2009 Annual Meeting News RELIGIOUSELIGIOUS STUDIESTUDIES NEEWSWS Meet Me in Montréal ...... 8–9 Highlights of the City and Getting Around October 2009 Published by the American Academy of Religion Vol. 24, No. 4 Performances and Exhibitions ...... 9 Workshops ...... 10–13 Leadership, Sustainability, Religion and Media, and Teaching Strategies From the Editor ...... 3 Québec and Canadian Focus ...... 14 Officer Elections ...... 3–5 Twenty-Seven Sessions and Events Candidates for Vice President and Student Director Globalization Focus ...... 15 Twenty-six Sessions and Events Centennial Celebration ...... 6–7 Reel Religion ...... 16 Eight Films to be Shown Launch of Centennial Year and the New Look of the AAR Special Topics Forums ...... 16 Twenty-eight Sessions on a Wide Range of Academy Announces Annual Awards...... 20–22 Topics Marty Award, Journalism, Excellence in Teaching, Religion and the Wildcard Sessions ...... 17 Arts, and Book Awards Eight Sessions of Interest Visa Requirements ...... 17 Introducing New Spotlight on Teaching Passports and Visa Required for Many Participants Coeditors ...... 23 Students Events ...... 18 Reid Locklin and Ellen Posman Sponsor a 2010 Australian or Oceanian Scholar ...... 18 Briefs ...... 24, 33 An Early Glimpse of Québec ...... 19 News from Around the Academy Cultural Pluralism in Québec The Academic Study of Religion in the Face of Budget Cuts From the Editor ...... 3 FEATURES Advice from Academy Leaders In the Public Interest ...... 34 AAR Guidelines for Teaching about Religion and the Obama Campaign Religion in K–12 Public Schools...... 27–28, 30 Research Briefing ...... 35-36 Parts One and Two Saying Your Prayers, Constructing Your Religions: Medical Studies of AAR/Luce Summer Seminar on Theologies Intercessory Prayer of Religious Pluralism and Comparative From the Student Desk ...... 36 Theology...... 29 Running With a MA in a PhD World A Report from Cohort One The Problem that “Lies” Within: How “Collegiality” Undermines the Academy ...... 31 The Wind Is in Our Sails ...... 32–33 Important Milestone for The Fund for Theological Education New Statement of Best Practices ...... 33 The Posting of Graduation and Placement Records by Graduate Programs in the Academic Study of Religion Regional Meetings and Calls for Papers...... 37–40 Membership Corner...... 42 Academy Fund...... 43–44 Contributors to the AAR 2009 Member Calendar 2 0 0 9 Dates are subject to change. Check www.aarweb.org for the latest information. AAR Staff Directory November 6. Sustainability Workshop at the And keep in mind Jessica Davenport October throughout the year… Associate Director of Professional Programs Annual Meeting, Montréal, Québec, Canada. E-MAIL: [email protected] Regional organizations have various deadlines Religious Studies News October issue. November 6. Annual Meeting registration and TEL: 404-727-4707 throughout the fall for the Calls for Papers. See housing opens for 2010 meeting. Steve Eley Spotlight on Teaching Fall issue. www.aarweb.org/Meetings/regions.asp. Director of Technology Services November 7–10. Annual Meeting, Montréal, E-MAIL: [email protected] October 1. Deadline for Additional Meetings In the Field. News of events and opportunities Québec, Canada. The AAR Annual Meeting, TEL: 404-727-7972 inclusion into the Annual Meeting Program Book. for scholars of religion. In the Field is a members- the world’s largest gathering of scholars of reli- Ina Ferrell only publication that accepts brief announce- Associate Director of Finance and Administration October 12. Annual Meeting Job Center pre- gion, anticipates some 5,500 registrants, 200 ments, including calls for papers, grant news, E-MAIL: [email protected] registration closes. publishers, and 125 hiring departments. TEL: 404-727-2331 conference announcements, and other opportu- John Fitzmier October 15. Regional development grant November 9. Annual Business Meeting at the nities appropriate for scholars of religion. Submit Executive Director awards announced. Annual Meeting. From 11:45 AM–12:45 PM at text online at www.aarweb.org/Publications/ E-MAIL: [email protected] the Palais des Congrés, Room 518C. In_the_Field/submit1.asp. TEL: 404-727-3049 November November 20. New program unit proposals Job Postings. A members-only publication, Job Stephanie Gray November 1. Research grant awards announced. Associate Director of Publications due. Postings lists job announcements in areas of inter- E-MAIL: [email protected] November 5. Regionally Elected Directors est to members. Submit announcements online, TEL: 404-727-3059 meeting, Montréal, Québec, Canada. December and review policies and pricing, at www.aarweb. Steve Herrick Journal of the American Academy of Religion org/Programs/Career_Services/Job_Postings. Director of External Relations November 5. Executive Committee meeting, December issue. E-MAIL: [email protected] Montréal, Québec, Canada. TEL: 434-202-8198 TBD. Program Committee meeting, November 6. Fall Board of Directors meeting, Margaret P. Jenkins Atlanta, GA. Director of Membership and Development Montréal, Québec, Canada. E-MAIL: [email protected] December 31. Membership renewal for 2010 TEL: 404-727-7928 November 6. Leadership Workshop at the due. Renew online at www.aarweb.org/Members/ Aislinn Jones Annual Meeting, Montréal, Québec, Canada. Director of Marketing Dues. E-MAIL: [email protected] TEL: 404-727-8132 Deanna Lord Administrative Assistant E-MAIL: [email protected] TEL: 404-727-3049 Deborah Minor Director of Finance and Administration E-MAIL: [email protected] TEL: 404-727-7954 Robert Puckett Director of Meetings E-MAIL: [email protected] TEL: 404-727-1461 Susan Snider Associate Director of External Relations E-MAIL: [email protected] TEL: 404-727-4725

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2 • October 2009 RSN NEWS

FROMTHEEDITOR Future AAR Annual Meeting We hope that this issue of Religious Studies News finds you enjoying the beginning of a new academic year. We are very happy to announce that the election of our new Vice President and Student Director is now under- Dates and Sites way. The Vice President sits on the Executive Committee, the Board of Directors, and the Program Committee, and will be in line to be confirmed as President-elect and eventually President. The Student Director also sits on 2009 — Montréal, QC, the Board of Directors and communicates the concerns and issues of our student members. This is your chance to cast your vote to determine our future leadership, so please do so if you have not already. Go to www.aarweb.org to Canada vote. A link to the elections ballot will be available on the home page. Elections close on Wednesday, October 28. November 7–10 In 2009, we mark the beginning of our Centennial year. We have several unique events planned for the Montréal Annual Meeting to kick off a year of celebration. From a plenary panel focusing on global perspectives of religious 2010 — Atlanta, GA studies, to a lecture on “Our Home and Native Land: Colonial Encounters and the History of Religion, October 30– Spirituality, and the Secular” by the American Lectures in the History of Religions program, to a Centennial Celebration reception, we hope you will take the time to help us commemorate this most auspicious time in November 1 American Academy of Religion history. 2011 — San Francisco, CA The October Spotlight on Teaching focuses on past Excellence in Teaching Award winners and asks them to relate how their pedagogy and teaching methods have changed in the years since they won their awards. November 19–22 This issue also has many suggestions of places of interest, things to do, and sessions to attend during the Annual 2012 — Atlanta, GA Meeting in Montréal next month. We hope this Annual Meeting provides an enriching experience for all our members. We hope to see you in Montréal! November 3–6 Stephanie Gray 2013 — Baltimore, MD Editor November 23–26

AAR Officer Elections

The next issue of c) General: “electable,” “one the average A Message from the AAR member of the Academy will look upon Religious Studies News will be Nominations Committee with respect,” “one whose scholarship and manner is inclusive rather than nar- released in March 2010 in The Nominations Committee is row, sectarian, and/or exclusive.” pleased to place four excellent names How to Vote online format. on the ballot this year for Vice President and Student Director. We All members of the Academy are entitled to There will no longer be a are grateful to each of them for their vote for all officers. The elected candidates willingness to serve the Academy in will take office at the end of the 2009 print version of RSN. this way. Annual Meeting. Once again, AAR members will be Please vote online at www.aarweb.org. Paper Current 2010 members able to vote by electronic ballot. A ballots are only sent to those without e-mail paper ballot will be mailed to mem- addresses on file or by special request will receive an e-mail link bers whose e-mail addresses are not (please call 404-727-3059). Vote by on file. Please know that we guarantee Wednesday, October 28, 2009, to exercise to our new online version the privacy of your vote. this important right. We expect a large number of our of RSN in early March. members to vote in this election. Vice President Please be among them. The Vice President serves on the Executive From an open forum to Rebecca Alpert, Chair and Program Committees, as well as on the Nominations Committee Board of Directors. He will be in line to be comments on articles from confirmed President-Elect in 2010 and President in 2011. During his tenure, the readers, we hope that you will Call for Nominations Vice President will have the opportunity to affect AAR policy in powerful ways; in par- find the online version of RSN The Nominations Committee will continue ticular, during the presidential year, the its practice of consultation during the incumbent makes all appointments of an exciting way to interact with Annual Meeting in Montréal to begin the members to openings on committees. process of selecting nominees for Vice contributors and the wider President and Secretary in November 2010. Student Director The committee takes seriously all recom- membership on topics of mendations by AAR members. The Student Director is a member of the Board of Directors, representing the partic- The following characteristics regularly sur- relevance and timeliness in ular concerns and issues of AAR student face in discussions of candidates for Vice members at large. In addition, the Student President: the field of religious studies Director works with the Graduate Student a) Scholarship: “represents the mind of the Committee (GSC). and theology. Academy,” “international reputation,” “breadth of knowledge of the field,” “widely known.” ☛ b)Service to the Academy: “serves the See page 4 for Academy broadly conceived,” “gives candidates’ statements papers regularly,” “leads sections,” “chairs committees,” “supports regional work.” October 2009 RSN • 3 Religious Studies News

Candidates for Vice President

Orlando Espín Otto Maduro

Orlando Espín is professor of religious studies and theology Otto Maduro earned his PhD from the Catholic University of at the University of San Diego, where he founded and Louvain (Belgium) in 1977. He is currently professor of directs the interdisciplinary Center for the Study of Latino/a World Christianity at Drew University Theological School Catholicism. Espín earned his doctorate at the Catholic (since 1992). Maduro has chaired Drew’s Church and Society University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, defending a dissertation Division and the PhD program in Religion and Society. He on the grounds for dialogue between Catholicism and the has printed nearly two hundred articles in twelve languages Yoruba (Lukumí) religion in Cuba. He has specialized in in journals in more than twenty countries. Maduro’s books in the study of popular religions among United States English include Religion and Social Conflicts (Orbis 1982), Latinos/as, as well as in Latino/a theology. Espín has also and the edited volumes The Future of Liberation Theology focused on the intersection(s) of interculturality, globalization, and religious dialogue. (Orbis 1989), Expanding the View (Orbis 1990) and Judaism, Christianity, and Author or editor of eight books and coeditor of an award-winning dictionary, Espín Liberation (Orbis 1991). Additional books in languages other than English include has published over three hundred book chapters and articles in professional journals. Mapas para la Fiesta, which was published in Spanish in the United States in 1998 He has received several national and international awards, and holds an honorary and in seven editions in South America. Maduro’s essay “Marxismo y Religión” won professorship and an honorary doctorate. He has twice been elected president of the Best Essay of the Year, 1977–1978, in Venezuela. Maduro is associate editor of Academy of Catholic Hispanic Theologians of the United States (ACHTUS), was the Cristianismo y Sociedad, Concilium, SIC, Liaisons Internationales, Maiêutica, first Latino/a elected to the board of directors of the Catholic Theological Society of the Journal of Hispanic/Latino Theology, and the Journal of World Christianity; America, founded and was first chief editor of the Journal of Hispanic/Latino formerly also of Social Compass, JAAR, and the Journal of Contemporary Theology, and has served in various roles in the Hispanic Theological Initiative and Religion. He has also been the director of the Hispanic Summer Program since in the Hispanic Summer Program of Theology and Religion. Espín has been active in 2006 (www.hispanicsummerprogram.org). Maduro has won Drew University’s the American Academy of Religion, having served on the steering committee of the Will Herberg Distinguished Professor Award (1997) and Drew University Latino/a Culture and Religion Group, and as a member of the Committee on the Scholar/Teacher of the Year Award (2007). Status of Racial and Ethnic Minorities in the Profession.

Statement on the AAR Statement on the AAR OR A VARIETY of reasons, the area of the study of religion, this irrup- HE AMERICAN Academy of methodologies, and through significant disparate array of phenomena that tion of the poor and marginalized has Religion has been an important demographic changes — is inviting us to we tend to loosely associate with been gradually more and more evident in venue for the exchange of ideas and devise effective new ways for interdiscipli- F T the word “religion” continues to increas- the AAR — in its membership, commit- dialogue among scholars of religion. But is nary and intercultural conversations. ingly come under public scrutiny tees, and program units, as well as in the the AAR poised to effectively respond to Future scholarship will increasingly open throughout the world. What a growing variety of presenters, themes, approaches, the rapidly changing methodologies and new approaches and new perspectives, and number of scholars and political leaders papers, and discussions of our Annual demographics of the twenty-first century? present us with new issues, for such is the in most urban centers of the globe saw Meetings. Are we? We, who are the AAR, can dream evident and proven thrust of history and for more than a century as a waning, our collective future role as scholars of of scholarship. We can, indeed should, do more in this decreasingly influential occurrence in religion if we are willing to commit to the latter direction, particularly in these As an academy of scholars of religion, we public or private lives — religion — is, necessary changes. challenging but also stimulating times of must strive to understand our scholarly at least since the 1960s, on the contrary crisis, with their sudden, unexpected As American, the AAR should strive to be craft through methodological prisms that appearing in more and more corners of opening of possibilities for the public ever more inclusive of scholars of religion embrace interdisciplinarity and intercul- the globe, and in a mounting array of debate of claims, debates, and perspec- and methodologies from all United States turality, inasmuch as religions (the objects dimensions of human life, proving to be tives very much stifled throughout the ethnic and racial communities, and of the of our study) are no longer merely or even a lively, complex, explosive, influential, last quarter of a century in the major religion issues on which these scholars and mainly expressive of the issues of the ambiguous, changing, rich, and in too international decision-making instances, methodologies focus their research and Eurocentric world. Therefore, the schol- many ways crucial reality. in most of the global media, as well as in attention. We, who are the AAR, have a arly study of religion in the globalized This, of course, has a continuous, signifi- significant sectors of academia across the choice: either we become a truly inclusive world of the twenty-first century needs to cant impact in, among others, academia, continents — an opening that already society, representative of the evident future challenge the historical preferment granted politics, the media, and the editorial begins to show not only in the study of of the United States and of religion schol- a handful of disciplines and a handful of world — in the United States no less religion, but also in the ways in which arship, or we will become increasingly First World methodologies. than in the rest of the nations of the diverse religious bodies relate to each associated with the methodological and If elected, I hope to contribute to our north Atlantic and the “two-thirds” other and to public issues, as well as in demographic past. Furthermore, we must Academy’s becoming more of what it can world. Higher demand of, and interest the conduct of global media and public find effective ways of expanding our con- be — a twenty-first century society of in, the study of religion, new sources of officials in relation to issues until recently tacts and dialogue with scholars of religion scholars who are active contributors in funding for research on religion, novel caught within monolithic perspectives and methodologies from the other areas of both the intellectual and public spheres. opportunities, and requests to publicly with strong religious overtones. This, the American continent (i.e., Central and The AAR will not respond to the present discuss religious issues; a broadening of which is indeed true in the United South America, as well as all of North century by “tweaking” our conventions the regions, cultures, traditions, and States, seems to be the case in a rising America), without disregard for other areas with “trendier” offerings. What we, who aspects being considered in the teaching, number of nations today. of the world, and especially those regions are the AAR, need is to call ourselves into research, writing, and public policy in and peoples that have historically been dis- Simultaneously, this critical epoch also this century, with its challenges, its prom- relation to religion; as well as wider regarded by our religion scholarship or presents us with novel hurdles for fund- ises, and its innovative and committed innovative channels for all of the above, treated exclusively as voiceless objects of ing our research and its related travel, for scholarship. are among the consequences of this our study. presenting and publishing our work, for heightened presence of religious Needless to add that the practicalities for keeping our jobs and hiring our recent As an Academy, the AAR should strive to phenomena. the implementation of the above will graduates, as well as for financing our implement the original meaning of the depend on our mutual support as AAR A key component of this new scenario is graduate students and employing them term “academy” (i.e., a creative and multi- members — support sought and earned what the Peruvian theologian Gustavo as teaching and research assistants. There vocal ambience of dialogue and explo- through dialogical, inclusive means. I Gutiérrez called “the irruption of the are so many tasks before us to summon ration). Hence, the twenty-first century — commit myself to just such dialogical, poor in history;” i.e., the increasingly our membership to be creative, share through ever more prominent new inclusive leadership. visible, challenging, and decisive pres- information, join efforts, and effectively ence of movements, groups, ideas, tradi- tackle the tests lying before us. tions, and claims of populations hitherto This is the time, therefore, of both new- invisible and marginalized — not just in fangled hindrances and fresh occasions the religious arena, but, typically in some for expanding the scope and impact of relation to it (also in politics, the eco- our field. nomy, ethical discussions, public policy decision-making, etc). In the specific

4 • October 2009 RSN NEWS

Candidates for Student Director

Elizabeth V. Lawson Christiana Z. Peppard

Elizabeth V. Lawson is a doctoral student in Temple Christiana Z. Peppard is a doctoral candidate at Yale University’s Department of Religion (TUDOR). She received University (Department of Religious Studies) who graduated both her BA in anthropology/archaeology with honors (2000) from Yale Divinity School with a MA in Religion (Ethics) and her MA in religion/Islamic studies (2004) from the and received a BA (human biology) from Stanford University of Georgia. Her Master’s thesis surveyed feminist University. From 2001–2003, she worked at Yale commentary on women’s roles in Islam as prescribed by the University’s Interdisciplinary Center for Bioethics, where she Qur’an. Elizabeth currently serves as an AAR student repre- coedited the volume Expanding Horizons in Bioethics sentative for the Mid-Atlantic Region. She is also the head of (Springer, 2005). Peppard has trained as a hospital chaplain TUDOR’s Graduate Student Association (GSA). In this role, and was part of a National Endowment for the Humanities Lawson is the student liaison for the department, where she is actively involved in summer seminar on end-of-life care (2003). Her areas of academic interest include Temple’s Teaching and Learning Center, presenting at their annual conferences biomedical ethics at the edges of life; Catholic moral theology and social thought; (2008 and 2009). Her presentation at last year’s conference, “Learning Differently, poetry as an ethical methodology; globalization; and environmental ethics. Her dis- Teaching Differently: Ways to Accommodate Various Student Learning Styles,” was sertation focuses on the ascription of value to fresh water and identifies elements for a adopted as a seminar offered throughout the year for faculty and adjuncts at Temple. global fresh water ethic. She is Scholar-in-Residence at the Episcopal Cathedral of Lawson has just completed her course work, is studying for her exams, and preparing Saint John the Divine in New York City, where she lives with her spouse and their her dissertation proposal. Her dissertation research focuses on identity constructions vigorous two-year-old daughter. for converts to Islam and Judaism in America.

Statement on the AAR

Statement on the AAR N AAR MEMBER since 2003, I Miroslav Volf; and “Vexations: Religion have attended all but one of those and Politics in the Black Community” EING A GRADUATE student is I would like to expand on these pro- A Annual Meetings (2007, for the with Emilie Townes, with whom I also a juggling act. We simultaneously grams and events to reach out to stu- birth of my daughter the day after the had the privilege of helping to organize (as B must attend seminars, stay on top dents who are not yet ABD. Talking conference ended!) and have been active in staff assistant) the interdisciplinary Middle of our research, learn new languages, with colleagues across universities, I the Religion and Ecology Group and also Passage Conversations conference at Yale teach, and maintain commitments and repeatedly hear them ask how one goes presented a paper at the Womanist in April 2008. Thus, in addition to my relationships in our nonacademic lives. about selecting a dissertation topic. Approaches to Religion and Society Group academic location in a department that One of graduate school’s biggest chal- Sessions that focus on formulating a dis- at the 2008 Annual Meeting. I received a houses a significant number of subspecial- lenges is learning how to navigate the sertation proposal, engaging in prelimi- MA in religion from Yale Divinity School ties in the study of religion, I have other profession. At some point during the nary research, and support for those of and am currently a doctoral candidate in experiences that have contributed to my first years of our program, we begin to us just beginning the writing process the department of religious studies at Yale conviction that interdisciplinary work in wonder: “How do I submit a conference would all be beneficial additions to University. My interests include environ- the study of religion is both difficult and proposal? What journals should I be AAR’s graduate student-oriented pro- mental ethics, especially the ascription of vital. Of course, the question of what con- reading? What professional organizations gramming. Such programs can broaden value to fresh water, which is the topic of stitutes the study of religion is a live one do I need to be in conversation with? AAR’s outreach by appealing to students my dissertation; the poetry, ethics, and in our classrooms and in our theorizing. How do I publish an article?” who may not quite feel ready to present legacy of civil rights activist Pauli Murray; Along with extant programs of the their research, but still want to actively and bioethics at the edges of life. Graduate Student Committee and in con- In my quest to find these answers, I dis- engage our organization and the profes- junction with other committees, I would covered that many of my peers were in Through my degree programs and in con- sion at large. hope to contribute to a conversation about the same confused position, often not versation with peers at other institutions, I the importance of graduate courses on knowing who to turn to for answers. The workshop from the last Annual have become attentive to a range of issues Theories and/or Methods in the Study of This predicament motivated me to Meeting that most caught my interest facing graduate students, including men- Religion. Such a conversation might focus become the head of TUDOR’s Graduate was “If I Knew Then What I Know torship (with faculty and with doctoral on resources on these topics from the Student Association. In the past three Now: Lessons for the First Year students who are farther advanced in their Syllabus Project. It might also take con- years, I have implemented a new orienta- Teaching.” I would very much like to see degree programs), as well as issues of voice ceptual cues from forthcoming issues of tion program for incoming graduate this become an ongoing conversation in and voicelessness in the classroom and in the JAAR as to what “growing edges” and students, aided in the coordination of the AAR, as I have found in speaking the wider academy. A particular concern challenges remain in our theorizing and Temple’s internal program review for the with peers at other institutions that for doctoral students in the next few years our teaching about the study of religion. department, and helped organize profes- teaching support can be a difficult will be career development — navigating Finally, it might also be worth exploring sional conferences and social gatherings. resource to tap into for some students. the demands of publication with concern whether and to what degree the offering My goal as student liaison is not only to As many of us will likely find ourselves for pedagogy and the formation of stu- — perhaps even (at-will) departmental facilitate relationships between students, with a heavy teaching load as we begin dents (to which the AAR has been atten- requirement? — of such courses might be but also students and faculty. Supporting our careers, it is important to develop tive), as well as casualization of labor and, recommended by the AAR as a “best prac- these interactions is the reason why pro- ongoing mentoring programs to help more recently, the effects of the contempo- tice” for graduate education in the study fessional graduate communities like that prepare us for “the trenches,” and to fur- rary economic downturn on academic hir- of religion. of AAR is of great importance to us as ther lay the groundwork for dynamic, ing. As Student Director, I would plan to budding teachers, scholars, and mentors. successful career development. I am for- support the already strong resources of the In short, I would be honored to serve as tunate to be part of a department that AAR Graduate Student Committee on a Student Director and would be committed In recent years, the AAR Graduate places a high premium on good teaching number of these topics (including, for to the development of existing programs Student Committee (GSC) has dedicated practices and mentoring, and I would example, Special Topics Forums at the while also seeking to respond to stated stu- itself to incorporating programs that like to bring this knowledge and experi- Annual Meeting). I would also hope to dent needs with the creative and institu- bring together our community of gradu- ence to AAR’s graduate students. develop ways to address some of the other tional resources available from the Board ate students, focusing on sessions that issues listed above in collaboration with of Directors. aim to provide professional support (i.e., My enthusiasm and commitment to graduate students and younger faculty last year’s session on “Careers beyond the graduate student mentoring, as well as members who are navigating similar pro- Academy”). The GSC also sponsors my administrative skills, will be helpful fessional constraints. social gatherings, which serve as a more assets in this position. I also bring with informal way of networking. In many me Temple’s commitment to supporting During my time at Yale, I have been a cases, valuable academic connections are diversity in academia, an important con- teaching fellow for a range of courses, made over a beer or a cup of coffee — sideration given the range of AAR’s grad- including “Religious Ethics and Modern useful information is shared and profes- uate student membership. I look forward Moral Issues” with Gene Outka; “Faith sional collaborations are formed. to the opportunity to further facilitate a and Globalization” with Tony Blair and professional graduate community for our members as the new national Student Director.

October 2009 RSN • 5 Religious Studies News AAR Launches Centennial Celebration at the Montréal Meeting

N 2009, we mark the one hundredth entitled “Bondage and Liberation: Academy to recognize our Centennial. These Awards. 2010 AAR President Ann Taves will anniversary of the founding of the organiza- Questioning Debts to Slavery and “gold sponsor” organizations will receive special continue the Centennial celebrations at the Ition that became the American Academy of Enslavement to Debt.” attention in the Montréal Program Book. 2010 Annual Meeting in Atlanta. In addition Religion. Beginning in 1909 as the Association Edwin Mellen Press and the American to her Presidential Plenary, under Ann’s guid- The Journal of the American Academy of of Biblical Instructors in American Colleges and Theological Library Association have already ance the Atlanta program will return to single Religion is also helping to observe the AAR’s Secondary Schools and continuing from 1922 as become sponsors and we expect several other plenary speakers who will address the broad Centennial. The editorial board of JAAR has the National Association of Biblical Instructors, groups to do so as well. theme of “Religion and Science,” with particu- put forth a formal call for papers that examines the AAR took its current name in 1963. lar attention to the ways that new research on the ways in which the study of religion has In an effort to support AAR student members the brain/mind and new scholarship on prima- Over the last century the study of religion has changed over the last several decades. This spe- and as a means to forward our international tology can inform thinking about religion. grown in nearly every way possible. The number cial issue of JAAR will be entitled “The AAR at connections efforts, this fall we will announce Plenary speakers for the Atlanta Annual of scholars interested in religion has expanded 100: A Centennial Reflection.” the start of our Centennial International Travel Meeting include Frans de Waal (a noted pri- dramatically. In the same century, the number of Awards for Dissertation Research. Our plans Over the last year, the AAR Executive Staff matologist from Emory University), Anne theological schools and religious studies depart- are to hold a competitive program in which we has worked closely with our Board of Harrington (who teaches the history of science ments in North America has also grown. The will award two $5,000 research grants to stu- Directors and a local Atlanta marketing firm at Harvard University), and Jonathan Z. Smith field itself has become far more rich and com- dents who plan to do dissertation research to “rebrand” the AAR for the Centennial (who will speak at our Lifetime of Learning plex. And the membership in our Academy has abroad. The inaugural awards will be funded year. Last November, the Board approved a Plenary). increased markedly, from a few hundred to with unrestricted contributions to the new logo; and beginning this fall, we will over 11,000. Academy Fund received during the previous We hope that the AAR membership gath- rework all of our publications into a common fiscal year. The Centennial Fund, a special ered at the Annual Meetings in 2009 and In order to celebrate this century of scholarship, format and look. fund for contributions secured during the 2010 will take advantage of the many spe- the AAR will launch a series of special events The Executive Staff has also made arrange- Centennial Celebration, will provide AAR cial programs we have planned to help the and programs. These will begin at the 2009 ments for a special sponsorship program that members and friends an opportunity to help American Academy of Religion celebrate Annual Meeting in Montréal and continue will allow publishers and other friends of the secure the future of the International Travel its Centennial! through the 2010 Annual Meeting in Atlanta. Here is some of what is in store: In addition to preparing his presidential plenary address, 2009 AAR President Mark Juergensmeyer has put together a unique set of American Academy of Religion plenary panels for the Montréal meeting. For Centennial Fund the Centennial kickoff, these panels will replace our usual single plenary speaker system. Mark Gift/Pledge Form has gathered a truly remarkable group of speak- ers for the Centennial in Montréal. One panel, featuring Azyumardi Azra (Syarif Hidayatullah Name AAR Member ID State Islamic University), Shrivatsa Goswami (Radha Raman Temple), Koichi Mori (Doshisha Address University), Kim Knott (University of Leeds), City State Postal Code and Sylvia Marcos (Universidad Autonoma del Estado de Morelos and Claremont Graduate Country University) will treat “Global Perspectives on Religious Studies.” Another panel, entitled Business Phone Business Fax “Rethinking Secularism,” will bring Charles Taylor (McGill University), José Casanova Home Phone EͲmail (Georgetown University), Saba Mahmood I would like to support the AAR Centennial Fund with a (University of California, Berkeley), and Craig Calhoun (New York University) together to 1. Gift of $ address this timely topic. And a third panel, entitled “Islam and Modernity,” will feature Through my check made payable to American Academy of Religion Tariq Ramadan (University of Oxford), Nilüfer Through my credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover) Göle (L’École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales), and Robin Wright (Washington Post), with Reza Aslan (University of California, Card Number Expiration Date (mo/yr) Riverside) presiding. The sole single plenary Signature Date speaker for the Montréal meeting (finally!) is Tariq Ramadan, whose address will be entitled 2. Pledge of $ to be paid in payments of $ to be paid by “Contemporary Islam: The Meaning and the 12/31/10. The minimum suggested pledge and payment amount is $50. Need of a Radical Reform.” Please charge my payments directly to my credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, We will do other special programming in Montréal, notably at a Centennial Reception or Discover) according to my payment schedule that will honor past presidents, past executive Payment 1 $ Date Payment 3 $ Date directors, and distinguished guests. Following Mark Juergensmeyer’s Presidential Plenary, we Payment 2 $ Date Payment 4 $ Date encourage conference participants to attend the reception in the Palais des Congrès (PDC–710) Card Number Expiration Date (mo/yr) to reflect on the history of the AAR and envi- Signature Date sion the future of the Academy. Please join us to help celebrate this special evening! Please send me a pledge reminder one month prior to my scheduled payment(s). The American Lectures in the History of Religions program, a longstanding AAR enter- 3. CONTINUING MONTHLY GIFT OF $ (MINIMUM OF $10). PLEASE SIGN BELOW. prise, has made special plans for the “AAR/ ALHR Centennial Scholars and Artists Panels” Through my check made payable to American Academy of Religion that will convene at both the Montréal and Through my credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover) Atlanta Annual Meetings. The Montréal event is entitled “Our Home and Native Land: Colonial Card Number Expiration Date (mo/yr) Encounters and the History of Religion, Spirituality, and the Secular” and will feature Signature Date George Elliott Clarke (University of Toronto), (Should you choose to discontinue or suspend your monthly gift, please contact us at 404Ͳ727Ͳ3049 or in writing to 825 Houston Mill Road, Alanis Obomsawin (National Film Board of Suite 300, Atlanta, Georgia 30329.) Canada), Nelson Maldonado-Torres (University of California, Berkeley), and Ines M. Talamantez Thank you for supporting the AAR. Gifts to the AAR are taxͲdeductible to the fullest extent of the law, as no goods or services are provided in (University of California, Santa Barbara). The consideration of the gift. Please send your completed pledge form to American Academy of Religion, 825 Houston Mill Road, Suite 300, AAR/ALHR event in Atlanta in 2010 will be Atlanta, Georgia 30329, or fax it to 404Ͳ727Ͳ7959. Please contact us at 404Ͳ727Ͳ3049 with any questions.

Donate online at www.aarweb.org/donate 6 • October 2009 RSN CENTENNIAL Centennial Scholars Panel “Our Home and Native Land”: Colonial Encounters and the History of Religion, Spirituality, and the Secular

O COLONIAL powers depend on the force of religion to subjugate 2009 PANELISTS peoples and occupy land? Do colo- D Alanis Obomsawin rience. His essays in Odysseys Home: Mapping process of “othering” has informed our nized peoples, by contrast, resist their col- African-Canadian Literature (Univeresity of notions of religion and spirituality. Not only onizers by means of a spiritual encounter Alanis Obomsawin, a Toronto Press, 2002), especially “Must All does he look at the way human beings were with the land they inhabit? Both concepts member of the Blackness Be American?: Locating Canada in treated as colonial and racial subjects in the — religion and spirituality — emerge in Abenaki Nation, is Borden’s Tightrope Time,” “Nationalizing Americas, but he also examines how the the academy alongside the concept of the one of Canada’s most Gilroy’s The Black Atlantic,” and “Treason of “black” person, the Jew, and the Muslim are secular. With these terms in mind, we ask distinguished docu- the Black Intellectuals,” adeptly navigate the treated in religiopolitical and philosophical how does the study of religion focus or mentary filmmak- complex relationships among nation, com- discourses. His ongoing work is on the con- obscure the workings of colonialism and ers. Her body of work munity, language, and race, and confront struction of the idea of religion, namely the the hybrid traditions that live in its wake, speaks profoundly to the continued legacies directly the question of what it is for intellec- genealogy of religion in imperial and colonial especially in the Americas? of colonial power for the religious and politi- tuals to be “at home” in postcolonial con- contexts. cal contexts of First Nations peoples in Seeking both to recognize and interrogate texts. His Execution Poems (Gasperau Press, North America. For almost forty years, the history of our discipline, the History 2001) won the Governor General’s Award Inés Talamantez Obomsawin has directed documentaries at of Religions Jury, under the auspices of for Poetry. In 2005, Clarke was given the the National Film Board of Canada, includ- Inés Talamantez, a the American Lectures in the History of Martin Luther King Jr. Achievement Award ing Kanehsatake, 270 Years of Resistance. In longtime AAR mem- Religions, has convened the Centennial and was named a Pierre Elliott Trudeau 1983, she was made a member of the Order ber, is a professor in Scholars Panel. Four distinguished schol- Fellow. In addition to being a poet, play- of Canada, in recognition of her dedication the department of reli- ars and artists will discuss how their work wright, librettist, and literary critic, Clarke is to the well-being of her people and the gious studies at the explores some of the ways that colonial- the E. J. Pratt Professor of Canadian preservation of the First Nations’ heritage University of ism has shaped categories of religion, spir- Literature at the University of Toronto. through her filmmaking and activism. In California, Santa ituality, and the secular, especially within 2009, she was honored with the Barbara, where she displays a wide range of the Americas. With increasing awareness Nelson Maldonado- Outstanding Achievement Award from the pedagogical and research interests ranging of the legacies of colonialism for the study Torres Toronto Hot Docs Documentary Film from gender and religion and ritual studies to of religion, scholars have gained perspec- Festival, which cited her as a “master story- Nelson Maldonado- religion and ecology.Talamantez’s defining tive on the discipline’s contributions both teller” with a profound ability to clarify the Torres is associate pro- contributions have been to the burgeoning to naturalizing colonialism and to con- complicated histories of First Nations living fessor in the depart- fields of Native American religion and indige- fronting colonial and postcolonial uses of within colonialism. ment of ethnic studies nous studies. Through both impassioned and religion for identity creation and domina- at the University of Berkeley, and the author inspired teaching and creative and lyrical tion. The title, taken from the Canadian George Elliott of Against War: Views from the Underside of scholarship, her work offers new ways to anthem, points to the unavoidable Clarke Modernity (Duke University Press, 2008). He imagine the colonial encounter. Her research ambivalence of being “at home” in post- George Elliott Clarke has thought critically and compassionately on Mescalero Apache cosmology and ceremo- colonial worlds. Gathering together such is one of Canada’s about how a variety of colonial and postcolo- nialism, with a specific focus on the initiation creative and interdisciplinary conversation leading poets, play- nial encounters have shaped our understand- rituals of Apache girls, has forwarded critical partners, the panel offers an extraordinary wrights, and literary ing of religion. Religion, in his view, has scholarship in religion in many ways: from chance to rethink what it is to be at home critics. He has long informed and manufactured civilizational challenging assumptions about the measure of in the study of religion. taken religion as a boundaries as well as shaped constructions of time to rethinking the relations among critical and creative entry point for his schol- the modern versus the nonmodern with all human embodiment and natural arly and artistic explorations of many dimen- its withering negative stereotypes. environments. sions of African-Canadian history and expe- Maldonado-Torres also examines how the

AAR Centennial Fund The New Look of the AAR N 1996 the American Academy of Religion formally launched the Academy Fund, the core of AAR’s fundraising program. Encouraged CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION gives cause to examine by an earlier capital campaign and quiet giving opportunities, the I the history of what the AAR has accomplished and to Academy Fund has continued to attract donors and has seen increasing give thought to future goals. With this in mind, AAR has financial support over the past thirteen years. A worked with Spitfire Media in Atlanta over the past year on new As the AAR turns 100 we introduce the Centennial Fund, a special edition branding. The AAR Board of Directors accepted the recommen- of the Academy Fund. The Centennial Fund will be supported by dona- dation of Executive Office staff and adopted a new logo for the tions which are received during the AAR’s Centennial Celebration, from organization. The new logo embraces a fresh, clean look and is August 1, 2009 – December 31, 2010. Members can choose to have their evocative of the new horizons of scholarship the Academy will gift support the General Centennial Fund or can designate their gift explore. AAR is in the process of changing over all of its branding toward the International Dissertation Research Grants. to this new design and aesthetic. The goal is to showcase a cohe- sive and professional look for the organization and to get us start- The General Centennial Fund will provide operational and program sup- ed on the next one hundred years. port to the AAR, including individual and collaborative research grants and exciting new technological enhancements and networking opportuni- ties that will benefit members. Keep an eye on the eBulletin and RSN for more news about this. The International Dissertation Research Grant is a new program that will The Past Look of the AAR provide a much needed resource to our junior scholars by providing fund- ing to perform dissertation research outside their home country. In the future, we hope to endow this project. We have asked our staff and our board to carefully consider their dona- tions to either of these funds and we encourage every member to make a charitable contribution to support the Centennial Fund. We suggest any new donor consider a minimum initial gift of $100 to commemorate our 100 years. In an effort to enable more members to support the Centennial Fund we have introduced recurring giving, which allows the donor to make payments on a credit card, on a schedule of your choice. Members can also make a pledge to support the Centennial Fund. Toensure your 1966–1968 1969–1978 1979–1980 1981–1982 1983–1994 1995–2009 pledge is credited toward the Centennial Fund, pledges must be completed by December 31, 2010. Each gift makes a difference. As the AAR begins to celebrate the second century and as the Centennial Fund kicks off, we thank you for your generosity and ask you for your continued support. October 2009 RSN • 7 Religious Studies News

ANNUAL MEETING Montréal 2009

MontréalBUT MONTRÉAL IS ALSO the ONE metropolis OF A KIND, A MULTICULTURAL has everything CITY THAT BLENDS ITS aFRENCH big ACCENT city WITH can THAT OF offer. OVER EIGHTY OTHER ETHNIC COMMUNITIES AND CHARMS VISITORS WITH ITS EURO-AMERICAN AMBIANCE.MONTRÉAL IS INNOVATIVE AND INVIGORATING, OFFERING A WHIRLWIND OF CULTURAL CREATIONS, BOTH TRADITIONAL AND MODERN.ITS DOWNTOWN BUSTLES WITH LIFE AT THE FOOT OF ITS MOUNTAIN, WHILE HISTORY IS ROOTED IN THE OLD QUARTERS NEAR THE RIVER.WITH ITS YEAR-ROUND PARTY ATMOSPHERE,MONTRÉAL BEATS TO THE RHYTHM OF ITS FESTIVALS: JAZZ, COMEDY, CINEMA, FIREWORKS, AND MORE!STROLL THROUGH ITS COLORFUL STREETS AND TYPICAL NEIGHBORHOODS REPRESENTATIVE OF A MOSAIC OF NATIONS....

