Annual Meeting News

Annual Meeting Countdown . . .3 Important Dates and Deadlines Featured Speakers ...... 3 Highlights of the Program Chairs Workshop ...... 6 Strategies for Managing and October 2005 Published by the American Academy of Religion Vol. 20, No. 4 Growing Departmental Resources International Focus of the Meeting ...... 7 Sessions about Central and Officer Elections ...... 4–5 Eastern Europe Meet the Candidates for Vice President and Student Director EIS Offers New Services ...... 7 Candidate CVs Now Online Executive Director Search Plan...... 9 Reel Religion ...... 7 AAR President Discusses the Traits and Qualifications of a Successor Ten Films to Be Shown and Discussed Salute to Glenn Yocum ...... 9 New Program Units ...... 7 Colleagues Pay Tribute to the Departing Editor of JAAR Nine New Units to Offer Sessions Theological Programs Initiative Consultations ...... 10 Places to Go in Philadelphia . . . . .8 Six Regional Meetings to Assess the Needs of the Theological Educator Restaurants and Attractions Academy Announces Annual Awards ...... 10–12 Performances and Exhibitions . . .8 Excellence in Teaching, Book Awards, Best In-Depth Reporting, Art, Literature, and Photography Martin E. Marty Award, and Ray L. Hart Award AAR Receives New Grant for Religionsource...... 12 Lilly Endowment Gives Three–Year Award to Help Continue Service AAR Produces Career Guide for Racial FEATURES and Ethnic Minorities...... 13 Scholars of Color, Employers Face Unique Challenges Member-at-Large ...... 18 Robin Lovin on the Study of Ethics Georgia State University Establishes Passages ...... 19 Religious Studies Department ...... 14 James C. Livingston Speaks Timothy Renick Talks about the New Department about Life in Retirement From the Student Desk ...... 20 Public Radio Launches Web Site Focusing Reflections from Students on the Work of Reinhold Niebuhr ...... 14 Research Briefing ...... 22 Curriculum, Web Site, and Radio Programs Available for Teaching about Reinhold Neibuhr Religion in Plain View University of Florida Establishes Center In the Public Interest ...... 23 for the Study of Hindu Traditions ...... 15 Prisoners’ Free Exercise Rights Vasudha Narayanan Writes about the Creation of CHiTra Upheld by Court Beyond the Annual Meeting . . .23 In Memoriam ...... 15 Stacy L. Patty Discusses the Laurence G. Thompson, 1920–2005 Regions Committee Department Meeting ...... 24 Students in Academic Doctoral Programs Boston College Department of in Religion and Theology ...... 16 Theology Data from the Survey of Graduate Programs in Religion and Theology Regional Meetings and Calls for Papers ...... 17 Regions Meet in Spring 2006 Academy Fund ...... 26–27 Gratitude Extended to Contributors

Spotlight on Teaching Reflections on a Teaching Career in Religion Religious Studies News — AAR Edition 2005 2005 Member Calendar AAR Staff Directory Dates are subject to change. Check www.aarweb.org for the latest information. Kyle Cole, PhD November 21. Annual Business Meeting. See Director of College Programs October January 26. Martin E. Marty Public the Annual Meeting Program Book for exact E-MAIL: [email protected] Religious Studies News—AAR Edition Understanding of Religion Award nomina- TEL time and place. : 404-727-1489 October issue tions due. For more information, see Barbara DeConcini, PhD www.aarweb.org/awards/marty/. Spotlight on Teaching October 2005 issue December Executive Director and Treasurer January 28-29. Academic Relations E-MAIL: [email protected] October 1–31. AAR officer election Journal of the American Academy of Religion TEL: 404-727-3049 Committee meeting, Atlanta, GA. period. Candidate profiles published in the December 2005 issue Joe DeRose October RSN. Director of Membership and Technology Services December 1. New program unit proposals due. E MAIL October 15. January 2006 Religious Studies - : [email protected] December 9–10. Program Committee meet- And keep in mind TEL: 404-727-7972 News submission deadline. ing, Atlanta, GA. throughout the year… Toby Director October 15. Excellence in Teaching award Research Project Coordinator December 15. Submissions for the March Regional organizations have various deadlines nominations due. For more information, see E-MAIL: [email protected] 2006 issue of Religious Studies News due. For throughout the fall for their Calls for Papers. TEL www.aarweb.org/awards/teaching.asp. : 404-727-1461 more information, see See www.aarweb.org/regions/default.asp. Ina Ferrell October 21. EIS preregistration closes. www.aarweb.org/publications/rsn/default.asp. Accountant In the Field. News of events and opportunities E-MAIL: [email protected] November December 31. Membership renewal for 2006 for scholars of religion. In the Field is a members- TEL: 404-727-2331 due. Renew online at www.aarweb.org/dues. only online publication that accepts brief Carey J. Gifford, PhD November 1. Research grant awards announced. announcements, including calls for papers, grant Director of Theological Programs November 17. Executive Committee news, conference announcements, and other E-MAIL: [email protected] January opportunities appropriate for scholars of religion. TEL: 404-727-2270 meeting, Philadelphia, PA. Submit text online at www.aarweb.org/ November 18. Fall Board of Directors Religious Studies News—AAR Edition John Harrison publications/inthefield/submit.asp. Director of Finance and Operations/ meeting, Philadelphia, PA. January issue, including the Annual Deputy Executive Director Meeting Call for Papers, results of the offi- Openings: Employment Opportunities for E-MAIL: [email protected] November 18. Chairs Workshop at the cer elections, and the 2005 Annual Report. TEL: 404-727-7954 Annual Meeting, Philadelphia, PA. For more Scholars of Religion. Openings is a members- only online publication listing job announce- Steve Herrick information, see www.aarweb.org/depart- January 1. Annual term of membership ments in areas of interest to members; issues Director of External Relations ment/workshops.asp. begins for the AAR’s 9,500 members, the E-MAIL: [email protected] are viewable online from the first through the TEL: 404-727-7948 November 19–22. Annual Meeting, largest and most inclusive association of last day of each month. Submit announce- religion scholars in the world. Myesha D. Jenkins Philadelphia, PA. Held concurrently with the ments online, and review policies and pric- Administrative Supervisor/ Society of Biblical Literature, comprising January 10. Excellence in Teaching Award ing, at www.aarweb.org/openings/submit.asp. ❧ Associate Director of Theological Programs some 8,500 registrants, 200 publishers, and nominations due. For more information, E-MAIL: [email protected] 100 hiring departments. see www.aarweb.org/awards/teaching.asp. TEL: 404-727-3026 Aislinn Jones Annual Meeting Program Director E-MAIL: [email protected] TEL: 404-727-8132 Lauren Frazier Administrative Assistant E-MAIL: [email protected] TEL: 404-727-7920 Shelly C. Roberts Associate Director of Professional Services E-MAIL: [email protected] TEL: 404-727-4707 Susan Snider Associate Director of External Relations E-MAIL: [email protected] TEL: 404-727-4725 Cynthia Walsh Director of Development E-MAIL: [email protected] TEL: 404-727-7928 Religious Studies News—AAR Edition is published quarterly by the American Academy of Religion in January, March, May, and October. Letters to the editor and features examining professional issues in the field are welcome from all readers. Please send editorial pieces in electronic uncompressed file format only (MS Word is preferred) to: [email protected]. Subscriptions for individuals and institutions are available. See www.aarweb.org/ publications/rsn for more information. Deadlines for submissions: January October 15 March December 15 May February 15 October July 15 Advertising For information on advertising, please see www.aarweb.org/publications/rsn. Publisher: American Academy of Religion 825 Houston Mill Road, NE Suite 300 Atlanta, GA 30329 USA Executive Editor Religious Studies News—AAR Edition is the newspaper of record for the field especially designed to serve the professional needs of Kyle Cole, PhD persons involved in teaching and scholarship in religion (broadly construed to include religious studies, theology, and sacred texts). Editor Published quarterly by the American Academy of Religion, RSN is received by some 10,000 scholars, by departments enrolled in the Shelly C. Roberts Academic Relations Program, and by libraries at colleges and universities across North America and abroad. Religious Studies News— AAR Edition communicates the important events of the field and related areas. It provides a forum for members and others to examine critical issues in education, pedagogy (especially through the semiannual Spotlight on Teaching), research, publishing, and the public © AAR, 2005 POSTMASTER Send address changes to Religious Studies News— understanding of religion. It also publishes news about the services and programs of the AAR and other organizations, including AAR Edition, 825 Houston Mill Road, NE employment services and registration information for the AAR Annual Meeting. Suite 300, Atlanta, GA 30329. Periodicals postage paid at Atlanta, GA. 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2 • October 2005 AAR RSN ANNUAL MEETING NEWS Annual Meeting Countdown!

Important Dates • Onsite Registration. If you did not receive your badge materials or need to • Mailing of the Annual Meeting badge register, visit the AAR and SBL materials to all preregistered attendees Meeting Registration counter. began in mid-September. Materials include your name badge and drink • Annual Meetings At-A-Glance. Pick up ticket. Contact Conferon Registration a copy of the Annual Meetings At-A- and Housing at [email protected] Glance booklet. This booklet shows the if you did not receive your materials. updated program and room locations for all sessions. Updates or changes will • Third-tier (“regular”) registration rates be marked by gray shading. This is an go into effect on October 16, so regis- invaluable addition to your Program ter early to get the best rate. Book! • November 8 is the pre-Annual Meeting • Book of Abstracts. Interested in a ses- registration deadline. All registrations sion’s topic? Want to learn more before after this date must take place onsite at heading to the session? Check out the the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Book of Abstracts, located in the bins No badge mailings will occur after this near registration. date. • Tote Bag. Tote bag tickets were mailed • November 19–22 is the Annual Meeting with the name badge materials. Tote in Philadelphia! Check bags are available while supplies last. www.aarweb.org/annualmeet/ for up-to- date information about the meeting. • Find-A-Friend. Visit the Find-A-Friend boards in the Registration area to see Checklist for when you arrive at whether your colleagues are attending. the Annual Meeting • AAR Member Services. Visit the AAR • Name Badge Holders. If you received Member Services desk if you have any your name badge by mail, all you need other questions. to do is swing by the Registration area • Enjoy the meeting! ❧ in the Pennsylvania Convention Center to pick up a name badge holder. Then you are ready to attend sessions and visit the Exhibit Hall.

