Sarah M. Pike

She earned her Master of Arts and PhD (with distinction) in Religious studies from Indiana University Bloomington in 1989 and 1998 respectively.

[7] During her time at Indiana University Bloomington, Pike extensively observed and involved herself within local (Midwestern) neopagan communities and gatherings as part of her field research.

[2] She explores the motivations for those who partake in risky and illegal behaviour to protest against the destruction of natural habitats and forestry.

[3][10] In her book, New Age and Neopagan Religions in America, Pike sees members of neopagan religions as placing high emphasis on ritual practice as a way of shaping individual and group identities, having significant connections with nature, and understanding God as a living entity.

[11] Pike has written several articles and book chapters on topics such as Burning Man, neopaganism, rituals, environmentalism, youth spirituality, New religious movement and animal rights activism.