Montréal ? Oui, s’il vous plaît! Chinese, Eastern European, Greek, Italian, when a Tennessee schoolteacher named tory and heritage, exploring the richness and Portuguese, and Thai — provide sufficient John T. Scopes challenged a state law ban- diversity of Jewish life before, during, and diversity for culinary feasting at area restau- ning the teaching of evolution by introduc- after the Shoah. What makes the exhibition rants representing some seventy-five ethnic ing his students to Charles Darwin’s theo- unique is its connection to Montréal. groups. Other restaurants offer fare ranging ries. He was prosecuted by William Approximately 5,000–8,000 survivors live in from appetizers of sweet breads in ginger- Jennings Bryan and defended by star attor- the Montréal area, making the city home to ARCHITECTURE bread crust to entrees of chicken legs ney Clarence Darrow in what would turn the third largest survivor population in the The architecture of Montréal is character- stuffed with pistachio paste. Bring-your- out to become one of the greatest trials of world. Over 418 original artifacts (bequeathed ized by the juxtaposition of the old and the own-wine restaurants on Prince-Arthur the century. to the museum by Montréal survivors), 372 new and a wide variety of styles, the legacy Street and the Square Saint-Louis are popu- photographs, and twenty films give visitors a of two successive colonizations by the lar year-round. Days tend to start with café Cinemania Film Festival “locally focused” lens through which to reflect French and the British, and the close pres- au lait sipped at a leisurely pace while on the Holocaust. Cinema Imperial ence to its south of the architecture of the evening meals often end with platters of 1430 de Bleury Street Musée des Hospitalières de l’Hôtel-Dieu United States. Much like Québec City, the Québec-produced cheese. While diners can www.cinemaniafilmfestival.com de Montréal city of Montréal had fortifications, but they order à la carte, the table d’hôte — two- to were destroyed between 1804 and 1817. four-course offerings — are typically more Since its inception in 1995, the Cinemania 201 Pine Avenue West economical. For pricier splurging, the French Film Festival has presented audi- 514-849-2919 For over a century and a half, Montréal was menu dégustation — a five- to seven- ences with French-language films of the www.museedeshospitalieres.qc.ca the industrial and financial center of course tasting showcase — includes soup, highest quality and originality. Cinemania Canada. The variety of buildings included The Musée des Hospitalières de l’Hôtel- salad, fish, sherbet, meat dish, dessert, and is the annual rendezvous of cinephiles to factories, warehouses, mills, and refineries Dieu de Montréal opens on a magnificent coffee or tea. Such a meal, along with a discover exceptional new feature films judi- that today provide a legacy of historic and oak staircase built in the seventeenth centu- bottle of wine, can last for hours and pro- ciously selected from nearly 200 entries architectural interest, especially in the ry. It relates the history of the Hospitallers vide a lifetime of memories. viewed annually by its professional team of downtown area and in Old Montréal. of St. Joseph of Hôtel-Dieu, a history for- programmers. The festival will run Many historical buildings in Old Montréal ever entwined with that of Montréal. With November 5–15. are still in their original form, notably the a permanent exhibition, as well as tempo- impressive nineteenth century headquarters rary exhibitions focusing on its history, of all major Canadian banks on Saint medicine, and religious art, the Musée des Jacques Street. Hospitalières de l’Hôtel-Dieu de Montréal does not merely speak of the past, but also In 1958, Montréal started development offers an enlightened view of the present. projects for a new subway system and PERFORMING ARTS underground city, enlarged the harbor, and Nativity Scenes Inherit the Wind opened the St. Lawrence Seaway. New MUSEUMS St. Joseph’s Oratory of Mount-Royal buildings replaced the old, including 5170 Côte-Ste-Catherine Biosphère, Environment Museum 3800 Chemin Queen-Mary Montréal’s two tallest skyscrapers: the forty- Segal Center for the Performing Arts at the 160, Chemin Tour-de-l’Isle 514-733-8211 nine-story Royal Bank of Canada Building Saidye Bronfman Center for the Arts Sainte-Hélène Island www.saint-joseph.org/en_1119_index.asp and the forty-six-story Place Victoria. The Presented by Ernst and Young 514-283-5000 Summer Olympics arrived in 1976 and The exhibit of nativity scenes from the www.biosphere.ec.gc.ca with them, one of Montréal’s most recog- By Jerome Lawrence and Robert Edwin Lee; Oratory Museum has become a tradition nizable landmarks, the Olympic Stadium. Directed by Greg Kramer The Biosphère is an exclusive venue to bet- during the Christmas season. Artists and ter understand major environmental issues, craftspeople from around the world have Thursday, November 5, 8:00 PM including those related to water, air, climate given a new meaning to faith, hope, and Saturday, November 7, 8:30 PM change, sustainable development, and joy. The exhibit unites religious and social Sunday, November 8, 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM responsible consumption. traditions as it presents the Nativity of Jesus Speaking truth to power and exposing in a wide variety of settings, each one more Montréal Holocaust Memorial Centre ignorance, intolerance, and injustice — inventive than the last. More than 250 these are the powerful themes at the heart 5151, Côte Ste-Catherine Road crèches from 111 countries are represented DINING of Inherit the Wind, one of the twentieth 514-345-2605 in the annual offering. century’s most compelling and enduring www.mhmc.ca/en/index.html Indisputably, French cuisine plays a star- dramas. The play is a fictionalized telling of ring, if not dominant, role on the Montréal The exhibition weaves the cataclysmic events the infamous “Monkey Trial” of 1925 — (continued on next page) dining scene. Yet other cultures — notably of the Holocaust into a tapestry of Jewish his-

8 • October 2009 RSN ANNUALMEETING

(continued from previous page) ful ecosystems of the Americas: the lush and Getting Around in Montréal humid Tropical Forest, warm even in the Sacred Africa: Ancient Art from Sub- depths of a Montréal winter; the Laurentian AVIGATING the Annual Meeting may Underground City is directly under the heart of Saharan Africa at the Montréal Museum of Forest, changing with the seasons; the St. seem a little more challenging this year Montréal. Constantly growing, the “city” — Fine Arts Lawrence Marine ecosystem, replicating the Nin Montréal, since the headquarters which links many major buildings and multilevel 1380 Sherbrooke Street West Estuary and the Gulf; and the Polar Worlds hotels are about a kilometer away from the Palais shopping malls in the area — is a shopper’s para- 514-285-2000 of the Arctic and Antarctic. des Congrès, where Registration, the Exhibit dise in any season. You’ll be amazed by its bright- www.mmfa.qc.ca Hall, Job Center, and the majority of sessions ly lit, scrupulously clean passageways, linking Botanical Gardens will be located. thousands of boutiques, major hotels, restau- The exhibition features fifty stunning pieces 4104 Sherbrooke East rants, universities, dozens of office buildings, and of high-quality, traditional African art — 514-872-1400 Shuttles attractions. Every day more than 500,000 people objects, sculptures, and masks — from the www2.ville.Montréal.qc.ca/jardin/en/menu.htm connect through here on their way to work, Sub-Saharan region. Tofacilitate easy movement between locations, shop, dine, or spend a night — or day — on the Come visit Chinese, Japanese, and First the AAR will be running three complimentary town. Safe and sheltered from the elements, the Nations’s gardens, greenhouses, a touch gar- shuttle buses in a loop stopping at the La Centre Underground City offers a huge range of goods den with braille labels for the blind, an Sheraton, the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth, and and services as well as a handy way to get from alpine garden, and an arboretum. the Palais des Congrès. Buses will depart every place to place without weather or traffic prob- fifteen minutes on the following schedule: Insectarium lems. For a map of the underground, see Friday, November 6 8:00 AM–10:00 PM www.stm.info/English/ metro/souterrain2006.pdf. 4581 Sherbrooke East Saturday, November 7 6:30 AM–12:00 AM 514-872-1400 OTHER ATTRACTIONS Sunday, November 8 6:30 AM–12:00 AM Accessibility www2.ville.Montréal.qc.ca/insectarium/en/ Notre-Dame Basilica Monday, November 9 6:30 AM–8:00 PM index.php?section=1&intParent=1 Please note that the Métro and the Underground Tuesday, November 10 6:45 AM–1:00 PM 110 Notre-Dame Street West City are not accessible in many locations for per- The Insectarium, located inside the 514-842-2925 sons with disabilities. One bus on the AAR’s Botanical Gardens, aims first and foremost Métro www.basiliquenddm.org/en shuttle route will be accessible. In the case that to awaken visitors to the wonders of the In addition, Annual Meeting attendees may shuttle service is not adequate to meet an Montréal’s Notre-Dame Basilica has nothing insect world, and to explain how insects want to use Montréal’s Métro system. Fares are attendee’s physical needs in navigating official in common with Paris’s except the name. It play an essential part in ensuring the Earth’s CAN$2.75 each way, but a three-day tourist pass Annual Meeting locations, AAR will reimburse is a neogothic building dating from 1829, ecological balance. with unlimited rides is only CAN$17.00. The the attendee the cost of making alternative constructed on the site of a much older and Palais des Congrès is located adjacent to the arrangements (i.e., a private taxi). Toreceive the smaller church, which had been outgrown Place-d’Armes station, making it accessible from reimbursement, please submit all taxi receipts by its parishioners. Notre-Dame is noted for locations throughout the city. From La Centre with a letter detailing the nature of your physical its lavish and beautiful interior — stained Sheraton it is a short walk to the Bonaventure disability and the Annual Meeting locations that glass windows, paintings, statues, gold- station, and from the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth, were inaccessible no later than December 31, tipped polychrome carvings, and a rich it is a short walk to the Square-Victoria station. 2009. Only travel between official Annual altarpiece. It also has a notable Casavant More information about the Métro, including Meeting locations (i.e., hotels and convention organ and its largest bell, le Gros Bourdon, maps, fares, and hours of operation, can be center) will be covered. In addition, a block of is the biggest on the continent. SHOPPING found at www.stm.info/English/metro/a-index.htm. hotel rooms has been set aside at the Hotel Underground Pedestrian Network Mount Royal InterContinental for those with disabilities. The name “Underground City” refers to the Underground City Please contact the Annual Meeting team 1260 Remembrance Road vast network of pedestrian walkways below ([email protected]) if you have any 514-843-8240 Finally, Montréal’s underground city provides an the city. There are thirty-three kilometers of questions. www.lemontroyal.qc.ca/en/learn-about-mount- easy way to get between destinations without connecting passageways beneath downtown, royal/homepage.sn having to brave the cold November weather.The with the métro (subway), commuter trains, The lookout on top of Mount Royal is an and buses also converging here. The pas- excellent goal for an urban walk. It is in sageways also serve a more leisurely purpose Mount Royal Park, laid out long ago by as they provide access to forty entertain- Annual Meeting Performances Frederick Law Olmsted, who is best known ment venues and attractions. for landscaping New York’s Central Park. Crescent Street From the beautifully appointed lookout ter- and Exhibitions race, downtown Montréal is at your feet, Known as one of the world’s friendliest and HE AAR IS showcasing the following vented, “classicized,” and reinterpreted by with a view to the river and beyond to the liveliest cities, Montréal is recognized for its performances and exhibitions during upper-caste elites. Hari Krishnan, Artist-in- Monteregian Hills. Sight lines to landmarks cosmopolitan side and its openness. In the this year’s Annual Meeting. Residence at Wesleyan University and Artistic are marked. The top of Mount Royal is middle of it all is famous Crescent Street, T Director of inDANCE, has studied dance divided between the park and two large the heart of downtown Montréal for tourists Sweetgrass Singers (A8–402) with women from over ten different devadasi cemeteries, the Catholic Notre-Dame-des- and locals alike. A wonderful sense of hospi- Sunday, 8:30–9:30 PM lineages, and this session will offer excerpts Neiges and the nondenominational Mount tality characterizes this tiny strip. Its typical from their very rare repertoire. It presents a Royal. Both cemeteries can provide interest- architecture tends to create a warm and The Sweetgrass Singers are a group of counterpoint to the universalized and reinvent- ing walks for those of gothic tastes and authentic atmosphere. Famous for its spe- Kanienkehaka (Mohawk) women from the ed forms of “classical Indian dance” seen else- together they form a necropolis among the cialty shops, art galleries, and designer bou- community of Kahnawake. The singers are a where. Commentary on the pieces will be pro- largest in the world. tiques, the likes of Parasuco, Hugo Boss nonprofit singing society that supports vided by Davesh Soneji of McGill University, Shan, and Matt Bailey, Crescent shopping is Mohawk language and cultural initiatives. The The Olympic Stadium and will be accompanied by live music. the ideal mix of style and class. women are a group of mothers who are raising 4141 Avenue Pierre-De Coubertin their children with the language, culture, and The Red Box (A9–403) Marché Bonsecours 514-252-4141 traditions of the Kanienkehaka people. They Monday, 8:00–10:30 PM www.rio.gouv.qc.ca/index.jsp?locale=en 350 Saint-Paul Street East are part of the six-nations Haudenasaunee confederacy and are known throughout the The Red Box is a play whose love story begins in The Olympic Stadium was built for Recognized as one of the ten most beautiful confederacy for their songs. The women have modern-times with Victor, who has never Montréal’s 1976 Olympics and is still used heritage buildings in Canada, the Marché traveled throughout Eastern Canada and the before told his story. Barbara, with a hidden for some sports events and major concerts. Bonsecours is a proud showcase for Québec United States sharing their stories, songs, and agenda of her own, gets Victor to confront his An elevator ascends the world’s tallest artists, designers, and artisans. It houses fif- dances with both First Nations and nonindige- complicated past as a Holocaust survivor. As the inclined tower to a lookout on top; tickets teen boutiques, including the Conseil des nous people. The Sweetgrass Singers always play travels through his memory,Victor relives are for sale at the base. The stadium is one métiers d’art du Québec (Québec’s Craft encourage audience members to participate in falling in love for the first time with a non- of Montréal’s most curious pieces of Council), which offer original creations at the songs and dances that celebrate Jewish boy, coming to terms with his sexuality, architecture. artisan prices. Watch glass-blowing artists at Kanienkehaka culture and look forward to the and examining his own family’s dysfunction, all work in the Gogo Glass boutique and enjoy Biodôme opportunity to share their stories, songs, and while the Nazi party is rising to power. He then Québec-grown products in the three restau- dances with members of the AAR. lays out the series of mistakes he made from 4777 Avenue Pierre-De Coubertin rants and cafés-terrasses. thinking with his heart, including running away 514-868-3000 Bharatanatyam by Hari Krishnan and to decadent Berlin, until he finds himself as a www2.ville.Montréal.qc.ca/biodome inDANCE (A8–403) prisoner in a concentration camp. Victor is per- The word Biodôme comes from the Greek Sunday, 8:30–9:30 PM secuted for being both gay and Jewish. It is words bios, life, and domos, house. An oasis Victor’s detailed path of survival and the people Bharatanatyam is a dance form traditionally in the heart of the city, the Montréal he meets along the way that cause him to ques- performed by courtesans and temple-women Biodôme recreates some of the most beauti- tion relationships, spirituality, and the unfath- known as devadasis or bhogamvallu in South omable atrocity he was forced into. India. When their lifestyles were criminalized by the state in 1947, their practices were rein- October 2009 RSN • 9 Religious Studies News AAR Sustainability Task Force to Host Annual Meeting Half-day Workshop

T THE ANNUAL Meeting in (the first book-length analysis of religious Faculty, like students, experience fear, grief, ardship versus biocentric ethical models), Montréal, the AAR’s Sustainability environmentalism); The Oxford Handbook and despair as we witness the vanishing the role of religious environmentalism in ATask Force will host a half-day of Religion and Ecology; Joining Hands: species, changed weather, and polluted relation to other social movements (e.g., workshop addressing the roles and methods Politics and Religion Together for Social waters of our planet. Yet the very universal- feminism, racial justice), and engaged of religion and theology teachers wanting Change; and A Spirituality of Resistance: ity and severity of the environmental crisis teaching techniques designed to (re)connect to infuse sustainability topics into the cur- Finding a Peaceful Heart and Protecting the also provide a unique opportunity to make students to these crucial moral issues and riculum. The workshop, “Religious Studies Earth. our teaching intensely relevant to the world their meaning for life on earth. in an Age of Global Warming: Transform- outside the classroom, and to experience Kaza is Director of the Environmental “This workshop crosses a multitude of sub- ing Ourselves, Our Students, and Our the deep satisfaction of offering teaching Program at the University of Vermont, field boundaries and appeals broadly to Universities” will be from 1:30 PM to 5:30 that is personally, morally, and politically where she teaches environmental humani- scholars across the curriculum who wish to PM on Friday, November 6, and will be led important. ties. She is best known for her work in address the most critical issues facing the by Roger S. Gottlieb, Worcester Buddhist environmental thought and This workshop will explore these challenges Academy — and the world — today,” said Polytechnic Institute and task force mem- Buddhist–Christian dialogue. Her books and opportunities, giving participants the Sarah McFarland Taylor, former chair of ber, and Stephanie Kaza, University of include Dharma Rain: Sources of Buddhist chance to examine their own responses to the Task Force. “If you attend one work- Vermont. Task Force members Barbara A. Environmentalism; Hooked: Buddhist Writings the environmental crisis, to engage with shop in Montréal this year, make it this B. Patterson (chair), Emory University; on Greed, Desire, and the Urge to Consume; faculty concerning teaching resources, sam- one!” Isabel Mukonyora, Western Kentucky and Mindfully Green. At the University of ple syllabi, course modules, and instruc- University; Laurel D. Kearns, Drew You may register for the workshop when Vermont, Kaza works closely with the tional themes, and ways to connect with University and Drew Theological School; you register for the Annual Meeting, or by Office of Sustainability on campus greening other academic departments and the wider and Sarah McFarland Taylor (former chair), using the form on this page and faxing it to and socially responsible investing. campus sustainability movement. Material Northwestern University, will serve as 301-694-5124. The registration fee for the will be provided to support the develop- breakout group facilitators at the workshop. Teaching the environmental crisis poses workshop is $50 until October 20, 2009. ment of “Religion and Environment” unique challenges and opportunities for After that, registration is $75 onsite only. Gottlieb teaches in the Department of courses, and integration of environmental higher education. The scope and extent of You are encouraged to register early as the Humanities and Arts at Worcester themes into courses such as “Introduction the threat demands that faculty inform workshop is limited to the first seventy-five Polytechnic Institute and is one of the to Religious Studies,” “Social Ethics,” themselves about a host of practical, theo- participants. world’s leading voices of religious environ- “Religion and Politics,” or studies of partic- logical, moral, historical, and political con- mentalism. His works in this area include ular religions. cerns that probably were not part of their This Sacred Earth: Religion, Nature, original scholarly field. At the same time, The workshop will take up relevant theo- Environment (the first comprehensive text- the encompassing nature of the threat logical issues (e.g., ecological interpretations book in the field); A Greener Faith: Religious touches all of our lives. of scripture), moral problems (e.g., stew- Environmentalism and Our Planet’s Future

Religious Studies in an Age of Don’t Let Time Global Warming: Transforming Ourselves, Get Away from You! Sustainability Our Students, and Our Universities Register for the AAR Annual Meeting Job WORKSHOP Friday, November 6, 2009 Center by October 12. The Job Center is an 1:30–5:30 PM efficient way for candidates and employers to Montréal, QC communicate and participate in job inter- views. Those who register by the deadline will TO REGISTER receive full benefits of the Center. Complete the information below, arrange payment, and send via fax or surface mail. You can also register online as a part of the Annual Meeting registration process: www.aarweb.org/meeting/annual_meeting/current_meeting. EMPLOYERS: Unlimited use of the interview hall
Name Placement of job advertisement in the Annual Meeting edition of Job Postings Department
Seven months of online access to candidate Institution CVs organized by specialization Registration is limited to the first 75 participants.
Send your registration form and payment of $50.00 before October 20, 2009 ($75.00 after and onsite). Ability to use the message center to communicate with registered candidates PAYMENT INFORMATION

CANDIDATES: ❒ Check: (payable to “AAR Annual Meeting,” memo For more information, contact Robert Puckett, Director of Meetings, at [email protected], or by phone at Opportunity to place CV online for “Sustainability Workshop”) 404-727-1461. employer review Credit Card (Check one): The Sustainability Workshop is arranged by the
❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ Sustainability Task Force of the American Academy of Personal copy of registered job advertisements Visa Mastercard American Express Discover Religion: Barbara A. B. Patterson, chair, Roger S. Gottlieb, and employers’ interview plans Laurel D. Kearns, Isabel Mukonyora, and John J. O’Keefe.
Credit Card Number Expiration Date Ability to use the message center to communicate with employers CID*  Register online (as part of Annual Meeting For more information about the Job Center, and registration): www.aarweb.org/meetings/ to register, see www.aarweb.org/jump/jobcenter. Cardholder Signature annual_meeting/current_meeting Register by Fax: 301-694-5124 Name on Card (Please Print)  * Card Identification Number: 4 digits on front of American Express; 3 digits on back of other cards

10 • October 2009 RSN ANNUALMEETINGNEWS Annual Meeting Leadership Workshop Three Religion Majors Meet in a Café: What Do They Have in Common?

HE ACADEMIC Relations Committee will begin a Participants will then explore the presence of these characteristics in The interactive workshop will feature several speakers, three-year sequence of workshops exploring the implications the design of majors in different institutional contexts (small pub- panelists, and breakout sessions. Eugene V.Gallagher Tof the Teagle/AAR White Paper “The Religion Major and lic, large public, private, and theological). The workshop will con- will open the workshop with a discussion titled “The Liberal Education” at the Annual Meeting in Montréal on Friday, clude with presentations and discussions about how we address Convergent Characteristics of the Religious Studies November 6, 9:00 AM–3:45 PM. these in ways attentive both to our responsibilities as educators and Major: Findings of the Teagle Working Group.” to the students and the reasons they are in our programs. Gallagher, the Rosemary Park Professor of Religious This year’s daylong workshop, “Three Religion Majors Meet in a Studies at Connecticut College and founding director Café: What Do They Have in Common?”, will address five com- “In light of the findings of the AAR/Teagle Working Group and of the Mankoff Center for Teaching and Learning, was mon characteristics the White Paper identified of a religious studies from our own conversations with department chairs over the past a member of that working group. major: intercultural and comparative, multidisciplinary, critical, few years, sustained discussion about the shape of the major in reli- integrative, and creative and constructive. In this interactive work- gious studies and its relation to liberal education in the twenty-first A panel will follow addressing how the five characteris- shop, participants will have an opportunity to discover and discuss century is more important than ever,” said Fred Glennon, chair of tics play out in different institutional contexts. A this constellation of characteristics. the Academic Relations Committee. breakout session led by members of the Academic Relations Committee immediately follows, which will allow participants to discuss these issues in depth. Following lunch, which is provided, will be a session HREE ELIGION AJORS EET IN A AFÉ on student dynamics, their motives for study, and how T R M M C : students can be targeted with the characteristics in WHAT DO THEY HAVE IN COMMON? mind. Another breakout session will allow for partici- pation from attendees. Friday, November 6, 2009 The workshop will conclude with a plenary address W O R K SHOP from Gallagher. Leadership Montréal, QC “Our hope is that this workshop will not only con- The Teagle/AAR Working Group, which produced the White in different institutional contexts (small public, large public, pri- tinue the conversation begun by the AAR/Teagle Paper “The Religion Major and Liberal Education,” identified five vate, and theological). The workshop will conclude with presenta- Working Group but also extend it to illuminate some common characteristics that suggest the religious studies major is tions and discussions about how we address these characteristics in best practices for curriculum and program develop- by its very nature intercultural and comparative, multidisciplinary, ways attentive both to our responsibilities as educators and to the ment,” Glennon said. critical, integrative, and creative and constructive. In this interac- students and the reasons they are in our programs. This is the first Colleagues in your institution, such as chairs, other fac- tive workshop, participants will have an opportunity to discover in a three-year sequence of workshops that will explore the impli- ulty members, faculty being developed to assume lead- and discuss this constellation of characteristics. They will then cations of the Teagle White Paper. ership responsibilities, and deans, may be interested in explore the presence of these characteristics in the design of majors attending this workshop. Chairs may want to bring a team of faculty or send a designated faculty person. PRELIMINARY PROGRAM Registration is limited to the first 75 participants. The 9:00–9:15 Introduction 10:00–10:45 Institutional Perspectives: How 11:00–12:00 Breakout session (by cost for the workshop is $100, which includes the entire day of sessions, lunch, and a book on the topic. 9:15–10:00 The convergent characteristics these characteristics play out in institutional context) of the religious studies major: different institutional contexts 12:00–1:00 LUNCH The topics for past chairs workshops have been: Findings of the Teagle Working • Theological schools 1:00–2:00 Student dynamics (Patricia Group (Eugene V. Gallagher, • Large public universities Killen, Pacific Lutheran 2008 Annual Meeting Connecticut College) • Small public universities/ University) Leadership Workshop — Taking Religion(s) colleges 2:00–2:45 Breakout session (random small Seriously: What Students Need to Know • Private universities/colleges groups with ARC 2007 Annual Meeting members as facilitators) Chairs Workshop — Best Practices: Diversifying Your 2:45–3:45 Plenary wrap-up: What have we Faculty — Honest Conversations learned? (Eugene V. Gallagher) Leadership Workshop — The Religion Major and Liberal Education TO REGISTER 2006 Annual Meeting Complete the information below, arrange payment, and send via fax or surface mail. You can also register online Chairs Workshop — Personnel Issues: The Good, the as a part of the Annual Meeting registration process: www.aarweb.org/meeting/annual_meeting/current_meeting. Bad, and the Ugly 2005 Annual Meeting Name Chairs Workshop — Enlarging the Pie: Strategies for Managing and Growing Departmental Resources Department 2004 Annual Meeting Chairs Workshop — Being a Chair in Today’s Consumer Institution Serving as Chair since Number of faculty in department Culture: Navigating in the Knowledge Factory Registration is limited to the first 75 participants. 2003 Annual Meeting Send your registration form and payment of $100.00 before October 20, 2009 ($125.00 after and onsite). Chairs Workshop — Scholarship, Service, and Stress: The Tensions of Being a Chair PAYMENT INFORMATION Summer 2003 Chairs Workshop — The Entrepreneurial Chair: ❒ Check: (payable to “AAR Annual Meeting,” memo For more information, contact Jessica Davenport, Associate Director of Professional Programs, at Building and Sustaining Your Department in an Era of “Leadership Workshop”) [email protected], or by phone at 404-727-4707. Shrinking Resources and Increasing Demands Credit Card (Check one): The Leadership Workshop is arranged by the Academic 2002 Annual Meeting ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ Relations Committee of the American Academy of Visa Mastercard American Express Discover Religion: Fred Glennon, chair, Edwin David Aponte, Chairs Workshop — Running a Successful Faculty Chester Gillis, L. DeAne Lagerquist, Rosetta Ross, and Search in the Religious Studies Department Steve Young. Credit Card Number Expiration Date 2001 Annual Meeting Chairs Workshop — Evaluating and Advancing  Register online (as part of Annual Meeting Teaching in the Religious Studies Department CID* registration): www.aarweb.org/meetings/ annual_meeting/current_meeting 2000 Annual Meeting Cardholder Signature Chairs Workshop — Assessing and Advancing the  Register by Fax: 330-963-0319 Religious Studies Department Name on Card (Please Print) We look forward to seeing you in Montréal!
Register by surface mail: AAR Leadership Workshop The Academic Relations Committee: Fred * Card Identification Number: 4 digits on front of American Express; 3 digits on back of other c/o Experient cards 2451 Enterprise PKWY Glennon, chair, Edwin David Aponte, Chester Twinsburg, OH 44087 Gillis, L. DeAne Lagerquist, Rosetta Ross, and USA Steve Young.

October 2009 RSN • 11 Religious Studies News Teaching Strategies Workshop Space, Place, and Religious Meaning in the Classroom

Date: Friday, November 6, 2009 12:00–6:00 PM PRELIMINARY AGENDA: Where: Montréal, QC, Canada 12:00–1:00 PM 2:15–4:00 PM 4:00–4:15 PM HE TEACHING Strategies Workshop is arranged by the AAR Space, Place, Jeanne Kilde, University of Minnesota Panel discussion with audience on the use Coffee/Tea Break and Religious Meaning Consultation of space and place by professors of reli- T Introductions and Address on Theoretical 4:15–5:15 PM and the Wabash Center for Teaching and gious studies whose work focuses on a Understandings and Methods in the Study of Learning in Theology and Religion. variety of religious traditions and geo- Small group break-out sessions. Group Space and Place and Religious Meaning graphical locations. Panelists include: members will focus on the syllabi they Leonard Norman Primiano, Cabrini College, This session will be to provide an have brought with them, discussing ways Presiding • Joanne Punzo Waghorne, Syracuse overview of approaches to the study of to incorporate strategies posed during the University As religious studies teachers, we tend to be space and place for nonexperts. It will panel discussion. skilled at integrating textual material, social focus on how the various approaches can • David Simonowitz, University of 5:15–6:00 PM historical analysis, ethnography, sociological be deployed in the classroom to help stu- California, Los Angeles study, and other approaches into our courses, dents ground their study of religious space Full group discussion, questions, and • David R. Bains, Samford University but we often neglect to include a sensitivity and place. answers. to and sensibility of religious constructions of • Susan L. Graham, St. Peter’s College 1:15–2:15 PM Registration is limited to the first 45 par- space and place, despite the fact that these • Barbara Ambros, University of North ticipants. No fee is required. Lunch will components are central to religious experience. Lunch (provided). Lunch groups will be Carolina, Chapel Hill be provided. encouraged to reflect on how the theoreti- This half-day workshop is intended to aid cal material present in the first session • Leonard Norman Primiano, Cabrini faculty in the development of classroom tech- might be applied to special places they College niques that incorporate the study of religious already use in their classrooms and lec- space and place into our courses. Participants Each of these scholars focus their research tures, or locations they have been to or in the workshop will: 1) Deepen their intel- on the study of space/place and will share plan to visit that they would like to incor- lectual sensitivity to space and place as com- their classroom strategies pertaining to the porate in their courses. Participants will ponents of religion; and 2) Learn specific study of a range of religious traditions. begin to think critically about the types of techniques to employ religious space and spaces/places they might integrate into place in the classroom. their courses.

No religion says “blessed are the greedy,” ƐĂLJƐ s^d͛Ɛ ŝƐƟŶŐƵŝƐŚĞĚ dŚĞŽůŽŐŝĂŶ ŝŶ ZĞƐŝĚĞŶĐĞ͕ ^ĂůůŝĞ DĐ&ĂŐƵĞ͕ AAR Career Services ŽŶ ƌĞůŝŐŝŽŶ͛Ɛ ƌŽůĞ ŝŶ ũƵƐƟĐĞ ĂŶĚ ƐƵƐƚĂŝŶĂďŝůŝƚLJ͘ Visit the AAR’s Career Services webpage at www.aarweb.org/jump/careers for these services: forming tomorrow’s leaders... • Job Postings • Annual Meeting Job Center • Candidate CVs • Workshop Information ...educating • Employment Statistics for today’s challenges • Articles Discussing Career Issues

VST Open Houses November 19, 2009 February 6, 2010

For more information about www.vst.edu AAR Career Services, e-mail [email protected].

