Release date: June 9, 2004
Contact: Elaine Justice, Associate Director, University Media Relations,
at 404-727-0643 or ejustic@emory.edu

Reagan Becoming Part of National Myth, says Emory's Laderman

With this week's memorial service and funeral for former President Ronald Reagan, what the world is seeing now is "really religious ritual—the religion of nationalism," says Emory religion professor and cultural expert Gary Laderman.

Laderman, author of two books on the history of death in America, "The Sacred Remains" and "Rest in Peace," says presidential funerals are a prime example of civil religion, which may not be specifically Christian or any other faith, but is still full of religious meaning.

That meaning is demonstrated by person after person filing past a closed casket. The overwhelming desire of people to make a connection "is very common historically, especially for those public figures who get glorified," says Laderman

Already, Reagan is being compared to the most revered presidents in the nation's history, says Laderman. "He's getting into some very select company. He'll live on as one of the most admired presidents of our time."

At such a time, Laderman adds, there is little room in public discourse for more negative assessments, or even kind critiques. "The memory of the dead are sacred touchstones for the national spirit," he says. Laderman predicts that over time, as more tributes and memorials to Reagan emerge, he will continue to be "a concrete, constant reality in our lives."

Laderman, an associate professor of American religious history and culture and director of Emory's Graduate Division of Religion, can be reached at 404-727-4641 or gladerm@emory.edu.

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