Featured Annual Meeting Speakers The AAR is proud to present a strong program of speakers during this year’s Annual Meeting.

A Life Biography: 1970, when he moved to the History Templeton Plenary: Dialogue with the Other (1990), On Wolfhart Pannenberg Department of the Graduate Center of the The Parallelism and Naming the Present (1995), and the forth- (A19–27) City University of New York. In 1981, he Ultimate Convergence coming book revising his Gifford accepted the position of provost at Southern of Science and Religion Lectures, This Side of God (2006). This Saturday, 11:30 AM– Methodist University, and in 1988 he joined (A20–130) AAR lecture, by returning to the debate in 12:30 PM the faculty of the Department of Religion at German philosophy on tragedy and phi- Sunday, 8:30 PM–9:30 PM Wolfhart Duke University. A specialist in the losophy (especially Nietzsche) and in Pannenberg, Reformation, his publications include two Charles H. Townes, French thought on religion (especially University of Munich bibliographies of Anabaptism, a monograph University of Simone Weil and Emmanuel Levinas), on religious dissenters in early modern California, Berkeley will argue for an understanding of tragedy Born in 1928 in Stettin, Germany, Europe and the Protestant Reformation, as as related to necessity, suffering, and active Pannenberg began his theological studies at Charles H. Townes is the 2005 Templeton well as the editorship of both the Oxford response to both. It will suggest how such the University of Berlin after World War II Prize Laureate. He shared the Nobel Prize Encyclopedia of the Reformation and the factors provide the unconscious to both and also studied at the University of in Physics in 1964 for his investigations Encyclopedia of Protestantism. Hillerbrand has Western philosophy and religion. Neither, Göttingen and the University of Basel. He into the properties of microwaves, which served as president of the Society of it will be argued, are simply reducible to a completed his doctoral dissertation at the resulted first in the maser, and later his co- Reformation Research and the American tragic vision, but consciously or uncon- University of Heidelberg. Pannenberg, who invention of the laser. Townes has spent Society of Church History. He has been sciously need it. The recent recovery of a studied under theologians Karl Barth and decades as a leading advocate for the con- editor of the Archive for Reformation tragic vision in both Marxism (Eagleton) Edmund Schlink among others, has drawn vergence of science and religion. His 1966 History, Church History, and the Zeitschrift and feminism (Butler) are further sugges- together religion and science through much article, “The Convergence of Science and für Religions und Geistesgeschichte. The fac- tions of the import of this category for of his life. He published his magnum opus, Religion,” established Townes as a unique ulty of Montclair State University con- religious scholars. the three-volume Systematic Theology, in the voice — especially among scientists — ferred the honorary doctor of laws on 1990s and has also contributed substantially that sought commonality between the two Plenary Panel: The Future of Religion in him. to the philosophy of history and the philoso- disciplines. Recently, Townes has been a the West: Perspectives (A21–125) phy of science. Pannenberg has been called an Master Narratives champion of optical searches for extrater- Monday, 7:15 PM–8:15 PM “eschatological realist” and a great interdisci- and the Future of restrial intelligence, using methods he first plinary thinker. Christianity proposed in 1961 as a complement to This panel will use David Martin’s plenary (A20–129) searches for radio transmissions. Townes address as the point of departure for On Book Burnings attended Furman University, Duke reflections on the prospects of “organized” and Book Burners: Sunday, 7:15 PM–8:15 University, and the California Institute of religion in the 21st century. The panel will Reflections on the PM Technology (PhD, 1939). After holding engage in an appraisal of the current state Power (and David Martin, positions at the Bell Telephone of religions so as to propose conjectures Powerlessness) of London School of Laboratories, Columbia University, and for future developments. The appraisal Words and Ideas Economics the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, will need to focus on such topics as glob- (A19–130) he was appointed University Professor at alization, inculturation, and secularization. David Martin (born 1929) is Emeritus Saturday, 7:00 PM– the University of California at Berkeley in The panelists reflect a variety of specializa- Professor of Sociology, London School of 8:30 PM 1967. tions and perspectives. Panelists include Economics, and past Professor of Human Sarah Coakley, Harvard University; Peter Hans Hillerbrand, Duke University Values, Southern Methodist University, Tragedy as Cultural Unconscious of J. Paris, Princeton Theological Seminary; Dallas (1986–90), as well as International Western Religion and Philosophy A native of Germany, Hans J. Hillerbrand Julius Schoeps, Potsdam University; Teresa Fellow of the ISEC, Boston University. He (A21–101) did his graduate work in theology and Berger, Duke University; and Vincent J. is author of some 20 books, including A religion at the University of Erlangen Monday, 4:00 PM–6:30 PM Cornell, University of Arkansas, General Theory of Secularisation (1978), Germany, with a focus on the Protestant Fayetteville. ❧ Pentecostalism: The World Their Parish David W. Tracy, University of Chicago Reformation. After briefly teaching at Goshen (2002), and On Secularisation: Towards a College, he received an appointment to the David Tracy is a Professor at the Revised General Theory (2005). faculty of the Divinity School at Duke University of Chicago. He is the author of University in 1959, where he taught until many books and articles, including October 2005 AAR RSN • 3 Religious Studies News — AAR Edition AAR Officer Elections

A Message from the AAR Call for Nominations Please send your recommendations of persons Vice President the committee should consider to the AAR The Vice President serves on the Executive The Nominations Committee will continue Nominations Committee Executive Office marked “Recommendations and Program Committees, as well as on the its practice of consultations during the for Nominations Committee.” Board of Directors. She will be in line to be The Nominations Committee is Annual Meeting in Philadelphia to begin the confirmed president-elect in 2006 and presi- pleased to place four excellent names process for selecting nominees for vice presi- dent in 2007. During her tenure, the Vice on the ballot this year: two for Vice dent to take office in November 2006. The How to Vote President will have the opportunity to affect President and two for Student committee takes seriously all recommenda- AAR policy in powerful ways; in particular, Director. We are grateful to each of tions by AAR members. All members of the Academy are during the presidential year, the incumbent them for their willingness to serve the entitled to vote for all officers. The The following characteristics regularly surface in makes all appointments of members to open- Academy in this way. elected candidates will take office at the discussions of candidates for vice president: ings on committees. end of the 2005 Annual Meeting. Once again, AAR members will be (a) Scholarship: “represents the mind of the able to vote by electronic ballot. A Academy,” “international reputation,” “breadth Please vote online at www.aarweb.org. Student Director paper ballot will be mailed to mem- In any given year, as many as 30 percent of of knowledge of the field,” “widely known.” Paper ballots are sent only to those bers whose e-mail addresses are not AAR members are students. The AAR’s stu- without e-mail addresses on file or on file. Please know that we guarantee (b) Service to the Academy: “serves the dent members are served by the Graduate by special request (please call the privacy of your vote. Academy broadly conceived,” “gives Student Task Force, the Student Liaison 404-727-3049). Vote by November 1, papers regularly,” “leads sections,” “chairs Group (student representatives from PhD We expect a large number of our 2005, to exercise this important committees,” “supports regional work.” programs), and by the Student Director, who members to vote in this election. membership right. serves on the Board of Directors with full Please be among them. (c) General: “electable,” “one the average voice and vote. The Student Director chairs member of the Academy will look upon Peter J. Paris, Chair the Graduate Student Task Force and Student with respect,” “one whose scholarship and Nominations Committee Liaison Group. S/he also facilitates conversa- manner is inclusive rather than narrow, tion among and between students and various sectarian, and/or exclusive.” bodies of the AAR. ❧ Candidates for Vice President Diana L. Hayes Emilie M. Townes Diana L. Hayes is Professor of Systematic Theology at Georgetown University Emilie M. Townes is the Andrew W. Mellon Professor of African-American Religion (D.C.) (1988). She holds a Juris Doctor degree (George Washington University, and Theology at Yale Divinity School with an appointment in the African- 1973) and served as an attorney for the U.S. Department of Labor, the State of American Studies Department. She received an AB from the University of Chicago New York, and the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. She earned a (1977), AM (1979) and DMn (1982) from the University of Chicago Divinity Baccalaureate (STB, 1983) and Licentiate (STL, 1985) in Sacred Theology School, and PhD from Northwestern University (1989). from the Catholic University of America (D.C.) and a PhD in Religious Townes served as co-editor of the Journal of Feminist Studies in Religion. She is Studies (1988) and the Doctor of Sacred Theology (STD) degree from the the editor of two anthologies including A Troubling in My Soul: Womanist Katholiek Universiteit Leuven (Louvain, Belgium, 1988), becoming the first Perspectives on Evil and Suffering and author of three books, including In a Blaze African-American woman to earn a Pontifical Doctorate. of Glory: Womanist Spirituality as Social Witness. She is finishing a manuscript Hayes has authored four books including Hagar’s Daughters: Womanist Ways of Being in the World on the cultural production of evil and conducts ongoing research on women and health in the African dias- and And Still We Rise: An Introduction to Black Liberation Theology, two co-edited texts on black pora in Brazil and the United States. and contextual theologies, and numerous articles on black/womanist theologies, U.S. liberation theolo- A member of AAR since 1989, she served on the Status of Women in the Profession Committee (chair), the gies, religion and public life, and liturgical inculturation. Her current research involves black spirituali- Independent Meeting Task Force, and the Ethics Section (co-chair). She serves on the Program Committee ty and the intersection of race, class, gender, and religion. and the steering committee of the Womanist Approaches to Religion and Society Group. Townes is a member Honors include three honorary doctorates, the U.S. Catholic Award for Furthering the Cause of Women of the Society of Christian Ethics, the Society for the Study of Black Religion, and the Workgroup on in the Church, the Elizabeth Seton Award for Outstanding Woman Theologian, and the Alexandrine Constructive Christian Theology. Award (College of St. Catherine). Hayes has been a member of the AAR since 1989 and has presented with AAR’s Womanist Approaches to Religion and Society Group and Black Theology Group. Statement on the AAR