12 • October 2009 RSN ANNUALMEETINGNEWS Religion and Media Workshop Cell Phones in Texts, Scripts, Codes: How Religions and Media Make the World We Live In Canada Katharine Rhodes Henderson, Auburn Theological Seminary, Presiding OME CELL PHONES or calling plans may not allow your phone to work in Canada. Please check with your carrier. Even if your Friday, November 6, 2009 Isaac Weiner, Georgia State University S phone will work, another consideration you may have Legal Discourse of Religious Noise and Public Space 9:30 AM–5:00 PM is the cell phone bills that you may face when you HIS YEAR’S annual Religion and Media Workshop Nabil Echchaibi, University of Colorado return home. International roaming charges can cost will highlight how religious texts, scripts, and codes Regulation and Authority within Islam Online USD$0.29–0.69 per minute, depending on your car- make and unmake political and social worlds. rier. And if you have a “smartphone” like an iphone T Shanny Luft, University of North Carolina Interdisciplinary panels, discussions, and performances will or Blackberry that is constantly checking for new e- Evangelical Regulation of Film-watching in the Early Twentieth interrogate how media texts translate religion for global mail, you will be charged for every minute that your Century publics, how media scripts religious and national identities, phone is on. Please check with your cell phone carrier and how religious cultures code the transmission and recep- Munir Jiwa, Graduate Theological Union about international plans that may help you avoid tion of media objects. The thirtieth anniversary of the (Mis)Representation in Muslim Communities these costly surprises. Below are some links to help: Iranian Revolution will anchor the day’s interdisciplinary J. Barton Scott, Duke University AT&T examination of the relationships between religion, media, India Authentic cultural authority, and social change. We invite you to join a www.wireless.att.com/learn/international/roaming/ discussion of these themes with leading reporters, perform- Neil Arner, Yale University affordable-world-packages.jsp ers, and academics. This year’s unique three-part workshop Religious Pluralism, Publicity, and Politics Sprint/Nextel includes panels, a performance, and small group discussion. Jason C. Bivins, North Carolina State University Our morning program features a series of interdisciplinary www.nextel.com/en/services/worldwide/travelabroad_ Religion and Performance panels on representation, performance, authority, and tech- sprint.shtml nology across religious traditions and in a variety of geo- Setrag Manoukian, McGill University T-Mobile graphic contexts, as well as in media contexts that confound Iranian Post-Election Multimedia Analysis geography. Panels will include an exploration of issues of www.tmobile.com/International/LongDistanceOverview. Business Meeting: regulation and authority. An intensive afternoon discussion aspx of the Iranian Revolution will amplify the critical vocabular- Jenna Tiitsman, University of North Carolina and Auburn Verizon ies developed throughout the day. As always, there will be Media, and Kaley Middlebrooks Carpenter, Villanova ample time for small thematic conversations around issues University, Presiding http://b2b.vzw.com/international/Global_Travel/index. of urgent relevance to the study of religion and media. html

Texts, Scripts, Codes: How Religions Religion and Media Make the World We Live In Registration and Housing Friday, November 6, 2009 &Media 9:30 AM–5:00 PM for 2010 Workshop Montréal, QC, Canada Annual TO REGISTER Meeting in You can register online when you register for the Annual Meeting at www.aarweb.org/meeting/annual_meeting/current_meeting. Or complete the information below, arrange payment, and send via fax (1–330–963–0319) or Atlanta to surface mail (Religion and Media Workshop, c/o Experient, 2451 Enterprise Parkway, Twinsburg, OH 44087, USA). Open Early! BADGE AND ADDRESS INFORMATION Early Bird registration and housing for the 2010 Annual Meeting in Atlanta Name/Title will open on November 6, 2009. Both Institution registration and housing will be open

Phone Fax on this date at www.aarweb.org. Computers will be available in the Surface Address Cyber Café and the AAR Booth in the E-mail Exhibit Hall of the Palais des Congrès Registration is limited to the first 75 participants. Send your registration form and payment of USD $55.00 for AAR members to preregister during before November 6, 2009 (after November 6, register onsite with an increased registration fee of USD $70). the 2009 Annual Meeting in Montréal. PAYMENT INFORMATION Early Bird registration will run through the dates of the 2009 Annual Meeting ❒ Check: (Payable to “AAR Annual Meeting,” include “Religion and Media Workshop” on the memo line) and will close on March 31, 2010. Credit Card (Check one): Registration for tours and workshops ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ Visa Mastercard American Express Discover will be available beginning April 1, 2010. Members who have preregistered Credit Card Number Expiration Date for the meeting will be sent an e-mail giving them the opportunity to add CID*  Register online (as part of Annual Meeting registration): www.aarweb.org/meetings/ these to their registration. Cardholder Signature annual_meeting/current_meeting Register by Fax: 301-694-5124 Name on Card (Please Print)  * Card Identification Number: 4 digits on front of American Express; 3 digits on back of other cards

October 2009 RSN • 13 Religious Studies News Sessions with a Focus on Québec

A7–108 North American Religions Section A7–317 New Religious Movements Group A8–307 History of Christianity Section Québec’s culture, hoping to get a better understanding of the contributions made by Saturday, 9:00–11:30 AM Saturday, 4:00–6:30 PM Sunday, 5:00–6:30 PM the people. Spreading through time, cultures, Theme: The History of Religion in Québec Theme: Québec’s New Religions: Inside, Theme: Monastic Reflections in Contemporary languages, and religious beliefs, the papers of Outside, or Parallel to the Catholic Church Québec This panel provides a comprehensive and criti- this panel explain how, in a given milieu, the cal look at the history of religion in Québec, This panel will describe and analyze some of Although monasticism is seen to be out of motives and figures of the oral tradition and from the earliest encounters with native peo- Québec’s indigenous new religious movements place in contemporary Québec, it has impor- religious influences can help us learn about ples to the rich religious diversity of today. that have been shaped by the rapidly changing tance both socially and intellectually. Indeed, what Québec was and is becoming. Each panelist, who are eminent senior scholars relationship between the province’s ultramon- it continues to develop socially, taking on new A9–329 Religion and Migration of Québec religious history, will examine a tane Catholic Church and an increasingly sec- forms and in new physical locations, but also Consultation particular aspect and period of this history. ular society. A typology of intégriste/fonda- intellectually, helping to address some of the mentaliste (integral/traditional) formulated by most pressing questions of modern society. Monday, 4:00–6:30 PM A7–129 North American Hinduism Québec sociologists will be utilized to analyze This panel is dedicated to papers addressing Theme: Religion, Ethnicity, and Identity in the Consultation four apocalyptic new religions in terms of the changing “place” of monasticism in the Greater Montréal Area Saturday, 9:00–11:30 AM their orientations towards the Church, Vatican province. This panel will present the results of the four Theme: Hinduism in Montréal and Canada: II, and secularization resulting from the A8–312 Study of Judaism Section years of research of the GRIMER (Groupe de Communities in Community “Quiet Revolution.” Recherche sur le Montréal Ethno-Religieux), Sunday, 5:00–6:30 PM This panel presents four papers and a respon- A8–103 Arts, Literature, and Religion an interdisciplinary research group affiliated Theme: Yiddish Montréal: From the Political dent discussing the variety of expressions of Section with the religious studies and geography Left to the Religious Right Hinduism found in Montréal and in other departments of the Université du Québec à Sunday, 9:00–11:30 AM regions of Canada. The papers emphasize the Although seemingly distinct, the political left Montréal. Funded by the Social Sciences and Theme: Jewish Poets of Montréal subidentities among South Asians within the and religious right were both significant and Humanities Research Council of Canada, the Hindu diaspora in a manner that reflects the This panel examines the bearing of religion interdependent in Yiddish Montréal of the group’s general goal is to analyze the role of subnational status of Québec within the upon the lives and writings of four of the twentieth century. Not only did they share religion and its various expressions amongst broader context of Canada. As a whole, the most prominent twentieth and early twenty- common educational and social antecedents, different ethnocultural minorities that estab- papers suggest some differences in the first century Jewish poets of Montréal — A. they often shared strategies, where rabbis used lished themselves in the Greater Montréal area Canadian Hindu context in relation to other M. Klein, Irving Layton, Leonard Cohen, and tactics of the labor movement to ameliorate after about 1970. The primary objective, more diaspora groups. Chava Rosenfarb, a Holocaust survivor who their situation. As well, the major communal precisely, is to examine the function of the reli- writes in Yiddish. structure of Jewish Montréal in the prewar gious factor in the construction of “ethnic A7–131 Religion Education in Public years was the Jewish Community Council identity” and “consciousness,” as defined by Schools: International Perspectives A8–104 Arts, Literature, and Religion (Vaad Ha’ir) wherein not only were all politi- the Belgian sociologist Albert Bastenier Consultation Section and Religion, Film, and Visual cal positions represented, but the Council (2004). Culture Group Saturday, 9:00–11:30 AM funded all Jewish schools, including the social- A10–106 North American Religions Theme: Québec’s New “Ethics and Religious Sunday, 9:00–11:30 AM ist and communist as well as the traditional Section Culture” Program Theme: Ways of Looking at Jesus of Montréal: yeshivas. Although each presentation focuses From the Streets of St-Denis to Mont-Royal on very different periods and milieus, they all Tuesday, 9:00–11:30 AM As of September 2008, a new course entitled bring to the fore two crucial issues in under- Theme: Managing Religious Diversity and “Ethics and Religious Culture” (ERC) became The aim of this panel is two-fold. The first is standing the evolution of Yiddish-speaking Articulating Identity in Québec mandatory for all Québec primary and sec- to offer examinations of a film that has been Montréal: religion and politics. ondary schools (except for grade nine). The popular in religion and film circles. Panelists The papers on this panel explore the recent program represents a radical departure from here will offer several takes on the film from A9–103 Buddhism Section efflorescence of debate over the proper man- previous programs. This panel examines the various perspectives: sort of a Wallace Stevens’s agement of religious diversity in Québec. In Monday, 9:00–11:30 AM new program from diverse perspectives. The “Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird” response to several high-profile legal cases Theme: Buddhism in Québec panel was constituted in the spirit of an “epis- mixed with a John Berger “Ways of Seeing” involving the notion of reasonable accommo- temic community,” where the individual approach. But instead of simply piling on The growth of Buddhism in Québec resem- dation of minority religious practices, many members share common values and purposes, more commentary to the film, our further aim bles that of the growth of Buddhism across Québec communities, politicians, government but where salient issues are examined and is to stimulate a metacritical dialogue on reli- Canada and North America. Québec now has agencies, and private citizens have sought to knowledge is constructed through very gion and film research. That is, in and dozens of Buddhist temples and meditation weigh in on this issue. While there is a clear different lenses. through the multiple approaches to a specific centers, of which about half cater to a thematic coherence to the papers on the panel, film, we make clear that there are myriad ways Western-born membership. Still, because they are also diverse in that they consider A7–208 Theology and Religious Reflection to view a singular film religiously. Québec is a francophone region, Buddhism in issues of religious pluralism, secularism, gen- Section Québec has some unique accents. Researchers der, race, memory, and historic preservation in A8–250 Special Topics Forum Saturday, 1:00–3:30 PM in this session have been studying these fea- both rural and urban settings. Theme: Theological Contributions in the Work Sunday, 3:00–4:30 PM tures and will present on unique aspects of A10–125 Childhood Studies and Religion of Gregory Baum Sponsored by the Public Understanding of Buddhism in Québec. Consultation Religion Committee The work of Canadian theologian Gregory A9–117 Contemporary Islam Group Theme: The Commission on Reasonable Tuesday, 9:00–11:30 AM Baum has spanned more than fifty years, Accommodation in Québec: Reflections with Monday, 9:00–11:30 AM Theme: Adolescents, Young Adults, and Religion: revealing his astonishing openness to being Cochairs Charles Taylor and Gerard Bouchard Theme: Attraction and Repulsion: Muslim Canadian and Québec Studies in a Global attentive to the theological questions that ani- Alterity in Contemporary Québec Context mated his inquiry. This panel presentation will In February 2007, Premier Jean Charest called consider some of the key themes within upon Charles Taylor and Gerard Bouchard to This panel explores fear of and fascination Beliefs and religious practices are just part of Baum’s theology, exploring his faithfulness to head up a commission on the question of with the “other” by examining interreligious what could be called youth religion or religios- the Christian mission of solidarity and why Reasonable Accommodation. The commission and secular-religious encounters of Muslims ity. Many studies show that spiritualities, reli- that mission speaks to twenty-first century was in response to a series of highly publicized and non-Muslims in Québec, where anxieties giosities, and religious orthodoxies often adopt challenges. A central goal of the panel is to events in which non-Christian immigrant arising from conquest, language, and accelerat- the diversified ways or styles of youth subcul- reflect on the continued relevance of Baum’s minority groups were seen to be making ed immigration have led to striking instances tures. In this regard, one could ask if it is really theology, and to situate it in the context of “unreasonable” demands upon the people of of “attraction” and “repulsion.” relevant to conclude that adolescents and Québec. Québec to accommodate their religious young adults have truly distanced themselves A9–126 Religion and Popular Culture requirements. The commission was unique in from religion, or are adolescents and young A7–304 Comparative Studies in Religion Group that it included twenty-one regional citizen’s adults forging new relations to their religious Section forums in which individuals were given ninety Monday, 9:00–11:30 AM heritage that is notably founded on a dynamic Saturday, 4:00–6:30 PM seconds to voice their opinion, concerns, and Theme: Folklore in Québec: Intangible, of choice that typifies the globalized world Theme: Multiculturalism and Religion in desires for the future of interreligious relations Essential, Cultural, and Religious Knowledge they negotiate. In this panel, the presenters Québec: Negotiating Religious Pluralism in Québec. The final report, delivered in May will communicate recent research results on The linguistic and religious particularity of 2008, has had mixed reviews from politicians, adolescent and young adult religion in Québec In this panel, papers engage in comparative Québec and the complex politics that religious, and nonreligious interest groups. and the rest of Canada that suggest new explorations of how Canadians and Québécois emerged from centuries of isolation from the This forum provides the opportunity for the theoretical ways to reflect on the religion or in particular have developed a full range of metropolitan states (France and England) have cochairs to offer their reflections on the religiosity of youth in the global context. strategies for negotiating religious pluralism in created an environment extremely sensible to process, the issues raised, and the future of an increasingly multicultural context. the specifics of its different communities. interreligious relations in Québec and beyond. While recent history has given us examples of a society trying to define its own identity, scholars are going back to the roots of

14 • October 2009 RSN ANNUALMEETINGNEWS

Sessions with a Focus on Canada

A7–226 Wesleyan Studies Group A8–269 Law, Religion, and Culture Saturday, 1:00–3:30 PM Group Theme: Methodism and Wesleyan Traditions Sunday, 3:00–4:30 PM in Canada Theme: First Nations, Islam, and Secularism: Religion and Law in the Canadian Context A8–108 Bible in Racial, Ethnic, and Indigenous Communities Group A9–108 Religion and Politics Section Sunday, 9:00–11:30 AM Monday, 9:00–11:30 AM Theme: Minority Biblical Interpretation in Theme: Religion, Politics, and Law in Canada Canada A8–210 Study of Islam Section and A9–228 Buddhism in the West Women and Religion Section Consultation Sunday, 1:00–2:30 PM Monday, 1:00–3:30 PM Theme: Shariah Courts in Canada: Islam, Theme: Buddhism in the West: A Canadian Gender, and Public Policy in Family Law Focus Arbitration A9–328 Pentecostal–Charismatic A8–212 Anthropology of Religion Movements Consultation AcademicAcademic programprogramm groundedgr roundedounded in faith Group Monday, 4:00–6:30 PM Sunday, 1:00–2:30 PM Theme: Origins and Identity of Canadian InternationallyIInternternationally respectedrespectedspected scholars Theme: The Anthropology of Religious Pentecostalism Pluralism in Canada A10–100 Wildcard Session eological and confessionalnfessional A8–222 Native Traditions in the Tuesday, 9:00–11:30 AM Americas Group Theme: The Revitalization of Aboriginal DegreeDegrreeee emphasis in: Sunday, 1:00–2:30 PM Spirituality in Canada Theme: Issues for Canada’s First Nations HHistor Historyiistorryy Peoples eolog eologygyy PPastoral astoral CCounselingounselingng CCongrCongregationalongrregationalegational MMissionission and Leadershiprship

Sessions with a Focus on Globalization A7–132 Sikh Studies Consultation A7–328 World Christianity Group A8–304 Wildcard Session A9–112 Teaching Religion Section

Saturday, 9:00–11:30 AM Saturday, 4:00–6:30 PM Sunday, 5:00–6:30 PM Monday, 9:00–11:30 AM Theme: Identity and Diaspora Theme: Global and Local Perspectives and Theme: Studying Religion and International Theme: Challenges and Opportunities of Patterns in World Christianity Development: Affinities, Intersections, and Teaching “Faith and Globalization” A7–135 Transformative Scholarship and Potentials Pedagogy Consultation A8–200 Special Topics Forum A9–133 Religion and Migration A8–308 North American Religions Section Consultation and Space, Place, and Saturday, 9:00–11:30 AM Sunday, 1:00–2:30 PM Religious Meaning Consultation Theme: Learning in Place: Globalization, Theme: Transnationalism and Pedagogy: Sunday, 5:00–6:30 PM Poverty, and Race Teaching and Learning beyond Borders Theme: Re(de)fining Religious Identities Monday, 9:00–11:30 AM East to West Theme: Sacralizing Space in Exile and Diaspora A7–209 African Religions Group A8–226 World Christianity Group A8–313 Teaching Religion Section A9–200 Plenary Panel Saturday, 1:00–3:30 PM Sunday, 1:00–2:30 PM Theme: The Convergence of Multiple “African Theme: Recent Research on Immigrant Sunday, 5:00–6:30 PM Monday, 1:00–3:30 PM Diasporas” in North America Christianity in North America Theme: Globalization and Pedagogy: Practical Theme: Global Perspectives on Religious Studies and Theoretical Approaches A7–211 Asian North American Religion, A8–229 Religion and Colonialism A9–202 Wildcard Session Culture, and Society Group Consultation A8–315 African Religions Group and Monday, 1:00–3:30 PM Religions, Medicines, and Healing Group Saturday, 1:00–3:30 PM Sunday, 1:00–2:30 PM Theme: Approaches to the Study of African Theme: Negotiating Diasporic Spaces: Practices Theme: Colonialism and Empire Sunday, 5:00–6:30 PM Diaspora Religions of Religion, Aesthetics, and Pedagogy Theme: Permutations of West African Healing A8–258 Religion and the Social Sciences A9–223 Religion and Ecology Group Traditions: Amisari Indigenous Healers in A7–302 Special Topics Forum Section Nigeria, Santeria Practitioners in the United Monday, 1:00–3:30 PM Saturday, 4:00–6:30 PM Sunday, 3:00–4:30 PM States, and Umbanda Practitioners of Paris Theme: Exploring Ecological Discourse in Global Theme: Diasporas of Religion and Religions of Theme: Multiculturalism and Pluralism in Contexts: Tensions and Tropes Rooted in Local Soils A8–317 Black Theology Group Diaspora Canada, the United States, and Europe A9–318 Latina/o Religion, Culture, and Sunday, 5:00–6:30 PM A7–323 Sacred Space in Asia Group A8–262 African Religions Group Society Group Theme: Black Theology across Borders Saturday, 4:00–6:30 PM Sunday, 3:00–4:30 PM Monday, 4:00–6:30 PM A9–100 Special Topics Forum Theme: Pilgrimage and Globalization: Theme: Religion and Power in Africa and the Theme: Religion and Transnationalism: Affirming and Contesting Boundaries through Diaspora: Conversations with Jacob Olupona Monday, 9:00–11:30 AM Migrating Identities Movement and Performance Theme: Global Economies of the Sacred A8–266 Confucian Traditions Group A9–333 Asian North American Religion, Culture, and Society Group Sunday, 3:00–4:30 PM Theme: American Confucianism Monday, 4:00–6:30 PM Theme: Issei Buddhism in the Americas: The Japanese-American Buddhist Diaspora

October 2009 RSN • 15 Religious Studies News Special Topics Forums A7–100 Student Town Hall Meeting: “Yes We A8–201 Conversation with Zarqa Nawaz, 2009 Can!” The Future of Students in the AAR AAR Religion and the Arts Award Winner

Saturday, 9:00–11:30 AM Sunday, 1:00–2:30 PM Sponsored by the Graduate Student Committee Sponsored by the Religion and the Arts Award Jury Reel Religion A7–101 Queer Careers A8–202 How to Propose a New Program Unit Please see the Annual Meeting Program Book for more information.

Saturday, 9:00–11:30 AM Sunday, 1:00–2:30 PM Sponsored by the Status of LGBTIQ Persons in the Sponsored by the Program Committee Profession Task Force A8–203 The Marty Forum: James H. Cone Malls R Us (A6–403) A7–102 A Celebration of the Tenth Anniversary of Friday, 9:00–11:00 PM Sunday, 1:00–2:30 PM the AAR Excellence in Teaching Award: A Sponsored by the Public Understanding of Religion This film shows how malls are the new sacred spaces in which people Participatory Workshop with the Excellence in experience a secular version of transcendence and communal identity, Committee Teaching Award Recipients an environment in which we “lose ourselves” in amusement and splen- A8–250 The Commission on Reasonable dor. But the film also asks whether the “religion” practiced in malls Saturday, 9:00 AM–12:45 PM Accommodation in Québec: Reflections with brings liberation, or simply creates more consumers for global Sponsored by the Teaching and Learning Committee and Cochairs Charles Taylor and Gerard Bouchard capitalism. Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning in Theology and Religion Sunday, 3:00–4:30 PM Sponsored by the Public Understanding of Religion A7–200 (In)formation: Religious Studies and Shugendô Now: The Creative Reinvention of a Committee Theological Studies Japanese Mountain Ascetic Tradition (A6–404) A8–279 “Cracks in the Tower”: Barriers to a Friday, 9:00–11:00 PM Saturday, 1:00–3:30 PM Career in Religion Shugendô practitioners perform ritual actions from shamanism, Sponsored by the Academic Relations Committee and “Shintô,” Daoism, and Tantric Buddhism. The filmmakers represent their Theological Education Steering Committee Sunday, 3:00–4:30 PM creative reinvention of hallmark practices, including a twenty-six Sponsored by the Graduate Student Committee and Job A7–201 Publishing Your Book: Thoughts from kilometer Lotus Ascent, Three Day Monk Camp, and Eco-pilgrimage. Placement Task Force Oxford University Press and from the Editors of the AAR Book Series and JAAR A8–300 Conversation with Kwok Pui Lan, 2009 Excellence in Teaching Award Winner Jésus de Montréal (A7–406) Saturday, 1:00–3:30 PM Saturday, 9:00–11:00 PM Sponsored by the Publications Committee Sunday, 5:00–6:30 PM Sponsored by the Teaching and Learning Committee A band of actors performs a critically acclaimed and updated rendi- A7–202 ToSustain and Renew: AAR, tion of the Passion Play, only to come into conflict with the Roman NativeEnergy, and Building Supportive A8–301 Queering Communities of Color Catholic hierarchy that hired them. As events in the actors’ lives begin Partnerships between Academia and First to follow the Passion narrative they are dramatizing, questions of what Sunday, 5:00–6:30 PM Nations/First Peoples is real and what is imagined emerge, along with issues of artistic Sponsored by the Status of Racial and Ethnic Minorities integrity and the commercialization of art. Saturday, 1:00–3:30 PM in the Profession Committee Sponsored by the Sustainability Task Force and A8–331 Beyond the Boundaries: Public Lecture NativeEnergy Series II Me and the Mosque (A7–407) A7–301 “Our Home and Native Land”: Colonial Saturday, 9:00–11:00 PM Sunday, 6:00–8:00 PM Encounters and the History of Religion, Le Pèlerin-Magellan In this film, journalist and filmmaker Zarqa Nawaz visits mosques Spirituality, and the Secular throughout Canada and talks to scholars, colleagues, friends, and 330 Rue Ontario E neighbors about equal access for women. Discussions about the histor- Saturday, 4:00–6:30 PM www.restomontreal.ca/restaurants/index.php?section= ical role of women in the Islamic faith, the current state of mosques in Sponsored by the American Lectures in the History of viewresto&resto_id=2205&lang=en Canada, and personal stories of anger, fear, acceptance, and defi- Religions Jury Sponsored by the Graduate Student Committee ance punctuate the film. A7–302 Diasporas of Religion and Religions of A9–100 Global Economies of the Sacred Diaspora Monday, 9:00–11:30 AM Pray the Devil Back to Hell (A8–404) Saturday, 4:00–6:30 PM Sponsored by the International Connections Committee Sunday, 8:30–10:30 PM Sponsored by the International Connections Committee A9–101 Got Life Yet?: A Structural Analysis This film offers an arresting account of Liberian women’s nonviolent, A7–336 Beyond the Boundaries: Public Lecture interreligious resistance to Charles Taylor and the warlords who sought Monday, 9:00–11:30 AM Series I to overthrow him. In the face of brutal civil wars, these women Sponsored by the Status of Women in the Profession reached across an entrenched Muslim–Christian divide to start a grass- Saturday, 6:00–8:00 PM Committee roots movement for peace. Pharoaon Lounge A9–102 AAR Guidelines for Teaching about 139 rue Saint-Paul Ouest Religion in K–12 Schools www.lepetitmoulinsart.com/pharaon Eve and the Fire Horse (A8–405) Monday, 9:00–11:30 AM Sponsored by the Graduate Student Committee Sunday, 8:30–10:30 PM Sponsored by the Religion in the Schools Task Force A8–101 The Big Lie: The Mismatch of Job This film traces the life of nine-year-old Eve and her Chinese Canadian Expectations and Placement Reality A9–137 Wabash Luncheon for Graduate Students immigrant family. Eve attempts to make sense of her frenetic religious environment: her father’s traditional ways, her mother’s embrace of Sunday, 9:00–11:30 AM Monday, 11:45 AM–12:45 PM Buddhism, and her sister’s conversion to Catholicism. Amidst this spiritu- Sponsored by the Academic Relations Committee and Job Sponsored by the Graduate Student Committee and the al chaos, Eve maintains ties to her Chinese religious roots and comes Placement Task Force Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning in Theology to her own religious synthesis. and Religion A8–139 Nurturing the Next Generation of Scholars Workshop A9–201 Religion Scholars and National Bonjour Shalom (A9–400) Governments: Should They Be Partners? Sunday, 9:00–11:30 AM Monday, 8:00–10:00 PM Sponsored by the AAR and the Fund for Theological Monday, 1:00–3:30 PM This award-winning film explores the relationship between Hassidic Education Sponsored by the Public Understanding of Religion Jews in Montréal’s Outremont district and their predominantly French- Committee A8–136 Women’s Caucus, SWP,REM, and LGB- Québécois neighbors. The film allows us to enter the intimacy of the TIQ Women’s Mentoring Lunch A9–300 The Turn to Spirituality: Enlightenment Hassidic world where we discover not only what is unique to their way of life, but what they share in common with other residents. after the Enlightenment? Sunday, 11:45 AM–12:45 PM Sponsored by the Status of Women in the Profession Monday, 4:00–6:30 PM Committee, Status of Racial and Ethnic Minorities in the Sponsored by the Theological Education Steering Religulous (A9–401) Profession Committee, Status of LGBTIQ Persons in the Committee Monday, 8:00–10:00 PM Profession Task Force, and the Women’s Caucus A9–335 Beyond the Boundaries: Public Lecture Bill Maher’s film Religulous is a carefully orchestrated tour through some A8–200 Transnationalism and Pedagogy: Teaching Series III of the most controversial arenas of modern Christian, Jewish, and and Learning Beyond Muslim practices today. Despite its limited portrayal of religion, how- Monday, 6:00–8:00 PM ever, the film does raise pertinent questions about what makes religious Sunday, 1:00–2:30 PM La Grande Gueule beliefs legitimate, and what exactly constitutes a “rational critique” of Sponsored by the International Connections Committee 5615 A ch. de la Côte-des-Neiges religion today. and Teaching and Learning Committee Sponsored by the Graduate Student Committee

16 • October 2009 RSN ANNUALMEETINGNEWS Wildcard Sessions

A8–102 Priestly and Lay Dimensions of have been invited to participate actively from the audi- Zoroastrianism ence, with the intent to catalyze a lively, multifaceted conversation on these issues. Sunday, 9:00–11:30 AM It has been nearly twenty years since an academic panel A8–303 Building a Successful Academic Center: on Zoroastrianism was offered at an AAR Annual Religion, Politics, and Public Engagement You’re invited Meeting. This Wildcard Panel consists of five interna- Sunday, 5:00–6:30 PM tionally renowned scholars of the religion, representing TO A RECEPTION ON One potential venue for building knowledge and a wide scope of research interests. The presider of the understanding about the intersection of religion and panel is also a highly respected scholar, whose work on public life are academic centers housed in universities, SATURDAY EVENING, Parsi identity and history is seminal. This diversity of but independent from any particular department or dis- interest is reflected in the papers presented. The topics cipline. A few university centers have gained significant OVEMBER of the papers range from a discussion of the historical N 7, reputations as prominent public venues for critical use of Zoroastrian texts as a means of either circum- scholarship and cutting-edge knowledge resources. scribing or opening up the religion to the laity; the role 9:00 PM, PDC–710 Participants in this wildcard session will critically reflect of the Internet in defining the religion today; priestly on this phenomenon and think through the challenges and lay attitudes to the priesthood will be explored TO CELEBRATE THE KICKOFF OF and potentials that these centers can offer to the study alongside the continuity of lay ritual; and the impact of of religion and the role of academia in building public the religion on the development of Sinhalese culture. knowledge about religion. Questions addressed include: THE AAR’S CENTENNIAL. A8–204 International Christian Perspectives on In what ways does the knowledge and reflection fos- Christian Zionism tered by academic centers differ from that of depart- ment-based scholarship? How can academic centers Sunday, 1:00–2:30 PM  cross disciplinary boundaries and foster cutting-edge The phenomenon of Christian Zionism (in its con- research and scholarship? What are the challenges and temporary forms, faith-based Christian political sup- limits of starting and running a successful center — port for the state of Israel) provides opportunities for From a base of four founding members in 1909, both in terms of the home institution and the external reflecting on the intersections of religion with history, the AAR has grown to 11,000 members today. partners and audiences? popular culture, domestic political movements, foreign Spend the evening with colleagues and friends policy analysis, and interreligious engagement, among A8–304 Studying Religion and International other topics. Specifically, the subject is becoming a Development: Affinities, Intersections, and to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, locus of rich intra-Christian conversation, including Potentials and imagine the future of the AAR. matters of biblical interpretation, fundamentalism, and Sunday, 5:00–6:30 PM evangelicalism. Although Christian Zionism is largely A small yet growing body of literature on religious an Anglo-American phenomenon, the diverse interna- aspects of economic development is now forthcoming tional perspectives included in this panel discussion will from international development scholars and institu- reflect on the global expressions of the movement and tions such as the World Bank. This largely follows its significance. The exchange will be directed toward upon the critical review of how conventional approach- seeking methodological consensus on this broadly es to development have often failed to deliver theoreti- interdisciplinary subject. cally and practically.The study of “religion” fits perfect- A8–251 Paul Ricoeur and Theology: The ly with this insistence on revision of supposedly univer- Hermeneutics of Texts and the sal understandings of personal and collective welfare. Phenomenology of Experiences Curiously, there is relatively little focus on this topic among religious studies scholars. This panel session will Sunday, 3:00–4:30 PM explore some of the insights and creative potential for This session will address the work of the late French Visa Requirements the study of “religion and development.” Scholars philosopher Paul Ricoeur and his enduring influence in whose teaching and research focuses on this topic will contemporary theological discourse. By giving equal outline its dimensions and propose trajectories for fur- weight to texts and actions, his method creates a charita- IT IS NECESSARY for those entering ther inquiry. ble philosophy that resonates deeply with concerns Canada to clear customs and immigration. expressed by scholars of lived religious experience (soci- A9–202 Approaches to the Study of African ologists and philosophers of religion and practical and Diaspora Religions Visitors from the United States and the contextual theologians). In recent years, several studies Monday, 1:00–3:30 PM European Union must present a passport of Ricoeur’swork in the fields of theology and religion This panel attempts to show through a variety of have emerged — submissions from contributors that in order to enter Canada. Please be pre- African diaspora religions (Brazilian Candomblé, make use of Ricoeur’swork in the context of theological Haitian Vodou, and the Cuban religion of Palo pared. Non-United States and European and religious studies. This panel of established and Monte) the significant role these traditions play in emerging Ricoeur scholars will provide new opportuni- Union citizens should inquire about shaping the cultures of the Americas. In addition to ties for critical engagement with Ricoeur and promote reshaping material and popular culture through fash- possible visa requirements. Visitors from creative applications of his work in contemporary aca- ion, music, and dance, these traditions also provide Mexico will now require a visa. Please see demia. The session will address future topics for consid- alternative ways in which women’s spirituality can be eration and we encourage scholars interested in plan- www.cic.gc.ca for details. Official letters of explored. Through field research, as well as looking at ning for a future Ricoeur and theology program unit to the construction of female spirituality in contemporary invitation to the Annual Meeting to attend. literary work, this proposal argues that African diaspora support visa applications are available. A8–252 Whither the “Death of God”: A religions create a liberating space for the exploration of Continuing Currency? female spirituality. E-mail [email protected] with

Sunday, 3:00–4:30 PM A10–100 The Revitalization of Aboriginal your name, address, and the This session features a conversation between promi- Spirituality in Canada full contact information of the nent radical theologian Thomas J. J. Altizer and well- Tuesday, 9:00–11:30 AM known cultural critic Slavoj Žižek on the continuing Canadian consulate of your This roundtable provides an opportunity for a group and changing currency of the “death of God” idea of religious studies scholars who work in the area of country. within theology, religious studies, philosophy, the arts, aboriginal religious traditions to continue a conversa- and the trajectory of global culture in general. How has tion started at the Aboriginal Policy Research the notion of the death of God evolved as the secular- Conference and the Canadian Society for the Study of ization thesis has declined? Has the phrase become Religion Annual Congress. Participants present results passé or is it alive, current, and still significant? Must of their recent research and discuss contemporary issues we understand this phrase in new senses in the present related to the revitalization of Aboriginal spirituality in globalizing world? What are the most important Canada. Implications for government policy will be resources and thinkers for contending with its mean- addressed. The panel organizers encourage members of ing? Around the core exchange of the two panelists, the AAR Native Traditions in the Americas Group to some thirty or more scholars, junior and senior, who join the discussion and provide insight into related have been closely engaged with the death of God idea issues in the United States context.

