This text offers an outstanding selection of readings that represent an overview of the key issues in the sociology of religion from a uniquely Canadian perspective.
Masterfully planned and united by clearly articulated themes, the second edition moves through three thematic cornerstones: contexts, identities, and strategies. Recurring sub-themes include the definition of religion, the secularization debate, the challenge of diversity, and the gendered aspects of religious experience. Key additions to this edition include a discussion on cultural diversity, an exploration of religion and sexuality, and a thorough historical overview of religion in Canada.
PrefaceIntroductionPart I: ContextsChapter 1: Religion in Canada: Its Development and Contemporary Situation – Roger O’TooleChapter 2: From Far and Wide: Canadian Religious and Cultural Diversity in Global Local Context – Peter BeyerChapter 3: Dimorphs and Cobblers: Ways of being Religious in Canada – William Closson JamesChapter 4: Sanctuaires catholique au Quebec – Solange Lefebvre Chapter 5: Is there a ‘Renaissance’ or Religion in Canada? A Critical look at Bibby and beyond – Joel Thiessen and Lorne L. DawsonChapter 6: Suburban Muslims: 2004 Debates Outside Toronto and Paris – Jennifer SelbyPart II: IdentitiesChapter 7: It’s All About Sex: The Opposition of some Canadian Churches to Gay and Lesbian Marriages – Pamela Dickey YoungChapter 8: Still Separated from the Mainstream: A Hassidic Community Revisited – William ShaffirChapter 9: Transforming Pentecostalism: the Migration of Pentecostals to Canada – Michael WilkinsonChapter 10: More Than Clothing: Veiling as an Adaptive Strategy – Homa HoodfarChapter 11: ‘A Religion Without Converts’ Revisited: Individuals, Identity and Community in Contemporary Paganism – Sian ReidChapter 12: Aboriginal Spirituality and the Legal Construction of Freedom of Religion – Lori G. BeamanChapter 13: One-dimensional rage: the social epistemology of the new atheism and Fundamentalism – William A. StahlPart III: StrategiesChapter 14: A Letter to Students – Rubina RamjiChapter 15: Christianity and the Experience of Domestic Violence: What does faith have to do with it? – Nancy Nason-ClarkChapter 16: Religion and Public Policy in Canada: An Itinerary – Paul BramadatChapter 17: Education, Multiculturalism, and Religion – David SeljakChapter 18: Caught up in Cult Wars: Confessions of a Canadian Researcher – Susan J. PalmerChapter 19: The Revolution of Evolution – Heather EatonChapter 20: Online Religion in Canada – Christopher Helland
Biography
Lori G. Beaman is Professor in the Department of Classics and Religious Studies at the University of Ottawa and Director of the Religion and Diversity Project. She is also a Canada Research Chair in the Contextualization of Religion in a Diverse Canada.
“Lori Beaman has assembled a balanced collection of some of the best essays available on essential aspects of the contemporary religious life of Canadians. Canadian scholars will find it a convenient and excellent resource for courses dealing with the sociology of religion and religion and society in general.”