N 2004, THE AAR adopted a new the doors in our various program units and units to Statement on the AAR Strategic Plan in anticipation of the 2009 be developed, and as we take seriously the various about the way in which theology/religious CAME TO THE STUDY of religion and Centennial, and in relation to realizing its ways we learn and communicate learning to others. studies is taught, studied, and lived in the I the AAR late in life as a convert to Roman larger mission. As we all know, one of the relat- Promoting new intellectual conversations can be world today. These questions and their answers Catholicism. My first experience of an ed strategic objectives — fostering scholarly accomplished through our current program units as I are critical to our ongoing self-examination and Annual Meeting (1988) left me exhausted yet interaction among all approaches to the study well as new ones. It is my hope that we do not rush self-understanding in the United States as a exhilarated as I attempted to test the waters of of religion — led to the decision to hold stand- to create new units without our current units rigor- country which has, quite belatedly and still too employment as a Catholic theologian who was alone meetings. The person elected Vice ously evaluating their work. In all this potential often reluctantly, awakened to the fact that it is older, black, and female. President will preside over the first meeting in intellectual ferment, it is crucial that we engage in both an ethnically/racially diverse as well as reli- many years where we will not be meeting with solid appraisal and creative debate. These are two Since then, I have both questioned some of giously pluralistic nation, and that this has been the SBL. Much work, intellectual debate, and hallmarks of critical inquiry. AAR’s practices while, at the same time, affirm- true, contrary to opinion, from its earliest creative energy in the two intervening years will ing many of its achievements. That this is the beginnings. At the same time, while engaging In this vein, it is increasingly imperative that we lead to that moment. This is a time of great largest annual gathering of professionals in reli- in critical dialogue and discovery of religions engage religious discourses in the public realm — possibilities, even as many of us mourn the gious fields is known to all of us, as we have relatively new to the U.S., we must also engage both in the United States and in international con- coming loss of familiar collegial ties and intel- attempted to juggle competing interests in ses- in meaningful dialogue with those religious texts. In an increasingly polarized world and a larger lectual conversation partners. As it is with pos- sions being held simultaneously. Bi — if not tri voices that have always been a part of the academic environment that can often be hostile to sibilities, it is also a time of great excitement, — location has become an art for many of us, American religious fabric. things religious, we cannot, as a body of scholars, affording an opportunity to develop new lines especially those who are persons of color and absent ourselves from the public conversations we How do we as members of academia respond of scholarly inquiry as we continue conversa- women, who find that our overlapping fields of now have about religion. Many of us shudder at to the shifts taking place before our eyes in the tions and configurations we have developed interest seem too often to be placed in direct the simplistic and cartoonish characterizations we makeup of our student bodies at the university thus far as a professional body. conflict with each other. see and hear about religious worlds we know to be and graduate level? They cannot be taught in As lively, engrossing, and creative as our annual complex and nuanced. Providing ongoing resources The growing numbers of Africans and African the same tired ways nor can they be expected meetings can be, we must now think even larg- and support for our membership who comment Americans, Asians and Asian Americans, to accept traditions and methodologies that er about how we, as scholars of religion, think on religious events of our day in the public sphere Hispanics/Latinos/Latinas, Native Americans, ignore their existence and their cultures. How through and talk about the nature of religions strengthens the AAR beyond our annual and as well as women of all races and ethnicities, do we broaden our dialogue to ensure that we and religiosity in the academic life. A rich regional meetings. and of gays/lesbians/bisexuals and transgen- are in contact with the real world(s) of the 21st panoply of program units currently provides a dered persons, whose experiences of theology century rather than continuing to present and Mentoring and nurturing leadership are issues that framework where we can learn from colleagues and religious studies have often seemed more impose world-views that have been long out of we must continue to give attention to through the in different fields. The conceptual framework like fields of combat rather than fields of study, sync with reality, both within and outside our program units, special topics forums, and member- for the new meeting program invites us to bring challenges that are as yet far from being places of worship? While the questions con- initiated sessions. Perhaps the most obvious foci are think creatively and wisely about a format with dealt with in holistic and viable ways. These cerning faith may, at their core, remain the graduate students, new faculty, women, and mem- more slots for more units, specialized sessions groups cannot be seen simply as theologizing same, those articulating those questions have bers of racial and ethnic groups. However, there are for constituencies of a program unit, and ses- from marginal perspectives that are interesting changed and require answers relevant to their also members working in smaller institutions who sions designed to attract audiences from but basically irrelevant to the real academic experiences of the sacred within their lives and carry administrative responsibilities in addition to beyond the unit. study of theology and religious studies. people. We must respond with programs and their teaching loads, as directors of new initiatives Additionally, as our interaction with the global sessions that bring these voices and questions A key feature of our annual meetings is lively or programs with no working models to draw on. societies around us reveals, persons of color are into the heart of the AAR rather than the scholarly exchange. This must not be lost as we now in the forefront of those raising questions take up the invitation and opportunity to open See TOWNES p.6 See HAYES p.5

4 • October 2005 AAR RSN NEWS Candidates for Student Director Nathan R. B. Loewen Davina C. Lopez Nathan R. B. Loewen is a doctoral candidate in the religion and culture pro- Davina C. Lopez is a doctoral candidate in New Testament Studies at Union gram at the Faculty of Religious Studies, McGill University. Prior to studying Theological Seminary, New York. She received a BA in Religion from Emory at McGill, he completed a BTh at Canadian Mennonite University (1995), University (1995), an MA in Christian Ethics from Union (1999), and has a BA in religious studies at the University of Winnipeg (1996), and then studied at the University of Amsterdam. Davina has served as AAR Student both a Masters of Theological Studies and Masters of Sacred Theology at St. Liaison for the past two years, as a co-convener of the Women’s Caucus for Andrew’s College, University of Saskatchewan (2001, 2002). For the final Religious Studies (1999–2001), and on various school committees. She has held degree, Nathan combined his research on contemporary continental philoso- several research and teaching fellowships at Union, where she also has cultivated phy, feminist theory, and ethics. He described how Stanley Hauerwas’s professional development programs for doctoral candidates and writing workshops Christian pacifist ethic could self-critically achieve a nonviolent integration of for seminarians. An active member of the Society of Biblical Literature, she has concerns germane to feminist and gender studies. presented papers at AAR and SBL regional and annual meetings. Davina has Since arriving at the Faculty of Religious Studies at McGill University in 2002, Nathan has devel- authored several articles and book reviews. She is currently co-editing for publica- oped his academic, collegial, and administrative skills. He has functioned within the faculty as the tion, with Brigitte Kahl and Hal Taussig, papers from “New Testament and Roman Empire: Shifting AAR’s student liaison and president of the Religious Studies Graduate Students’ society. For example, Paradigms for Interpretation,” a national consultation convened by Union’s New Testament Faculty in he organized workshops on professional development, grant writing, and drafting AAR meeting pro- 2004. Lopez is writing a dissertation on Pauline literature, with attention to Roman imperial visual rep- posals. Just this May, he was co-director of the AAR Eastern International Region’s 2005 annual meet- resentation and gender constructs. Her research and teaching interests include Paul’s letters, gender studies, ing. At present, he continues teaching “The Ethics of Violence and Nonviolence,” and is working Roman imperial art and literature, hermeneutics, and biblical imagery in contemporary culture. through “Evil According to Jacques Derrida” as his dissertation project. Statement on the AAR Statement on the AAR OFTEN DARE my students to open a world-conscious teachers of religion for a vari- partly to prevent the identification of differ- HE AAR has provided graduate stu- newspaper, watch television, or walk around ety of educational settings, including settings ences in scholarly foci with political polariza- dents many important avenues into the New York City and not see at least one ref- that are increasingly outside of traditional class- tions. I Tscholarship of religion at both the erence to religion. Persistent media coverage rooms and institutions. regional and corporate levels. The Student On the matter of upcoming meetings, it may alone shows what scholars of religion already Previous Student Directors have valued com- Liaison Group (SLG) has been instrumental be worthwhile for the SLG to continue know: there is no lack of attention to religious munication and fairness while facilitating pas- in helping bring this about. While function- rethinking graduate students’ involvements at expression in myriad forms and agendas. The sionate conversations about a range of matters ing as a liaison, I have developed an under- the annual and regional levels. While hosting AAR, as the world’s largest organization facing the AAR, from scheduling details to standing of the relationships between the the remotely placed “students’ lounge” in San focused on myriad forms of scholarship and reflection on the organization’s mission and AAR, the SLG, and graduate students. The Antonio, I listened to several concerns raised teaching agendas in religion, has a responsibili- direction. They have encouraged the Student SLG (1) works to maximize graduate stu- about the nature of graduate students’ atten- ty to translate, comment upon, and participate Liaison Group’s recent contributions to the dents’ benefits from their involvements with dance at annual meetings. Attendance is in religion’s divergent articulations. academy. As Student Director I would contin- the AAR; (2) encourages the AAR to further often due to either presenting a paper or As students compose more than one-third of ue to enable open dialogue and action around its constructive presence within student being an SLG representative. This is under- the AAR’s membership, it is essential to culti- several issues expressed at recent Annual members’ institutions; (3) seeks to represent standable, since both these activities enhance vate student perspectives and contributions to Meetings, some of which revolve around tran- the AAR as clearly as possible to its student the CV and are one of the few methods of its activities and formulation of its direction in sitioning to a stand-alone meeting. Introducing member constituency; and (4) engenders an garnering the institutional support to make a religiously pluralistic world. Student mem- more innovative programming, concerns about expanded sense of collegiality and academic attendance affordable. Yet perhaps this shows bers are, after all, also (future) teachers, the job-search process, and collaboration with responsibility beyond students’ home institu- that other reasons to attend are obscured by researchers, non-profit and community work- other professional societies are pressing. tions towards the larger religious studies aca- students’ financial realities. To be sure this is ers, clergy, publishers, and other professionals. I Economic concerns include the cost of attend- demia. It is through these activities that the not a question of “free lunch” or “a student’s believe that students’ professional formation is ing multiple meetings, which often causes stu- SLG fulfills its goal of expanding student proper place;” rather it is one of how to pro- critical for the continued flourishing of both dents to make choices based on what is afford- involvement in the AAR. mote students’ involvement in a major students’ developing careers and the AAR’s able, and high costs of audiovisual equipment dimension of the AAR. How might students To say “we live in changing times” is banal, organizational success. During this period of for presentations at Annual Meeting confer- be better fiscally enabled to attend the meet- but if I peruse halls of my present institution, transition to a stand-alone Annual Meeting, ence facilities, which are obstacles to students ing? Can more accommodations at budget I find that it has transformed from a Divinity mindfulness concerning formation and direc- giving multimedia-based papers. This difficulty hotels be negotiated by the meeting’s com- Hall to a Faculty of Divinity to the present tion is vital. must be addressed in a context increasingly mittees? How might healthy low-cost food Faculty of Religious Studies. It is more than focused on media and technological literacy. options be negotiated to exist on site? Having served as a student liaison for the past likely that in the near future my faculty will two years, I have appreciated the complexity of As Student Director I would highlight and become a department subsumed within the As a Canadian member of the AAR, I think the AAR Student Director’s role, including elaborate upon existing student-friendly oppor- Faculty of Arts. I take this as paradigmatic of that the SLG should also pursue the sixth opening and maintaining multiple communi- tunities through programming concentrated religious studies’ movement away from an article of the Centennial Strategic Plan: to cation channels among students, and between on aspects of professional development. I have “independence from-” to an “interdepend- enhance the AAR’s international dimensions. students and AAR’s Board of Directors; imple- had extensive experience planning and imple- ence within-” relation to higher education What tactics can forward this strategy? This is menting programs that encourage student par- menting educational workshops and confer- institutions. Indicative of this is that graduat- a pressing issue for non-U.S. citizen graduate ticipation and empowerment; and providing ences, and look forward to continuing such ed students are not necessarily seeking students who study outside the U.S. At this networking opportunities for students and work in the AAR. Connecting with groups employment in areas whose title contains the present time, many cannot attend most of other AAR members. A Student Director’s pri- who currently offer programs especially for stu- word “religion,” and that employment often the AAR’s annual and regional meetings. mary responsibility is recognizing and advocat- dents, such as those concerning mentoring or takes an “adjunct” form. In the midst of this Regional meetings do possess the capability ing for concerns and realities affecting stu- “non-traditional” careers, would be an avenue change, students are asking that the AAR to address some of the above issues. The dents’, and therefore the academy’s, future. for maximizing student engagement at regional focus its resources on the kind of advocacy Annual Meeting will always seem like an These include the cost of attending Annual and Annual Meetings without duplicating that will help develop its mission “to promote unwieldy and overbearing experience for Meetings, which is rising and will inevitably efforts. I will encourage investigation of excellence in scholarship and teaching in the many, and the smaller regional meetings can present special economic and professional enhanced student presentation in venues fitting field of religion.” ameliorate this. The regional meetings also issues for a variety of members when the stand- various needs and professional aspirations. As I foresee the SLG collaborating with its grad- offer the space for new initiatives, the presen- alone meeting model is inaugurated in 2008; an active Society of Biblical Literature member uate student constituency to ensure their tation of graduate research, and flexibility in job security, ranging from finding full-time and a product of graduate theological educa- sense of connection with the AAR’s changes geographical locations to enable attendance. I work in an economically depressed market, to tion, I bring sensitivity to AAR student mem- in its structure and vision. For example, it is would like to see the SLG bring this into gaining alternate, often adjunct, employment bers whose concerns stem from dual member- imperative that the SLG build towards the focus, and actively seek to collaborate with when full-time tenure-track work is unavail- ship, and I anticipate conversations between 2008 Annual Meeting with innovative initia- the regions to enhance student involvement able, to managing increasing educational debt theological students and the AAR’s new tives. Furthermore, in light of discussions cir- in the AAR. and cost of living while employed in lower- Director of Theological Programs to identify culated on the students’ listserv, I believe that paying jobs that often do not carry benefits like areas for long-term consideration. As the study This is a brief sample of my understanding of relationships need to be proactively sustained health insurance; contributing well-crafted of religion and theology, best practiced, is an the AAR, the SLG, and graduate students. between biblical studies scholars and the responses to an increasing demand for public inherently collaborative (ad)venture, I am con- While it may be subject to change as we remainder of the religious studies academy in intellectual, yet headline-ready, responses to vinced that a productive way forward will be work together, this is only because we share North America. This is partly a result of the various “hot-button” religious issues; and the forged by making connections in the service of aspirations and commitments for the acade- social context the AAR is situated within, and training of committed, technologically adept, creating the best possible future together. ❧ my’s well-being. ❧