October 2009 RSN • 17 Religious Studies News Student Events at the Annual Meeting

The Student Lounge Sunday, 10:00–11:00 AM “Beyond the Boundaries” Public Lecture “Oh, the Stories We Could Tell”: Religious Writing Blocks Series Narratives in Popular Culture The Student Lounge is a place for students Led by Holly White, Syracuse University The AAR is committed to fostering the public Monday, 4:00–6:30 PM (A9–335) to relax in the midst of the hectic Annual understanding of religion. Inspired by this La Grande Geuele, 5615A ch. de la Cote- Sunday, 2:00–3:00 PM Meeting. We hope that you will take goal, the Graduate Student Committee has des-Neiges Personal Life and Grad School: advantage of the free coffee and the chance established this series of public talks to be held Shelly Colette, PhD candidate, University Counterparts or Complimentary? to talk with fellow students. The lounge in a variety of Montréal cafes. Student mem- of Ottawa Led by Xavier Gravend-Tirole, Universités de will be open Saturday–Monday, 8:00 AM to bers will present their cutting-edge research in Montréal and Lausanne University We see religion all around us every day — 6:30 PM and Tuesday, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. these innovative evening sessions designed to from shrines in Chinese food restaurants, to The Graduate Student Committee has also Sunday, 3:00–4:00 PM move our discussions of religion out of the tra- our standard cuss words, to The Da Vinci organized a series of round-table discus- Canadian Students in the Academy ditional academic setting of the Annual Code. Religious narrative is so ever-present in sions on topics related to professionaliza- Led by Janet Gunn, University of Ottawa Meeting and into the community.This year’s our daily lives that, often, it doesn’t even regis- tion and student life. We invite you to join talks center around three themes: the relation- Monday, 9:00–10:00 AM ter as “religious.” Where does the line between us as we discuss the following topics. ship of aboriginal peoples and the church in Best Teaching Tips: Thirty Ideas in Thirty secular and religious lie in our cultural environ- Canada; the rich Jewish identity and culture in The student round-table discussions are Minutes ment? Can we actually make such a clear dis- Montréal; and religion and multiculturalism in sponsored by the American Theological Led by Dennis Feltwell, Duquesne University tinction between what is religious and what is Canada. Plan to join us for these stimulating dis- Library Association. not? In this talk, Shelly Colette will discuss the Monday, 10:00–11:00 AM cussions on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday ways in which biblical myths and stories are Saturday, 9:00–10:00 AM Practicing Faith in Graduate School evenings between 6:00 and 8:00 PM. Consult reconstructed in such popular media as film, Building Intellectual Community: The Led by Christopher D. Rodkey, Lebanon Valley the AAR website and “Especially for Students” television, literature, and even fashion maga- Graduate Student Imperative College materials for venue details and speaker infor- zines, and will explore the impact that these Led by Christopher M. Rios, Baylor University mation. Monday, 2:00–3:00 PM “remakes” have on our secular society. Saturday, 10:00–11:00 AM Balancing School and Family: Maintaining My Reservations: Theopoetic Reflections on Graduate Student Conversations on the Why Are They Writing? Tips for New the Balance Indigenous Canada First Year of Teaching Adjuncts and Those Looking to Adjunct Led by Ann Duncan, University of Virginia, Saturday, 6:00–8:00 PM (A7–336) Monday, 11:45 AM–12:45 PM (A9–137) Led by Rob Huttmeyer, Drew University and Shayna Sheinfeld, McGill University Pharaon Lounge, 139 rue Saint-Paul Ouest Sponsored by the Graduate Student Committee Saturday, 2:00–3:00 PM Monday, 3:00–4:00 PM Reverend Carmen Lansdowne’s poetry is a per- and the Wabash Center for Teaching and A Career on Campus: Considering The First Year on the Job sonal reflection of her interdisciplinary Learning in Theology and Religion Academic Librarianship Led by Cameron Jorgenson, Campbell Divinity inquiries into indigenous epistemologies and Join our table conversations on common issues Led by Christopher J. Anderson, Drew School Christian missiology. As a member of the faced by “newly” minted faculty. Discussions University Heiltsuk First Nation on the central West will be led by faculty hosts to explore questions Coast of British Columbia, Lansdowne holds a Saturday, 3:00–4:00 PM Special Topics Forum and concerns emerging in the first years of particular perspective on the relationship Approaches to Effective Online Teaching teaching. Delicious box lunches will be provid- “Cracks in the Tower”: Barriers to Careers between the church and aboriginal peoples in Led by David Walsh, Arizona State University ed. Registration is limited to forty-nine stu- in Religion Canada; one that is ambivalent in some senses dents, so early registration is recommended. Sunday, 9:00–10:00 AM Sunday, 3:00–4:30 PM (A8–279) because, prior to residential schools, her com- Advanced registration is required at Balancing School and Family: Making the Sponsored by the Graduate Student Committee munity converted whole-heartedly to www.aarweb.org/jump/RegTeaching. Decision and the Job Placement Task Force Methodism, but they have not escaped the Led by Ann Duncan, University of Virginia, trauma of residential schools or the ever- This special topics forum addresses many of and Shayna Sheinfeld, McGill University present systemic racism in Canada. Like many the barriers that make navigating the academy other aboriginal communities in Canada, a difficult process (for example, issues of race, Lansdowne’s village is economically depressed class, gender, sexual orientation, language, and displays many of the typical dynamics of physical mobility, etc.). Panelists will share native life in Canada. This evening will offer strategies for negotiating many of these barriers Sponsor an some poetic reflections on being aboriginal and and for maintaining human flourishing in the a Christian theologian. academy. Panelists will also address the current Australian job market and the many challenges that grad- Lansdowne is a doctoral student at the uate students may face in the job application Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, or Oceanian and interviewing process. California, an ordained minister in the United Church of Canada, and a member of the Moderator: Davina C. Lopez, Eckerd College Heiltsuk First Nation in Bella Bella, British Scholar in Panelists: Columbia. Josie Hendrickson, Whitman College “We Said WeWere Sorry”: Apologies and 2010 Don’t forget to join us on Facebook First Nations if you haven’t already: “Student Kate Ott, Religious Institute on Sexual HE 2010 Annual Meeting Sunday, 4:00–6:30 PM (A8–331) Members and Friends of the Morality, Justice, and Healing international focus is Australian Le Pelerin-Magellan, 330 rue Ontario Est American Academy of Religion.” and Oceanian contributions to Lisa Stenmark, San Jose State University Barbara Greenberg, PhD candidate, University T the study of religion. The We are in the process of updating of Toronto Grace Ji-Sun Kim, Moravian Theological International Connections the student member portion of the Seminary In 1986, the United Church of Canada Committee is soliciting partnerships AAR’s website. Stay tuned for more (UCC) offered an apology to First Nations with departments and institutions for information at www.aarweb.org/ Student Town Hall Meeting: “Yes We Can!” peoples for the UCC’s role in residential cosponsoring specific scholars of reli- Members/Students. The Future of Students in the AAR schooling. The UCC’s apology is unique in gion from Australia and Oceania, to Saturday, 9:00–11:00 AM (A7–100) There are now two AAR publica- that their apology was acknowledged by the lecture at the cosponsoring institu- Sponsored by the Graduate Student Committee tions especially for students. “From First Nations community, but was not accept- tion as well as participate in the the Student Desk” is published Students comprise one third of the member- ed. In 1998, another formal apology was pre- Annual Meeting. Cosponsorship will twice a year in Religious Studies News. ship of the AAR. We bring renewed vitality sented and accepted. Barbara Greenberg will allow your department to hear from See the current and past issues at and fresh perspectives to the study of religion. examine the 1986 and 1998 apologies using these fine scholars while they are www.aarweb.org/Publications/RSN. And, yes, we know how to have a good time. the psychoanalytic theories of Melanie Klein in already in the United States. The Graduate Student E-Newsletter, Can we shape the future of the Academy? Yes order to gain an understanding of the impor- Tocosponsor or for more information, Speaking of Students (SOS), is a quar- we can! Join us for our Student Town Hall, a tant role apologies play in making amends for please contact Jessica Davenport at terly publication sent to all AAR forum where you can offer your suggestions, past injustices. It is Greenberg’s belief that [email protected]. student members. Past issues can be hear about new initiatives led by the Graduate Klein’s theories will provide a new theoretical found at www.aarweb.org/Publications/ Student Committee, and get a preview of this lens to discuss and understand the interaction Online_Publications/Student_Newsletter. year’s student-focused programming. Topics between the UCC and the First Nations peo- If you have an idea for a news/fea- about which we are most concerned include: ples. She will discuss how her thesis work has ture about religious studies students how you can be involved in the AAR, ways potential beyond the “ivory tower” by dis- or departments, please contact SOS you can be a force for positive change in your cussing the pros and cons of political apologies editor Charles Bernsen at cbernsen@ department, and of course, how you can secure that could help to mend relations between comcast.net. research funding and navigate the career First Nations and the UCC in Canada. search. Our future is full of promise. Yes we can! Reception provided.

18 • October 2009 RSN ANNUALMEETINGNEWS Cultural Pluralism in Québec

Gregory Baum, McGill University, and Laurie Lamoureux Scholes, Concordia University

French Québecers as it displays clear gov- marked by a massive rejection of the offer their reflections on the public debate Gregory Baum is a prominent Canadian the- ernment support for the primacy of the Catholic Church, which many recognized and their subsequent recommendations in a ologian and sociologist, and professor emeritus Francophone host culture. as a dominant social, cultural, and political moderated special forum to be held force that had defined French Québec cul- Sunday, November 8 at 3:00 PM. at McGill University in the religious studies As such, since the 1971 introduction of the department. He has written several books and ture for generations. This significant shift Canadian multiculturalism policy and later Québec has also taken the lead in negotiat- articles that examine the question of religious in the moral authority from the Catholic Multiculturalism Act, successive Québec ing religious diversity with the introduction pluralism particularly within the Catholic Church to the government of Québec has governments have defined the relation of of the new “Ethics and Religious Culture” tradition. Baum’s most recent book is meant that, for many Québecers today, the host culture and the incoming cultures curriculum. This mandatory program is Theology of Tariq Ramadan: A Catholic Catholicism is not a religious faith, but a in various ways. One proposal advocated a offered in all Québec primary and second- Perspective (Novalis/University of Notre cultural inheritance — one that is cele- policy of interculturalism that promoted ary schools with the goal of opening path- Dame Press, 2009). brated but that will never again achieve the “the convergence of cultures”; it recom- ways of communication between students Laurie Lamoureux Scholes is a doctoral political power it once enjoyed in the mended an ongoing interaction between of different cultural backgrounds, building candidate in the religion department at province. Concordia University. Her research explores the host culture and the other cultures, an education grounded in openness to interfaith relations in Canada. thus fostering their convergence, each com- The minority status of Québec society, its diversity, and establishing a community of ing closer to the other, yet each preserving rejection of Catholicism, and its need to research with students. Annual Meeting its identity. Another government proposal defend its cultural identity offer some attendees can learn more about this intrigu- N 1971, the Canadian federal govern- advocated “a common public culture,” i.e., insight as to why French Québecers per- ing Québec initiative in a special panel ment defined Canada as a bilingual and a set of cultural values, including the haps react more nervously than English where members of the curriculum develop- Imulticultural society. English and French French language, that would allow citizens Canadians to some of the cultural and reli- ment committee and educators offer their are the official languages, but there are no of the various cultures to cooperate in the gious symbols brought by recent immi- reflections on the benefits and challenges longer any privileged cultures in Canada. building of society. More recently, intercul- grants. Nonetheless, Québec has not shied associated with this educational approach That is, the cultures brought by recent turalism is understood to emphasize the away from public discussion of how to to religious diversity. immigrants deserve equal respect. However, “common citizenship” enjoyed by all negotiate this cultural diversity, particularly The special “Focus on Religion in Québec” the Québec provincial government did not Québecers, whatever their cultural origin. when it comes to questions about religion. series also includes panels that explore the accept the multicultural policy adopted by Most notable has been the recent response This distinct approach to cultural diversity history of religion in Québec, religion in the federal government. Instead, Québec to a lively debate in the press about accom- is due in large part to the fact that Québec Québec culture, and several panels that makes a clear distinction between the host modating religious practices in public, in is a small French-speaking society shaped examine specific issues of concern to many culture, which deserves protection, and the which the government appointed the now- by its particular historical experience. It is religious communities in Québec arriving cultures of the more recent immi- famous Bouchard-Taylor Commission to situated as a tiny minority on the vast (Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, grants whose human rights are assured by propose guidelines for resolving conflicts English-speaking North American conti- First Nations, New Religious Movements, the Québec charter of 1975. Québec has over the place of religious signs and prac- nent and hence always remains in need of etc.). Look for the fleur-de-lis in the Annual called its own policy intercultural. tices in public life. protecting itself against assimilation and the Meeting Program Book when planning your Although a key objective of both approach- loss of its distinct identity. In part, this As part of the “Focus on Religion in meeting schedule. More information about es to cultural pluralism is that immigrant need to protect Québec culture was born of Québec” series at the 2009 Annual Meeting the special panels and other events spon- cultures be respected and deserve public the social and political freedoms gained of the American Academy of Religion, dele- sored by the Montréal Venue Committee support, calling the Québec policy “inter- through the Quiet Revolution of the gates will be given the opportunity to pose can be found at http://religioninQuébec.ca. cultural” has symbolic importance for 1960s. As Donald Boisvert explained in a questions to the cochairs of the commission Le Québec vous attend! May 2009 RSN article, the period was as Gerard Bouchard and Charles Taylor

AMERICAN ACADEMY OF RELIGION We look forward to welcoming you to our city. As you get together with colleagues, take some time to explore Montréal and sample its downtown vibe, eclectic architecture and superb cuisine.

.. To register for the Annual Meeting and to book a hotel room visit www.aarweb.org

October 2009 RSN • 19 Religious Studies News

Cone Wins Marty Award The AAR Public Understanding of Religion AMES H. CONE, a pre- featured by Bill Moyers’s Journal on PBS. In 1992, Ebony Committee invites nominations mier theologian who has magazine awarded Cone the “American Black Achievement and self-nominations for the Jeducated scholars and the Award” in the category of religion. With its focus on religion public about the importance of and social transformation and its critique of racism, Cone’s Martin E. Marty Award for the theological reflections of black liberation theology has been controversial, often accused Contributions to the Public oppressed black people, will of reverse racism by conservatives. Cone has patiently receive the 2009 Martin E. responded to the controversy in numerous newspaper inter- Understanding of Religion. Marty Award at the Annual views, most recently during Barack Obama’s public disagree- Meeting in November. ment with his pastor, the Reverend Jeremiah Wright. The award is intended to bring The Martin E. Marty Award rec- Cone is the Charles A. Briggs Distinguished Professor of greater recognition to scholars whose ognizes extraordinary contribu- Systematic Theology at Union Theological Seminary. He is relevance and eloquence speaks not tions to the public understanding the author of eleven books (with translations in eight lan- just to scholars, but more broadly to of religion. The award — which has recognized Wendy guages) and more than 150 articles. He is best known for his the public as well. Nominees for this Doniger, Robert Bellah, Andrew Greeley, John Esposito, and groundbreaking works Black Theology and Black Power (1969), award do not have to be AAR Diana Eck — is given to someone whose work resonates with A Black Theology of Liberation (1970), God of the Oppressed members. For nomination details, the public as well as with scholars, and whose work is known (1975), and Martin and Malcolm: A Dream or a Nightmare? see www.aarweb.org/Programs/ through a variety of media. (1991). Cone is currently working on The Cross and the Awards/Marty_Award, Lynching Tree. or mail the name of the nominee, his Cone, the creator of black liberation theology in the United or her affiliation, and any supporting States, has participated in numerous international conferences The annual Marty Forum at the Annual Meeting will be a information by January 25, 2010, to focused on comparative liberation theologies in Africa and lively intellectual conversation because Cone will be inter- South Africa, Asia, and Latin America. He has appeared as a viewed by Cornel West, the Class of 1943 University Marty Award, AAR major commentator in the Blacksides series on “This Far by Professor in the Center for African American Studies at 825 Houston Mill Road, Suite 300 Faith,” focusing on the role of religion in African-American Princeton University. West will interview Cone from Atlanta, GA 30329 communities past and present. Cone and his work have been 1:00–2:30 PM on Sunday, November 8, 2009.

AAR Honors Journalists for In-Depth Reporting

AURIE GOODSTEIN of the New ronmentalism; and the Green Bible. “In and Brett Buckner of the Anniston (Ala.) 2009 York Times, Tracy Simmons of the taking on hot-button issues — a Catholic Star placed third. The judges praised AAR Newswriting LWaterbury (Conn.) Republican-American, nun whose liberal take on sexual ethics in Greenberg for his “meticulousness,” adding and David Gibson, writing for the Star- the church won a national award, the “the hallmark of this writer was the Contest Winners Ledger of New Jersey and the Wall Street Episcopal Church’s Lambeth debates, and a immense amount of reporting that went News Outlets with Circulations over Journal, won the 2009 American Academy ‘green’ Bible — this writer shows a desire to into the pieces,” and Buckner for his 100,000 or on the Web: of Religion Awards for Best In-Depth include scholarly voices and give readers “engaging writing style,” noting that “all of Reporting on Religion. perspective,” said the judges, impressed the pieces, in one way or another, offered a • First Place: Laurie Goodstein, New with Simmons’s entries. clear insight into spiritual experiences.” York Times Goodstein won the contest for journalists at news outlets with more than 100,000 Gibson submitted opinion articles on In the opinion writing contest, Douglas • Second Place: Barbara Bradley circulation or on the Web; Simmons for defining secularism; Pope Benedict XVI’s Todd of the Vancouver Sun placed second, Hagerty, National Public Radio journalists at news outlets with less than vestments; and the abortion debate during and Tom Krattenmaker, writing for USA • Third Place: Michael Paulson, Boston 100,000 circulation; and Gibson for the 2008 presidential campaign. “This was Today, placed third. The judges praised Globe opinion writing. a ‘wow!’ entry from a journalist with a Todd for taking on tough topics, adding he strong, sure voice and inviting writing style. “dissects conventional wisdom and offers a News Outlets with Circulations under The annual awards recognize “well- The writer deserves a pair of Benedict’s red new perspective,” and Krattenmaker for 100,000: researched newswriting that enhances the shoes for the deftness and depth of a piece challenging popular belief and showing that public understanding of religion,” said • First Place: Tracy Simmons, Waterbury on how the pope’s vestments, sometimes “something new, something more complex John R. Fitzmier, Executive Director of the (Conn.) Republican-American more than his words, offer clues to his and subtle is going on — a great goal for AAR. papal agenda,” said one judge. “The article religion commentary.” • Second Place: Brad A. Greenberg, Goodstein submitted articles on the on abortion displayed a sensitive approach Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles Each contestant submitted articles pub- authorship of the Serenity Prayer; the battle to this volatile issue, shedding a lot more lished in North America during 2008. • Third Place: Brett Buckner, Anniston in California over same-sex marriage; and a light than heat,” remarked another. Names of contestants and their news out- (Ala.) Star three-part series on Roman Catholic priests In the more than 100,000 circulation or on lets were removed from submissions prior recruited from overseas to serve parishes in Opinion Writing: the Web contest, Barbara Bradley Hagerty, to judging. Each of the first-place winners the United States. The judges highlighted writing for National Public Radio’s website, receives $1,000. • First Place: David Gibson, writing for Goodstein’s “unflinchingly honest quotes,” placed second, and Michael Paulson of the the Star-Ledger and Wall Street Journal and praised her series on foreign Catholic The judges for the contests were Judith Boston Globe placed third. The judges clergy as a “sophisticated take on how the Cebula, director of Butler University’s • Second Place: Douglas Todd, praised Hagerty as a “great storyteller who priest shortage plays out in everyday reli- Center for Faith and Vocation and a former Vancouver Sun knows how to get people to talk and then gious life.” “Too much religion writing is religion reporter for the Indianapolis Star; tells their stories so that you can’t put them • Third Place: Tom Krattenmaker, drily sociological. These three pieces really Diane Connolly with ReligionLink, a for- down,” and Paulson for his strong, impres- writing for USA Today got to the heart of living and preaching the mer religion editor at the Dallas Morning sive reporting using “facts, figures, and per- Gospel,” added one judge. News and a member of the AAR’s Read some of the award-winning articles at sonal stories” and “literary and historical Committee on the Public Understanding of www.aarweb.org/Programs/Awards/Journalism Simmons submitted articles on Christian insights” to inform readers. Religion; and Robert F. Keeler, a Pulitzer _Awards. sexual ethics; the 2008 Lambeth In the less than 100,000 circulation con- Prize-winning reporter and editorial writer Conference and the split over homosexuali- test, Brad A. Greenberg of the Jewish for Newsday. ty in the Episcopal Church; religious envi- Journal of Greater Los Angeles placed second,

20 • October 2009 RSN NEWS

Kwok to Receive Excellence in Teaching Award

Tina Pippin, Agnes Scott College

WOK PUI and their traditions are honored?” And in teaching. One student comments that she Programs/Awards/Teaching_Awards. The sec- Lan, creating a challenging space for the class- “has found a constructive way to blend ond is a workshop cosponsored by the K William F. room community — one that does not her intellectual labor with her spiritual Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning Cole Professor of avoid or ignore difficulties of communi- journeying in her own academic work . . . in Theology and Religion in celebration of Christian Theology cating across boundaries of race, status, and she is able to model this type of intel- the tenth anniversary of the teaching and Spirituality at gender, age, sexuality, etc. — she asks, lectually healthy integration for her stu- award, facilitated by other award winners the Episcopal “What does it take for a teacher to walk dents.” Further, students note her “syner- (Stacey Floyd-Thomas, Eugene Gallagher, Divinity School, will on slippery ice to stimulate students’ gistic energy” in working with a diverse Fred Glennon, Patricia O’Connell Killen, be awarded the AAR thinking about difficult issues in life and student body and with contested issues. Tina Pippin, Timothy Renick, and Janet Excellence in Teaching Award at the 2009 help them to confront racism with Students appreciate the ways in which Walton). This workshop is free but Annual Meeting in Montréal. Kwok courage and moral imagination? And what Kwok creates spaces for them to come to requires preregistration; it takes place on teaches in a variety of transcultural areas: does it take to do this not just once but awareness over issues and self-awareness Saturday morning from 9:00–11:15 AM, history of Christian thought, feminist and again and again, even when one has (of their own social locations, biases, etc.) followed by working lunch tables from postcolonial theologies and criticisms, slipped or fallen flat?” Kwok shows how as they engage the issues and each other in 11:30 AM–12:30 PM. See also the writings spirituality, sexualities, and Asian religiosi- such questions can lead to creating an the classroom. by award winners in this October 2009 issue ties. Her focus is on marginalized groups honorable space for both teachers and stu- of Spotlight on Teaching. Both students and colleagues note Kwok’s and the possibilities of religion in the dents. commitment as an advisor and mentor work of love and justice. In addition to her research on teaching, “who is helpful in negotiating the vagaries Kwok’s interests in pedagogical methods Kwok has authored several books in of learning theology across cultures” and The Teaching and and the scholarship of teaching include Chinese and English, including “in promoting excellence in teaching, Learning her lectures on teaching and her published Postcolonial Imagination and Feminist especially among the racial and ethnic work (see, for example, “Jesus/the Native: Theology (Westminster, 2005); and minority colleagues of the academy.” Committee Biblical Studies from a Postcolonial Discovering the Bible in the Non-Biblical Colleagues especially note her service at welcomes Perspective” in Fernando F. Segovia and World (Orbis, 1995). She edited a major Episcopal Divinity School and beyond: as Mary Ann Tolbert, eds., Teaching the Bible: reference work, Women and Christianity, the first chair of the AAR’s Racial and nominations for The Discourses and Politics of Biblical four volumes (forthcoming from Ethnic Minorities in the Profession the Excellence in Pedagogy, Orbis, 1998; and “Spirituality of Routledge), and coedited several books Committee, as a faculty advisor to the Healing” in Spotlight on Teaching, May and journal issues; for example, Empire Pacific, Asian, and North American Asian Teaching Award. 2004). Out of her involvement in a and the Christian Tradition (Fortress Press, Women in Theology and Ministry net- Wabash Center workshop for mid-career 2007), and Postcolonialism, Feminism, and work, and in her interfaith work in Colleagues are to send letters theological faculty, Kwok offered her own Religious Discourse (Routledge, 2002). Boston. of nomination to Jessica case study in a coauthored article celebrat- Kwok uses her scholarship to inform her Attendees at this year’s Annual Meeting Davenport, Associate Director ing classroom surprises (“Taken with inclusive teaching practices. will have two opportunities to converse Surprise: Critical Incidents in Teaching,” of Professional Programs at the Kwok’s MDiv and DMin students com- with and learn from Kwok Pui Lan on the Teaching Theology and Religion, Volume AAR, [email protected]. ment on her pedagogical commitment subject and practice of teaching in two 8:1: 35–46, 2005). Kwok moves beyond See the AAR website for and the varieties of pedagogical strategies special sessions. The first is a conversation the idea of creating a “safe space” in the she utilizes in her classrooms, from group with the Excellence in Teaching Award guidelines for this award at classroom to one that is more mutually writing workshops to different shared winner, scheduled for Sunday, November www.aarweb.org/Programs/ challenging. In doing so, she asks provoca- leadership models. Kwok has continued to 8, at 5:00 PM, which will be chaired by tive questions: “Instead of safe space, can Awards/Teaching_Awards. expand her repertoire, incorporating more Tina Pippin. Kwok’s materials are posted we speak of nonviolent space, hospitable media (music, poetry, and art) into her on the AAR website, www.aarweb.org/ space, or honorable space in which people

Religion and the Arts Winner The AAR invites nominations for the Religion and the Arts Award

HE AWARD in Religion and the Arts is presented annually to an artist, per- Bachelor of Applied Arts in Journalism former, critic, curator, or scholar who has made a recent significant contribution from Ryerson in 1992. Nawaz worked as to the understanding of the relations among the arts and religions, both for the a freelance writer/broadcaster with CBC T Academy and for a broader public. radio, and in various capacities with CBC Newsworld, CTV’s Canada AM, and Nominations are accepted from AAR members, though nominees need not be AAR CBC’s The National. She was an associate members. Nominations must include a supporting letter (no more than 1,000 words), producer with a number of CBC radio and any relevant supporting materials (images, DVDs, books, catalogs, etc.). Please, no programs, including Morningside, and her self-nominations. To be considered for the 2010 award, nominations must be made by radio documentary The Changing Rituals February 28, 2010, and sent to Brent Plate, Dept. of Religious Studies, 198 College of Death won first prize in the Radio Hill Road, Clinton, NY 13323, USA. Electronic submissions can be sent to: Long Documentary category and the [email protected]. Chairman’s Award in Radio Production at the Ontario Telefest Awards. Bored with ARQA NAWAZ is the driving journalism, Nawaz took a summer film force behind Fundamentalist Films workshop at the Ontario College for Art Zand the creator of Little Mosque and made BBQ Muslims, a short film that on the Prairie, which debuted to large premiered at the Toronto International audiences and tremendous acclaim in Film Festival in 1996. Her next short In the Next Issue of 2007. Nawaz, born in Liverpool and film, Death Threat, also premiered at the raised in Toronto, had a Bachelor of Toronto International Film Festival in Science degree from the University of 1998. Other short film credits include Spotlight on Theological Education: Toronto in her hands when she realized Fred’s Burqa and Random Check. In 2005, that staying out of medical school would Nawaz’s documentary entitled Me and the Exploring the Transition from be her greatest contribution to Canada’s Mosque, a coproduction with the health care system. Unfazed, she coolly National Film Board and the CBC, was Graduate School to Seminary Teaching switched career plans and received a broadcast on CBC’s Rough Cuts.

October 2009 RSN • 21 Religious Studies News

AAR Honors Five Authors in Its Annual Book Awards In order to create HE AMERICAN ACADEMY of Religion offers Awards for Excellence in order to give recognition to new scholarly publications that make significant contributions public awareness about Tto the study of religion. These awards honor works of distinctive originality, intelli- gence, creativity, and importance — books that affect decisively how religion is exam- ined, understood, and interpreted. Sikh Religion in the world, Awards for Excellence are given in four categories: Analytical–Descriptive, Constructive–Reflective, Historical, and Textual Studies. Not all awards are given every year. the Sikh Missionary Center More than one book may win an award in a given category. In addition there is a separate com- petition and prize for the Best First Book in the History of Religions. For eligibility require- ments, awards processes, and a list of current jurors, please see the Book Awards rules on the has published, AAR website, www.aarweb.org/programs/awards/book_awards. The AAR is pleased to announce this year’s recipients of the Awards for Excellence in “SIKH RELIGION” Religion and the Best First Book in the History of Religions: (Revised 2005)

Analytical–Descriptive and also “Pearls of Sikhism,” G. John Renard. Friends of God: Islamic Images of Piety, Commitment, and Servanthood. University of California (May 2008), Press, 2008. which have been sent to various libraries. Constructive–Reflective The books give the History Andrew F. March. Islam and Liberal Citizenship: The Search for an Overlapping Consensus. Oxford University Press, 2008. and Fundamentals of Sikhism.

A complimentary copy will be sent to Historical AAR Members if you provide your address. Stuart B. Schwartz. All Can Be Saved: Religious Please send your address for a free copy to: Tolerance and Salvation in the Iberian Atlantic World. Yale University Press, 2008. Email: [email protected]

Our Multiple Language website is at: http://www.sikhmissionary.net

Textual Studies Shaul Magid. From Metaphysics to Midrash: Myth, History, and the Interpretation of Scripture on Lurianic Kabbala. Indiana University Press, 2008. SIKH RELIGION Best First Book in the History of Religions (Cowinners) God is One but One Benjamin Lazier. God Interrupted: Heresy and the European Imagination between the World Wars. Princeton University Press, 2009.

Sikh Missionary Center P.O. Box 62521 Phoenix, Arizona 85082 USA

Christian Lee Novetzke. Religion and Public Memory: A Cultural History of Saint Namdev in India. Columbia University Press, 2009.

22 • October 2009 RSN NEWS Two New Coeditors of Spotlight on Teaching Announced

Reid Locklin Ellen Posman Reid Locklin holds a joint appointment in Christianity and culture at Saint Michael’s College and at the Centre for the Ellen Posman is an associate professor of religion at Baldwin- Study of Religion, both at the University of Toronto. A grad- Wallace College in Berea, Ohio. She holds degrees in religious uate of Boston University and Boston College, he is the studies from Stanford University, Harvard University, and the author of Spiritual but Not Religious? (Liturgical Press, University of California, Santa Barbara. Her expertise lies in 2005) and other works in comparative theology, Christian the area of comparative religion, with specializations in ecclesiology, and spirituality. Locklin currently serves as presi- Buddhism and Judaism. Posman can be reached at eposman dent of the Society for Hindu-Christian Studies and codirec- @bw.edu. tor of a two-year workshop on “Pedagogies for Civic Engagement,” funded by the Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning in Theology and Religion and the Lilly Endowment. He can be reached at reid.locklin@ utoronto.ca. FEEL BOTH honored and humbled room. In addition, I am fascinated by to have been asked to serve on the conversations surrounding how to meet Committee on Teaching and Learning the learning goals of both students and WAS SURPRISED and delighted to be Responding to the New Realities of Diverse I and to become coeditor of Spotlight on professors without compromising invited to serve on the Committee on Students and a Changing Society. San Teaching alongside Reid Locklin. I come integrity, especially in our field of reli- Teaching and Learning and to become Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 1981: 76–116.). Both I to this role still at an early period in my gious studies, where students often enter coeditor of Spotlight on Teaching alongside proposals have suggested to me that one of career, but what I lack in experience I the classroom with very different ideas Ellen Posman. While I find the prospect of my primary goals as an educator is to cultivate hope to make up for in my passion for about what they hope to learn. I am taking up this post after the outstanding work a self-consciously problematic attitude toward teaching. excited to utilize this position to seek out of Tazim Kassam rather daunting, I am also the sources we read and the ideas we consider. those of you who are engaged in innova- very grateful for her example and for the Challenging positions alone is not adequate, In terms of my research interests, as well tive teaching, who are struggling with opportunity to collaborate with Ellen, Tina in my view, since this can actually confirm a as my teaching repertoire, I am truly a pedagogical issues, or who have had suc- Pippin, and other committee members to dualistic frame. It is the interpretative frame- generalist. My specialization is in com- cess with a particular teaching strategy in facilitate critical conversations about effective works themselves that should be analyzed, in parative religion, with a primary empha- order to learn more myself, to expand pedagogy and the teaching vocation at the order to empower students to articulate and sis on Buddhism, and secondarily on topics of conversation, and to relay pos- AAR. to embrace new perspectives — or even to Judaism. As a result, I end up teaching sibilities to the AAR community at large. affirm old ones — on a transformed intellec- themed comparative courses, survey My own teaching vocation began long before tual basis. courses on Asian Religions, Judaism, and I believe we are at an exciting, though my studies in theology and religion. I started Hebrew Bible, as well as a whole host of sometimes terrifying, juncture in the out as an erratic school bus driver and How is this accomplished? This is one of the upper-level special topics and seminars. I world of teaching at institutes of higher teacher’s aide in English, mathematics, and primary questions I hope to bring to my new find that my research interests often not education, and the fact that this publica- computer science in Pine Ridge, South role as coeditor of Spotlight on Teaching, so as only inform but also stem from courses I tion itself will no longer be available in Dakota. After obtaining a MTS degree at to learn from my fellow coeditor, from guest teach, a topic I hope to explore more print form is a symbol of all that. I Boston University and a PhD in comparative editors, and from the many diverse contribu- during my tenure as Spotlight on Teaching would be lying if I didn’t admit that I theology at Boston College, I taught religious tors who have consistently made this publica- coeditor. sometimes tense up at phrases such as studies for two years at Saint Joseph College, a tion such a valuable resource. I, of course, course-embedded assessment, distance women’s liberal arts college in central bring my own grab-bag of teaching innova- After obtaining my MTS degree from learning, utilizing technology in the Connecticut. Thereafter, I assumed my cur- tions, successes, and failures. In my career Harvard University and my PhD from classroom, assigning multimedia proj- rent post in the interdisciplinary Christianity thus far, for example, I have remained the University of California, Santa ects, immersion format, kinesthetic and Culture Program at Saint Michael’s committed to integrating collaborative and Barbara, I settled into my current posi- learning, experiential learning, service College, University of Toronto. Like Ellen experiential learning methods into the reli- tion at Baldwin-Wallace College, a small learning, faculty-student collaborative Posman, I view myself as a generalist. Though gious studies classroom. In the past three liberal arts college in Berea, Ohio, dedi- research, short-term study abroad my research focuses on questions of religious years, this interest has assumed more sus- cated to excellence in teaching. I have courses, etc. And while I understand that pedagogy and community formation in tained, concrete, and activist forms through been here seven years now, and have it is necessary to discuss the pros and Hindu and Christian traditions, my teaching my work with both international immersion spent my time engaging in what I would cons of whether some new formats, has run the gamut: systematic theology; world and local, community-based service-learning happily call “experiments in pedagogy.” I strategies, and pedagogies are worth- religions surveys; introductions to the Hebrew courses. While somewhat skeptical about at have tried on a lot of teaching strategies while, I also hope that Spotlight on Bible, New Testament, and Catholic tradi- least the most dramatic claims made by advo- with a wide range of success rates: I have Teaching can highlight successful tion; science and religion; social justice; and cates of service-learning — whose rhetoric struggled with the traditional issues of attempts at breaking new ground in now, at the senior undergraduate and gradu- sometimes verges on the messianic — I have being an insider (when teaching order to encourage experimentation. ate levels, comparative theology and interreli- become convinced that sustained, engaged Judaism) versus an outsider (when teach- Indeed, I hope it can provide detailed, gious dialogue. experiences across boundaries of cultural and ing anything else) and with traditional practical guidelines for such experimen- religious difference represent a very effective teaching strategies ranging from the use Perhaps because I started in mathematics and tation that can be incorporated into all tool for problematising interpretative frame- of reading quizzes, field trips, and guest English, or perhaps because both my own types of religious studies courses and in works and pressing questions of commitment speakers to small-group work and fast interests and my institutional settings have all types of institutional settings. on the part of teacher and student alike. feedback forms. And, in what could have encouraged me to pursue interdisciplinary been either a brilliant or brainless move, I am especially delighted to be partnered work, I have always placed greatest impor- It is very telling, I think, that the three future I took twenty-two students to South with Reid Locklin in this endeavor. Our tance upon helping students in my classes topics Tazim Kassam suggested in her recent India for a two-week immersion course. collaboration will allow us to come to develop better skills in critical thinking, argu- interview with Religious Studies News (May each issue with multiple perspectives and ment, and effective research and writing, 2009) all deal, like service learning, with the I am also a pedagogy junkie, leaping at to consider applications to both theology whatever the subject of enquiry. problematisation of familiar boundaries: defi- every opportunity to attend a workshop and religious studies, and to both large nitional boundaries of the category “world or institute dedicated to learning new More broadly, however, I believe that the university and small college settings. I religion,” boundaries between teaching and pedagogies or improving teaching tech- classroom encounter ideally implicates stu- greatly look forward to this collaboration activism, and boundaries between religious niques. In the process, I have become dents and teachers in a kind of learned disori- and to this opportunity. studies and other scholarly disciplines. It especially interested in discussions sur- entation in the face of complex realities that seems obvious that the boundaries that have rounding teaching in a diverse class- make real claims and invite real commit- previously governed our disciplines and our ments. Jack Mezirow (In Transformative institutional environments are, once again, Dimensions of Adult Learning. Jossey-Bass, entering a period of dramatic change. The 1991; and Learning as Transformation: Critical role of Spotlight on Teaching will be not only Perspectives on Theory in Progress. Jossey-Bass, to provide concrete strategies and inspiration 2000.) has argued that transformative critical for excellent classroom instruction in these reflection starts with a “disorienting dilemma” environments, but also to help each and all of and encourages the formation of new integra- us to navigate the changing landscape of our tive perspectives. Others speak of students’ fields in a way that is responsible, creative, cognitive and moral transitions from relatively and fruitful for our students and ourselves. simple “dualist” patterns to more complex “evolving commitments” (William G. Perry I cannot imagine a more worthwhile project Jr. “Cognitive and Ethical Growth: The nor better colleagues with whom to pursue it. Making of Meaning,” in A. W.Chickering, I am profoundly honored and humbled to et. al, The Modern American College: have been given this opportunity. October 2009 RSN • 23 Religious Studies News

