Dr. Gary Laderman

Graduate Division of Religion, Emory University
Religious Life and Death in Atlanta's New Religious Communities

Project Description

Our research project is an investigation of Atlanta's changing religious landscape. We are focusing on two particular dimensions of this landscape. First, we are beginning to gather basic information about Hindu, Buddhist, and Muslim communities in metropolitan Atlanta. Because there is quite a bit of information about Atlanta's Christian and Jewish communities, our initial goal is to map these three rapidly growing traditions so that the areas complex, diversified religious landscape is brought more fully into view.

Second, we will also explore the ways in which these newer religious traditions are adapting to, as well as shaping, American funeral rituals. This dimension of our research project will be more ethnographic, and bring sharp focus to a variety of issues related to multiculturalism, cultural accommodation, and negotiating religious practices.

Our research includes interviews with community members and leaders, photographs of religious sites, and gathering published materials. Many people have contributed to this project, including Dr. Paul Courtright, Lisa Crothers, Kevin Jacques, Jennifer Saunders, Katy Shrout, and Josh Phillipson.

Publications:

The Sacred Remains: American Attitudes Toward Death, 1799-1883

Rest in Peace: A Cultural History of Death and the Funeral Home in Twentieth-Century America

Religion and American Cultures: An Encyclopedia of Traditions, Diversity, and Popular Expressions

Religions of Atlanta: Religious Diversity in the Centennial Olympic City. Atlanta: Scholars Press, 1996

Center Profiles:

Al-Farooq Masjid of Atlanta (2004)

Atlanta Masjid of Al-Islam (2006)

Atlanta Soto Zen Center (2006)

First India Baptist Church (2004)

Georgia Buddhist Vihara (2006)

Greater Atlanta Vedic Temple Society, Inc. (2006)