Naming Things
Fabricating Authenticity - Jason W.M. Ellsworth
Steven W Ramey [+]
University of Alabama
Steven W. Ramey is a Professor in Religious Studies at the University of Alabama, where he also directs the Asian Studies Program.
Description
In this chapter, Ramey unpacks media uses of the terms “church” and “cult” following a World Peace and Unification Sanctuary ceremony blessing AR-15s in Pennsylvania, USA, noting that these labels are not neutral descriptors. Ramey argues that whether discussing a mainstream or marginalized group, scholars must be careful not to reinforce popular labels and instead critically analyze how and by whom certain labels are being employed.