BRIEFS

Court Rules that University of the in Merion Station, Pennsylvania, on Henry Luce Foundation, honoring the Saturday, May 23, 2009. He was ninety- late Henry Luce III. Religion Scholar Tariq South Launches Center two years of age. Ramadan Due for Religion and J. Matthew Ashley, University of Notre Littell devoted his entire career to promot- Dame Additional Judicial Environment ing and defending religious, academic, Randall Charles Bailey, Interdenom- and political freedom around the globe. inational Theological Center Process The University of the South in Sewanee, After spending nearly ten years in post- S. Mark Heim, Andover Newton This summer a federal appeals court ruled Tennessee, has announced the creation of war Germany as Chief Protestant Theological School that, in order for the government to con- the Center for Religion and Environment. Religious Adviser in the High Command Mia M. Mochizuki, Jesuit School of tinue its exclusion of religion scholar Tariq Robin Gottfried, the Center’s founding assigned especially to the task of de- Theology, Berkeley and Graduate Ramadan from the United States, the gov- director and professor of economics, notes Nazification during the occupation, he Theological Union ernment must convince a court that the that there is a need to change minds and was deeply affected by the atrocities that Barbara R. Rossing, Lutheran School of consular official involved in denying him hearts, to integrate “faith, practice, and had been committed during WWII, and Theology, Chicago a visa allowed him sufficient opportunity the understanding of environmental issues thus dedicated his life to researching the Grant Wacker, Duke University to refute the government’s reason for for our students.” The Center offers sever- Holocaust and bringing its tragic lessons denial. The government alleges that al majors and seeks to serve the surround- in human rights to widespread public Ramadan, a Swiss scholar of Islam, knew ing community, the wider Episcopal 2009–2010 Lilly attention. His graduate seminar on the or should have known that a charity to Church, and other faith communities in German church struggle and the Theological Research which he gave donations gave support to addressing environmental challenges. Holocaust at Emory University in 1959 Hamas, whom the government has desig- Grant Recipients was the first Holocaust course taught in nated a terrorist organization. Congratulations to the following In Memoriam: America. His pioneering book, The 2009–2010 Lilly Theological Research This summer’s ruling was in response to Crucifixion of the Jews, was the first Peter Homans Grant winners: an ACLU lawsuit that challenges Christian response to the Holocaust. He Ramadan’s exclusion from entry into the (1930–2009) authored more than two dozen scholarly For Faculty Fellowships: United States as a violation of the First Peter Homans, Professor Emeritus of books and at least 1,000 major articles. Joseph Patrick Chinnici, Franciscan Amendment rights of members of the Psychology and Religious Studies at the Littell was emeritus distinguished profes- School of Theology American Academy of Religion, American University of Chicago and long-standing sor of Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Emmanuel Lartey, Emory University Association of University Professors, and member of the AAR, died on May 30, the Richard Stockton College of New Ian Christopher Levy, Lexington PEN American Center — coplaintiffs in 2009, at a nursing home in Evanston, Jersey and emeritus professor and former Theological Seminary the case — to engage in dialogue with Illinois, at the age of seventy-eight. The department chair of religion at Temple Eugen J. Pentiuc, Holy Cross Greek Ramadan in the United States. cause was complications from a stroke. University. For twenty-five years he was Orthodox School of Theology Homans was the author of three books, Ramadan has been denied entry into the visiting professor in the Institute of Todd David Whitmore, University of Theology after Freud; Jung in Context; and, United States since 2004, when he was Contemporary Jewry at Hebrew Notre Dame most notably, The Ability to Mourn: scheduled to become a professor at the University in Jerusalem. He was the first Seung Ai Yang, Chicago Theological Disillusionment and the Social Origins of University of Notre Dame and to deliver a Christian to be appointed to the Seminary Psychoanalysis. All three showed his lifelong plenary address at the AAR Annual International Governing Board of Yad Mitzi Jane Smith, Ashland Theological interest in the historical displacement or Meeting. As a consequence of the visa Vashem in Jerusalem. Seminary erosion of traditional religious authority denial, he addressed the Annual Meeting and the birth of modern psychology and Littell is survived by his wife of thirty via live video instead of in person. For Theological Scholar Grants: sociology. Homans was especially con- years, his four children and three stepchil- Ramadan will, however, deliver a plenary cerned with loss and mourning as sources dren, eleven grandchildren, and four James K. Bruckner, North Park address in person to the 2009 AAR of individual and cultural transformation. great-grandchildren. Theological Seminary Annual Meeting, which takes place in His last book was an edited collection, Lois M. Farag, Luther Seminary Canada. Symbolic Loss: The Ambiguity of Mourning 2009 Carnegie Cynthia Holder Rich, Western Ramadan has acknowledged making the and Memory at Century’s End. Theological Seminary donations to the charity but says that he Scholars to Focus on Tat-siong Benny Liew, Pacific School of Homans was born in New York City and understood those donations to be for Religion graduated in the humanities from Islam humanitarian aid to Palestinian refugees, Michelle Sungshin Lim, New York Princeton. He briefly attended medical The Carnegie Corporation of New York that the charity was recognized as legiti- Theological Seminary school at Johns Hopkins University before named twenty-four new Carnegie Scholars mate by the Swiss government, and that Robert Joseph Priest, Trinity International completing a PhD at the University of for 2009. The new Scholars were selected when he applied for his visa he informed University Chicago Divinity School in 1964. He also for their compelling ideas and commit- the United States government of the held a degree from the Protestant ment to enriching the quality of the pub- donations. For Research Expense Grants: Episcopal Theological Seminary. From lic dialogue on Islam. The 2009 awardees Ramadan was recently appointed His 1965 until his retirement, he taught social are the fifth class to focus on Islam, bring- Thomas Cattoi, Jesuit School of Theology, Highness Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani science and the history of religion at the ing to 117 the number of Carnegie Berkeley Chair in Contemporary Islamic Studies at University of Chicago, where he was also a Scholars devoted to the topic. Current Monica A. Coleman, Claremont School the University of Oxford. member of the Committee on Human AAR members, Valerie Hoffman and of Theology Development and the Committee on the Intisar Rabb, were among the awardees. Pamela D. Couture, Saint Paul School Boston University to History of Culture. A deeply caring and of Theology considerate teacher, he engaged several Association of Robert C. Fennell, Atlantic School Open New Religion generations of students with his wide- of Theology and Graphica reaching and cross-disciplinary approach. Theological Schools Michael J. Kruger, Reformed Theological Collection His research ranged from psychiatry to and Luce Foundation Seminary religion, from poetry and art to social sci- Name Six Faculty Gerald L. Stevens, New Orleans Baptist Boston University has begun collecting for ence and medicine; and he was quietly Theological Seminary a new Religion and Graphica Collection. encouraging and sympathetic to individu- Members as Wolfgang Vondey, Regent University This collection, to be housed in the als and approaches that departed from the 2009–2010 Henry School of Theology Library, is exclusively ordinary. For Collaborative Research Grants dedicated to comics surrounding religion Luce III Fellows in (project leader is listed first): Homans is survived by his adoring wife — either its advocacy, its criticism, its Theology Celia, three daughters, Jennifer, Patricia, Duane R. Bidwell, Phillips Theological satire, or its consideration — the first of and Elizabeth, and six grandchildren. Selected on the basis of the strength of Seminary, and Donald L. Batisky, Ohio its kind in the United States, despite their proposals to conduct creative and State University enthusiasts and scholars’ long-time innovative theological research, the six Wyndy Corbin Reuschling, Ashland encouragement. The Religion and In Memoriam: Fellows will engage in year-long research Theological Seminary, Jeannine K. Graphica Collection will feature works Franklin in various areas of theological inquiry. The Brown, Bethel Theological Seminary, including the seminal MAUS, Persepolis, 2009–2010 Fellows constitute the six- and Carla M. Dahl, Bethel University Palestine, Promethea, and Sandman graphic Hamlin Littell teenth class of scholars to be appointed Graduate School novels as well as scholarly works on (1917–2009) since the inception of the program in comics and religion. Purchasing for the Franklin H. Littell, scholar, theologian, 1993, bringing the total number of Luce See BRIEFS, page 33 collection has already begun and the col- educator, moral ethicist, and long-stand- Fellows to one hundred and eleven. The lection should be available for viewing ing member of the AAR, died at his home program is supported by a grant from The beginning in Fall 2009.

24 • October 2009 RSN NEWS The Academic Study of Religion in the Face of Budget Cuts

Philosophical, and Religious Studies. “In Sunday school image of religion and the MIDST the economic downturn, addition to achieving ‘economies of scale,’ mistaken notion that religious studies many departments and schools of this development,” commented Linell departments are propagating religion or religion or theology are facing the A Cady, ASU Professor of Religious Studies training clergy. prospect of severe budget cutbacks. and the director of its Center for the But that was not the reason most often This spring, for example, the religious Study of Religion and Conflict, “reflects a given; rather, it was the idea that the study studies departments at Florida larger institutional vision of the universi- of religion does not need to have its own International University and the ty’s president to break down what he con- department. Many of our colleagues and University of Florida faced the prospect of siders departmental ‘silos’ by merging administrators think that religion can be closure and the elimination of many of them into larger schools.” The faculty of studied sufficiently through other discipli- their religion faculty positions. The religious studies remains separate within nary perspectives, such as philosophy or University of Florida, which has bache- the school, retaining its positions as well sociology or anthropology. lor’s, master’s, and PhD programs and fif- as its BA, MA, and PhD programs. teen full-time faculty positions, faced a So we need to educate our colleagues — In light of the continuing financial chal- cutback to four full-time positions. At one through campus newspaper articles, sym- lenges facing schools and departments, point, Florida International University posia, and informal conversations that RSN interviewed AAR members Mark (FIU) faced the elimination of its bache- promote the idea that the study of religion Juergensmeyer and Vasudha Narayanan, Mark Juergensmeyer is president of the lor’s and master’s programs in religion and requires the interdisciplinary balance and who were recently involved in encourag- AAR. He is also professor of sociology, half its thirteen full-time faculty. focus that only stand-alone religious stud- ing University of Florida officials to keep affiliate professor of religious studies, and ies departments and programs are able to In response, the AAR sent each of these religious studies programs and faculty, and director of the Orfalea Center of Global provide. university administrations a letter strongly Gilya Gerda Schmidt, who was recently and International Studies at the urging continued support for their reli- involved in encouraging the University of Though economics and mathematics can University of California, Santa Barbara gion programs. Tennessee at Knoxville to reconsider its be studied in many departments, no uni- (UCSB). He has served as chair of plan to merge its religion and philosophy versity in its right mind would axe the eco- UCSB’s Global and International Independently, FIU received support from Studies Program, dean of the University departments. nomics and mathematics departments. The another direction as well: a $100,000 con- of Hawai’i’s School of Hawai’ian, Asian, same should be true of religious studies. tribution from His Holiness the Dalai RSN: In light of the current economy, and Pacific Studies, and chair of the Lama. The university has since embarked what efforts would you suggest that Schmidt: The department of religious AAR’s Public Understanding of Religion on a “Religious Studies Endowment chairs and faculty of religion depart- studies at the University of Tennessee was Committee. Campaign,” which aims to raise $5 mil- ments take toward preserving adequate not more heavily targeted than other arts lion. And as RSN went to press, it looked funding for their programs (even if not and sciences programs. Several other as if the university had decided to keep currently under threat of substantial departments also lost a large percentage of the department, all full-time faculty posi- funding loss)? their faculty to retirements and attri- tions, and the bachelor’s and master’s tion. We do know, however, that in the Juergensmeyer: The allocation of degree programs. FIU lost no religious future we will have to collaborate more funds is a political decision, and campus studies faculty, one position from another closely with other humanities and social administrators are political animals. So department is being added, and TA sup- science departments, perhaps in sharing make your department visible — both on port has been increased. However, “it’s positions and/or staff resources. campus and in the community (commu- unclear what will happen next year,” said nity leaders can be your biggest supporters RSN: If a religion department does Department Chair Christine Gudorf, “ in a budget crunch). Encourage members find itself disproportionately targeted for if the fundraising campaign is not of your faculty to be on campus-wide budget cuts, what resources are available successful.” committees and take administrative for making the case for better funding? By May, the situation at the University of assignments. Show that you’re central to Juergensmeyer: Once your head is Florida had brightened as well. Except the university, not peripheral. on the budgetary chopping block, you through attrition, no religion faculty posi- Narayanan: I would add that in need to go immediately into crisis mode. tions were lost, and all degree programs large universities the administration may First, take the inside strategy and quietly are still being offered. Vasudha Narayanan is distinguished not be aware of what religion departments set up meetings with administrators to professor, interim chair of the depart- At several institutions elsewhere, mergers really do; it would be helpful for chairs or make your claims and present counterar- ment of religious studies, and director of have been under discussion. In the associate chairs to regularly meet some of guments to ones they may give. If this the Center for the Study of Hindu Northeast, for example, Towson the administrators and talk about one’s doesn’t work, then shout like hell. Traditions at the University of Florida. University and Baltimore Hebrew colleagues. Invite the administrators to Don’t go quietly to the sacrificial altar. Do She is also a past president of the AAR University have agreed to merge, and some of your talks or functions, so they what the University of Florida and Florida and of the Society for Hindu-Christian Andover Newton and Colgate Rochester get to know you. International University departments did Studies. Crozier divinity schools have discussed Schmidt: The head and faculty of reli- when they were threatened — marshal merging. gious studies departments must aggressive- internal support, evoke outcries from At the University of Tennessee at ly pursue raising private funds. To this community leaders, exert political pressure Knoxville, the administration proposed end, our department has a board of visi- from leading politicians, excite media merging the religious studies and philoso- tors whose members have been helpful in attention including interviews and op-ed phy departments. Although the faculty various ways in our fundraising pieces, present letters from kindred spent “many anxious and chaotic hours, efforts. Individual faculty, in cooperation departments around the country, and gain weeks, and even months meeting, dis- with the college development officer, and national support — including letters and cussing, and crafting responses to the col- at times the dean, also have raised statements from your AAR leaders, who lege’s proposal,” one upside was that “the funds for positions, salary supplements, are ready to help you. faculty had to put aside individual agendas conferences, and symposia. The depart- Narayanan: If you think your and work together for the good of the ment has one endowed chair, and we will department is vulnerable, I would encour- whole, which made this a unifying experi- continue to actively and persistently work age you to have a “first aid” kit ready. Get ence that strengthened us internally,” on bringing in private funds to endow in touch with the chairs of departments in commented Gilya Gerda Schmidt, head of other positions. This will become neces- peer institutions. Consult your faculty and the Religious Studies Department. “We sary for all humanities departments as have a list of the contact information for a mobilized the support of colleagues and state funds for higher education shrink. number of institutions and people who friends within and outside the university, RSN: In some recent cases, it seems head various organizations. I am thinking Gilya Gerda Schmidt is professor and and we kept the lines of communication that religion departments have been far of presidents of the AAR, Association for head of the department of religious stud- open with the college administration.” In more heavily targeted than other arts Asian Studies, Middle East Studies ies and chair of the Fern and Manfred the end, the administration’s initial pro- and sciences programs. Why do you Association, Society of Biblical Literature, Steinfeld Program in Judaic Studies at posal was successfully resisted. The reli- think this happens? What implications American Oriental Society, et al. Have a the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. gious studies department remains free- are there, if any, for the kind of educat- list of people within the university who She also serves on the AAR’s standing; and though three of eleven fac- ing that religion faculty should pursue can support you. You will need them in a International Connections Committee. ulty positions were lost through attrition, beyond that of their own students? hurry when the administration is moving all other faculty has been retained. swiftly. These people can be invaluable in Juergensmeyer: The prejudice At Arizona State University (ASU), the writing letters on behalf of your depart- against religious studies is not what you departments of history, philosophy, and ment or supply you with crucial numbers. think it is. When we checked into the rea- religious studies recently merged to sons for religion being targeted in recent (continued on next page) become the School of Historical, budget cuts, we expected to find the old October 2009 RSN • 25 Religious Studies News

(continued from previous page) be saved. Work with colleagues to think of var- ious alternatives about where cuts can be made To help people who are writing letters, you and propose them. Obviously I am not talking should have a packet of materials ready — about suggesting cutting other units, but information which you can send electronically. sometimes, mergers or “clusters” may be They may not have the time to go through the preferable to the firing of faculty. In having websites and find out about your colleagues; clusters, for instance, the administration may your “Cliff notes” should have the highlights save on chairs’ salaries, supplements, etc. of your department, the major grants/fellow- Certainly this is not the best option, but it ships the faculty have received, their publica- may save your faculty positions if worse things tions, the courses the department teaches, what are being contemplated. your alumni do — that kind of thing. Schmidt: Oddly enough, teaching large In getting letters, you have to decide whether it numbers of undergraduates, perhaps more is useful to deluge the administration with let- than some other humanities departments, may ters or get a few which may carry more weight. not be seen as sufficiently meritorious. Our Do you want professional organizations to college administration would have been more write (may not be of any use if your university favorably impressed by a large number of does not care about them) or local people? The majors; the collectively small number of majors letter the AAR did for us carried the full force over the past five years was cited again and of the academy and was very impressive. Other again as one reason for merging us with philos- colleges may pay more attention to donors or ophy. Administrators need to be educated that well-known alumni. numbers (especially of majors) are not every- I would also suggest contacting peer institu- thing. Nevertheless, our department imple- tions and marshalling basic numbers — full- mented a new undergraduate honors program time faculty, number of undergraduate/gradu- and new 200-level courses that correspond to ate students taught (or equivalent student cred- areas of focus and strength within our major, it hours), number of majors, etc. We have to hoping that these efforts will eventually trans- get these numbers when our departments have late into more religious studies external reviews anyway, and chances are that majors. Administration officials find outcomes at least one of the peer institutions went the most persuasive argument — in funding, through this review process in the last year and publications, good graduate programs, and has the data handy. majors. RSN: What are the arguments that you RSN: Economic downturns don’t last for- think administration officials find most per- ever. Looking long term over the coming suasive? decade, what should religion departments be doing to strengthen their position for Juergensmeyer: Remind administra- receiving strong financial support from tors of all that they get out of religious studies their universities? departments. They are cost effective, especially in smaller institutions where they provide Juergensmeyer: Departments endure comparative cultural studies, ethics, and the when they are seen to be central to the univer- study of ancient societies all in one depart- sity’s mission, indispensible to its operations, ment. They give luster to a university’s reputa- and valuable for its future. In addition to tion as a cultured repository of the traditions of developing ties to the administration and to humanities and liberal arts. campus governance committees, the religious studies department should demonstrate the And they’re visible — unlike a lot of arcane distinction of its faculty — for instance, it subjects the university teaches, the public easily might hold events to recognize its faculty understands what religion is and why it’s members when they publish articles and books important. And for this reason, you might qui- and receive grants and other distinctions. etly add, it would be politically embarrassing if an administrator tried to axe one of them — Departments should also look outside the uni- or to put it more bluntly, the phrase “holy versity for sources of support from the com- hell” comes to mind. munity, and seek financial funding for lectures, courses, scholarships, and endowed professor- Narayanan: Above all, the administra- ships. It’s hard to axe a department that is tion of your university may want to see how bringing in money! Harder still to eliminate a your “numbers” stack up against peer institu- department that demonstrates how essential it tions. I know this is not what we were trained is to the university’s success. to do in graduate school; nevertheless, this is crucial. Administrators need to know that Schmidt: In a quantitative, business-style while the number of your majors may not be environment, only numbers matter. We can as much as in, say, psychology, it is comparable compete neither with the sciences in external to your peer institutions. Many administrators funding nor with more traditional depart- in your university are there to work with you ments as regards numbers of majors. Difficult — these numbers help them. economic times require departments to be willing to make some changes. These sacrifices Be sure that the administration has the right include a smaller faculty for the immediate statistics for your department. Frequently the future and possibly shared resources. Better grants you get may go uncounted. In large funding will occur through private giving, universities, there are different ways of count- external faculty grants, and the sharing of ing external grants, and unless a grant is internal resources across the college and the recorded and disbursed through the office of campus. Ultimately, though, over the coming grants/division of sponsored research or its decade religious studies departments need equivalent, it is invisible to the administration. to do what we do best. Education, educa- In some universities only “expenditures” are tion, education about the significance and tracked — the method favored in disciplines value of the field of religious studies, not like chemistry. In the humanities, however, only of students and colleagues, but of many fellowships are given directly to the administrators at the highest level, needs to applicant and bypass the university — so they be a permanent goal. are not noted. Keep a list of all the monies received by the department through grants, fel- lowships, and private donations. If faculty lines in your department are being cut purely on budgetary grounds, it does not help to tell the administration, “not us, cut them.” The administrator may want sugges- tions on what to cut if your lines are going to

26 • October 2009 RSN NEWS American Academy of Religion Guidelines for Teaching about Religion in K–12 Public Schools: Introduction and Parts One and Two

Diane L. Moore, Harvard University

English (NCTE) is made up of teachers The AAR has been involved in addressing Religion in the In 2007, the AAR Executive Board and supervisors of English programs in ele- issues related to teaching about religion in approved a request by the Religion in the mentary, middle, and secondary schools, public schools since the 1970s. These Schools Task Force Schools Task Force (RSTF) to initiate a faculty in college and university English efforts have included producing publica- Members of the Task Force: three-year project to construct guidelines departments, teacher educators, local and tions in the 1970s and early 1980s address- for teaching about religion in K–12 pub- state agency English specialists, and profes- ing the legal, curricular, moral, and peda- Diane L. Moore, Chair, Professor of the lic schools to complement similar guide- sionals in related fields. There are similar gogical dimensions of teaching about reli- Practice in Religious Studies and lines that exist for other subjects. The fol- organizations formed for the sciences, arts, gion in public K–12 schools; helping to Education, Harvard Divinity School lowing document is the first half of this physical education, English as a second lan- establish a number of programs and initiative and has gone through extensive Mark Chancey, Associate Professor, guage, and technology, among others. The resource centers at various universities review by members of the AAR and K–12 Department of Religious Studies, primary aims of these associations are to throughout the United States (only two are educators. This first half is nearly final, Southern Methodist University but is being published here to solicit addi- promote responsible education about their currently functioning, the Program in tional feedback and responses from AAR fields and to provide leadership, support, Religious Studies and Education at Harvard Betty DeBerg, Professor of Religion, members. Please send your feedback and service to their educators. University and the Religion and Public University of Northern Iowa Education Resource Center at the directly to the Chair of the Religion in the Though religious studies is not a required David Haberman, Professor of Religious University of California, Chico); and iden- Schools Task Force, Diane L. Moore at subject in public K–12 schools, religion is Studies, Indiana University tifying opportunities for religious studies [email protected]. She can also embedded in curriculum standards across faculty at colleges to help educate K–12 Bruce Lawrence, Nancy and Jeffrey be contacted for more information about disciplines and it is especially prominent in the review process and timeline for this teachers about religion. Given the absence Marcus Humanities Professor of social studies and English at the state and initiative. of authoritative standards penned by reli- Religion, Duke University national association levels. Given the rising gious studies scholars for teaching about The first draft of the second half of the interest in the study of religion due to Stephanie McAllister, History and Social religion in K–12 schools, in 2007 the AAR Guidelines will be completed in national and global affairs, there is also a Science Teacher, Brookline High School, decided to develop a set of standards and September 2009 and will be the focus of a growing number of elective courses offered Brookline, MA guidelines as a resource for educators, par- Special Topics Forum at the Annual in schools that focuses on religious themes ents, and school boards who are faced with Steve Herrick, AAR Staff Liaison Meeting in Montréal scheduled for or topics explicitly, such as “The Bible as Monday morning, from 9:00–11:30 AM. an increasingly complex array of challenges Literature” and “Introduction to World regarding how to teach about religion Members of the Working Group: The audience for these Guidelines com- Religions.” Given that: 1) The study of reli- responsibly in public school contexts. The prises public school educators, administra- gion is already present in public schools; Ali Asani, Professor of the Practice of AAR Religion in the Schools Task Force is tors, members of local school boards, par- 2) There are no content and skill guidelines Indo-Muslim Languages and Culture, guiding this initiative. ents, and concerned citizens. The docu- for educators about religion itself that are Harvard University ment must, therefore, be succinct, written constructed by religious studies scholars; Overview of Guidelines Ann Marie Bahr, Professor in the in accessible language, and address issues and 3) Educators and school boards are of widespread relevance to this population. Philosophy and Religion Department, often confused about how to teach about Part One addresses why it is important to In relationship to this last criterion, the South Dakota State University Guidelines emphasize the civic value of religion in constitutionally sound and intel- teach about religion and Part Two outlines learning about religion as a means to lectually responsible ways, there is a strong ways to teach about religion in constitu- Wallace Best, Professor of Religion and diminish ignorance that can fuel religious consensus among those involved in K–12 tionally sound, intellectually responsible, African American Studies, Princeton bigotry, discrimination, and misunder- education that a set of guidelines for teach- and educationally innovative ways. Part University ing about religion similar to those con- Three is an overview of approaches to standings regarding the role of religion in Elizabeth Bounds, Associate Professor of structed for other subjects is needed. teaching about religion and includes grade- contemporary local, national, and world Christian Ethics, Candler School of (There have been several “consensus docu- specific examples informed by both the affairs. This is by no means the only rea- Theology, Emory University son that learning about religion is a valu- ments” compiled by religious practitioners, Standards for Social Studies (produced by the able enterprise. It is a rich intellectual legal scholars, and educators related to National Council for the Social Studies) Bruce Grelle, Professor of Religious experience in its own right and one that teaching about religion in public schools and Standards for the English Language Arts Studies, California State University, students of all ages find deeply engaging that have been created over the years by (produced by the National Council for Chico and relevant. However, in the face of an nonprofit organizations, such as the First Teachers of English). Given that religion is Carlene Mandolfo, Associate Professor already overburdened curriculum and Amendment Center and ad hoc groups, already present throughout both of these of Religious Studies, Colby College ever-increasing demands on educators, the such as the one formed to construct the documents and these standards are highly most widely relevant and pressing reason Toledo Guiding Principles. Though these and influential in the creation of state and local Joel Martin, Professor of Religious for developing religious literacy is this civic similar initiatives provide fair, respectful, curricula frameworks, it is appropriate to Studies, University of California, dimension and its role in deepening an and constitutionally sound ways to teach reference them in constructing guidelines Riverside understanding of the religious dimensions about religion, none of them provide sub- for religious studies. Finally, Part Four Anne Monius, Professor of South Asian of multiculturalism. stantial guidance on what to teach about makes recommendations for teacher educa- Religions, Harvard Divinity School religion, nor do they do so from the tors regarding the training required for authoritative perspective of religious studies teachers to have sufficient content knowl- Keith Naylor, Professor of Religious INTRODUCTION scholars themselves. These guidelines are edge to teach about religion responsibly. Studies, Occidental College intended to fill that significant void). HE UNITED STATES Department PART ONE Sarah Pike, Professor of Religious of Education requires states to develop The American Academy of Studies, California State University, Tcontent standards and academic Religion Why teach about religion? Chico assessments for each discipline taught in Marc Raphael, Nathan Gumerick Chair public schools from kindergarten through Given the fact that there is not a similar Three fundamental premises inform this of Judaic Studies, College of William twelfth grade (K–12). State departments of national educational association like the project. First, there exists a widespread illit- and Mary education are guided in this task by nation- NCSS or NCTE that focuses on religious eracy about religion in the United States. al educational associations that have crafted studies per se, the American Academy of Second, there are several consequences that their own standards and guidelines repre- Religion is the professional organization stem from this illiteracy, including the ways Religious illiteracy is defined in this docu- senting the collective wisdom of scholars best suited to construct scholarly guidelines that it fuels prejudice and antagonism, ment as a lack of understanding about: and educators in each relevant educational for teaching about religion in K–12 thereby hindering efforts aimed at promot- field. For example, the National Council schools. It is the world’s largest association ing respect for pluralism, peaceful coexis- • The basic tenets of the world’s religious for the Social Studies (NCSS) comprises of scholars who research or teach topics tence, and cooperative endeavors in local, traditions and other religious expres- elementary, secondary, and college-level related to religion. There are over 11,000 national, and global arenas. Third, it is pos- sions not categorized by tradition; teachers, and other educational personnel members comprised largely of faculty at sible to diminish religious illiteracy by • The diversity of expressions and beliefs who work in the broad areas that encom- colleges, universities, and theological teaching about religion from an academic, within traditions and representations; pass the social studies: history, geography, schools in North America with a growing nondevotional perspective in primary and and economics, political science, sociology, psy- number from institutions of higher educa- secondary schools. chology, anthropology, and law. Similarly, tion in Asia, Africa, and Europe. (continued on next page) the National Council for Teachers of

October 2009 RSN • 27 Religious Studies News

(continued from previous page) students to the vast array of faith-based raised in or convert to a certain faith tradi- dismiss religion altogether as obsolete, expressions that exist within and between tion or expression will learn about that tra- irrational, and/or inherently oppressive, traditions with the aim of deepening dition or expression within their faith thereby offending the dignity and sensibil- • The profound role that religion plays understanding about religious diversity communities or through devotionally ities of people of faith everywhere. in human social, cultural, and politi- and the roles that religion plays in politi- based forms of education in the schools Premise Number Three: It is possible to cal life historically and today. cal, economic, and cultural life across aimed at promoting a particular religious diminish religious illiteracy by teaching time. Both approaches are legitimate ways worldview and values that are consonant Conversely, religious literacy is defined in about religion from a nondevotional per- to think about religion that can serve with it. Individuals who are not religious the following way: spective in primary, middle, and second- complementary but distinctive ends. It is also learn particular worldviews and associ- ary schools. The ability to discern and analyze the important to note, however, that the non- ated values from family and/or community intersections of religion and social, politi- devotional religious studies approach is members. In relationship to religion, these Training in religious literacy provides citi- cal, and cultural life. A religiously literate the constitutionally appropriate one to values are often areligious or antireligious. zens with the tools to better understand person will possess a basic understanding employ for teaching about religion in The other main source of information religion as a complex and sophisticated of the history, central texts (where appli- public schools. These Guidelines represent about religion is the media, where coverage social/cultural phenomenon and individ- cable), beliefs, practices, and contempo- a religious studies perspective. about religion is often inaccurate. None of ual religious traditions or expressions rary manifestations of several of the these sources expose individuals to a com- themselves as internally diverse and con- Premise Number One: There exists a world’s religious traditions and religious prehensive study of religion whereby: stantly evolving as opposed to uniform, widespread illiteracy about religion in expressions as they arose out of and con- 1) The diversity within a given tradition or absolute, and ahistorical. Learning about the United States. tinue to shape and be shaped by particu- expression is knowledgeably and even- religion as a social/cultural phenomenon lar social, historical, and cultural contexts. The following are examples of some of the handedly represented; and 2) Religion as a also helps people recognize, understand, In addition, a religiously literate person ways that religious illiteracy manifests social/cultural phenomenon is explored and critically analyze how religion has will have the ability to discern and itself among a diverse array of United and analyzed. Such an understanding been and will continue to be used to explore the religious dimensions of politi- States citizens: requires a nondevotional, academic inspire and sometimes justify the full cal, social, and cultural expressions across approach to the study of religion and, range of human agency from the heinous • Religious leaders and believers of a time and place (Diane L. Moore, although there are some schools that offer to the heroic. Finally, those trained in reli- given religious tradition or expression “Overcoming Religious Illiteracy: A instruction representing this approach in gious studies learn to question the accura- are assumed to be the best sources of Cultural Studies Approach” in World primary and secondary education, relative- cy of absolutist claims such as “Islam is a information about that tradition or History Connected, November 2006). ly few citizens have the opportunity to religion of peace,” or “Judaism and Islam expression and are often looked to engage in this type of inquiry. are incompatible,” or “All religions are These definitions assume that religion is a formally or informally as “experts.” fundamentally the same,” thereby helping social/cultural phenomenon that is [This is problematic for two reasons. Premise Number Two: One of the most to deepen discourse about religion in the embedded in human political, social, and First, religious leaders and believers troubling and urgent consequences of public sphere. Learning about religion is cultural life. They also assume that reli- are appropriately trained in and have religious illiteracy is that it often fuels no guarantee that religious bigotry and gion shapes and is shaped by the allegiances to a particular set of prejudice and antagonism thereby hin- chauvinism will cease, but it will make it social/historical contexts out of which par- beliefs about their tradition. Many dering efforts aimed at promoting more difficult for such bigotry and chau- ticular religious expressions and influences are not trained in other representa- respect for pluralism, peaceful coexis- vinism to be unwittingly reproduced and emerge. Finally, these definitions assume tions, and those that are often learn tence, and cooperative endeavors in promoted. that there is a difference between devo- about other interpretations as hereti- local, national, and global arenas. [There tional beliefs and practices and the study cal or unorthodox in relationship to are many other consequences stemming As was noted in the introduction, religion of religion from an academic, secular their own theological worldview. It is from illiteracy about religions that con- is already deeply embedded in curricula frame of reference. In this context, secular inappropriate to assume, for example, cern scholars of religion, including a across the K–12 spectrum. Our aim is to means a constitutionally defined approach that a local Protestant clergyperson or diminished intellectual understanding of help equip educators with the tools to to the teaching of religion that neither member of a congregation could the rich role that religion plays in teach about religion in intellectually privileges nor rejects any particular reli- accurately and sympathetically repre- human social and cultural life. We high- responsible, constitutionally sound, and gious tradition or expression. sent the many expressions of light the civic consequences of religious educationally meaningful ways. The fol- Christianity as equally valid and wor- illiteracy here for it is the one most uni- lowing section focuses on the legal issues One way to characterize this distinction is thy of study. Though some religious versally relevant for educators across the related to teaching about religion and Part to recognize the difference between reli- leaders and believers may also be K–12 spectrum.] Three will offer examples of how to inte- gious education that promotes a particular trained in religious studies, their grate the study of religion into existing faith perspective (often, but not exclusive- Religious illiteracy is certainly not the sole training as religious leaders or believ- curricula and department structures. ly associated with religious communities or even primary cause of the heartbreak- ers will usually not equip them to and/or schools) and learning about reli- ing violence that dominates local and accurately depict the diversity within gion through a religious studies frame- global news stories. It is, however, often a PART TWO their traditions. Second, religious work that is nondevotional, inclusive, and contributing factor in fostering a climate leaders and believers approach and Religion, Education, and the comparative in both form and function. whereby certain forms of bigotry and mis- practice religion from a devotional Constitution Faith-based explorations are intended to representation can emerge unchallenged perspective that is appropriate for promote a particular theological world- and thus serve as one form of justification The religious liberty clauses of the First their roles within their own faith view and to encourage practitioners to for violence and marginalization. Many Amendment to the United States communities but inappropriate as a articulate values and adopt practices that others share this concern as evidenced by a Constitution state that “Congress shall lens to represent religion in the public are consonant with that set of beliefs. A consultation focusing on this topic in make no law respecting an establishment schools.] religious studies approach to teaching 2006 that was sponsored by the United of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise about religion is intended to introduce • Religion is deeply and nearly exclu- Nations (the consultation took place in thereof.” sively equated with devotional prac- May 2006 and was sponsored by the There were two important and related tice in ways that render the nondevo- “Alliance of Civilizations,” a program Supreme Court rulings in the 1960s that A Sampling of Consensus Documents on tional study of religion a difficult formed at the initiative of the Secretary- were pivotal in defining the role of reli- Teaching about Religion concept for many to grasp and apply. General to counter terrorism through gion in public education. In Engel v. Vitale understanding), and numerous initiatives American Assembly. Matters of Faith: • Religious traditions and expressions (1962) it was decided that government in Europe (for example, the European Religion in American Public Life. New York: are often represented as internally should not sponsor prayers in public Commission launched a three-year project The American Assembly, 2000. uniform and static as opposed to schools. In Abington v. Schempp (1963), in 2006 entitled Religion in Education: A diverse and evolving. the Supreme Court ruled that the govern- Haynes, Charles, and Oliver Thomas. Contribution to Dialogue or a Factor of ment should not sponsor Bible reading Finding Common Ground: A Guide to • In some contexts, religion is inter- Conflict in Transforming Societies of and recitation of the Lord’s Prayer in pub- Religious Liberty in Public Schools. preted as a “private” affair distinct European Countries). One example of the lic schools. While many hailed these rul- Nashville, TN: The First Amendment from the secular “public” sphere of negative consequences of religious illitera- ings as a strong endorsement of the sepa- Center, 2001. political, economic, and cultural life. cy is that it has contributed to Christian ration of church and state and thus an forms of anti-Semitism. Another example Hunter, James Davison, and Os Guinness, These common manifestations of religious affirmation of pluralism, others felt that in countries where Muslims are in the eds. “The Williamsburg Charter, 1988” in illiteracy are widespread and should not be they signaled the demise of a common minority is the widespread association of Articles of Faith, Articles of Peace: The interpreted as evidence of a lack of intellec- moral foundation that served to unite all Islam with terrorism and the consequent Religious Liberty Clauses and the American tual capability or awareness on the part of Americans amidst our diversity. These justification of individual hate crimes Public Philosophy. Washington, DC: The those who harbor these and similar same tensions persist today and many against those perceived to be Muslim. A Brookings Institution, 1990. assumptions. Given that the main sources trace the roots of contemporary conflicts third example is the antagonisms that are of information about religion come from regarding religion in the public sphere to Toledo Guiding Principles on Teaching about fueled between different expressions of the training in or about one’s own religious these rulings. Religions and Beliefs in Public Schools. same tradition (e.g., between Protestant tradition (or none) and the media, it Warsaw, OH: Office for Democratic and Roman Catholic Christians and should come as no surprise that these and Institutions and Human Rights, 2007. between Sunni and Shi’i Muslims). A other forms of religious illiteracy are preva- (continued on page 30) fourth and final example is when some lent. Appropriately, individuals who are