HAYES, from p.4 meetings is also of great concern. While recog- most needed. It also inflicts undue financial of the decision to split the annual meetings nizing the logistical and other difficulties that and scheduling hardships on those whose work while also; (c) explore ways in which greater periphery where they have historically prompted this move, I fear the loss of a critical involves both societies. What will happen to standing can be given to the sacred texts of been. It is incumbent upon all of us to connection, at least as an African-American the many co-sponsored dialogues that have other religions; and (d) encourage the explo- learn of and respond to these questions in scholar whose heritage is scripturally rooted. been highlights of prior meetings? ration of new avenues of scholarship and forms ways that are inclusive of these different This separation does not really resolve these of theological writing that relate to the real religious histories and stories, for these are It is my hope to (a) raise awareness of AAR issues but creates greater problems for those of worlds in which we all must live. ❧ the religious practitioners as well as the reli- members to the significant changes taking us whose work overlaps with that of the society gious teachers of our future. place in the world around us and in our own in so many ways. I fear it will lead to the loss of academic institutions and the challenges these The planned separation of the AAR and SBL a critical dialogue partner at a time when it is changes bring to our work; (b) urge a revisiting October 2005 AAR RSN • 5 Religious Studies News — AAR Edition Annual Meeting Chairs Workshop Enlarging the Pie: Strategies for Managing and Growing Departmental Resources

Session leaders this year include Diane heading religious studies departments. Summer 2003 - The Entrepreneurial HE ACADEMIC Relations Stewart of Emory University, Deanna Lunch is included, and participants can Chair: Building and Managing Your Committee and the Academic Thompson of Hamline University, Tom choose afternoon sessions that will best Department in an Era of Shrinking Relations Program is offering its T Coburn of Naropa University, Tom benefit each individual. Resources and Increasing Demands popular Chairs Workshop for the sixth Kasulis of Ohio State University, and consecutive year at the AAR Annual Colleagues in your institution, such as 2002 Annual Meeting - Running a Zayn Kassam of Pomona College. Meeting. This year’s topic, “Enlarging the chairs, other members of the faculty, facul- Successful Faculty Search in the Pie: Strategies for Managing and Growing The workshop leaders will guide chairs ty being developed to assume leadership Religious Studies Department Departmental Resources,” will be led by and department members in exchanging responsibilities, and deans, may be inter- 2001 Annual Meeting - Evaluating and Timothy Renick of Georgia State personal narratives and strategies for ested in attending this workshop. Chairs Advancing Teaching in the Religious University and Richard Carp of addressing key challenges: fundraising, may want to bring a team of faculty or Studies Department Appalachian State University. increasing a department’s visibility, devel- send a designated faculty person to the oping faculty and personnel, growing stu- workshop. 2000 Annual Meeting - Assessing and The workshop, from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM on dents, budgeting and financial manage- Advancing the Religious Studies The topics for past Chairs Workshops Friday, November 18, will deal with the ment, growing links to other departments, Department. include: increasing demands on scarce resources fac- and identifying, procuring, and utilizing We look forward to seeing you in ing departments today. The challenges of physical space. Additionally, participants 2004 Annual Meeting - Being a Chair Philadelphia! finding, maintaining, and securing resources will be taught the value of assessing the in Today’s Consumer Culture: — economic, physical, and human — make credibility of their institutions, and how Navigating in the Knowledge Factory The Academic Relations Committee: Fred department chair duties even more strenu- that knowledge can be used when target- Glennon (Chair), Richard M. Carp, 2003 Annual Meeting - Scholarship, ous. This interactive workshop, featuring ing valuable resources. Chester Gillis, Laurie L. Patton, and Service, and Stress: The Tensions of breakout and question-and-answer sessions, Chung-Fang Yu. ❧ All the discussion leaders are experienced Being a Chair will help participants identify and define chairs who have dealt with the demands of resources and how to use them wisely.

TOWNES, from p.4 Enlarging the Pie: Strategies for Managing and Additionally, growing numbers of our mem- Growing Departmental Resources bers work as adjunct faculty, with minimal job security. Others are contemplating retirement AN ANNUAL MEETING CHAIRS WORKSHOP or are newly retired. We must continue to attend to the transitions our members encounter throughout their careers, as well as Friday, November 18, 2005, Philadelphia, PA to their roles not only as scholars, but also as 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM teachers. Our professional development ses- sions must be nimble enough to keep up with PRELIMINARY PROGRAM the ways in which members are living out their professional lives as lifelong vocations. WORKSHOP LEADERS: • Fundraising • Growing links to other departments Richard Carp, Appalachian State University • Faculty/personnel development • Increasing your department’s visibility The AAR needs to continue to encourage the Timothy Renick, Georgia State University • Growing students • Institutional credibility use of the regions to foster more agile and lively • Budgeting and financial management scholarly exchange than can be done at the national meeting. This, perhaps, is the greatest strength of the AAR. Regional gatherings are TO REGISTER often the places where junior colleagues are Complete the information below, arrange payment, and send via fax or surface mail. nurtured and encouraged, where more sea- soned colleagues can test new ideas and con- cepts, and where new initiatives are founded. Name The ongoing health of AAR requires effective communication between the Regions, the Department Board of Directors, and the executive office. As we continue to grow into our new incarnation, Institution Serving as Chair since Number of faculty in department we must maintain those things we do well, even as we create a stronger and more intellec- CONTACT INFORMATION tually vibrant professional society. ❧ Please provide the following information if you are not a current AAR member. (You may check your membership information at www.aarweb.org.)

