Secularism and Myth
- ASU Author/Contributor (non-ASU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Randall Reed Ph.D, Associate Professor of Religious Studies Sociology of Religion, History of Religions, New Testament (Creator)
- Institution
- Appalachian State University (ASU )
- Web Site: https://library.appstate.edu/
Abstract: The problem of secularism is amply raised by Burton Mack in his paper; it is clear that the term secular is problematic. However, in this response I would like to take a cultural turn. Using the social theory developed by Burton Mack in other writings, I will argue that the secular criticism of the Bible can be understood as a new mythology (as all criticism of the Bible are) that is a part of a growing secular wave within the United States found in a variety of cultural corners and particularly among the younger demographics. As such secular criticism— and secular movements like it— constitute one response to a particular set of social interests at this particular juncture in time.
Secularism and Myth
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Reed, Randy W. (2014) “Secularism and Myth”, Method and Theory in the Study of Religion, 26:2 (2014b). Published by Brill Academic Publishers (ISSN: 0943-3058). Version of record available from Brill Academic Publishers.
- Language: English
- Date: 2014
- Keywords
- myth, social theory, secularism, sociology