28 • October 2009 RSN NEWS AAR/Luce Summer Seminars on Theologies of Religious Pluralism and Comparative Theology: A Report from Cohort One

John J. Thatamanil, Vanderbilt University

HE FIRST WEEKLONG gathering reflection in the presence of such robust West have engaged in committed compari- comparative theology. In what institutional of Cohort One of the AAR/Luce diversity is rare and poses special intellectual son? Can there be a comparison of compar- contexts can Hindu theologians feel safe in TSummer Seminars in Theologies of demands and complications. We noted, for ative theologies? speaking in an explicitly theological idiom? Religious Pluralism (TRP) and example, that while some participants Too often, even when Buddhists or Hindus Edward Phillip Antonio and others articu- Comparative Theology took place from found it comfortable and even exciting to are hired to teach their own traditions, it is lated the need for more work in developing June 7–14, 2009, at Union Theological talk about hybridity and multiple religious assumed that their teaching and research will a nuanced theory of comparison: just what Seminary in New York City. Despite (and belonging, some Jewish colleagues did not be narrowly restricted to a religious studies sort of activity is comparison? Also, what because of) the rigors of a demanding warm to these themes as they are currently paradigm that prescinds from questions of are the ethics of comparative theology? schedule, instructors and Fellows alike struggling with questions about preserving theological truth. When such assumptions How does one learn from the “other” with- appreciated opportunities for downtime in Jewish community in an age of intermar- and constraints are in place, theology out consuming the other? and around New York City. An especially riage. Multilateral conversations generated becomes more or less synonymous with enjoyable aspect of the Cohort’s time questions and issues that do not present Devorah Schoenfeld brought to focus and Christian theology. They noted that under together were the “Clooney Tours” offered themselves in the more customary bilateral crystallized a running theme in our conver- such circumstances, the obstacles on the way by native New Yorker Francis X. Clooney or trilateral (Abrahamic) conversations. sations: there are a variety of “others” in to comparative theology are considerable. S. J., Parkman Professor of Divinity and interreligious encounter. Interfaith dialogue Such considerations were part of larger con- Perhaps the most striking feature of our col- Professor of Comparative Theology at and theology are sure to take on a markedly versations about whether academia in North lective experience was the variety of new Harvard Divinity School. Seminar Fellows different tone and cast depending on the America is, at present, a hospitable site for research questions generated by the Luce enjoyed trying to keep up with the speedy kind of “other” that one encounters. She the work of comparative theology given sus- Summer Seminar Fellows. Although the Jesuit who took interested participants to noted that there are different challenges and picions about both comparison (Is it possi- seminars were never intended to be prosem- St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Times Square, opportunities that arise when one encoun- ble? Can it be done? What are the power inars but rather forums in which scholars Ground Zero, Grand Central Station, the ters persons from a tradition with which one dynamics at work in any comparative proj- might be introduced to theologies of reli- Staten Island Ferry, and other destina- has no genealogical relationship. The “dis- ect?) and theology. For the instructional team gious pluralism and comparative theology, tions. Colleagues also made a trip to the tant other” — Buddhism for Judaism or and Fellows alike, these questions and many the gathering of Fellows with research Ganesh Temple in Flushing, NY (Sri Native American traditions for Protestant others too numerous to list here were invig- expertise in a variety of areas outside of Maha Vallabha Ganapati Devasthanam) Christians — presents special challenges, not orating; they reminded the group as a whole TRP and comparative theology generated a and found even the bus ride through least of all the absence of a shared language. that much new work remains to be done in host of novel questions. Flushing an eye-opening educational expe- How, for example, does one decide whether comparative theology. rience for its striking ethnic and religious Key Theoretical Questions the category “religion” is even applicable for diversity. Native American communities? On the Challenges and Areas for Clooney described comparative theology as other hand, sheer difference can present spe- Improvement a process in which the comparative theolo- cial opportunities, as for example, when Jews Naturally, no venture in which eight gian who is firmly rooted in a home tradi- find no special problem in participating in instructors gather with twenty-five faculty tion moves out into a deep and detailed Buddhist meditative practices. scholars can go off without a hitch! No self- encounter with some specific strand of Schoenfeld notes that very different prob- respecting gathering of educators can be another tradition in all its rich particularity lems present themselves in the case of “the genuine without a little heat. Fellows with and then returns home to think and write intimate other,” such as the relationship deep experience in the practice and theolo- theology anew after being transformed by between Christianity and Judaism. Here, gy of pedagogy pressed the instructional such an encounter. Several Fellows raised too, there are special challenges and oppor- team to think harder about formulating col- vital questions about persons whose initial tunities. In some cases, the very existence of laborative pedagogies more appropriate to subject positions are vastly different. What another tradition is taken to be a critique of the nature of the materials at hand. They The academic work of about persons who might want to do com- one’s own. But the existence of tensions sur- noted that the work of comparative theolo- parative theology but are already in a situa- the seminar proved to be rounding separation from and critique of gy and theologies of religious pluralism is tion of multiple religious belonging and so another tradition usually means that there is intensely dialogical but pedagogies within provocative for the Fellows are not rooted in one primary home tradi- a long and rich history of conversation that these fields remain fairly traditional. tion? What about scholars who have been and the instructional can serve as a resource for interreligious rejected by or hold marginal status within Fellows also articulated a hope that there reflection. There was a shared sense in the team alike. By nearly any their home tradition because of their femi- might there be more cross-fertilization group that we need to think more carefully nist commitments or sexual orientation? across disciplines within theological studies. measure — the first about the nature of TRP and comparative What might comparative theology look like Some argued that comparative theologians theology in light of these rich questions gathering of Cohort One if it is conceived as faith/unfaith seeking and theologians of religious diversity will about the nature of the dialogical “other.” was a success. understanding? Or put differently, what find their labors enriched when scholars in does comparative theology look like for per- Anant Rambachan invited the Cohort as a these fields — who are most often systemat- JOHN J. THATAMANIL sons who have a far more ambivalent rela- whole to ponder the following question: ic or constructive theologians — incorpo- AAR/LUCE SUMMER SEMINAR PROJECT DIRECTOR tionship to their own home traditions? what is the meaning of my neighbor’s faith rate work on religious diversity that is AND ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF THEOLOGY, for mine? Notably, Rambachan went on to already taking place in practical theology. Several scholars, most especially Tat-Siong VANDERBILT DIVINITY SCHOOL frame the question more strongly still. Can Benny Liew, articulated the hope that com- Even these focused calls for changes to our we articulate from within our own traditions parative theology might transcend the parti- format and agenda were felt to be promis- a reason or set of reasons why we might san debates of times past between religious ing because they articulated so well the need The academic work of the seminar proved stand in positive need of other traditions? In studies and theology. He observed that a for new research and practice on questions to be provocative for the Fellows and the putting the question in these terms, variety of scholars now work happily on of pedagogy for theologies of religious plu- instructional team alike. By nearly any Rambachan invited the group to think dif- both sides of this divide and no longer feel ralism and comparative theology. At the measure — the intensity and vibrancy of ferently from the now somewhat standard compelled to engage in old turf wars. He conclusion of the week, several Fellows conversation, the development of a new rhetoric about “the problem of religious and other Fellows see comparative theology voiced their sense that TRP and compara- network of colleagues and friends, pages of diversity.” For Rambachan, every tradition as a promising field for the integration of a tive theology will never be the same again notes generated, ideas for new courses and bears within it a history of its implied “oth- wide variety of methods and disciplines. because research inaugurated by the Fellows future research projects, and the opportuni- ers” — those “others” that the tradition wish- Indeed, Liew hopes for a comparative theol- is sure to introduce rapid and radical trans- ty to read drafts of forthcoming work from es to dispute or marginalize in order to assert ogy that is willing to contextualize itself in formation in these fields. scholars at the leading edge of their respec- its own claims. The question he now puts to light of a much longer history of compara- tive fields — the first gathering of Cohort traditions is whether they might engage in an tive ventures by non-Western traditions. One was a success. Our conversation about inversion of their customary habits by cele- Applications for Cohort Two How have other traditions, while grounded religious diversity was invigorating because brating the “other” rather than seeking to in their own commitments, ventured proj- are now being accepted. the exchange was itself deeply interreligious repress or to otherwise marginalize it. ects that were either analogous or homolo- The deadline for submission including Christian, Jewish, Muslim, gous to comparative theology? What might Some seminar Fellows identified critical insti- is January 15, 2010. Apply at Hindu, and Buddhist voices. Even those comparative theology learn from studying tutional barriers that prevent persons from www.aarweb.org/Programs/ with considerable experience in interreli- how other traditions outside the modern non-Christian traditions from taking up Summer_Seminars. gious dialogue observed that theological

October 2009 RSN • 29 Religious Studies News

(continued from page 28) It is important to note here that teaching about religion from a nondevotional, religious studies Though the heart of these decisions approach is not without controversy. For exam- addressed what was not permissible in public ple, teaching about religion gives credibility to education, there was an important affirma- Summer Seminars religion itself as a valid field of inquiry and tion in Abington v. Schempp regarding what assumes the legitimacy of multiple religious per- was allowed in the intersection of religion spectives. Some who believe that their convic- and the schools: on Theologies tions represent an exclusive truth may find these It might well be said that one’s education is assumptions challenging. Many other citizens not complete without a study of comparative recognize the value of increasing literacy about of Religious Pluralism religion or the history of religion and its rela- religion and believe that the public schools are tionship to the advancement of civilization. It the appropriate venue for this type of learning to certainly may be said that the Bible is worthy occur. The AAR Guidelines for Teaching about and Comparative of study for its literary and historic qualities. Religion in K–12 Public Schools represent this lat- Nothing we have said here indicates that such ter perspective and are based on the assumption study of the Bible or of religion, when pre- that public schools are appropriately governed by Theology: sented objectively as part of a secular pro- secular laws and values that support the inclusion gram of education, may not be effected con- of the nondevotional study of religion from an sistently with the First Amendment. [School academic perspective across the curriculum. The Cohort Two District of Abington Township, Pennsylvania et second half of the Guidelines will focus on how al. v. Schempp et al. 374 US 203 (1963)] to achieve this inclusion by outlining different approaches to the study of religion (historical, lit- This important articulation has often been erary, tradition-based or phenomenological, and overlooked in the history of how the separa- The American Academy of Religion cultural studies) and offer grade-specific examples tion of church and state in the schools has of how to integrate theory with practice. is pleased to announce the formation of been interpreted. Though there has been a slight shift over the past decade, most A draft of the second half of this document will Cohort Two of our Luce Summer Seminars Americans since the 1960s believe that the be completed in the fall of 2009. separation of church and state that is affirmed in the rulings cited above means that religion in all forms was banned. As Bibliography Justice Clark’s comments above clearly indi- cate, this is not at all the case. Indeed, some Bracher, Peter, et al. PERSC Guidebook, Public HESE WEEKLONG SEMINARS will provide have argued that it may be a violation of the Education Religion-Studies: Questions and training to theological education faculty who often First Amendment when the study of religion Answers. Dayton, OH: Public Education prepare students for future religious leadership and is not included in public school curricula. Religion Studies Center, 1974. T Though it is clear that teaching about reli- Carr, Anne, and Nicholas Piediscalzi, eds. ministry. The Theological Education Steering Committee gion is acceptable, how to do so in a consti- The Academic Study of Religion: 1975 Public invites applications from theological educators interested in tutionally sound and intellectually responsi- Schools Religion Studies. Missoula, MT: bly manner is a more complex undertaking. pursuing questions about the meaning of religious diversity. Scholars Press, 1975. The seminars will help address the question of religious Guidelines for Teaching about DelFattore, Joan. The Fourth R: Conflicts over diversity as a properly theological question: What is the Religion Religion in America’s Public Schools. New meaning of my neighbor’s faith for mine? While we expect Haven: Yale University Press, 2004. In 1974, religious studies scholar James V. that the bulk of applicants will come from seminaries and Panoch developed a set of guidelines for dis- First Amendment Center. A Teacher’s Guide to divinity schools, we also welcome theological educators who tinguishing between teaching religion in a Religion in the Public Schools. Nashville, TN: teach in theology and religious studies departments. way that promotes a particular faith and First Amendment Center, 1999. teaching about religion from a religious stud- Fraser, James. Between Church and State: ies perspective (Bracher: 2). A version of The seminars, composed of twenty-five participants and Religion and Public Education in a these guidelines was adopted by the First eight instructors, are designed for those relatively new to Multicultural America. New York: St. Martin’s Amendment Center and are featured promi- Griffin, 1999. the theologies of religious pluralism and comparative theol- nently in several of their publications, includ- ogy, allowing them to learn from expert scholars and ing one entitled A Teacher’s Guide to Religion Haynes, Charles, and Oliver Thomas. Finding advance their understanding. The result of the summer in the Public Schools. Common Ground: A Guide to Religious Liberty in Public Schools. Nashville, TN: The First seminars will be to increase the number of theological edu- • The school’s approach to religion is aca- Amendment Center, 2001. cators who can teach in the areas of theologies of religious demic, not devotional. Moore, Diane L. Overcoming Religious • The school strives for student awareness pluralism and comparative theology in a variety of institu- Illiteracy: A Cultural Studies Approach to the of religions, but does not press for stu- tions in which theological education takes place. All accept- Study of Religion in Secondary Schools. New dent acceptance of any religion. ed applicants will be awarded a cash stipend of $1,000, plus York: Palgrave, 2007. • The school sponsors study about religion, the grant will cover their expenses incurred during their ______“Overcoming Religious not the practice of religion. participation in the seminars. Illiteracy: A Cultural Studies Approach” in • The school may expose students to a World History Connected. University of Illinois Cohort Two will meet June 13–20, 2010, at Union diversity of religious views, but may not Press, November 2006. impose any particular view. Theological Seminary, New York City, then on October 29, Piediscalzi, Nicholas, and Barbara De 2010, at the Annual Meeting, Atlanta, and, finally May • The school educates about all religions, it Martino Swyhart, eds. Distinguishing Moral 29–June 5, 2011, at the University of Chicago Divinity does not promote or denigrate religion. Education, Values Clarification, and Religion- Studies. Missoula, MT: Scholars Press, 1976. School, Chicago. • The school informs students about vari- ous beliefs; it does not seek to conform Prothero, Steven. Religious Literacy: What The application deadline for Cohort Two is January 15, students to any particular belief. Every American Needs to Know — and Doesn’t. San Francisco: Harper, 2007. 2010. All accepted applicants will be notified by late These guidelines appropriately assume the February or early March 2010. distinction between teaching about religion Will, Paul J., ed. Public Education Religion from a nondevotional, academic perspective Studies: An Overview. Chico, CA: Scholars Further information on the seminars can be found at versus teaching religion through a devotional Press, 1981. www.aarweb.org/Programs/Summer_Seminars or by contacting lens. As such, they provide a useful thumb- nail sketch to guide educators in the public the Project Director, John J. Thatamanil, Vanderbilt school context. Indeed, they have been very Divinity School, [email protected]. helpful in alerting teachers and administra- tors to the fact that there is a distinction between a secular and devotional approach. As noted above, one of the manifestations of widespread religious illiteracy is the equation of religious studies with devotional practice.

30 • October 2009 RSN NEWS The Problem That “Lies” Within: How “Collegiality” Undermines the Academy

Stacey Floyd-Thomas, Vanderbilt University

the data runs contrary to the assumption of as the ability of women and people of color as the “old boy’s system” that wreaks and haunts diversity’s supporters or its critics that the acad- intellectuals and scholars to function symboli- our otherwise hallowed, would-be collegial emy is overrun with women and that the mar- cally as white men.4 Indeed, feminist scholar halls. Echoing the words of the late political ginalization and exclusion of people of color Michelle Wallace has shown how women of cartoonist Walt Kelly, “We have met the are relics of the past. Given the rapid globaliza- color are “the least convincing in this role, the enemy and he is us,” the old guard must look tion of our society and economy, the religious least trustworthy.”5 inward and invest in some serious soul-search- pluralism in America, and the changing com- ing of its own, rather than continuing its Since no one can “outwhite” or “outman” an position of our student bodies and campuses, course of scathing, collegial scrutiny of their actual white man, women and other underrep- the pragmatic demands of diversification are sisters and darker brothers, if the academy is resented faculty simply become inferior. Herein obvious: Institutions must take seriously their ever going to race forward and engender is the reality inversion and implicit mendacity roles to prepare the way for diversity on cam- progress. of the academy: collegiality, fit, and desirability puses and for communities that are increasing- are measured by how disembodied and duplic- ly of color, and also have more than 50 percent itous women and people of color can become, women on faculty (faculty is currently on aver- by denouncing and denying their difference Endnotes age 90–95 percent white, 80 percent male, and from their white male counterparts. Therefore, 1 therefore disproportionately white and male). Taken from “American Academy of Religion to be different, or to think or do differently, is Survey of Undergraduate Religion and Stacey Floyd-Thomas is associate professor of Caught between a besieged past and an angst- to be subjected routinely to excessive scrutiny Theology Programs in the United States and ethics and society at Vanderbilt University ridden present, what was once delighted in as and constant challenges concerning one’s Canada Further Data Analysis Summary of Divinity School and Graduate Department of “the old boys’ club” has been supplanted with, teaching, research, or service — regardless if Results” presented at the Numbers Count: Religion. She contributes as a guest columnist as feminist Susan Faludi suggests, the all- one’s qualifications, training, and performance at the invitation of the Status of Women in Gathering, Managing, and Using Census Data encompassing fear of white men as “the new speak to the contrary. Simply put, symmetry in the Profession Committee, on which she has in Program Review and Enhancement Special endangered species.”2 As countless scholars merit does not necessarily translate to parity in served since 2004. As a womanist ethicist, Topics Forum at the 2003 Annual Meeting have attested, regardless of advanced degrees or regard to the professional respect of one’s Floyd-Thomas situates her research and teach- (Atlanta, Georgia, November 24, 2003) and scholarly expertise, the entry of women and peers.6 ing interests at the intersection of ethics and the Association of Theological Schools people of color into the profession can never liberation theology, women studies, critical This predicament of “collegiality” is especially “2008–2009 Annual Data Tables” translate into membership status within that pedagogy, critical race theory, and postcolonial daunting — if not dangerous — for pre- (http://www.ats.edu/Pages/default.aspx). most rarefied club, the collegium. Instead, studies, engaging broad questions of moral tenured faculty, for whom it is often as if two those who embody the reality of diversity with- 2 See Susan Faludi, Stiffed: The Betrayal of the agency, cultural memory, ethical responsibility, faculty manuals exist. One manual provides an in the academy ironically become the supposed American Man (New York: William Morrow and social justice. She has published four explicit guide for underrepresented groups to “problem of diversity” — a problem that elicits and Company, 1999). books, Mining the Motherlode: Methods in follow, in order to understand collegiality as a Womanist Ethics (2006), Deeper Shades of either liberal pity (“because they seem so out of virtue (as opposed to an evaluative criterion), 3 “On Collegiality as a Criterion for Faculty Purple: Womanism in Religion and Society place”) or conservative contempt (“because that one displays through her or his successful Evaluation” in American Association of (2006), Black Church Studies: An they really don’t belong”). Introduction (2007), and U.S. Liberation execution of teaching, research, and service. University Professors, Policy Documents and Theologies: An Introduction (2010). She As perennial outsiders, women and racial-eth- The other manual is nothing more than an Reports, 10th ed. (Washington, DC, 2006), was also the recipient of the 2007 American nic faculty often must wonder: Exactly what is implicit handbook for the “old guard,” in 39–40. the role and meaning of collegiality? What are its which collegiality is employed as an ambigu- Academy of Religion Excellence in Teaching 4 See Patricia Williams, Seeing a Color-blind presumed behaviors? Most importantly, is it possi- ous, evaluative trump card used subversively Award. Future: The Paradox of Race (New York: ble to prevent collegiality from becoming a fail- and surreptitiously to maintain conformity, Farrar, Straus, Giroux, 1997); bell hooks, safe mechanism for nepotism or a disguise for dis- ensure deference, and silence dissenting opin- Talking Back: Thinking Feminist, Thinking crimination against women and people of color? ions and “disobedient” personalities. Black (Boston: South End Press, 1989); M. These questions are necessary for us to ask Embedded within hiring practices, peer evalua- Shawn Copeland, “Collegiality as a Moral and HROUGH our work as members of the aloud and engage, if we truly seek to advance tions, and promotion reviews, this ambiguous Ethical Practice,” in Practice What You Preach: Status of the Women in the Profession our pursuit of knowledge production. notion of collegiality not only represents a Virtues, Ethics, and Power in the Lives of Committee, we have come to realize that T Not surprisingly, the American Association of “safety mechanism” that protects white male Pastoral Ministers and Their Congregations, the hiring of women and people of color with- University Professors (AAUP) has noted that privilege, but also poses a very real danger to ed. by James F.Keenan, S.J., and Joseph Kotva, in the religious studies departments and theo- collegiality is frequently employed incorrectly the academic freedom and professional success Jr. (Franklin, WI: Sheed and Ward, 1999); logical schools has elicited mixed reactions. On as an evaluative means designed to ensure of women and other underrepresented groups. Katie Cannon, Katie’s Canon: Womanism and the one hand, these institutions publicly pres- homogeneity of faculty and thought, by Normative faculty powerbrokers often antici- the Soul of the Black Community (New York: ent and support the view that “race-ing” for- excluding diversity of person and practice on pate the arrival of those who do not embody Continuum, November 1997); and Miguel A. ward to engender diversity within the academy the basis of their difference from a perceived the norm as if they are the veritable barbarians De La Torre, Editor, AAR Career Guide for is a marked sign of progress away from what norm. In this respect, the invocation of ‘colle- at the gate. Eventually, they come to sound the Racial and Ethnic Minorities in the Profession once appeared to be an exclusive group. On giality’ often threatens the basic academic free- “collegial” alarm, in order to forestall in covert (Atlanta: American Academy of Religion), the other hand, however, the addition of dom that is of fundamental importance to the fashion the imminent discursive or demo- online.www.aarweb.org/publications/Online_ women and the smattering of underrepresent- academic enterprise. In the heat of important graphic shift. That is, they will proclaim a defi- Publications/Career_Guide; Guide to the ed racial-ethnic groups have not altered, trans- decision-making regarding promotion and/or ciency in the underrepresented faculty mem- Perplexing: A Survival Manual for Women in formed, or ended institutional hegemony built tenure, as well as other traditional areas of fac- ber’s performance that they will ground in his Religious Studies (The American Academy of on white male normativity. ulty responsibility such as curriculum revision or her perceived lack of “collegiality” — be it Religion Individual Volumes, No 2), (Atlanta: While those of liberal sensibilities ballyhoo and academic hiring, “collegiality” can and is his lack of “fit” (read embodiment), her “disre- American Academy of Religion, 1992). diversification in the academy, their conserva- often misconstrued as the expectation that a spect” (read dissenting opinion), or their 5 Michel Wallace, Invisibility Blues: From Pot to tive counterparts denounce and decry its effects faculty member should display appropriate “unwillingness to work for the best interest of Theory (New York: Verson, 1990), 7, as found and merits. Yet, all signs indicate that diversifi- “enthusiasm” or “dedication,” should evince “a the institution” (read criticism of discriminato- in Shawn Copeland, “Collegiality as a Moral cation is by no means as widespread as has constructive attitude” that will “foster harmo- ry policies, procedures, and processes). No and Ethical Practice,” 318. been touted within higher education in gener- ny” and not encourage “divisiveness,” or dis- matter how competent, productive, or hard- al, or within the realm of religious studies and play an excessive deference to administrative or working faculty of diversity may be, their very 6 Shawn Copeland, “Collegiality as a Moral theological education in particular. Only 29 faculty decisions that are based upon “rea- presence, promotion, and possible permanence and Ethical Practice,” 317. percent of faculty and 23 percent of tenured soned” discussion. Such expectations are flatly somehow suggest an undermining of the mis- faculty are women within departments of reli- contrary to the very foundation of academic sion, identity, and traditions of the (old boys’) gion and theology at colleges and universities, freedom that protects a faculty member’s right institution. As a result, white male normativity while 29 percent of seminary faculty and 26 to dissent from the judgments of colleagues comes to bemoan the crucible of diversity as percent of its tenured faculty are women. The and question the actions of administrators.3 the crisis of our time. statistics are even more bleak in both contexts Cultural critics such as bell hooks, Patricia Therein lies the problem. Its resolution will be where racial-ethnic minorities represent less Williams, and Cornel West, along with reli- found not merely by dealing with the “flesh than 16 percent of the total faculty. (This sug- gion scholars such as M. Shawn Copeland, and blood” demographics that facilitate the gests that zero persons of color on a given fac- Katie Cannon, and Miguel de la Torre, have diversification of faculty, curricula, and student ulty is the norm rather than the exception). shown how this skewed environment is one populations, but rather, and more importantly, Women of color represent less than 5 percent wherein “collegial” behavior is (mis)perceived by exorcising the “powers and principalities” of of all faculties within the field.1 Consequently,

October 2009 RSN • 31 Religious Studies News The Wind Is in Our Sails

Sharon Watson Fluker, The Fund for Theological Education

Today, these memories and our ongoing tionally underrepresented groups consider- work with FTE Doctoral Fellows inspire ing ordained ministry, teaching, and continued passion for encouraging talent- scholarship as vocations. ed students from traditionally underrepre- These threads of commitment run deep in sented groups (African-American, Asian- the DNA of our mission today. While sev- American, Native American, and Hispanic eral fellowship programs have changed in students) to consider teaching and schol- structure, FTE remains an ecumenical “PhD studies are extremely arship in theological schools and seminar- advocate for excellence and diversity in ies as their life’s work. demanding. Rising pastoral ministry and theological scholar- This remains true despite recent chal- ship. Our work continues to support the scholars, particularly those lenges to affirmative action policies, race- next generation of leaders among pastors from underrepresented based scholarships, and the reexamination and scholars, providing $1.5 million of diversity programs across higher educa- annually in fellowships and convening groups, need a community tion and beyond. It remains true because opportunities to gifted young people from of support. That’s what excellence in the academy depends on all denominations and racial/ethnic back- gifted voices that represent diverse per- grounds. The FTE has awarded nearly the Fund offers.” Sharon Watson Fluker is Vice President for spectives in research, teaching, and public 6,000 fellowships to develop leaders for DA ARIA SASI IAZ Doctoral Programs and Administration at engagement. And it remains true because the church, academy, and world. A M I -D The Fund for Theological Education, of FTE’s history of investment in identify- PROFESSOR OF ETHICS AND THEOLOGY,DREW where she has led the doctoral programs ing, recruiting, and supporting emerging Doctoral Education: The THEOLOGICAL SCHOOL, FTE FELLOW department since 1998. She serves on the scholars from underrepresented racial/ Association of Theological Schools Diversity Gap and the Twenty- Committee on Race and Ethnicity and is ethnic groups who are able to make a first Century Challenge measurable and positive impact in the Preparing the next generation of diverse a board member of the American Bible Achieving diversity in doctoral education lives of students and on the quality of scholars for the academy depends on Society. Previously she held administrative in the academy overall has been slow. This scholarship. increasing the number of racial/ethnic stu- and teaching appointments in higher edu- is especially true if one compares the pres- dents pursuing the PhD. But while the cation, including leadership posts at ence of scholars from underrepresented proportion of college students from Vanderbilt University, the University of groups to their proportion in the popula- underrepresented groups has been increas- Rochester, Elms College, Dillard tion. Today, 30 percent of United States ing (from 22 percent in 1997 to 28 per- University, and the State University of citizens are persons of color. If current cent in 2006), far too few of them — New York, Geneseo. Fluker holds a mas- trends hold, half of all Americans will be ter’s degree and a PhD in political science lacking financial support, instruction on persons of color in two generations. Yet a from Northwestern University and a navigating the graduate school application 2001 AAR research study found that bachelor’s degree in political science from process, and faculty role models — go on racial/ethnic persons account for fewer Spelman College. She was awarded a post- to seek graduate degrees. In many ways, than 10 percent of full-time religion facul- doctoral fellowship at the John F. Kennedy the fundamental challenge remains a sup- ty in higher education. About a third of School of Government at Harvard ply or “pipeline” issue. University and a teaching fellowship at theological schools do not have a person Smith College. She and her husband, “Diversity for me is a code of color on their faculties. However, data The FTE’s formula for change — as a cat- Walter Fluker, Executive Director of the word for excellence. If we do from the Association of Theological alyst, convener, and advocate — seeks to Leadership Center at Morehouse College, not start representing the great Schools shows that full-time racial/ethnic keep this issue as a priority on the radar are the parents of two sons. faculty at theological schools and seminar- screen of graduate education. It requires a diversity of people who are ies have registered a slow but noticeable commensurate commitment on the part part of this society in our increase from 12.7 percent in 2001 to of national, regional, and local partners almost 17 percent today. and the constellation of higher education INDS OF CHANGE — educational environment, institutions. Some of our dedicated part- steady and gentle streams, as we’re not educating people ners include the American Academy of Wwell as sudden, strong gusts — to meet future needs, as s Religion, Society of Biblical Literature, have swept and refreshed the landscape of Hispanic Theological Initiative, Institute theological education and religious schol- tudents or as scholars.” for Leadership Development and the arship over the past decade. An academy Study of Pacific and Asian North MILIE OWNES “FTE has been instrumental characterized by excellence and diversity E M. T American Religion, and the Association of in the teaching of religion, theology, and PAST PRESIDENT OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF in gatherings that bring Theological Schools. RELIGION;ASSOCIATE DEAN OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS biblical studies is in view, but remains a educators and students from AND ANDREW W. MELLON PROFESSOR OF AFRICAN Over the past decade, we have learned destination we have yet to fully reach. AMERICAN RELIGION AND THEOLOGY,YALE the social sciences, the which identification and retention strate- DIVINITY SCHOOL; FTE FELLOW I have had the privilege to witness those humanities, and the gies work for doctoral students, and also winds of change — as both a professor the value of collaboration and partnership and administrator at several institutions of theological disciplines in advancing the diversity cause. Sparked higher education, and since 1998 as direc- History Matters together with leaders and sustained by visionary funding from tor of Doctoral Fellowship Programs at Lilly Endowment Inc., FTE Doctoral What exactly is FTE’s cause? The Fund of faith communities. The Fund for Theological Education Fellowships have helped to change the was created in 1954 out of concern that (FTE). Now more than ten years later, I PANA is indebted to landscape. the quality of students entering ministry have wonderful memories of working with had declined as gifted students increasing- FTE for its role in But the challenge continues as our inter- students selected as FTE Doctoral Fellows ly chose other career paths. In close col- supporting and vention seeks the scale and investment to as they have finished their graduate cours- laboration with the Association of match current and emerging needs. es, completed their dissertations, and fostering the religious Theological Schools (ATS) and leading started their teaching careers. theological educators of that time, the leadership and scholarship These rising scholars call and e-mail us Fund launched a special initiative known of Asian Pacific Americans.” FTE Doctoral Programs: A about their upcoming dissertation defense as the Rockefeller Brothers Trial Year Decade of Success dates and send invitations to attend their Fellowship to attract talented students to UMITAKA ATSUOKA F M To tackle concerns about the lack of diver- final oral defense — the capstone of the ministry who might not otherwise have ROBERT GORDON SPROUL PROFESSOR EMERITUS sity among faculty who teach religion and doctoral journey. They share the high considered it as a vocation. During the OF THEOLOGY,PACIFIC SCHOOL OF RELIGION, theology, the Fund unveiled in 1998 new moments of their dissertation work, spe- 1960s and 1970s, FTE grew in size and ORMER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF F PANA competitive fellowships for outstanding cial memories of being hooded by a scope. Its priorities embraced issues of racial/ethnic students. Between 1998 and favorite professor at commencement, fam- diversity and inclusivity among students 2008, FTE has awarded approximately ily photographs of the ceremonies mark- intending to enroll in theological schools $4 million in support to 214 doctoral ing their entrance into the academy of and among those who teach and mentor scholars, and celebrations of their first fac- them. The Fund developed new programs (continued on next page) ulty appointments and published articles. and fellowships to assist women and tradi-

32 • October 2009 RSN NEWS Statement of Best Practices for the Posting of Graduation and Placement Records by Graduate Programs in the Academic Study of Religion

The American Academy of Religion Board of Directors, at its April 2009 meeting, approved the following Statement of Best Practices for the Posting of Graduation and Placement Records by Graduate Programs in the Academic Study of Religion. The statement, composed and submitted by the Job Placement Task Force, provides some guidelines by which graduate programs in religion and theology should share its graduate and placement records to the larger public. The Statement of Best Practices is available on the AAR’s website at www.aarweb.org/ About_AAR/Board_and_Governance/Resolutions/placement.asp. We encourage you to discuss these best practices with your institution’s administration.