Fax E-mail

Surface Mailing Address Registration is limited to the first 75 participants. Send your registration form and payment of $75.00 before October 31, 2005 ($100.00 on site). PAYMENT INFORMATION

❒ Check: (payable to “AAR Annual Meeting Chairs Workshop”) For more information, contact Kyle Cole, Director of College Programs, at [email protected], or by ❒ Credit Card (Check one): phone at 404-727-1489, or see www.aarweb.org/department/workshops. ❒ Visa ❒ Mastercard ❒ American Express ❒ Discover

Credit Card Number Expiration Date (MM/YY) Register by Fax: 404-727-7959 Register online: CID* www.aarweb.org/department/ workshops/2005Philadelphia Cardholder Signature Register by surface mail: Chairs Workshop Name on Card (Please Print) American Academy of Religion 825 Houston Mill RD NE, Suite 300 * Card Identification Number (required for Discover cards): 4 digits on front of American Atlanta, GA 30329 Express; 3 digits on back of other cards ✃ 6 • October 2005 AAR RSN ANNUAL MEETING NEWS REEL RELIGION EIS Offers New Job Services, including Searchable Please see the Annual Meeting By the Dawn’s Early Light: Program Book or the Chris Jackson’s Journey to Candidates’ Vita Online Program Highlights page at Islam (A20–132) www.aarweb.org for more Sunday, 8:30 PM–10:00 PM information. ANDIDATES and employers will The 2005 EIS Center will be held in This documentary film reexamines find new offerings at this year’s Franklin Hall at the Marriott Philadelphia the controversy when NBA player C Employment Information Services Downtown Hotel, the headquarters hotel Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf (formerly Center at the Annual Meeting. The AAR of this year’s Annual Meeting. It will open Mana: Beyond Belief Chris Jackson) refused to stand is giving registered candidates the oppor- at 7:00 PM Friday with a short orientation (A18–100) during the national anthem tunity to upload a curriculum vitae to the session. Come and receive your Annual Friday, 7:30 PM–9:00 PM because of his “Muslim con- EIS Web site, and beginning September 1, Meetings special edition of Openings, and The central idea behind this film is science,” the media (mis)represen- tations, and the differing reactions employers registered for the EIS Center learn how you can best utilize EIS. that the way people behave in the will be able to view the online CVs, which Immediately after the orientation, the presence of power objects reveals of African-American Muslims and a process of the human mind immigrant American Muslims. The will be organized by job classification. The message center will open. EIS will be fully which is fundamental and univer- film’s director, Zareena Grewal, CVs will also be placed in binders and operational Saturday, Sunday, and sal: belief. will preside. made available in the EIS Center for Monday, and a half-day on Tuesday. employer review. Peaceable Kingdom Transnational Savior: A For more EIS Center information, includ- (A18–103) Salvadoran Jesus Reunites with Also new this year, employers who are ing registration information and CV His People in the United States Friday, 8:30 PM–10:00 PM interviewing at the EIS Center will receive upload/review instructions, see (A20-132) Hear the riveting stories of people an “EIS” icon next to their ad in Openings www.aarweb.org/eis or call 404-727-3049. Sunday, 8:30 PM–10:00 PM struggling with their conscience Online. Candidates should start looking at around some of our society’s most This 40-minute documentary film Openings now to see which employers will fundamental assumptions. chronicles the Salvadoran celebra- be at the EIS Center and to begin apply- The deadline for EIS registration and tion of La Bajada (the Lowering) ing for positions. CV submission is October 21. ❧ Alambrista (A19–50) and the Day of the Salvadoran in Saturday, 1:00 PM–2:30 PM Los Angeles. Robert M. Young’s critically What the Bleep Do We acclaimed 110-minute film Know? (A20–133) Alambrista (1977) depicts the harsh realities of Mexican life on Sunday, 8:30 PM–10:00 PM both sides of the border. The movie was a surprise indie hit, Annual Meeting to Focus on combining mysticism and quantum Dogma (A19–132) physics. Does matter exist? Does Saturday, 8:30 PM–10:00 PM time flow in one direction? Is the Central and Eastern Europe In this controversial film, a woman universe a construct of the human who is the last living descendant of mind? Religion in Europe East and West UE TO THE INITIATIVE of the Jesus is called upon by the Voice Left Behind: The Movie (A20–4) of God to stop two renegade International Connections (A21–126) angels from entering a Catholic Committee, each Annual Meeting Eastern European Jewry: Culture, Monday, 8:30 PM–10:00 PM D church in New Jersey, and thereby includes a focus on a specific region of the Thought, and Impact (A20–58) erasing all existence. This is the first of two movie adap- world. The international focus for the 20th-Century Eastern European tations of the bestselling Left Behind 2005 Annual Meeting is Central and Freaks (A19–133) books (by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Theologians (A20–63) Saturday, 8:30 PM–10:00 PM Eastern European Scholars and Jenkins), which offer a fictional Scholarship. Listed below are some rele- Voloshky Ukrainian Dance Ensemble account of what will happen to Set in the environs of a circus vant sessions. (A20–131) sideshow, the film tells a tale of those who have been “left behind” romance and revenge in which on earth after the Rapture. Religion and the Holocaust in Central the characters with non-norma- Quo Vadis Eastern Europe? (A19–9) The Magdalene Sisters and Eastern Europe (A21–35) tive human bodies are the Neo-Pagan Religions in Central and (A21–127) Methodism in Eastern Europe: Renewing heroes and the characters with Eastern Europe: Identity, Community, culturally normative human bod- Monday, 8:30 PM–10:00 PM the Heritage (A21–123) ❧ and Challenge (A19–70) ies are the villains. The film is a fact-based account of three young Irish women who were Russian Orthodoxy in Literature and imprisoned in a Magdalene laun- Modern Life (A19–104) dry in Dublin in 1964. ❧

New Program Units Nine new program units will offer exciting sessions at this year’s Annual Meeting

Western Esotericism Group Daoist Studies Consultation Liberal Theologies Consultation Signifying (on) Scriptures Western Esotericism (A20–73) Ritual, Temple, and Power in Later Liberal Theologies: Parameters and Consultation Sunday, 1:00 PM–3:30 PM Daoism (A19–115) Prospectives (A20–77) Theorizing Signifying Traditions and Saturday, 4:00 PM–6:30 PM Sunday, 1:00 PM–3:30 PM Practices (A20–30) Contemporary Pagan Studies Co-sponsored with the Chinese Religions Sunday, 9:00 AM–11:30 AM Consultation Group Queer Theory and LGBT Studies Neo-Pagan Religions in Central and Daoist Studies: Problems and Prospects in Religion Consultation Tantric Studies Consultation Eastern Europe: Identity, Community, (A20–27) Queering the Study of Religion Sexuality and Gender in Tantric and Challenge (A19–70) Sunday, 9:00 AM–11:30 AM (A19–126) Traditions (A20–127) Saturday, 1:00 PM–3:30 PM Saturday, 4:00 PM–6:30 PM Sunday, 4:00 PM–6:30 PM Co-sponsored with the New Religious Death, Dying, and Beyond Visual Arts and Ritual in Tantric Movements Group Consultation Religion and Sexuality Consultation Traditions (A21–7) Boundaries and Paths to Authenticity Continuities and Discontinuities: Monday, 9:00 AM–11:30 AM (A21–30) Contemporary Cross-Cultural Regulating Desire: Christian and Co-sponsored by the Arts, Literature, and Monday, 9:00 AM–11:30 AM Approaches to the Study of Death Buddhist Sexuality Debates in America Religion Section ❧ (A20–28) and Beyond (A19–26) Sunday, 9:00 AM–11:30 AM Saturday, 9:00 AM–11:30 AM

