The Pluralism Project at Harvard University

This paper was written for a class entitled, "Religion in Multicultural America," taught by Dr. Diana Eck at Harvard Divinity School in the fall of 2003. It builds on research for the Pluralism Project conducted during the summer of 2003 and explores the religious diversity of South Carolina. Click here to download the entire paper (in PDF format). Below, find the abstract and outline.

Abstract

This paper documents the growth of religious diversity in South Carolina, drawing on interviews with members from the traditions represented, previous scholarly research on religion in South Carolina, newspaper articles, census data and interviews with religion reporters and educators across the state. After presenting basic outlines and historical sketchs of each faith in South Carolina, the paper goes on to explore the implications of this growing diversity for a Southern "Bible Belt" state like South Carolina, highlighting controversies over prayer in public schools and at government council meetings and examining discrimination and hate crimes. It also gives attention to the two predominant reactions to religious diversity in South Carolina--the emerging interfaith movement and the attempts to convert members of other religious traditions, suggesting that dialogue needs to take place along this boundary as well as between faiths.

Paper Outline

I. Introduction
II. Deep Roots
III. New Arrivals
IV. Implications for a Pluralistic South Carolina