STUDENT’S DECISION to In light of the changing nature of the job Programs should post in a location acces- 2006. East Asian Religions. “Japanese pursue graduate work in the aca- market with regard to academic positions sible to prospective and current students Buddhism in an Age of Empire: A demic study of religion is often a in the field and in order to afford students (typically the program website) the aver- 1920–1945.” Tenure-track Assistant complex one, based on considerations the opportunity to make informed deci- age time of completion — the period Professor, Oberlin College (as of September ranging from intellectual and personal to sions about whether and where to attend from first enrollment to graduation — for 2009). professional and practical. In all cases, the graduate school, the American Academy all students who have graduated from the 2006. Ethics and Society. “The Pursuit of the decision represents an important life of Religion puts forth the following best program during a specified period of time. Common Good in Twentieth Century choice. Yet students in the academic study practices for the posting of graduation and For example: Catholic Thought.” Hired as an educational of religion often lack access to the very placement information by graduate pro- Average time from first enrollment to gradua- program director for a nonprofit organization information they most need to make grams in the academic study of religion. tion for students who graduated 2002–2009: (as of September 2009). informed decisions. In a 2008 survey con- Programs should post in a location acces- 6.5 years ducted by the AAR, over 80 percent of The above information is crucial not sible to prospective and current students current graduate students in the field Programs should post in a location acces- merely to students who are deciding (typically the program website) concrete responded that they had little or no sible to prospective and current students whether or not to attend graduate school, data on progress towards the degree and understanding of the job market for PhD (typically the program website) specific but also to students currently enrolled in graduation status for each year’s class of graduates in their specific field of study information — including year graduated, programs who must make informed deci- students. This data should be updated on when they started their studies, and 82 area of study, dissertation/thesis title, and sions about future career paths. In addi- at least an annual basis. For example: percent reported that they had little or no current position, but not student name — tion, this information should be an inte- understanding of the job placement suc- Class of 2005: regarding the placement status of each stu- gral part of discussions by faculty mem- cess for graduates in their field of study 20 students started, 13 still enrolled, 1 gradu- dent who graduates from the program. bers as they conduct informed assessment from the institution they were attending. ated (as of Fall 2009) This information should be updated on at of program strengths, weaknesses, and least an annual basis. For example: future directions. Class of 2004: 18 students started, 6 still enrolled, 5 gradu- ated (as of Fall 2009)

(continued from previous page) shows that 79 percent of the 91 FTE BRIEFS, from page 24 Christian Living Doctoral Fellows who have completed their Reconciling All Things: A Christian Vision degrees since 1998 are now teaching in the for Justice, Peace, and Healing students from top-ranked competitive aca- academy. The remaining 21 percent are serv- Harry O. Maier, Vancouver School of Emmanuel Katongole and Chris Rice demic programs nationwide. Those awards ing in church-related or other nonprofit Theology, and Robert A. Daum, InterVarsity Press represent 402 fellowships ranging from organization settings. Those completing their University of British Columbia $5,000 to $18,000. Fifty-three percent of Church/Pastoral Leadership degrees did so, on average, in less than seven Martha E. Stortz, Pacific Lutheran FTE Doctoral Program Fellows are women Why We’re Not Emergent (By Two Guys years, compared to a national time-to-degree Theological Seminary, and Lisa and 47 percent are men; 71 percent of recip- Who Should Be) average of nearly ten years among doctoral Fullam, Jesuit School of Theology, ients are under age forty. Kevin DeYoung and Ted Kluck students enrolled in humanities programs. Berkeley Moody What are the results? Marked by a 98 per- Seventy-one percent of the awarded FTE cent retention rate among Fellows enrolled Doctoral Program Fellows have Master of Christianity Today Fiction in doctoral studies, FTE Doctoral Fellowship Divinity degrees; among this group 58 per- Home: A Novel awards and support activities that accelerate cent are ordained clergy. This speaks to their Book Awards Marilynne Robinson the completion of degree programs while continued commitment to serving denomi- Farrar, Straus, and Giroux providing a community of peers and faculty nations and local communities in addition to Christianity Today has recently History/Biography mentors. Our 2009 report fulfilling leadership roles in the classroom announced its 2009 book award win- Bill Bright and Campus Crusade for Christ: and on campus. ners. The awards serve to recognize out- The Renewal of Evangelicalism in A Strong and Gentle Wind standing volumes that shed light on peo- Postwar America ple, events, and ideas that shape evangel- John G. Turner We continue to be propelled by a strong and ical life, thought, and mission. This year, University of North Carolina Press gentle wind in our sails: from generous fun- 67 publishers nominated 436 titles pub- Missions/Global Affairs ders who continue to support this cause; lished in 2008. Transforming Worldviews: An from faculty, departments, and institutions Apologetics/Evangelism Anthropological Understanding of How in the academy with whom we work; a The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of People Change growing network of energized alumni; and Skepticism Paul G. Hiebert from fellowship recipients who directly bene- Timothy Keller Baker Academic fit from our programs. “FTE has helped me Penguin/Dutton But we still have work to do. Diversity Spirituality understand that being delayed is a deferral of true excellence. We Biblical Studies Acedia and Me: A Marriage, Monks, and a a scholar is a calling. must make faculty diversity a priority invest- Stories with Intent: A Comprehensive Guide Writer’s Life ment — as a hallmark of quality and as one to the Parables of Jesus Kathleen Norris The Fund has been of the most essential ways we prepare stu- Klyne R. Snodgrass Penguin/Riverhead priceless in helping me dents for a world in need of gifted leaders William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. who represent every source of transforming Theology/Ethics Christianity and Culture through the process talent and intellect. People and Place: A Covenant Ecclesiology Culture Making: Recovering Our Creative Michael S. Horton of getting my PhD.” Calling Westminster John Knox Press Andy Crouch LERONE MARTIN InterVarsity Press FTE DISSERTATION FELLOW,EMORY UNIVERSITY

October 2009 RSN • 33 Religious Studies News

In the Public Interest Religion and the Obama Campaign Shaun Casey, Wesley Theological Seminary

radical Muslim. In addition, his member- the campaign and not yet a staffer, the thought that it had the goods that were ship in the Trinity United Church of night before one of the major television going to kill the Obama campaign and Christ in Chicago, under the leadership of networks “broke” the Wright story on its that was all they were interested in. In Reverend Jeremiah Wright, led many pun- national morning news magazine show, coming weeks, I worked my contacts in dits to charge that Obama was under the the campaign called me and asked me to the media world and discovered a lack of sway of allegedly radical black ideology. go on the show to tape a response to the interest or a lack of competency among And there was also the simple fact that as story. I reluctantly agreed and found political media in understanding black lib- a Democrat Obama was presumed by myself in a downtown Washington remote eration theology. To be fair, there were a some to be a secularist and even anti-God network studio very early the next morn- number of religion reporters and religious simply by virtue of his party affiliation. ing getting ready to respond to a question- media outlets that did do a good job on Taken together, these weaknesses at the and-answer segment with the anchor. this front, but they were not in the outset of the campaign presented Obama Despite significant preparation with key national political press corps and their with many problems. campaign staffers, I was appalled at what I coverage went relatively unnoticed. experienced. The anchor played the video The second parallel between Kennedy and As an aside, I should note the Obama of the story and then launched into a Obama is their response to these weak- campaign’s modest success in reaching series of hostile questions. nesses. Despite his naïvete regarding anti- moderate and young Evangelicals forced Shaun Casey is professor of Christian Catholicism in the American electorate, Senator John McCain to expend valuable ethics at Wesley Theological Seminary in Kennedy came to realize the depth of his assets in shoring up his base among con- Washington, D.C. He is a member of the problem very quickly and applied a type servative Protestants, which constitutes a AAR’s Committee on the Public of technical rationality to the problem. He huge part of the Republican base, despite Understanding of Religion. assembled a team of experts to constantly the fact that he was clearly uncomfortable diagnose the scope of the problem and I left the comfort of my with that segment of his party. The selec- design a course of action. He directly usual academic summer tion of Sarah Palin as his running mate addressed the issues surrounding his stopped the hemorrhaging of voters in the HE 2008 ELECTION of Barack Catholicism through a combination of a “routine and joined the Religious Right, but it proved to be a dis- Obama as president generated an listening tour of prominent anti-Catholic Obama campaign as a astrous choice among the balance of the Tunusual volume of commentary on Protestant leaders, several speeches electorate. McCain maintained a minis- the role of religion in American presiden- throughout the campaign, and constant staffer for the religious cule religious outreach staff in comparison tial politics. All across the political spec- consultation with prominent Protestant affairs team . . . I hit to both President Bush in previous elec- trum bloggers, journalists, professors, and Catholic leaders for advice. tions and the Obama campaign. Every- politicians, clergy, and ordinary citizens the road predisposed to where I traveled across the country, I dis- Obama, too, applied a form of technical examined and debated a host of rumors, covered we had the religious field to our- rationality to the religion problems he compare what I saw and events, and speeches dealing with some selves. The formidable Bush religious out- faced. He assembled the largest campaign aspect of religion. From the devout of did on the campaign reach machine was apparently dead. religion staff of any Democratic presiden- every tribe to the cultured among the tial candidate in history. Significant assets In conclusion, let me say a few words despisers of religion, everyone seemed to with the epic struggle of were deployed to reach Catholic, African- about the president and religion. Pundits have an opinion on the junior senator American, Evangelical, and mainline John Kennedy’s fight to speculate on the influence of such diverse from Illinois when it came to religion. Protestant voters. While it would be a become the first Roman figures as James Cone, Reinhold Niebuhr, I had something of a front row seat to the gross exaggeration to attribute his win to Robert Putnam, John Rawls, Jeremiah spectacle. In July of last year, after serving this effort, it certainly did not do him any Catholic president in Wright, Jim Wallis, and others on the as a senior adviser for religious affairs to harm in the final outcome. Like Kennedy, American history. I president’s thinking about religion. In the campaign for a year, I left the comfort Obama also addressed his problems with most cases, there is only the flimsiest of of my usual academic summer routine and speeches aimed directly at these problems. noticed at least three evidence of any such influence. Truth be joined the Obama campaign as a staffer Obama’s famous Philadelphia speech, like major parallels. told, the president is not a religious intel- for the religious affairs team. The next Kennedy’s famous Houston speech, was lectual. The greatest religious influences four months were a whirlwind of travel, given in direct response to a crisis precipi- on his thinking are not public intellectu- organizing, and speaking, to say nothing tated by a public provocation. In als, but rather his own experience in his of bad food, cheap hotel rooms, and fasci- Kennedy’s case, he reluctantly gave the community organizing days in Chicago, nating conversations. Just days before Houston speech in response to a public which fed his belief that faith-based com- The video clip contained no original joining the campaign I completed my challenge thrown down by Norman munities can work together to address reporting from Trinity United Church” of manuscript for The Making of a Catholic Vincent Peale, allies of Billy Graham, and social problems. From the staffers who Christ. Instead, the investigative reporter President: Kennedy vs. Nixon 1960 for the National Association of Evangelicals. manage faith-related issues in the White bought a DVD of Wright’s sermons and Oxford University Press. So I hit the road Obama responded to the outcry over House to the members of his Faith-Based edited several selections of the most predisposed to compare what I saw and Reverend Jeremiah Wright’s appearance at and Neighborhood Partnerships Council, provocative clips from multiple sermons. In did on the campaign with the epic strug- the National Press Club. Both speeches one does not find a coterie of well-trained classic contemporary movie editing fashion, gle of John Kennedy’s fight to become the were born out of fear and crisis. Both religion scholars. there were quick clips of worship scenes first Roman Catholic president in speeches were critical political successes in featuring African-American women in tra- Nevertheless, religion scholars will find American history. I noticed at least three that they eloquently addressed voter angst ditional African dress dancing and clapping much to examine in Obama’s governing major parallels. and allayed the fears of many voters. to music interspersed with the sermon record in coming years as religion will The first parallel I saw was weakness. Both The third parallel between the two candi- clips. Having grown up in a small southern continue to cut across most of the crucial Kennedy and Obama faced very difficult dates relates to the media. Kennedy was town, I knew the name of this genre. It is political questions of our day. Undoubt- problems regarding religion. Kennedy’s quite frustrated in that he was constantly called “What White People Think Black edly, the president’s reelection campaign in Catholicism was a huge obstacle as the portrayed as the Catholic candidate for People Do When They Think White 2012 will consolidate the lessons learned conventional political wisdom said that, in the presidency. His inability to settle what People Are Not Watching.” I fended off the from its successes and failures with reli- light of Herbert Hoover’s big win over the came to be called the “religious” question hostile questions from the pretty boy gious outreach in 2008 and that, too, will Catholic Democrat Al Smith, America dogged the campaign throughout 1960. anchor who kept asking me how Obama, draw scholarly scrutiny. would never elect a Catholic. As a Yet, I argue in my book, this tension actu- who spoke of uniting all Americans, could Massachusetts Catholic, Kennedy had ally helped him in the closing days of the associate with such a divisive figure, but I never faced the depths of anti-Catholic race. For Obama, the Reverend Jeremiah was furious. prejudice of the type he would encounter Wright story in the media threatened to I did no harm to the campaign that morn- especially, but not exclusively, in the derail the campaign. While I cannot fully ing, but as a scholar of religion I learned South. explore the complexities of the controver- the hard way that the mainstream political sies generated by the Wright episode here, Likewise, Obama’s problems were large. media had no capacity and little interest I do think the media bears some responsi- The fact that his middle name is Hussein in understanding either Jeremiah Wright bility for its poor handling of the story. In fed fears in a significant minority of the or the theology of Trinity United Church the spring of 2008, when I was advising electorate that he was in fact some sort of of Christ. Instead, the major media outlet

34 • October 2009 RSN FEATURES Research Briefing Saying Your Prayers, Constructing Your Religions: Medical Studies of Intercessory Prayer Wendy Cadge, Brandeis University the duration of the study, these factors Hospital, half of whom were prayed for by consider our epistemologies and to be as included the ways that the intercessors, born-again Christians who were active in clear as possible about how our individual, members of three Christian prayer groups, local churches. Each intercessor was given institutional, and cultural contexts shape were instructed to offer prayers. the assigned patients’ names, diagnoses, our assumptions, research questions, and and general conditions and was asked to writing. As scholars, we might think such double pray for “rapid recovery” and for “preven- blind clinical trials of intercessory prayer For these reasons, I have found interces- tion of complications and death.” After have nothing to do with how we study sory prayer studies to be particularly valu- analyzing the data gathered, Byrd con- religion. Taken as texts, however, these able as teaching tools in introductory and cluded that “intercessory prayer to the studies offer remarkable insights into how more advanced courses in religion and Judeo-Christian God has a beneficial ther- a group of physicians and medical scien- sociology. In religious studies courses, stu- apeutic effect in patients admitted to the tists at Columbia University, Duke dents tend to recoil when they learn how CCU [cardiac care unit].” Patients who University, and other prominent medical these researchers defined and measured were prayed for by born-again Christians schools have understood prayer, tried to prayer, creating an opening for discussions they had never met, he argued, had better study it, and written about it in the pages of what prayer is, how it is constructed, health outcomes than those who were not of medical journals. I trace the social his- how context shapes the answers to these the subjects of prayer. A later study, “A tory of these studies from 1965 to the questions, etc. Such questions can lead Randomized Controlled Trial of the Wendy Cadge is an associate professor of present in my recent article, “Saying Your into broader discussion of how we define Effects of Remote Intercessory Prayer on sociology at Brandeis University. She Prayers, Constructing Your Religions: and study prayer, ritual, practice, and Outcomes in Patients Admitted to the received her PhD in sociology from Medical Studies of Intercessory Prayer,” other common topics in religious studies Coronary Care Unit,” led by William H. Princeton University. Her first book, published in the July issue of the Journal of courses. Harris and published in the Archives of Heartwood: The First Generation of Religion. From single Protestant-based Internal Medicine in 1999, claimed to con- One approach to teaching about interces- Theravada Buddhism in America prayers in the 1960s to some more recent (University of Chicago Press, 2005), firm these positive findings. sory prayer studies as connected to attempts (not Benson’s) to combine examined immigrant and convert broader issues of epistemology and Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, and other Many other studies reported negative Buddhists in the United States. She is methodology is to begin by having stu- prayers in the 2000s, these studies reflect effects of intercessory prayer, finding like currently working on a book about reli- dents actually read one of the studies. I researchers’ shifting assumptions about Benson and colleagues in 2006 that prayer gion and spirituality in hospitals to be typically assign the article by Harris men- prayer and the evolving requirements of did not improve the health of those titled Paging God: Religion in the tioned above. The article by Byrd men- clinical research trials in the years in prayed for. As time went on, researchers Halls of Medicine. She writes and tioned above also works well, as does an which they were conducted. and people who wrote letters to the edi- teaches about religion, medicine, immi- article by Leonard Leibovici titled “Effects tors of the medical journals in response to gration, and sexuality in the contempo- Twentieth century medical researchers of Remote, Retroactive Intercessory Prayer these studies also began to wrestle with rary United States, including her recent were not the first to investigate whether on Outcomes in Patients with methodological, theological, and episte- article, “De Facto Congregationalism and the prayers of one group of people might Bloodstream Infection: Randomised the Religious Organizations of Post-1965 mological questions. They asked how affect the health of others. Calling the effi- Controlled Trial” (British Medical Journal, Immigrants to the United States: A prayer should be offered in such studies, cacy of prayer a “perfectly appropriate and 2001). If you assign this article, read my Revised Approach” ( Journal of the what the right “dosage” is, how interces- legitimate subject of scientific inquiry” article in the Journal of Religion first so you American Academy of Religion, vol. 76 sors should be trained, and how to handle that is universally ignored by the scientific are aware of the twist in his approach. I no. 2: 344–374). Cadge’s recent work non-Christian intercessors. They raised world, nineteenth century English scien- typically assign one of the above- has been supported by the Radcliffe questions about whether the people not tist Francis Galton focused on sovereigns, mentioned articles for a full class meeting Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard being prayed for in these studies were a a group he assumed were prayed for more and begin by asking the class: University, the Louisville Institute, the true control group in the scientific sense, than others, to determine whether prayers Metanexus Institute, the American because they were likely prayed for by • Were you surprised to read this arti- were answered. He concluded that they Academy of Religion, the Robert Wood family and friends. Letter writers asked cle? Why or why not? were not, but that prayer might be a com- Johnson Foundation Scholars in Health about methods of data analysis and Policy Program, and the Cognitive and fort to people regardless. Other English • What are these researchers trying to whether these studies, if they are science, Textual Methods Project at Princeton scientists, including John Tyndall, also learn? should be reviewed by institutional review University. She is a recipient of the called for studies into the effectiveness of panels that grant permission to do • What assumptions are they making in Michael Walzer (’56) Award for prayer, suggesting an experiment in 1872 research with living beings. Some also the process (about science, religion, Excellence in Teaching from Brandeis in which a hospital would be made the asked about the conceptions of religion prayer, etc.)? University. focus of national prayer for one day and and of prayer that underlie these studies, mortality rates compared before and after • Are you convinced by their evidence? raising questions about theology, theodicy, the day of prayer. The experiment was Why or why not? and deep existential questions about why never conducted, but the “prayer gauge” people become ill, why some recover and • What do you think it would have debate it provoked illustrated deep ten- N MARCH 31, 2006, the New others do not, and the differences between been like to be an intercessor in this sions around the boundaries of religion York Times published a front-page religious and scientific approaches to such study? and science in Victorian England and article under the headline “Long- questions. O served as a precursor to contemporary • What are these researchers actually Awaited Medical Study Questions the intercessory prayer studies. Intercessory prayer studies illustrate a par- testing? Are they testing the existence Power of Prayer.” The article reported the ticular intersection of religion and modern of God? results of a multiyear, multi-medical- Between 1965 and 2006, about seventy- medical science demonstrating shifting center study designed to determine five researchers working in small teams • Should these studies be conducted? societal assumptions about medicine, reli- whether prayers offered by strangers influ- published eighteen research articles in the gion, and the requirements of clinical tri- • Should universities allow these studies enced the recovery of people undergoing English language medical literature that als in the years in which they were pub- to be conducted? heart surgery — they did not. Published report on intercessory prayer studies. The lished. In addition, intercessory prayer in the prominent American Heart Journal, Cochrane Review, an organization that This generally generates vigorous empirical studies are valuable for scholars of religion this report was the latest in a line of med- compiles medical studies about specific debate about what the researchers did and for what they demonstrate about “epis- ical research studies published over the topics to offer clear recommendations, vigorous normative debate about whether temic authority” or the boundaries we past forty years that asked this question. analyzed these studies first in the 1990s such studies should be conducted. place around the subjects we study. Lead author Herbert Benson and his col- and several times since, initially suggesting Studying them as a group illustrates In a second class meeting, I then assign leagues were surprised by these results in further study and only recently calling for Jonathan Z. Smith’s imperative that the my article to give students a social history light of earlier studies that showed such an end to such studies. These studies first constructed nature of the category of reli- of these studies as well as to raise broader prayers to have an effect. While briefly became news in 1988 when Robert Byrd gion and practices traditionally connected theoretical and methodological questions acknowledging that intercessory prayer published an article titled “Positive to it, such as prayer, be recognized. By about what prayer is and how, as scholars may not be effective in reducing compli- Therapeutic Effects of Intercessory Prayer looking at a case in which religion, prayer of religion, we study it. For fun and to cations in cardiac patients, Benson and in a Coronary Care Unit Population” in specifically, is defined and measured so generate more accessible conversation, I colleagues pointed to aspects of their the Southern Medical Journal. The study discretely and differently from how schol- also sometimes assign William Saletan’s study design that might explain these included 393 people admitted to the car- ars of religion typically think about it, this findings. In addition to concerns about diac care unit at San Francisco General (continued on next page) study points to all of our need to carefully

October 2009 RSN • 35 Religious Studies News From the Student Desk Running with a MA in a PhD world Juli Gittinger, University of Colorado, Boulder

year Master’s degree in London, and then a the added reality of the United States reces- can get a teaching job with that alone, there is second Master’s degree at the University of sion and university cutbacks can hardly soften something you need to know: our field is so Colorado. All along, these graduate degrees the blow. inundated with unemployed PhDs that even felt more like a launching pad to PhD studies community colleges and small liberal arts The advice given to me by professors is usual- than an end in themselves. I finished with a schools advertise jobs that require “PhD in ly the same. Find someone in your field who strong thesis, a great GPA, enthusiastic rec- hand” or at least “ABD” status. Statistics from is doing what you do (no one is doing exactly ommendations, and a crystal-clear idea of the AAR state that over 80 percent of teach- what I am doing — hooray for originality! — what I wanted to research. Then the PhD ing jobs are given to people with a PhD (and but at least there are some in the ballpark), application process began. most of the rest are given to those in the then contact them to see if they are interested process of pursuing one). When it comes to I hardly have to describe how ugly this appli- in your work (I found several who said they research grants for teachers and students, cation process can be — how expensive the would be happy to be my advisor). Go to, there’s virtually nothing available for someone fees for GREs, transcripts, and applications and present at, conferences (I have, both with just a MA. You at least have to be on the get, how stressful it is to juggle meeting regional and national), publish if you can, PhD track, if not have one already. schoolwork deadlines with composing pithy travel if possible. I know so many peers who Statements of Purpose. In reality, though, this have followed every one of these rules and Even if I’m whining a bit here, I know I’m in is what being a scholar is all about: multitask- more, and still have not been admitted any- good company.There are literally thousands Juli Gittinger received her Master’s ing between what you want to do and what where. of us MAs out there — bright, eager, full of Degrees from the School of Oriental and you need to do. Off on the hazy horizon is interesting ideas, focused on our goals — I know enough about the admission process African Studies (SOAS) at the the promise that, in three to five months, an who are waiting tables and answering phones. to know that it is not as simple as “I like this University of London in 2005 and from admission letter on watermarked university The carrot on the stick, the hope of an student, let’s take them!” There are financial the University of Colorado, Boulder, in letterhead will arrive at your door and be the admission letter in the mail, motivates us to factors, of course. There are faculty considera- 2008, both in religious studies. She cur- gateway to your future. A salutary exercise in keep reading and writing and going to con- tions — your potential advisor might already rently works as a waitress in Indiana, self promotion, perhaps, the PhD admission ferences and planning our futures. But take have a maximum number of students, or continues to write, and will be reapply- process can be a rite of passage. away that “carrot” and what is the point of have no influence on the admissions commit- ing to PhD programs in 2009–2010. going on? Is there any caché (or cash!) in hav- This rosy optimism quickly fades when the tee. Some research topics might just be too ing the dubious title of “independent schol- first rejection letter arrives, pushing you into fringe for some departments’ intended focus. ar”? Can one freelance in academia? Will a the realm of fear and anxiety with the recog- Since my own work, for example, crosses into T THE RIPE AGE of thirty-two, book publisher, or even the JAAR, publish a nition that an acceptance letter may never the fields of anthropology and history, some after completing a fun-filled but submission from John Doe, MA? Will a come. For me, it is small comfort when departments suggested that I would need to entirely impractical art school school take pity on you when you apply for A departments report that they had over 200 have a (third!) MA in one of those fields to be degree, I returned to college to pursue the third time to their program? applicants and only admitted three students, competitive. another subject that had long held my inter- or that they thought I was a great candidate Along with many others, I’ll continue to pon- est: religious studies. In two short years, I had This is the scary reality of PhD admissions, but not a “good fit” for the program. Even der this dilemma — as soon as I finish taking a second BA. I then quickly acquired a one- and if you are holding a MA thinking you this table’s order.

(continued from previous page) A memo or paper assignment to follow these two class discussions might ask stu- April 2006 article in Slate titled “The dents to identify another case in which Deity in the Data: What the Latest Prayer medical researchers define prayer or reli- Study Tells Us about God.” I aim to gen- gion in a particular way and to locate and erate discussion in a second class period respond to an article written by one of with questions such as: these researchers in a way that makes clear • What is epistemic authority and how what the researchers’ assumptions are. is it evident in intercessory prayer Using search terms in PubMed, such as studies? “meditation,” “yoga,” “prayer,” etc., stu- dents could locate other such research • How does Saletan answer the above studies that would enable them to demon- JANUARY 27-29,2010 question in his article? Trinity Church, New York strate that they understand the importance • Why are these researchers studying of epistemology (what I refer to in short- with prayer rather than another religious hand as the science of knowing), method- practice? ology (what I refer to as the science of Does theology Rowan Williams finding out), and the relationship between • Why are there studies being conduct- have a role in shaping The 104th Archbishop of Canterbury the two in the study of religion. ed here and now (i.e., Weber’s classic Discussing these issues in a careful and a new economy? “elective affinity” question)? empirically grounded way can serve not At the 2010 Trinity Institute Conference, • How do changing religious and med- only to reinforce the distinctions between you’ll have an opportunity to help ical contexts over time influence how religion and science that many students define the answer. Be a part of the prayer is defined and measured in enter the classroom with, but to consider conversation. Register now to reserve these studies? the challenges of conceptualization, meas- your place in New York, or find a urement, and guiding assumptions evident • What are other examples or cases in partner site to attend in the U.S., Partha Dasgupta across the disciplines. which scientists study religion or reli- Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Professor of Economics, University of Cambridge gious topics in this way? What can we or the U.K. learn from such comparisons? If you have any difficulty locating Kathryn Tanner For more information: My goal in this discussion is to get at these articles or have feedback about Professor of Theology, trinitywallstreet.org/institute broader questions of methodology and these teaching approaches, please feel University of Chicago Divinity School epistemology in the hopes that students free to contact the author at Preacher: will recognize the constructed nature of all [email protected]. Bernard Ntahoturi categories and the different ways not just Archbishop of Burundi scholars of religion but researchers, scien- tists, journalists, and others conceive of aspects of religion in ways that shape their thinking and writing about it. Trinity Institute® theology in community

36 • October 2009 RSN NEWS Regional Meetings and Calls for Papers

For information about our ten regions and more detailed Calls for Papers, go to www.aarweb.org/Meetings/Regions.

be eligible for submission, the student must Mid-Atlantic Regional Awards (whether by reading it or by interactive dis- attend a university in the Eastern cussion) and to respond to questions. Since As has become our custom, MAR-AAR will International Region. The committee will the average person reads one award the Kate Connolly-Weinert Prize of give preference to work that is new at this double-spaced, ten-font page, without notes, $200 to the most innovative proposal for a conference. Two $200 awards are reserved for in 2.5 minutes, your paper should not exceed group session (or panel) dealing with peace winning papers. The awards will be formally ten double-spaced pages. This will allow a issues or women’s studies; the deadline for presented at the business meeting on few minutes at the end for questions. Please submission is November 15, 2009. Saturday, May 8, 2010. do not exceed this limit. Applicants should send their proposals to MAR-AAR President Devorah Schoenfeld at We regret that we cannot supply any audio- Toenter the competition, please attach a let- drschoenfeld@ smcm.edu. visual equipment due to prohibitive rental ter of intent along with your initial proposal costs so please plan accordingly. In lieu of by the January 31, 2010, deadline. A final To help foster graduate student participation, audiovisual equipment, consider bringing draft of the paper must be submitted by April the Executive Committee of the MAR-AAR photocopied handouts to your session. 1, 2010. Tobe eligible for this award, the stu- will again award the Robert F.Streetman dent must read the entire paper at the meet- Prize of $200 for the best student paper pre- ing, which means the paper and presentation sented at the conference by an AAR regional must conform to the twenty-minute time member. Those interested in the Streetman Eastern International limit (roughly 2,500 words). We ask that sub- prize should submit their entire paper by University of Ottawa/Université d’Ottawa missions to this contest be submitted by e- March 4, 2010, to Devorah Schoenfeld at Ottawa, Ontario, Canada mail to Scott Kline at [email protected]. drschoenfeld@ May 7–8, 2010 smcm.edu and clearly indicate they are sub- Undergraduates mitting the paper for prize consideration. The Regional Program Committee invites The region welcomes submissions from you to submit proposals for papers and panels Preregistration undergraduates in the field of religious stud- to be presented at the 2010 Regional ies. The Committee requests that, in addition Online preregistration will be available in Meeting. The deadline for submissions is to the abstract, CV,and cover letter, the January through the AAR website. You will January 31, 2010. undergraduate student also submit a letter be notified by e-mail when our online pre- from a faculty member who has supervised registration is live. Please utilize the AAR Each proposal should consist of the following: the student’s work. website for registration as it saves paper and • One-page abstract (300 words max.) helps the region fulfill our national AAR Midwest describing the nature of the paper or Note: All presenters at the Spring 2010 regional mandate to promote environmentally sus- Augustana College panel conference must have active membership in the tainable gatherings. Rock Island, Illinois, USA AAR. All participants must preregister for the • Current CV for the participant(s) Sustainability March 26–27, 2010 conference. • Cover letter that includes full name, title, As part of the American Academy of The Midwest Region invites research presen- institution, phone number, fax number, Religion’s commitment to host environmen- tation proposals related to the academic e-mail, and mailing address. tally sustainable meetings, we are asking par- study of religion from a variety of discipli- ticipants to consider bringing reusable bever- nary perspectives and encompassing a wide Please send this information as a single age containers and name badge holders from range of religious and cultural e-mail attachment in MS Word format to previous conferences in order to cut down on phenomena. This year, we especially [email protected]. waste at the conference. invite proposals dealing with topics related to Proposals are welcome in all areas of religious our conference theme, “Religion, Sex, and For any ongoing updated conference infor- studies. The Program Committee is particu- the Body.” Proposals might include research mation please consult our website at larly interested in papers, panels, and themat- engaging topics such as ritual performance, www.aarweb.org/About_AAR/Regions/Mid- ic sessions in the following areas: gendered roles and identities, the embodi- Atlantic. Information will be posted as it is ment of religion, theologies of the body, and • Religion, Art, and Literature available during the upcoming academic sexuality among religious peoples and • Indigenous Religious Traditions year. groups. • Religion and International Relations 2010 Proposal Guidelines • Religion and Diaspora Communities Mid-Atlantic We are very pleased to announce that our • Teaching Religious Studies: Methods Paper Proposals (250–500 words) should keynote speaker will be Wendy Doniger, Hyatt Regency New Brunswick and Technologies include full name, title, institution, phone University of Chicago Divinity School. New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA number, fax number, e-mail, and mailing The Committee is also interested in panels March 11–12, 2010 Proposals are due to Section Chairs by address. The proposal should state, as fully as combining activism or performative dimen- January 1, 2010. Please contact the relevant We encourage you to submit proposals for possible, the proposal’s purpose and how the sions with scholarly inquiry.The Committee Section Chair listed below with your propos- the 2010 joint regional meeting of the Mid- argument will proceed. Provide enough con- wants to encourage interdisciplinary panels al, which should include the following: Atlantic and New England/ Maritimes text to show that you are aware of the basic that maintain religion as a central theme. Regions. As is customary for the Mid- literature in the field and summarize the A cover sheet that includes your name, Scholars from any region may apply to partic- Atlantic Region, once again we will be meet- argument of your presentation. An abstract address, e-mail address, title of paper, and ipate. Only those proposals received by the ing with the Mid-Atlantic Region of the of the paper (150 words) should also be 100-word abstract. deadline will be considered for inclusion in Society for Biblical Literature (MAR-SBL). included. the program. Presentations are limited to A second sheet that includes the title of your This year we are especially interested in pro- twenty minutes, with ten minutes allowed for Proposals for a Panel Session should also paper and a 200- to 250-word proposal, posals that address the 2010 conference questions. If you require technological sup- include abstracts (150 words) and contact typed, double-spaced. Do not include your theme, “Perspectives on Social Change.” Full port for your presentation (such as an information for each individual participant. name on this sheet. calls are available at www.aarweb.org/ Internet connection or AV equipment), you A “panel” is a session with one announced About_AAR/Regions/Mid-Atlantic/call.asp. Proposal submissions will only be accepted must request it with your proposal. As a gen- theme and a list of participants who address online. Please observe these restrictions: eral rule, the Committee discourages panels Proposal Submission that theme but do not present separate for- comprised of scholars from a single institu- mal papers. You may submit up to two different pro- Please send proposals by e-mail attachment tion. Exceptions to this rule would include a posals to a single section. to the section chair for the section to which Proposals for a Paper Session should include presentation from a research team or a panel you are applying no later than November the name of the designated session head and You may submit up to two different pro- based on other types of collaborative research. 15, 2009. You may submit no more than should also include abstracts (150 words) posals to two different sections. The Committee welcomes proposals, papers, one proposal to an AAR section at this and contact information for each individual You may not submit the same proposal to and panels in both French and English. regional meeting, although MAR-AAR participant. A session with separately two different sections. members who are also members of MAR- arranged paper titles is considered a “paper” Student Paper Competition SBL may also submit a second proposal for a session. Submit your response to the call for Graduate and undergraduate students resid- SBL session. papers at www.aarweb.org/AboutAAR/ Depending on the number of participants in ing in the region are invited to enter the stu- Regions/Midwest/call.asp. a session, you will have approximately twen- dent paper competition. Please note that to ty-five minutes to present your paper (continued on next page)