October 2005 AAR RSN • 7 Religious Studies News — AAR Edition Things to Do in Philadelphia Performances and Exhibitions HILE PHILADELPHIA is is home to many premier shops such as to See at the Annual Meeting famous as the birthplace of Tiffany & Company and Nicole Miller. W American democracy and If antiques pique your interest, visit home of the Liberty Bell, the city has so Antique Row, just six blocks away from The AAR is showcasing the following performances and exhi- much more to offer. Quaint shops, the convention center on Pine Street. bitions during this year’s Annual Meeting. acclaimed museums and performing arts, This collection of boutiques offers a fine and historical landmarks make selection of period furnishings, antiques, Philadelphia a city to explore. collectibles, estate jewelry, and vintage clothing from around the world. Sharon O’Brien — Readings As a historical city, Philadelphia has many from “The Family Silver” excellent museums. The Rodin Museum, (A19–100) devoted to the work of Auguste Rodin, Antique Row Saturday, 4:00 PM–6:30 PM encompasses the greatest collection of his Pine Street between 9th and 17th Streets Sharon O’Brien will give a talk and lead a sculpture outside of Paris. The celebrated Gallery Mall workshop on the creative and spiritual showcase of works includes The Burghers 9th and Market Streets meanings of memoir, including a reading of Calais, The Gates of Hell, and The from The Family Silver: A Memoir of Thinker, one of the most recognizable Independence National Historical Depression and Inheritance. Her memoir sculptures in the world. The Pennsylvania Park records the story of her struggle with Academy of Fine Arts is America’s oldest 6th and Market Streets depression (“a rude houseguest”) and her art museum. Its renowned collection of Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts search to understand her family’s past. She American paintings and sculptures spans Broad and Cherry Streets uses biographers’ methods to weave four centuries and includes works by the Closed Monday together the scattered pieces of the past country’s greatest artists. A trip to — a mother’s memo books, a father’s Independence National Historical Park Philadelphia Museum of Art reading journal, family photographs, hos- will include many historical sites such as 26th Street and Benjamin Franklin Pkwy pital records, dance cards — into a narra- Voloshky Ukrainian Dance the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and Closed Monday tive of redemption. She will go “back- Ensemble (A20–131) Congress Hall. Rittenhouse Row stage” about the craft of memoir, giving Sunday, 8:30 PM–10:00 PM Many people come to Philadelphia for Walnut Street and Broad Street examples from her own creative process to The Voloshky Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, the history, but the city is also a shopper’s show how writing can be a journey full of Rodin Museum founded in 1972, has earned renown for paradise. The Gallery Mall is connected dead ends and side roads as well as open 22nd Street and Ben Franklin Parkway the vigor and resplendence of its perform- to the Pennsylvania Convention Center. spaces. She will give suggestions for ways Closed Monday ❧ ances. The Voloshky style is bold, power- It offers over 130 shops to browse. For to begin writing life stories in a personal ful, and one of sparkling athleticism. The more upscale shopping, Rittenhouse Row narrative workshop. Participants will work ensemble generates a dynamic blend of art in small groups. No experience necessary; and energy characterizing the vitality of bring a pen and a notebook. the Ukrainian people. Voloshky achieves a delicate balance between authenticity and Where to Eat in Philadelphia Dennis and Dan Bielfeldt: An originality in style and composition. The Evening of Jazz (A19–131) dancers combine the strengths of classical Saturday, 8:30 PM–10:00 PM ballet with the vigor of traditional Ukrainian dance. Voloshky’s artistry and In addition to being a philosophy and Eating portrayal of Ukrainian dance is testament religion professor and a member of the to a vibrant and enduring culture steeped AAR, Dennis Bielfeldt is a jazz pianist in rich history. Under the artistic direction with a degree in piano performance. He of Taras Lewyckyj, Voloshky accomplishes $ under $10 Fox and Hound Smokehouse and has done club work throughout the Tavern dance on a truly lofty scale. $$ $11–20 1501 Spruce Street Midwest, particularly in Iowa City and $$$ $21–30 Des Moines, Iowa, Wichita, Kansas, and $$$$ over $30 A casual restaurant where you can catch Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Dennis has Farm Security Administration the game on TV. With more than 70 dif- played with scores of musicians, has Photo Exhibit by Colleen ferent varieties of beer, Fox and Hound taught jazz piano, and has worked as a cli- McDannell (A21–100) prides itself on throwing the best cocktail nician. He especially enjoys recreating the Monday, 4:00 PM–6:30 PM party in town. $ sounds of the great solo jazz pianists of Alma de Cuba Sponsored by AAR and Temple University 1623 Walnut Street the ’30s and ’40s. Dennis’s 19-year-old Gallery at Market East son Dan is already an accomplished jazz Following the special topics forum Picturing Festive Cuban cocktails such as Mojitos 9th and Market Streets saxophonist who has performed in various Faith: Photography and the Great Depression and daiquiris perfectly complement the venues. Dan has been the first-chair all- (A21–53) is a reception at curator Colleen There are over 20 fast food outlets in the flavors, brilliant colors, and textures of the state jazz sax player in South Dakota the McDannell’s photography exhibit at the Gallery Mall. $ Cuban-inspired cuisine. $$$ last three years. Playing be-bop is his par- Mellon Society of Fellows, 10th Floor Joseph Poon Asian Fusion ticular favorite. Gladfelter Hall (12th Street and Berks Mall) The Bards Restaurant on the campus of Temple University. A bus 2013 Walnut Street 1002 Arch Street will be provided following the session for attendees interested in viewing the photos. ❧ The art of conversation is facilitated by This Asian fusion restaurant, one block the absence of cable TV competing with from the convention center, is bright and jukeboxes. A warm and inviting restaurant contemporary with a dash of adventure. $$ that serves Irish food. $$ Cappricio Kingdom of Vegetarians Reading Terminal Market Drinking 1701 Locust Street 129 North 11th Street 12th and Arch Streets This vegan kosher Chinese restaurant in Capriccio offers a selection of sandwiches, The best farmers’ market in America features Chinatown serves vegetarian dishes and salads, soups, coffee, freshly baked pastries, 80 merchants under one roof and lunch dim sum, all freshly prepared. $ The Black Sheep Bar desserts, and ice cream. This European dishes of every imaginable variety. Closed on 2475 17th Street café is located in the heart of Rittenhouse Sunday. $–$$ A relaxed atmosphere, hearty Irish food, and Square. $ Le Castagne 1920 Chestnut Street a wide selection of drinks from around the Sotto Varelli world greet patrons. D’Angelo’s Ristorante and Lounge Le Castagne represents cutting-edge 231 South Broad Street Italiano Northern Italian cooking by presenting Sotto Varelli is located along the Avenue of Tir Na Nog Bar and Grill 256 S. 20th Street classic fare in a contemporary fashion. $$$ the Arts and serves a menu featuring 1600 Arch Street D’Angelo’s is a private dining spot with seafood, steaks, chops, and pasta. $$ Irish artisans have designed a warm Irish pub award-winning cuisine and an extraordi- Palm Restaurant 200 South Broad Street with sophisticated charm. New American nary selection of Italian wine. $$ Zanzibar Blue food is on the menu. $$ ❧ For more than 60 years, the Palm has been 200 South Broad Street serving classic American fare such as lob- A restaurant and jazz club, Zanzibar Blue ster, steak, lamb, and veal. $$$$ provides an elegant experience that melds international jazz and fine dining. $$$

8 • October 2005 AAR RSN NEWS AAR President Outlines Search Plan for Executive Director

Hans J. Hillerbrand, AAR President, Duke University

Barbara at regional AAR/SBL meetings Mahoney. These colleagues will bring to colleagues in the practical theological dis- HEN Barbara DeConcini, AAR and have had a chance to hear her vision the table an impressive array of prior AAR ciplines. Thus, the initial meeting of the Executive Director, informed and her updates on what is happening in involvement, including a former presi- Search Committee was devoted to a dis- the AAR Board at the April W our field and on the challenges facing the dent, a president-elect, board members cussion of the criteria and qualifications of 2005 meeting that she would not serve Academy. I, for one, have been pleased to and former board members, and chairs of the position. This gave the committee a another full term in office, her announce- hear Barbara remind the Board that the the regions and the status of women in yardstick by which to evaluate the candi- ment put into bold relief how much the AAR must serve both the scholarly and the profession committees. dates. AAR has changed and what was accom- the professional dimension of its mem- plished during her 15 years in office. The In searches such as ours, the temptation is The following advertisement announced bers. For example, we have a high-quality size of the Annual Meeting, the annual to proceed as quickly as possible to the the opening: scholarly books program while at the same budget, the activities of over a dozen identification and even screening of candi- time we address such professional issues as The American Academy of Religion standing committees, the publishing pro- dates. Nonetheless, the professionals who childcare at the Annual Meeting and the is searching for a new Executive gram — to cite but a few instances — all make a lot of money advising institutions support of departmental chairs, among Director. Headquartered in Atlanta, suggest a dramatic change from the time, on searches have suggested that it many other things. with an international membership of back in 1991, when Barbara assumed the behooves organizations to begin a search some 10,000, the AAR is the premier position of executive director. The AAR Now the AAR must move on and find a by taking an institutional inventory — the association and professional society then only had a part-time executive direc- successor who will bring to the position state of the organization; its particular for scholars of religion. The Executive tor and a part-time office staff. Much of the qualities needed for this important challenges and needs — and then move Director will be a gifted administra- the development of the past 15 years work at an important time in the history on to establishing the traits and qualifica- tor, possess outstanding interpersonal would have been unthinkable without of the AAR. This task will not be easy. tions needed in the person to be sought. skills, and will embrace the vision of Barbara’s involvement and her energetic In line with this approach, the Search At the AAR Board meeting in April, I the AAR (see www.aarweb.org). The and visionary leadership. Committee will begin its work with a informed the Board that I would appoint successful candidate must hold an thorough discussion of the current chal- a search committee that would reflect advanced degree and be familiar with Barbara succeeded in reminding the Board lenges facing the AAR. This will need to both the diverse strengths of the AAR and the academic study of religion. Letter again and again that the AAR is a volun- include, inter alia, the decision about the its various constituencies. I am pleased of application and résumé to AAR teer organization: that the program of the Annual Meeting; the further implementa- that the following colleagues have agreed Executive Director Search, Duke annual meetings and the committees of tion of the strategic plan adopted by the to serve with me on the search committee: University, Box 90964, Durham, NC the AAR are unthinkable without the Board two years ago with its goals of fur- Diana Eck, Gene Gallagher, Deanna 27708, USA. The AAR is an EEO/AA committed and active involvement of ther internationalization; new members; Thompson, Rebecca Alpert, Stacy Patty, employer. ❧ AAR members. Many of you have met and emphasis on the work done by our Linda Moody, Peter Paris, and Bill

