9.07.2006
Are Da Vinci Clones Edging Out Pagan Books?
While there has been much talk about the shrinking of the Pagan book market, it is usually blamed on a glut of "Wicca 101" and assorted spell-books (or on book-banning fundies). But an article on Kathleen McGowan's bestseller about Jesus, Mary Magdalene, and their children (of which the author claims to be descended) posits a new theory. "The Da Vinci Code" and its Gnostic conspiracy-laden clones (and the books debunking them) are edging Pagan books off the shelves.
"But there are other explanations besides "Da Vinci." Since Sept. 11, the category traditionally called "New Age" (including books on goddess religions, druids, and Wicca) has been eclipsed by books offering spiritual insights into Christianity, publishing experts say. "People used to look for spiritual answers outside of their religion in other traditions or cultures," Todd said. "Now people have gone within traditional religion and are exploring boundaries there." McGowan's path has certainly been an alternative one."
Are people who would once pursue modern Paganism and Witchcraft now trying to fit themselves into a wider Christian (or Jewish) context? Will this affect the growth rate of modern Paganism or will it simply mean fewer books published. Considering the reference to 9/11 maybe "seekers" are looking for the security of established tradition instead of forging their own paths? Perhaps the "New Age" sections will once again look like they did before the "Pagan boom" of the 90s with an array of heterodox vaguely Christian texts dominating the shelves.
Labels: Paganism
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