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Book: Fabricating Authenticity

Chapter: Naming Things

DOI: 10.1558/equinox.40263

Blurb:

In this chapter, Ramey unpacks media uses of the terms “church” and “cult” following a World Peace and Unification Sanctuary ceremony blessing AR-15s in Pennsylvania, USA, noting that these labels are not neutral descriptors. Ramey argues that whether discussing a mainstream or marginalized group, scholars must be careful not to reinforce popular labels and instead critically analyze how and by whom certain labels are being employed.

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