Salute to Glenn Yocum, 11-Year Editor of JAAR Terry Godlove, Hofstra University has courageously brought the wisdom of Davaney said he represented the journal sored by Whittier’s dean of faculty. the West (coast) to the East (coast). For all with wisdom and insight on the Board of Although the dean refused the opportuni- of this, we are very grateful, and we shall the AAR, the Program Committee, and ty to crunch cricket meat with Glenn, my very much miss his participation in our for a time the Executive Committee. then-young son found the opportunity meetings.” most charming and tasty, as did I.” “He has been deeply respected by all who But many know that formal resolutions served with him,” she said. “Glenn guided Gary Laderman, Emory University, and a adopted by boards of directors are just the Journal through the transition from collaborator on one of Yocum’s signature foam on the wave. The real power and the Scholars Press to Oxford University Press. initiatives, the internationalization project, energy lie hidden in the form of individ- I will be among those who have treasured said working with him was a pleasure. “It’s ual acts of professionalism, courtesy, and him as a colleague and a friend.” rare to find someone in academia who is kindness. Yocum’s colleagues attest to so down-to-earth, friendly, open-minded, JAAR associate editor Joseph L. Price, many of these. and direct,” he said. “In the work we did Whittier College, said he would remem- with the planning committee on the inter- Sheila Davaney, professor at Iliff School of ber Yocum on a personal and professional nationalization project, Glenn’s keen intel- Glenn Yocum, Whittier College Theology and JAAR Book Review Editor, level. lect and goodwill always made our meet- first met Yocum when she was serving on “Mostly, I will remember Glenn’s tenure at ings stimulating, productive, and very the search committee that interviewed ITH GLENN YOCUM’S 11- JAAR for the breadth of his knowledge, easy-going. him. “Glenn promised to broaden the year tenure as editor of JAAR for the keenness of his perception, and for subdisciplines that would find JAAR as a “Even though he did try to get us to meet ending, his deep and lasting the steadiness of his adherence to princi- W natural home for scholarship related to in more rustic locations like his new contributions to the journal, as well as the ples rather than convenience,” Price said. these areas,” she recalled. “He was particu- hometown, Las Vegas (that’s New Mexico, field, are evident: a stronger journal sup- “He’s a colleague who has supported my larly sensitive to the need to encourage not Nevada!), our times together always ported by his efforts at diversity and glob- venturing into uncharted territories (of previously underrepresented scholarly turned out to be quite memorable. I feel alization in scholarship, guidance in tran- sports and/as religion) while respecting the voices, geographical locales, and disci- fortunate to have had an opportunity to sition from Scholars Press to Oxford fundamental grounding of my concerns in plines focused on other than Western reli- work with him on the journal generally University Press, and a collegial environ- a tradition and orientation that are not gious traditions. and this project specifically. I am even ment that invited thoughtful conversation those of his current practice. That’s an more fortunate to now count him as a and scholarship. “Glenn announced the importance of amazing gift.” close friend. attending to material culture and to popu- Price said that those who have worked The AAR Board applauded Yocum’s lead- lar religions as well as a continued interest Susan Henking, Hobart and William closely with Glenn over a range of projects ership in April, approving a formal resolu- in texts. He asserted perhaps most impor- Smith Colleges, is a Publications know that they have been graced by being tion written by the AAR Publications tantly that articles and reviews needed to Committee colleague of Yocum’s. During in the presence of someone who is pro- Committee and brought to the Board by not only make a contribution to their own her years of involvement with the AAR and found, just, and genuine — all in the best its chair, Frank Clooney. “His editorial scholarly subset but they had also to be on the committee, she came to know him. sense of those words. work has been exemplary; the journal has intelligible across disciplinary lines; they “His commitment to our field is expressed flourished under his guidance; his rela- needed to make a contribution to the “Add to those qualities his incredible in his generous mentorship of those newer tionship with authors and would-be study of religions as a whole, as a field.” laughter and sense of humor, and you get to the field than he, his kind and construc- authors, Scholars Press and OUP, and the a portrait of how remarkable a person, tive criticism of all of us (often beginning Davaney said Glenn has accomplished all AAR office has been a model for profes- scholar, editor, colleague, and friend he with himself), and, most importantly — of these things and more. sional courtesy and collaboration; he has truly is,” Price said. though I do not have a good word for it — expanded the horizons of JAAR, helping “He revitalized JAAR’s Board, making it his genuineness,” she said. “I have learned Price recalled Yocum’s adventurousness, to draw it into a new era of global conver- representative of multiple subfields, vari- an enormous amount from him over the such as when he had completed a hiking sation and exchange; he has been a faith- ous kinds of institutions, and a variety of years — about graceful listening and open trip through South Korea. “When he ful and collegial member of the voices including international scholars,” dialogue, the value of friendship, and the returned . . . he brought his trail food Publications Committee, a wise observer she said. “He encouraged vigorous debate importance of what we do. with him. Somehow, smoked, dried crick- with a long memory, and a good friend to and truly turned the Board into a working ets made it past his vegetarian palate, and all who have served on the committee; he group responsible for the Journal.” he brought them to share at a party spon- See YOCUM p.29 October 2005 AAR RSN • 9 Religious Studies News — AAR Edition Theological Programs Initiative Consultations Underway

Carey J. Gifford, Director of Theological Programs

HE AAR is in the process of con- Boston, Berkeley, Chicago, New York the theology school be placed? Where or praxis demands shape our lives and work. ducting six regional consultations City, and Philadelphia, the last in con- how do theological educators find our- In light of the daylong common reflec- T about our newest major undertak- junction with the Annual Meeting. selves placed? What are the tensions, gaps, tion, the group concluded by addressing ing, the Theological Programs Initiative. and possibilities that we experience in our the question of how the AAR could do a The daylong conversation in Atlanta cen- The purpose of these gatherings is to solic- scholarly and professional lives? better job of serving the scholarly and pro- tered on the topic of the scholarly voca- it ideas for how we can contribute most fessional needs of the theological educator. tion of the theological educator. As an The theory/praxis relation emerged as a effectively to the scholarly and professional introduction, each participant spoke about useful rubric under which much of the As the Theological Programs Initiative lives of faculty in theological education. As her/his theological vocation and work. We conversation could be gathered. develops, the AAR will continue to work we launch this new initiative, we are invit- went on to discuss the varying loci of the- Accountable to one’s institution, ecclesial closely with our members, as well as our ing groups of members in theological edu- ological education, focusing on the com- body, and scholarly guild, with each pos- colleagues in the Association of cation to think with us about new services, monalities and “family resemblances” in ing unique and sometimes contradictory Theological Schools, to identify concrete programs, and resources that the AAR how the theological disciplines are prac- expectations, the theological educator ways in which we can support and con- might offer the theological education com- ticed wherever they occur: free-standing, must accomplish a balancing act that is tribute to the theological education enter- munity. denominational and interdenominational peculiarly challenging and complex. prise — in our roles as convener, publish- seminaries; university divinity schools; Faculty in theological education are invari- er, validator, and facilitator of scholarship The first consultation took place on June theology departments in colleges and uni- ably placed at the intersection of theory and the professional life. 29, 2005 when faculty from four theologi- versities; and theological institutes. and practice. cal schools in the Southeast met in If you would like to participate in any of Atlanta, Georgia. Attendees included fac- The attendees addressed themselves to this Scholarly guilds such as the AAR are an these consultations, please contact us at ulty and deans from Candler School of question: If one assumes a clear distinc- important component in scholarly and [email protected]. ❧ Theology, Duke Divinity School, the tion between church and academy, where professional development. All too often, Interdenominational Theological Center, is the theology school placed vis à vis though, scholarly guilds undervalue the and Vanderbilt Divinity School. Five more these two? To what extent do theology scholarly projects of theological educators consultations are planned for this fall in schools vary in this? How, ideally, should by failing to acknowledge that theory/

AAR Honors Three Authors Public Understanding in its Annual Book Awards of Religion Committee Names John Esposito HE AMERICAN ACADEMY of Constructive–Reflective Religion offers Awards for Excellence 2005 Recipient of T in order to recognize new scholarly publications that make significant contribu- tions to the study of religion. These awards Martin Marty Award honor works of distinctive originality, intel- ligence, creativity, and importance — books quent commentators on Islam in the that have a decisive effect on how religion is media. Millions of people have read or examined, understood, and interpreted. heard explanations of Islam from Esposito, who is also the author of more than 30 Awards for Excellence are given in three books on the topic. categories: Analytical–Descriptive, Constructive–Reflective, and Historical Esposito is a Georgetown professor and Studies. Not all awards are given every founding director of the Center for Muslim- year. In addition, there is a separate com- Christian Understanding. He is editor-in-chief petition and prize for the Best First Book of The Oxford History of Islam, The Oxford in the History of Religions. For eligibility Dictionary of Islam, and The Islamic World: Robert A. Orsi, requirements, awards processes, and a list Past and Present, and the four-volume Oxford Harvard University, Between of current jurors, please see the Book Encyclopedia of the Modern Islamic World. Heaven and Earth: The Religious Worlds Awards rules on the AAR Web page, Other books include What Everyone Should People Make and the Scholars Who Study www.aarweb.org/awards/bookrules.asp. John Esposito, Georgetown University, Know about Islam: Questions and Answers; Them. Princeton University Press, 2004. Winner of the 2005 Martin Marty Award Unholy War: Terror in the Name of Islam; The The AAR is pleased to announce this Islamic Threat: Myth or Reality?; Islam and EORGETOWN UNIVERSITY year's recipients of the Awards for Best First Book in the History of Politics; Islam and Democracy (with J. Voll); professor and world-renowned Excellence in Religion and the Best First Religions Islam: The Straight Path; Women in Muslim Islamic scholar John Esposito will Book in the History of Religions: G Family Law; Geography of Religion: Where God be honored at AAR’s November conven- Lives; Where Pilgrims Walk (with S. tion as the 2005 Marty Award recipient. Analytical–Descriptive Hitchcock); and World Religions Today (with D. Fasching and T. Lewis). As winner of the award, Esposito will appear at the Marty Forum, from 1:00 PM Esposito teaches classes on Islam and poli- to 3:30 PM on Sunday, November 20, tics, Islam and the West, women in Islam, where he will discuss his contributions to Islam and global terrorism, and religion in the public understanding of Islam. Pulitzer international affairs. Prize-winning Washington Post reporter The first recipient of the Marty Award was Caryle Murphy will interview Esposito as Martin Marty himself; since then, part of the forum, which includes an Sylvester awardees include Huston Smith (2004), opportunity for the audience to ask ques- Johnson, Robert Wuthnow (2003), Diana Eck tions. Florida (2002), David Knipe (2001), and Eileen Joanne Punzo A&M The Committee on the Public V. Barker (2000). The contribution can be Waghorne, University, The Understanding of Religion selected through any medium (e.g., books, film, Syracuse Myth of Ham in Nineteenth- Esposito from nominations submitted ear- TV, public speaking) so long as it is based University, Century American Christianity: Race, lier this year. Awarded annually since on scholarship in religion. Diaspora of Heathens, and the People of God. Palgrave 1996, the Martin Marty Award recognizes The Committee on the Public the Gods: Macmillan, 2004. ❧ extraordinary contributions to the public Understanding of Religion enthusiastically Modern Hindu Temples in understanding of religion. The award goes solicits nominations from the membership an Urban Middle-Class World. Oxford to those whose work has a relevance and for future recipients. Nominees need not be University Press, 2004. eloquence that speaks not just to scholars AAR members or academics. A nomination but to the public as well. form can be found on the AAR Web site at Since the attacks of September 11, 2001, www.aarweb.org/awards/marty/default.asp. ❧ Esposito has been among the most fre-