October 2009 RSN • 37 Religious Studies News

(continued from previous page) geographical area. This year, NEMAAR will mitted by graduate students, a faculty men- also cosponsor the annual regional conference tor must be identified. Proposals have a Descriptions of the interest areas covered by of the AAR Mid-Atlantic Region in order to rolling deadline. each of the sections are available on the provide a more structured forum for those Midwest regional website at Teaching Workshops seeking opportunities to present papers, www.aarweb.org/About_AAR/Regions/Midwest/ cochair sections, or gather with scholars in The topics of greatest interest to our members Website/sectionchair.asp. such a setting. include course development and teaching Sections and Chairs: skills. If you would like to organize a teaching Cosponsorship of Mid-Atlantic AAR workshop, NEMAAR will provide: 1) Arts, Literature, and Religion Regional Conference NEMAAR grants of up to $800 to help sup- Kristin Schwain, University of Missouri, The Mid-Atlantic and New England– port conference-related costs; 2) Assistance [email protected]. Maritimes cosponsored conference will be with resources to facilitate conference plan- Ethics and Philosophy of Religion held March 11–12, 2010, in New Brunswick, ning, including best practice planning sched- Scott R. Paeth, DePaul University, New Jersey, USA. The theme of the confer- ules; and 3) Access to regional e-mail notices [email protected]. ence will be “Perspectives in Social Change.” to locate presenters and/or to publicize the Mid-Atlantic leadership is seeking individuals event. Proposals should be sent to Grove History of Christianity from NEMAAR interested in cochairing or Harris, Harvard University, William E. Smith, Indiana University, Rocky Mountain–Great Plains chairing sections, particularly in the following [email protected], and should [email protected]. Creighton University areas: religion in America, pedagogy, woman- include a workshop title, abstract, list of pro- Omaha, Nebraska History of Religions ist theology, Islam, and Judaism. Other sec- jected speakers and/or facilitators, schedule, April 9–10, 2010 Kevin Wanner, Western Michigan University, tions which may need assistance are religion contact person, and a budget that indicates [email protected]. in the arts, religion and philosophy, Christian how the NEMAAR grant will be used. If sub- The Regional Program Committee cordially history, continental theology, and religion and mitted by graduate students, a faculty mentor invites you to submit proposals for papers New Religious Movements ethics. If you have a PhD and have published must be identified. Proposals have a rolling and panels to be presented at the 2010 Nikki Bado-Fralik, Iowa State University, in the field, or if you are ABD and have made deadline. Regional Meeting in Omaha, Nebraska. The [email protected]. presentations in the field, and you are inter- deadline for submissions is October 30, Salon Series Religion and American Culture ested in cochairing a section, please contact 2009. Each proposal should consist of a one- John Schmalzbauer, Missouri State University, Devorah Schoenfeld, President of the Mid- A lunch and/or dinner series, held in different page abstract describing the nature of the [email protected]. Atlantic region, at [email protected], or parts of the region, focusing on the work of paper or panel and sent as an e-mail attach- Michael Hartwig, President of NEMAAR, at regional authors (these can be works in ment in MS Word format to Ronald Religion and Sacred Texts [email protected]. progress). NEMAAR will provide: 1) Grants Simkins, Creighton University, David Blix, Wabash College, of up to $400 to help support related costs; [email protected]. Please be sure to [email protected]. A New Initiative for 2009–2010 and 2) Access to regional e-mail notices to include reliable contact information. If you Religion, Ecology, and Culture We would like to send out a regular e-mail to publicize the series. Proposals should be sent require technological support for your presen- Amanda Baugh, Northwestern University, members (perhaps every two months) to Michael Hartwig, Illume, portamjh@com- tation (such as Internet connection, or audio [email protected], and Hayley announcing workshops, conferences, speak- cast.net, and should include a title, abstract, and projection equipment), you must request Glaholt, Northwestern University, h-glaholt@ ers, and other activities of the Academy.This list of authors and/or facilitators, schedule, it with your proposal. Proposals are welcome northwestern.edu. is an excellent way to make NEMAAR mem- contact person, and a budget that indicates in all areas of religious and biblical studies, bers aware of opportunities to participate and how the NEMAAR grant will be used. If sub- including: Religions of Asia support regional work and scholars. If you mitted by graduate students, a faculty mentor Michael Nichols, Northwestern University, • Religion and Popular Culture have an event you would like to have includ- must be identified. Proposals have a rolling [email protected]. ed in this regular list of activities, please send deadline. • Religious Traditions: Islam, Judaism, Special Topics it to Michael Hartwig, Illume, portamjh@ Buddhism, Native American Religions, If you have an idea that is not listed here but Jacqueline Bussie, Capital University, comcast.net. etc. that you feel is consistent with the above [email protected]. Call for Events mentioned goals, please send an inquiry! For • Religion in the Public Square Study of Judaism a list of currently scheduled events, see the If you have an idea for an event, we welcome • Pedagogical Methods and Technologies Sarah Imhoff, University of Chicago, New England–Maritimes region’s page at additional proposals from regional members, [email protected]. www.aarweb.org/About_AAR/Regions/ • Syro-Palestinian Archaeology and offer related funding and promotional New_England-Maritimes. Theology support. Our goal is to sponsor events in dif- Only those proposals received by the deadline Jacqueline Bussie, Capital University, ferent parts of the region, to benefit the great- will be considered for inclusion in the pro- [email protected]. est possible number of members. Such events gram. Presentations are limited to twenty will be organized by members and supported minutes, with a brief amount of time allowed Undergraduate Students with regional financial and promotional assis- for questions. Forrest Clingerman, Ohio Northern tance, provided that the event is open to any University, [email protected], and Ellen Student Paper Awards regional member. Faculty and graduate stu- Posman, Baldwin-Wallace College, dents with a faculty mentor are all eligible to Graduate students are encouraged to submit [email protected]. apply. We have set a rolling deadline to make proposals. There will be awards for the best Women and Religion it possible to submit an application at any AAR and SBL student papers. The awards are Mary Ellen Konieczny, University of Notre time. If you have an idea or inquiry and want presented during the luncheon on Saturday Dame, [email protected]. feedback, please send it to Regionally Elected and carry a stipend of $100 each. Tobe con- Director Rebecca Sachs Norris, Merrimack sidered for the award, a student should sub- College, rsnorris@ sacredgames.org. Proposals mit a copy of the completed paper (as an e- should be sent directly to individuals listed in mail attachment in MS Word format), along the calls at www.aarweb.org/regions/new_ with an abstract, by October 30, 2009. england-maritimes/call.asp. (Papers not chosen for an award will be con- sidered for the program.) The paper should Cosponsoring Conferences be ten to twelve pages double-spaced (for a Instead of organizing a single annual twenty-minute presentation). regional meeting, which relatively few peo- Regional Scholars Award ple attend, NEMAAR will function as a cosponsor of conferences proposed by The SBL offers a Regional Scholars award members around the region. NEMAAR’s ($1,000 plus national recognition as a contribution will involve: 1) NEMAAR Regional Scholar) for an outstanding paper grants of up to $800 to help support con- presented at the regional meeting by a PhD ference-related costs; 2) Assistance with candidate or recent PhD (four years or fewer). resources to facilitate conference planning, If you are interested in competing in the including best practice planning schedules; Pacific Northwest Regional Scholars competition, you must and 3) Access to regional e-mail notices to indicate so with your paper proposal. See the Information on the 2010 Pacific publicize the event. Proposals should be regional website for more information New England–Maritimes Northwest regional meeting is not yet sent to Grove Harris, Harvard University, (www.rmgp.org). available. For more information, see NEMAAR Regional Activities groveharris@ post.harvard.edu, and should www.aarweb.org/About_AAR/Regions/Pacific include a conference title, an abstract, a list NEMAAR will continue supporting _Northwest. of projected speakers, schedule, contact regional AAR activities through a variety of person, and a budget that indicates how initiatives emphasizing the support of activi- (continued on next page) the NEMAAR grant will be used. If sub- ties throughout the year and throughout the

38 • October 2009 RSN NEWS

(continued from previous page) (SBL) Hebrew Scriptures/Old Testament 2010 Regional Meeting. Proposals should be and contemporary. However, papers in the (3–4 sessions) submitted to the person designated in each areas of religion and science, projects in heal- Bryan Bibb, Furman University, Section. Please indicate if the proposal is ing, and reincarnation are especially encour- Program Committee [email protected], and David Garber, being submitted to more than one aged. There is a special interest in a round- Mercer University, garber_dg@ mercer.edu. Section. Proposals may be submitted to more table session discussing Irreducible Mind: All members of the AAR/SBL Rocky than one Section, but in order to accommo- Toward a Psychology for the Twenty-first Mountain–Great Plains Region who are will- (AAR) History of Christianity date as many people as possible, papers must Century by Edward Kelly, et al. For a joint ing to serve on the Program Committee and (3 sessions) not be read more than once during the meet- roundtable session with the Arts, Literature, review proposals are asked to notify Ronald Michael Simmons, Auburn University, bish- ing. Unless otherwise indicated, the deadline and Religion Section, papers are sought that Simkins, Creighton University, [email protected]. for paper proposal submission is November address the peculiar needs and experiences of [email protected], Program Cochair, by (AAR) History of Judaism (3 sessions) 1, 2008. the comparative and Asian religious studies October 30, 2009. An AAR committee and Gilya Schmidt, University of Tennessee, course. an SBL committee will meet at their respec- [email protected]. Arts, Literature, and Religion Proposals for regular panels or the roundtable tive annual meetings. It is hoped that at least The Arts, Literature, and Religion Section should not exceed 500 words and should one faculty person from each of the partici- (AAR) Islam (5 sessions) invites paper proposals on any topic concern- include title, brief description, and an indica- pating schools in the region will serve on the Rachel Scott, Virginia Tech, rmscott@ vt.edu, ing the teaching of art and literature in reli- tion of the main arguments of the presenta- Program Committee. Details on the program and Dave Damrel, University of South gious studies courses. Panels will comprise tion (Word attachment via e-mail preferable). committee proposal review process will be e- Carolina, Upstate, [email protected]. papers addressing compatible topics. For a Some overhead projectors and slide projectors mailed to those who self-identify by the dead- (AAR) Method and Theory of Religion (3 joint roundtable session with the may be available; if using a Power Point pres- line. sessions) Comparative and Asian Studies in Religion entation, please make your own arrangement Please send all proposals and inquiries to Randy Reed, Appalachian State University, Section, papers are sought that address the for a data projector. Please let me know if you Ronald Simkins, Creighton University, [email protected], and Laura Ammon, peculiar needs and experiences of the compar- have any A/V needs. Send proposals to Mark [email protected]; 402-280-2504. University of North Florida, laura.ammon ative and Asian religious studies course. Dennis, Texas Christian University, m.den- @unf.edu. Proposals for regular panels or the roundtable [email protected]. should not exceed 500 words and should (SBL) New Testament (5 sessions) include title, brief description, and an indica- Theta Alpha Kappa Kavin Rowe, Duke Divinity School, tion of the main arguments of the presenta- Student members of Theta Alpha Kappa [email protected]. tion (Word attachment via e-mail preferable). chapters in the Southwest Region are invited (AAR) Philosophy of Religion Please let the Chair know if you have any AV to submit papers for presentation at the (2 sessions) needs. Send proposals to Katherine Downey, regional meeting. Open to all topics. One ses- Mark Wells, Montreat College, mwells@mon- The Hockaday School, katherinedowney@ sion will be devoted to the best papers. treat.edu. sbcglobal.net. Submissions must come from the Chapter Advisor and include: 1) The presenter’s name (AAR) Religion and Ecology Consultation History of Christianity and contact information; (2 sessions) The History of Christianity Section has an Richard M. Carp, Appalachian State 2) The entire paper (preferred) or an abstract open call for papers. All submissions in the University, [email protected]. of the paper (acceptable); 3) The name of the field will be considered, but papers involving school; and 4) Venue for which the paper was (AAR) Religion, Culture, and the Arts historical research in the following areas are of prepared (i.e., honors project, senior thesis, (4 sessions) special interest: women and gender; American etc.). In the event that there are more propos- Adam M. Ware, Florida State University, evangelicalism; global Christianity; and in als than can fit in one session, local chapter [email protected]. honor of the centenary of Edinburgh 1910, advisors may be asked to select the one best Southeastern missions, ecumenics, and transcultural (AAR) Religion in America submission from their schools. Submit pro- Century City Marriott Hotel encounter. Suggestions for a session devoted (4–5 sessions) posals to Derek Dodson, Baylor University, Atlanta, GA to a particular monograph are also welcome. Lynn S. Neal, Wake Forest University, [email protected]. March 5–7, 2010 Send proposals to Elizabeth Flowers, Texas [email protected]. Christian University, [email protected]. The following sections and program units (AAR) Religions of Asia (4 sessions) invite members who wish to present a paper Steven Ramey, University of Alabama, Philosophy of Religion and Theology or coordinate a session to submit proposals [email protected], and Pamela Winfield, Proposals are invited in all areas in philosophy (one to two pages) or completed manuscripts Elon University, pwinfield@ elon.edu. of religion or in theology. Proposals involving to the appropriate section chairs by the call multiple presentations or panel discussions deadline, October 1, 2009. Each member is (AAR) Teaching Religions (4 sessions) (no more than three participants) focused limited to one proposal. Please use the pro- Margaret Aymer, Interdenominational upon a single topic, figure, or publication will posal submission form available on the SEC- Theological Seminary, revdraymer@ be especially welcomed. Either have each pan- SOR website (www.secsor.appstate.edu). gmail.com. elist provide an abstract, which is preferred, or Proposals for joint sessions should be sent to Undergraduate Research (2 sessions) supply credentials of panelists. Proposals that all chairs. Anne Blue Wills, Davidson College, feature interdisciplinary or interinstitutional For full information on the Call, themes, and [email protected]. participation, and that promise to stimulate submission guidelines, visit the region’s web- productive discussion, will be favored. (AAR) Women and Religion (4 sessions) site at www.secsor.appstate.edu. Abstracts should be no longer than 500 Emily Holmes, Christian Brothers University, words in length, and the preferable means of (SBL/ASOR) Archaeology and the Ancient [email protected], and Jill Peterfeso, submission is a Microsoft Word attachment. World (4 sessions) University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Send proposals to Rebecca Huskey, University Ralph K. Hawkins, Kentucky Christian [email protected]. of Oklahoma, [email protected]. University, [email protected]. (AAR/SBL) Bible and Modern Culture (5 Ethics, Society, and Cultural Analysis sessions) Proposals for papers and panel discussions are Brian Mooney, Johnson and Wales University, invited on any topic intersecting ethics, socie- [email protected], and Finbar S. ty, and cultural analysis, including politics and Benjamin, Oakwood University, religion, race and religion, social ethics, pover- [email protected]. ty and economic justice, ecological and envi- ronmental ethics, medical ethics, theological (AAR) Black Cultures and the Study of ethics, sexual ethics, and the use of Scripture Religion (3 sessions) or tradition in ethics. Also of interest are Upper Midwest Ronald B. Neal, Claflin University, Luther Seminary reflections on globalization, interreligious eth- [email protected]. Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA ical discourse, interdisciplinary methods in April 9–10, 2010 (AAR) Constructive Theologies ethics, womanist ethics, feminist ethics, con- (4 sessions) structive treatments of contemporary ethical Submitting a Proposal Mark Medley, Baptist Seminary of Kentucky, issues such as health care and pedagogical To submit a proposal to one of the AAR [email protected], and Emily Askew, styles in ethics. Send proposals to Melanie L. Southwest or SBL sessions, please send a proposal of Lexington Theological Seminary, easkew@lex- Harris, Texas Christian University, m.l.har- 250 words or less along with a title for theo.edu. Marriott Hotel, DFW Airport [email protected]. Irving, Texas, USA (AAR) Ethics, Religion, and Society Comparative and Asian Studies in Religion March 12–13, 2010 (5 sessions) The Comparative and Asian Studies in Darla Schumm, Hollins University, The Southwest Commission on Religious Religion Section invites paper proposals on (continued on next page) [email protected], and Sally Holt, Studies invites members of constituent organ- any topic concerning all aspects of Asian reli- Belmont University, [email protected]. izations to submit paper proposals for the gious practice and thought, both historical October 2009 RSN • 39 Religious Studies News

(continued from previous page) Greek and Roman Religions other topics needing research and investi- Psychology and Religion Section Philip Sellew, University of Minnesota, gation. The borderlands — social, cultur- Siroj Sorajjakool, Loma Linda University, Minneapolis, MN. al, spiritual, as well as geographical — that [email protected]. your paper to AARSBLProposals@ exist between multiple social identities can Early Judaism and Judaic Studies Psychology, Culture, and Religion gmail.com. Indicate in the e-mail the ses- be examined. Stepping across theoretical Alex Jassen, University of Minnesota, Section sion for which you are proposing a paper, and disciplinary boundaries is encouraged. Minneapolis, MN. Franz Metcalf, Forge Institute, your name, institution, and role (if appli- Identifying limits and limitations, trans- [email protected]. cable), e-mail address, any AV needs, and Archaeology and Excavation Reports gressing boundaries of all kinds, and include the proposal within the body of (Cosponsored by ASOR) exploring new frontiers — that is what La Queer Studies in Religion Section the e-mail. Students should indicate their Mark Schuler, Concordia University, St. Frontera is intended to evoke and provoke. Marie Cartier, Claremont Graduate school and program (see specific require- Paul, MN. University, [email protected], and Proposals are due to Section Chairs by ments for undergraduate and masters level Raedorah Stewart, Pasadena, CA, Multiple Submissions September 30, 2009. You must be a students below). The deadline for submis- [email protected]. Scholars may submit only one paper pro- member of the national American sion is December 15, 2009. posal to one session of the Upper Midwest Academy of Religion to present a paper at Queer Studies Section and Jewish For the full Call, visit www.aarweb.org/ regional meeting. Subsequent submissions the Western Regional AAR meeting. For Studies Section Joint Session: On the About_AAR/Regions/Upper_Midwest/call.asp. will be declined. complete information on the Call, themes, Borders: Being Queer and Being a Jew and submission guidelines, visit the Emily Silverman, Graduate Theological Joint AAR/SBL Sessions: Questions and Other Topics region’s website at www.aarweb.org/ Union, [email protected], Saba Soomekh, Questions about the upcoming meeting or Multicultural Perspectives on Theology, About_AAR/Regions/Western/Website/call.asp. University of California, Santa Barbara, the appropriate section for proposals Religion, and Biblical Interpretation [email protected], Marie Cartier, should be directed to Susan Hill, Queer Caucus Preconference Session on Priscilla Eppinger, Graceland University, Claremont Graduate University, ezmerelda University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, “Queering the Syllabus” Lamoni, IA. @earthlink.net, and Raedorah Stewart, IA; [email protected]. Proposals for Dirk von der Horst, Claremont Graduate Pasadena, CA, [email protected]. Teaching the Bible and Religion papers or topics not listed in the call are University, [email protected]. Matthew Skinner, Luther Seminary, St. to be brought to her attention. Religion and the Arts Section Buddhist Studies Section Paul, MN. Jennifer Rycenga, San Jose State Information for Graduate Students Kenneth Lee, Stetson University, University, [email protected]. Undergraduate Research [email protected], and Brooke Schedneck, The region encourages MA students to Bruce Forbes, Morningside College, Sioux Arizona State University, brooke. Religion in America Section present outstanding papers. Paper propos- City, IA, and Lori Brandt Hale, Augsburg [email protected]. Philip Riley, Santa Clara University, als from such students must be accompa- College, Minneapolis, MN. [email protected], and Rebecca Moore, San nied by the nomination of a faculty advi- Education and Workshops Section Diego State University, remoore@ AAR Sessions: sor and include a statement of nomina- Karen Crozier, Fresno Pacific University, mail.sdsu.edu. tion, name, and contact information of [email protected] or Karencr80@ Native American Religions the faculty advisor. hotmail.com, and Bret Lewis, Arizona State Religion, Literature, and Film Section Michelene Pesantubbee, University of University, [email protected]. Jon R. Stone, California State University, Iowa, Iowa City, IA. The region is pleased to announce the Long Beach, [email protected]. availability of travel scholarships in the Ethics Section Ethics amount of $100 and $250 for graduate Brandon M. Crowe, Arizona State Religions of Asia Section Mary Gaebler, Gustavus Adophus College, students whose papers are accepted for University, [email protected]. Toby Johnson, University of California, St. Peter, MN. presentation at the regional meeting. A Riverside, [email protected]. Goddess Studies Section Historical Perspectives on Religion limited number of these scholarships are Helen Hye-Sook Hwang, University of Women and Religion Section Jim Kroemer, Marquette University, available and they will be awarded on a California, Los Angeles, magoism@ Ann Wertman, Arizona State University, Milwaukee, WI. competitive basis. Details may be request- gmail.com, Annette Williams, San [email protected], and Sarah Robinson, ed at the time of making a paper Religions in North America Francisco, CA, [email protected], and Claremont Graduate University, proposal. Murphy Pizza, University of Wisconsin, Laura Truxler, California Institute of [email protected]. Milwaukee, WI. Upper Midwest Regional Officers Integral Studies, [email protected]. Womanist/Pan-African Section and Religion and Science President: Amy Marga, Luther Seminary, History of Christianity Section Women and Religion Section Joint Greg Peterson, South Dakota State St. Paul, MN Marianne Delaporte, Notre Dame de Session University, Brookings, SD. Namur University, [email protected], Ann Wertman, Arizona State University, Vice-President: Phil Stoltzfus, St. Thomas and Dyron Daughrity, Pepperdine [email protected], Sarah Robinson, Religion and Ecology University, St. Paul, MN University, dyron.daughrity@ Claremont Graduate University, Nancy Victorin-Vangerud, Hamline Program Committee: Stephen Pattee, St. pepperdine.edu. [email protected], Arisika Raza, University, St. Paul, MN. Mary’s University, Winona, MN California Institute of Integral Studies, Indigenous Religions Section Religion, Art and Culture [email protected], and Paula McGee, Regionally Elected Director: Susan Hill, Mutombo Nkulu-N’Sengha, California Phil Stoltzfus, St. Thomas University, St. Claremont Graduate University, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA State University, Northridge, Paul, MN. [email protected]. [email protected]. Religion, Gender and Sexuality Womanist/Pan-African Section Islamic Studies Section C. Neal Keye, College of St. Scholastica, Paula McGee, Claremont Graduate Souad Ali, Arizona State University, Duluth, MN. University, [email protected], and [email protected], and Sophia Pandya, Arisika Raza, California Institute of Philosophy of Religion/Systematic California State University, Long Beach, Integral Studies, [email protected]. Theology [email protected]. Courtney Wilder, Midland Lutheran Jewish Studies Section College, Fremont, NE. Emily Silverman, Graduate Theological World Religions Union, [email protected], and Saba Mark Berkson, Hamline University, St. Soomekh, University of California, Santa Paul, MN. Barbara, [email protected]. SBL Sessions: Latina/o and Latin American Religions Section Old Testament/Hebrew Bible Western The Latina/o and Latin American Maggie Odell, St. Olaf College, Arizona State University Religions Section is currently seeking a Northfield, MN. Tempe, Arizona Section chair. Please see the Religion in New Testament March 13–15, 2010 America Section for submitting paper pro- Juan Hernandez, Bethel Seminary, St. posals. Conference Theme: La Frontera Paul, MN, and Daniel Scholz, Cardinal Nineteenth Century Section Stritch University, Wauwatosa, WI. This year’s theme, La Frontera, calls for Natalie Fawcett, University of California, analyses of the various borders that exist Christian Apocrypha Santa Barbara, [email protected], and in our world and in our lives: geographi- Tim Henderson, Marquette University, Kristy Slominski, University of California, cal, chronological, theological, and trans- Milwaukee, WI. Santa Barbara, [email protected]. formational. While La Frontera can be Religion in the Ancient World translated as border or boundary, it can Philosophy of Religion Section Glen Menzies, North Central University, also indicate a frontier, and in that sense Hester Oberman, Tucson, AZ, heoberman@ Minneapolis, MN. the conference theme invites participants msn.com, and Jason Smick, Santa Clara to pursue undeveloped fields of study and University, [email protected].

40 • October 2009 RSN NEWS

Membership Corner Membership in the AAR provides you with a

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e i spectrum of opportunities to both enrich your t i

n u t r professional life and contribute to the field. Providing information to help you o p p navigate your membership! O f o ✓ Connect with scholars in the field by attending the Annual and m u r t Regional Meetings at deep discounts. c e p Did you know your AAR membership runs from January 1 S ✓ Search for fellow members by using the Membership Database online. through December 31? ✓ Attend professional development workshops specially designed to assist you at every level of your career. Renewing by December 31 will guarantee that you have a full ✓ Help to shape the AAR by volunteering to serve on committees, task forces, and other year of benefits, will reduce operating costs, and will allow us to leadership groups. invest more in your member programs. Renew today — help us ✓ Answer the urgent call from journalists, public policy makers, and your fellow citizens who serve you better. rely on our community to foster the public understanding of religion. ✓ Gain access to AAR print and online publications like the Journal of the American Academy Renew for calendar year 2010 now at www.aarweb.org/Members/Dues. of Religion (JAAR), Religious Studies News (RSN ), and the monthly E-bulletins for the latest scholarship and news.

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RSN October 2009 RSN • 41 Announcing the Ph.D. in Religion at CLAREMONT SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY

Applications for admission are now being accepted for the Fall 2010 semester in four new fully accredited areas of religious and theological scholarship, in addition to Claremont’s long- standing Ph.D. in Practical Theology. The new program is among initial steps in the School’s transition from a denominational theological school into a multi-religious graduate university.

For more about the CLAREMONT UNIVERSITY PROJECT please visit: www.cst.edu/UniversityProject

Religion, Process New Hebrew Ethics, & Studies Testament Bible

Society The new Process Studies & Christian The Hebrew Bible concentration concentration explores the provides advanced training in the range of methods, themes Origins historical-critical, literary-critical, The Religion, Ethics, & Society and applications of process concentration focuses on the VRFLDOVFLHQWLÀF DQG FULWLFDO thought with special attention theological methods necessary intersection of the religious, the to Alfred North Whitehead’s The New Testament & Christian ethical, and the political. Viewing for biblical interpretation, as “philosophy of organism.” This Origins concentration provides well as rigorous training in religion as both a source and program focuses on process advanced training in the critical VXEMHFW IRU HWKLFDO UHÁHFWLRQ the ancient biblical languages, thought as a major approach interpretation of ancient including Hebrew, Aramaic, and students examine public spaces to the study of ecology, culture Christian texts. In addition and the people who interact Greek. The students concentrate and religion today. Students to specializing in the New in one of three areas: Literary- there as they engage pressing will develop competencies in Testament, the student will social, economic, and political Critical and Theological Study process philosophy, religion and develop competence in related of the Hebrew Bible; Ancient questions. Students will acquire science, constructive theology, literatures in the context of dialogic competencies, deeper Near Eastern Studies; or Second comparative religious studies, post-biblical Judaism; classical Temple Studies. Training in the knowledge of religious traditions postmodern/poststructuralist Greek and Hellenistic literature, other than their own, resources program presumes competence studies, and Western and religion, and philosophy; and LQ WKH EURDGHU ÀHOG RI UHOLJLRXV for philosophical and theological non-Western theologies and the cultures of the early Roman UHÁHFWLRQ D IDFLOLW\ ZLWK D and theological study and, in philosophies. Graduates of the Empire. Students will be exposed part, prepares students to relate variety of methods for moral program will learn to formulate to the standard methodologies deliberation, and the critical tools Hebrew Bible studies to the a pluralistic and differentiated of the discipline (historical broader contexts of religious, for analysis and argumentation worldview appropriate to our criticism, literary criticism, required to contribute to WKHRORJLFDO VRFLDOVFLHQWLÀF DQG contemporary societies and VRFLDOVFLHQWLÀF FULWLFLVP ZLWK humanistic studies. thoughtful, publicly defensible be capable of contributing to special attention to the history ethical assessment. transformation. of religion and comparative OLWHUDU\ FULWLFLVP PLPHVLV  Lead Faculty ‡ Carleen Mandolfo Lead Faculty Lead Faculty ‡ Tammi J. Schneider ‡ Richard Amesbury ‡ Philip Clayton Lead Faculty ‡ Marvin A. Sweeney ‡ Grace Yia-Hei Kao ‡ Monica A. Coleman ‡ Lincoln E. Galloway ‡ Helene Slessarev-Jamir ‡ Roland Faber ‡ Dennis R. MacDonald ‡ Gregory J. Riley An additional faculty position in ethics ‡ Susan L. Nelson is under search to begin in 2010. Go to www.cst.edu for a position description.

CLAREMONT SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY | Southern California | (909) 447-2500 | www.cst.edu | facebook.com/ClaremontTheology

42 • October 2009 RSN CONTRIBUTORS

Contributors The AAR would like to thank our members for their generous support to the Academy Fund. This list reflects contributions received between July 1, 2008, and June 30, 2009.

Gifts of $1,000 and above Francis Madsen Jr. John Bugbee Aimee Hamilton Martha and Jack Fitzmier Alan G. Meyers Raymond F. Bulman Juliane Hammer Mark Juergensmeyer Jack Miles Sharon Peebles Burch Roy Hammerling Deborah Minor Hugh Burtner Melanie L. Harris Ebrahim E. I. Moosa Joseph W. Caldwell Beverly W. Harrison The AAR is proud to recognize Gifts from $500 to $999 Paul Mundschenk Juan E. Campo William David Hart the following contributions Diana L. Eck Robert C. Neville Alejandro Chaoul Douglas Hedley Eugene V. Gallagher Gordon D. Newby James M. Childs Gyongyi Hegedus received in memory of and in Charles Mathewes Patrick Nichelson Dolores L. Christie Joan M. Henriksen Hellyer honor of friends and colleagues Emilie M. Townes Dennis A. Norlin Young Ho Chun Mary E. Hess Jim O’Connor David Clairmont Susan E. Hill Hester E. Oberman Malcolm Clark Teresia Mbari Hinga Gifts from $250 to $499 Peter Ochs Shannon Clarkson Naoko Frances Hioki IN MEMORY OF William G. Doty Carl Olson Francis X. Clooney S. J. Peter C. Hodgson Warren G. Frisina Jacqueline Pastis Niccole L. Coggins Cynthia Hoehler-Fatton Robert Detweiler Tazim Kassam Kusumita P. Pedersen David L. Coleman Barbara A. Holdrege William G. Doty Karl E. Peters Paul Collins Jess Hollenback Julianna Lipschutz James B. Wiggins Charles L. Lloyd Jr. Rebecca Todd Peters Frank Connolly-Weinert Betty Holley Michael B. Lukens Sibyl and Nicholas Charles Conway Susan T. Hollis Douglas R. McGaughey Piediscalzi Warren R. Copeland Natalie Houghtby-Haddon Lonnie Kliever Mary McGee Sally M. Promey Austin B. Creel Hsieh Shu-wei James B. Wiggins David L. Miller Fred N. Reiner Donald A. Crosby Clarke Hudson Peter J. Paris Charles H. Reynolds John W. Crossin Rebecca K. Huskey William C. Placher Cornish R. Rogers John P. Crossley Jr. Arno M. Hutchinson Jr. Stacy L. Patty Michael Lodahl Timothy M. Renick Lynn Ross-Bryant Helen Crovetto Mary Jo Iozzio Jonathan Z. Smith Louis A. Ruprecht Jr. Deidre H. Crumbley Jerry A. Irish Jeffrey L. Stout Lamin Sanneh Kristine A. Culp Jennifer G. Jesse Deanna A. Thompson Richard S. Sarason Susan D’Amato Charles B. Jones IN HONOR OF Susan L. Schwartz David Damrel Pamela Jones Frederick Sievert E. Randolph Daniel Diane Jonte-Pace Leander Keck Gifts from $100 to $249 David Simmons Lilipiana Darensburg Clara Joseph Anonymous Mary Ann Stenger Dena S. Davis Jennifer Kang G. Byrns Coleman Susan Abraham Winnifred Sullivan Devin DeWeese Stephen Kaplan Wendi Adamek Ines M. Talamantez Joy Del Orbe Harold Kasimow Stacy L. Patty Rebecca Alpert Rose M. Tekel Kenneth M. Diable Catherine Keller Andrew O. Fort Sudhir Anand John Thatamanil Dennis C. Dickerson Sr. David H. Kelsey Ann Marie B. Bahr J. Terry Todd George F. Dole Maureen Dallison Kemeza Emilie M. Townes Robert D. Baird Paul B. Whittemore Calenthia S. Dowdy Chang Han Kim Claude Barbre Richard John Wiebe Donald Dreisbach Charles A. Kimball Warren R. Copeland Victoria Barnett James B. Wiggins Joseph D. Driskill Andrew Kinsey Mary F. Bednarowski Glenn E. Yocum Donald Drummond Sr. Christian Kirby Bernadette Brooten Yohan Yoo Eric Dubuis Alston S. Kirk Robert A. Bruttell Bruce Duncan Keith Knapp Jorunn Jacobsen Buckley Carol B. Duncan Henry F. Knight William J. Cassidy III Gifts from $25 to $99 Erika W. Dyson Elisabeth K. J. Koenig John B. Cobb Jr. Anonymous Lillian Ashcraft Eason Paul V. Kollman Mike Michielin Linda E. Olds G. Byrns Coleman Qasim Abdul-Tawwab Sheila Elliott Anne-Marie Korte Gordon S. Mikoski Thomas Oord Kimberly Rae Connor Pius Oyeniran Abioje Glen Enander Robert Kossler Kenneth H. Miller Scott Pacey Paula M. Cooey Elizabeth J. Adams-Eilers Marv Erisman Michihiko Kuyama Bonnie Miller-McLemore Andrea Parliament Allison P. Coudert Afe Adogame Carl D. Evans William R. LaFleur Robert N. Minor Thom Parrott-Sheffer Adarsh Deepak Daniel Ali Eileen M. Fagan Donald G. LaSalle Jr. Paul Mitchell Parimal G. Patil Christopher Denny Sonja Allen Margaret Farley Sarah Heaner Lancaster Yuki Miyamoto Laurie Louise Patton Jualynne E. Dodson Laura Amazzone Wendy Felese Day Lane Paul D. Molnar Brian K. Pennington Chris Downing Carol S. Anderson Paul Joseph Fitzgerald S. J. Carmen Lansdowne Anne Moore Marcus Perman Malcolm David Eckel Grete Anderson Helen Flaherty-Hammond Emmanuel Lartey Mary Elizabeth Moore David B. Perrin Ina Ferrell Luthfi Assyaukanie Sr. Frank K. Flinn Fola Taiyewo Lateju Raymond T. Moreland Jr. Michelene Pesantubbee Martha L. Finch Nikki Bado-Fralick Ronald B. Flowers Marvia Lawes Barry Morris Ronald E. Peters Stacey M. Floyd-Thomas Jennifer Baldwin Peter Foley Margaret Leask Karl F. Morrison Ted Peters Andrew O. Fort Linda L. Barnes Jere Fox John K. Leonard Marcia Mount Shoop Hans Pfeifer P. Roger Gillette Robert M. Baum Peter Francis Todd T. Lewis J. Diane Mowrey Regina Pfeiffer Fred Glennon Adolphe Edward Bell Gretchen Freese Lois Gehr Livezey Leslie A. Muray Nichole Phillips Michele Hagans Cristhal Bennet Hal W. French Reid Locklin Gwinyai Muzorewa Sarah M. Pike William P. Harman Stephen C. Berkwitz Jerry A. Frumento David Lyall Ronald Y. Nakasone Tina Pippin Victor Sogen Hori Brock Bingaman Steven Garcia J. Rebecca Lyman Kathleen S. Nash Mark Plaushin Robert Hughes III Bonnie Birk Stephen Garfinkel Emily Lyon Rowshan Nemazee Andrew P. Porter Thomas Hughson Brian Black Cheryl Gaver Keith McGarvey Scott Nesbitt Steven Porter Amir Hussain Kathryn Blanchard Richard Gelwick Barbara A. McGraw Robyn Neville Patrick Pranke Margaret Jenkins Beth Blissman William P. George Mark A. McIntosh Greer Anne Wenh-In Ng Frederick Quinn Serene Jones David S. Blix Robert Geraci Alexander C. McKay Lucinda Nolan Michael Raposa Ursula King William L. Blizek Randall Gibson Susan M. Maloney Kyriell M. Noon Darby Kathleen Ray David E. Klemm Whitney S. Bodman Edmund T. Gilday Lawrence Mamiya Henry Novello Stephen G. Ray Jr. Scott T. Kline Tom W. Boyd Cheryl Townsend Gilkes Charles Marsh Vivian-Lee Nyitray Martha J. Reineke Kwok Pui Lan Jean-Pierre Brach Chester Gillis Joan M. Martin Maura O’Neill Yuan Ren Sang Hyun Lee Donald Brash Rosemary D. Gooden Nancy M. Martin David Odell-Scott Leah Renold John W. Littlewood Susan Power Bratton Scott Goolsby Tonci Matulic Godwin Nii-Noi Odonkor Elizabeth Rice-Smith Michael Lodahl Celia Brickman Rebecca Kneale Gould Layne Mayard David Ogungbile Cynthia Rigby Lynne Faber Lorenzen Kent Brintnall Clifford Green Michael Merrill Fortunate Ojiako Philip Boo Riley Rachel Fell McDermott Laura E. Brock R. Marie Griffith Norman Metzler Hilmi Okur Carol Rizzolo Craig C. Malbon Rita Nakashima Brock John A. Grim Jerry D. Meyer Okuyama Michiaki Traugott Roser E. Ann Matter Ken Brooker Langston Steen Halling Catherine R. Michaud C. S. J.

October 2009 RSN • 43 Religious Studies News

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44 • October 2009 RSN