Faith On Trial will explore how U.S. Supreme Court decisions have shaped the religious landscape for Pagans and other minority faiths. Using landmark cases such as Minersville School District v. Gobitis (1940), Employment Division v. Smith (1990), and Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado (2018), students will examine how religious freedom has been interpreted, expanded, and constrained over time. Special attention will be given to cases affecting Pagan practice, including legal battles over prison chaplaincy, religious land use, and the recognition of non-Abrahamic faiths in legal settings.
Through readings, case studies, and discussion, students will gain an understanding of the legal precedents that shape contemporary religious freedom, how these rulings impact modern Pagan practice, and what strategies Pagan communities have used to navigate legal systems. The course will also explore the broader implications of religious freedom jurisprudence, from Christian nationalism to the rise of religious exemptions as a legal strategy.
Instructor: Angela, Farmer, Ph.D.
Zoom class meetings: July, Saturdays in July 10:00 AM ET
If this is your first time taking a class, go here for a one-time signup (fee $20). If you have done the signup before, log in to your Populi account and click “Registration is now open” on the Dashboard. Payment is due no later than two weeks before start date.
