2012/01/01 by Markus Altena Davidsen · 3 citations
Arts and Humanities · Psychology · #Religious Studies and Spiritual Practices #Psychedelics and Drug Studies #Folklore, Mythology, and Literature Studies
paper · doi:10.1163/157006812x634881
openalex publication_date 2012/01/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
Abstract This review essay takes a critical look at the new field of “pagan studies” by examining the Handbook of Contemporary Paganism . It demonstrates that pagan studies is dominated by the methodological principles of essentialism, exclusivism, loyalism and supernaturalism, and shows how these principles promote normative constructions of ‘pure’ paganism, insider interpretations of the data, and theological speculations about gods, powers, and a special “magical consciousness.” It seems thus that the methodological discussions in MTSR have little effect on pagan scholars. In the concluding discussion, I raise the questions why this is so, and how we might do better in promoting a naturalist and theoretically oriented approach to studying religion.