New Book Examines Relationship Between Southern Culture and Religion

Newswise — Religion and culture are inextricably linked in the Southern United States, where many cultural traditions can be traced to religious roots. In Southern Crossroads: Perspectives on Religion and Culture, a new collection of interdisciplinary essays from the University Press of Kentucky, faculty in the areas of history and philosophy/religion look at how religion connects to other areas of cultural life including food, music, art, folkways of the region and literature.

Several faculty contributors to the book from the University of North Carolina Wilmington are available for comment on issues related to religion and its influence on Southern culture. They include:

Walter H. Conser Jr., co-editor of the book, professor of history and religion and author of A Coat of Many Colors: Religion and Society Along the Cape Fear River of North Carolina

William D. Moore, associate professor of history, whose research focuses on deriving historical interpretation from architecture and material culture

Diana Pasulka, assistant professor or philosophy and religion, whose research focuses on women and religion as well as religion and popular culture