But is it Really Religion?
Fabricating Authenticity - Jason W.M. Ellsworth
Savannah H. Finver [+ ]
Ohio State University
Savannah H. Finver is a doctorial candidate at the Ohio State University.
Description
Furthering Martin’s analysis, Finver explores the effects of legal classifications of religion with regard to the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. Finver considers the question of “parody” vs. “real” religion to highlight the socio-political interests driving that distinction and argues that instead of participating in these authenticity debates, scholars should consider which groups are unquestioningly granted the classification of “religion” to understand what legal rights and protections come from such a designation.