APS 223: Sociology of Canadian Society

1 Secularization and Its Discontents: Theoretical and Historical Preliminaries; 2 Religious Demography of Canadians; 3 The Religious Individual: Well- Being and Personal Values, 4 Intimate Relations: Sex, Marriage, Family, and Friends; 5 Civic Sensibilities: Volunteering and Charitable Giving; 6 Public Life and Social Values; 7 Christians and Their Churches: Beliefs, Attachments, and Controversies

Multiculturalism, diversity and globalization have become important conceptual identity markers in Canadian society. This book explores the intersections of diversity, foregrounding religion as the primary focus of analysis. It elucidates the Canadian case while also having relevance for understanding this critical issue globally.

In Fighting over God, Janet Buckingham surveys a vast array of religious conflicts, exploring both their political aspects and the court cases that were part of their resolution. While topics such as the Manitoba Schools Crisis and debates about Sunday shopping are familiar territory, Buckingham focuses on lesser-known conflicts such as those over the education of Doukhobor and Mennonite children and the banning of the Jehovah's Witness religion under the Defence of Canada Regulations during the Second World War.

Wild Geese offers a history of the religion's evolution in Canada, surveys the diverse communities and beliefs of Canadian Buddhists, and presents biographies of Buddhist leaders. The essays cover a broad range of topics, including Chinese, Tibetan, Lao, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese Buddhisms, critical reflections on Buddhism in the West, census data on the growth of the religion, and analysis of the global context for the growth of Buddhism in Canada.