Between Sacred and Secular: Research and Theory on Quasi-Religion

Abstract

Introduction - exploring the boundaries of the sacred, Arthur L. Greil and Thomas Robbins secular religions - the realm of para-religion transcending sacred and secular - mutual benefits in analyzing religious and non-religious organizations, N.J. Demerath III and Terry Schmitt the Sullivan Institute/Fourth Wall community - radical psychotherapy as quasi-religion, Amy B. Siskind is nothing sacred? - sacred cosmology among the avant garde, James Davison Hunter et al ambiguous boundaries - the realm of quasi-religion - but is it a genuine religion?, Eileen Barker metaphysics - a practical religious philosophy, Melinda Bollar Wagner quasi-religions and cultural movements - contemporary witchcraft as a churchless religion, Mary Jo Neitz the therapeutic god - transcendence and identity in two twelve-step quasi-religions, John Steadman Rice the hidden truth - astrology as world view, Shoshanah Feher the politics of religious definitions, the interface of religion and politics - a normative approach, Clarke E. Cochran a new religious movement and spiritual healing psychology based on a course in miracles, Arnold S. Weiss the market for gods and services - religion, commerce and deviance, Nikos Passas the problem of authenticity in the study of religious traditions, Lewis F. Carter interpreting quasi-religions and para-religions, the quasi-sacred - a theoretical introduction, Richard K. Fenn gendered spirituality and quasi-religious ritual, Meredith B. Mcguire occultism and private salvation movements in Israel, Benjamin Beit-Hallahmi evolution - the central mythology of the New Age movement, Irving Hexham.