, James Tabor and Eugene Gallagher explore the powerful drama in Waco and the motivations of all the players, including the government, the media, the cultbusters, the Branch Davidians, and David Koresh himself. Tabor and Gallagher unflinchingly confront the most controversial accusations concerning the group's possession of illegal firearms, unconventional sexual practices, and child abuse. Without attempting to excuse Koresh's actions, they argue that the public has never been given the complete story. Tabor and Gallagher explain what really happened in Waco: Who were the Branch Davidians and what originally brought them to Mount Carmel? What led the government to attack? What role did the media play? And what lessons must we learn to avoid repeating this American tragedy? . Using the events at Mount Carmel as a cautionary tale, the authors challenge Americans government officials, parents, the media, all of us - to rethink our stereotypes about unconventional religious groups.

"The first ethnographic study of the everyday lives of contemporary Pagan families, this volume brings their experiences into conversation with contemporary issues in American religion. Through formal interviews with Pagan families, participant observation at various pagan events, and data collected via online surveys, Kermani traces the ways in which Pagan parents transmit their religious values to their children. Rather than seeking to pass along specific religious beliefs, Pagan parents tend to seek to instill values, such as religious tolerance and spiritual independence, that will remain with their children throughout their lives, regardless of these children's ultimate religious identifications. Pagan parents tend to construct an idealized, magical childhood for their children that mirrors their ideal childhoods. The socialization of children thus becomes a means by which adults construct and make meaningful their own identities as Pagans. Kermani's meticulous fieldwork and clear, engaging writing provide an illuminating look at parenting and religious expression in Pagan households and at how new religions pass on their beliefs to a new generation."--Publisher's description.