10 • October 2005 AAR RSN NEWS

Teaching and Learning Committee Honors Zayn Kassam with 2005 Excellence in Teaching Award

Eugene V. Gallagher, Connecticut College

has written several essays on teaching, includ- with difficult material. She displays a sensitivity Professor Kassam is an impressive example of ing “Engendering and Experience: Teaching a that genuinely respects the students without dedication to the craft of teaching, especially Course on Women in Islam” (in Teaching showing a trace of condescension, and she has for her careful and unflinching consideration Islam, Brannon Wheeler, ed.); “Reflections on the skill to show the larger implications of the of issues that often carry a heavy emotional Teaching Islam at a Liberal Arts College” (in issue under scrutiny.” charge for her students. Along with the previ- the Bulletin of the Council of Societies for the ous winners of the AAR Excellence in Another colleague praises Kassam’s ability to Study of Religion); and “Mindfield or Teaching Award — Tina Pippin, Eugene V. address volatile subjects with students in “an Minefield: Teaching Religion in a Gallagher, William Placher, Janet Walton, and environment of candor and honesty.” Students Multicultural Classroom” (in Spotlight on Timothy Renick — she demonstrates the and colleagues alike attest that she deeply Teaching). Extending her teaching beyond the resourceful, creative, and fully engaged teach- deserved Pomona’s “Wig Distinguished college context, she has written a variety of ing found among so many members of the Teaching Award,” which she received in 1998, articles intended for a lay audience. In addi- Academy. The Committee on Teaching and her first year of eligibility, and then again in tion, she is preparing A Student’s Guide to the Learning greatly appreciates the opportunity to 2005. Zayn Kassam, Pomona College, Winner World Religions: Islam for Greenwood Press. review and learn from the materials submitted At this year’s Annual Meeting, participants will by the candidates for consideration and of 2005 Excellence in Teaching Award Students have expressed profound appreciation again have the opportunity to engage in con- acknowledges the commitment, ingenuity, and for Kassam’s “never-ending commitment” to versation with the Excellence in Teaching energy that they devote to teaching about reli- AYN KASSAM, chair of the depart- supporting her students emotionally and as Award winner during a special session on gion. ment of religious studies at Pomona scholars. They praise her teaching methods for Saturday, November 19, 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM College, will receive the Excellence striving to involve all students equally, and they The Committee on Teaching and Learning Z (A19–53). The session is sponsored by the in Teaching Award at the 2005 Annual appreciate her skillful and fluid use of various encourages colleagues to send letters of nomi- Committee on Teaching and Learning and will Meeting of the American Academy of media and educational technologies to nation for this significant award to Kyle Cole, be chaired by Eugene V. Gallagher. Prior to the Religion. A historian of religions, she teaches a enhance her teaching. Director of College Programs at the American Annual Meeting, Professor Kassam will post variety of courses, including “Engendering and Academy of Religion at [email protected]. The Colleagues observe that Kassam is equally some of her teaching materials on the Web site Experience: Women in the Islamic Tradition,” guidelines for this award are on the AAR Web adept at leading discussions and delivering lec- of the AAR’s Virtual Teaching and Learning “Islamic Thought,” and “Muslim Literary site at www.aarweb.org/awards/teaching/ tures. One colleague said “Zayn has an incredi- Center (www.aarweb.org/awards/ Landscapes.” default.asp. ❧ ble ear for the students’ partial insights, their teaching/default.asp), and they will serve as the In addition to her own scholarly work, Kassam half-articulate reflections, and their struggles basis for the session.

Judith Berling to Receive Ray L. Hart Service Award

Judith Berling will receive the Ray L. Hart colleagues, but I had a chance to collaborate was written through a Henry Luce Service Award at the 2005 Annual Meeting with them to address issues facing the profes- Fellowship in Theology. of the American Academy of Religion. sion.” The Ray L. Hart Service Award, established Berling has been active in the AAR since Berling is a specialist in Chinese and by the Board of Directors in 1992, is given 1978 and served as President in 1991. In Comparative Religions. She has been to persons whose dedication and service have 1996, she chaired the Long-Range Planning Professor of Chinese and Comparative made significant contributions to the AAR’s and Development Committee, which was Religions at Graduate Theological Union in mission of fostering excellence in the field of then a standing committee of the AAR. Most Berkeley, California since 1996. She religion. Ray L. Hart was the first recipient recently she chaired the task force that pro- received the Sarlo Distinguished Teaching in 1993. Since then awardees have included duced the Report of the Task Force on the Award from the Graduate Theological Raymond Williams (1994), Austin Creel Independent Annual Meeting. “From the Union in 2003 and the Herman Bachman (1995), Robert Detweiler (1997), and Peter beginning of my academic career,” Berling Lieber Distinguished Teaching Award from Paris (2001). In 2002, the award was given notes, “the American Academy of Religion Indiana University in 1986. Berling’s most to Harry Buck and Robert V. Smith as a provided me with a rich context for profes- recent publication, Understanding Other “Founders Award.” Nominations for future Judith Berling, Graduate sional growth. Serving on its various groups Religious Worlds: A Guide for awardees should be sent to the AAR Theological Union, Winner of and committees, I not only met stimulating Interreligious Education (Orbis, 2004) Executive Committee. 2005 Hart Service Award

RSN: You’ve been an AAR member since AAR workshops on teaching that eventual- general policies about turnover in Board RSN: How do you interpret the AAR’s 1978. What are some of the most reward- ly led to the establishment of the Wabash membership, there were a few members role in fostering excellence in the field of ing projects/initiatives you’ve worked on? Center for Teaching and Learning. who had served on the Board well beyond religion? established term limits. During my years as Berling: There have been many fasci- While an elected officer of the AAR, I Berling: Beyond the obvious (the an officer, Barbara and a series of officers nating projects. One of my first AAR helped to promote conversations between Annual Meeting provided for a discussion led the Board in being consistent in its duties, as a rather junior faculty member, religious studies and theology at the of major books or hearing from influential own policies to ensure that more members was to help facilitate conversations between Annual Meeting; I served on the Long- scholars, and a place for authors to meet of the AAR had opportunities for leader- two groups of faculty in Islamic studies Range Planning Committee; I served on a with publishers and for everyone to exam- ship positions. We also tried to clarify how who disagreed on how that subdiscipline committee to rewrite the Academy’s mis- ine the recently published books), I want our organization sought to represent voices should be represented in the AAR’s Annual sion and set five-year goals; I helped recon- to highlight the multiple ways in which the of underrepresented constituencies. Meeting program. sider the tasks of all of the standing com- AAR provides opportunities for the profes- Although there was an established women’s mittees; and I helped move the ACLS sional growth and stimulation of young For many years, I co-chaired the caucus, there were demands for (and resist- Committee on the History of Religions (and not-so-young) faculty, not only in the Comparative Studies in Religion Section ance in some quarters to) the establishment into the AAR. Annual Meeting programs, but in the with Tom Hopkins, an Islamicist from of other caucuses and committees for regions, in the newsletter, and so forth. Franklin & Marshall College. We worked RSN: You were an officer of the AAR underrepresented constituencies. During very hard to encourage scholars from from 1988 to 1992, including a year as the late 1980s and early 1990s, a number RSN: When you look back at your dis- diverse sections and groups to engage in president in 1990–91. What was the AAR of new committees and caucuses were tinguished academic career, what are some comparative conversations with their col- like in those years? What were some major established. of the research projects you’re most proud leagues in other sections and groups. This challenges it faced? of? Barbara focused the Board during those section, at its best, worked against the ten- Berling: During my years as an officer, years on defining the mission and goals of Berling: Although like most faculty I dency toward balkanization of the different the AAR was going through a number of the AAR, and developing a plan for provid- have written many “occasional” articles and groups and helped foster new conversa- significant transitions. Barbara DeConcini ing the financial, program, and staff/com- lectures, I would define my research into tions. was in her first years in office. She was try- mittee support to meet those goals. Because three major phases: 1) Work on the inter- From 1988 to 1990, I served on the ing to clarify the mission, the practices, of this work, the AAR moved forward on a action of religions in China, especially in Committee for Education and the Study of and the goals of the organization. Some of number of fronts that had been discussed urban culture, between the 12th and the Religion. That committee not only spon- this had to do with articulating clear poli- for years without much action. By the mid- 18th centuries. My first book sored panels and special topic forums at cies that reflected the best practices of the 1990s the AAR was a much more focused the AAR, but it also helped launch the AAR. For instance, although there were organization than it had been. See BERLING p.25

October 2005 AAR RSN • 11 Religious Studies News — AAR Edition AAR Honors Journalists for In-Depth Reporting

IMBERLY WINSTON, a free- teaching evolution in schools, the signifi- articles a rare degree of authority in reli- mer journalist; Mark Silk, the founding lance journalist, Linda Leicht of cance of language in expressions of faith, gion reporting,” the judges said. director of the Leonard E. Greenberg the News-Leader in Springfield, the slew of books responding to The Da Center for the Study of Religion in Public K Todd, of the Vancouver Sun, placed third Missouri, and Steven Waldman of Vinci Code, and the 2004 election. Life at Trinity College and a former jour- in the opinion-writing contest after win- Beliefnet have won the American Academy “Leicht’s articles do a wonderful job of nalist; and Michael Barkun, a political sci- ning it last year. “Todd’s articles range of Religion awards for Best In-Depth combining expert insight and background ence professor at Syracuse University and from the magisterial to the personal, Reporting on Religion. context with local reporting on the views a member of the AAR’s Committee for resulting in a range of opinion that is con- and behavior of ordinary people,” one the Public Understanding of Religion. sistently stimulating,” one judge said. Winston, who submitted writing pub- judge said. “They are educational in the lished on Beliefnet, won the contest for best sense of the word.” Burton Bollag, of the Chronicle of Higher journalists at news outlets with more than Education, placed second in the contest 2005 AAR Newswriting Another judge said the topics “weren’t 100,000 circulation or on the Web; Leicht for news outlets with less than 100,000 Contest Winners earth-shattering, but [Leicht] created just for journalists at news outlets with less circulation. Judges were impressed with News outlets with more than 100,000 the right mix of scholarship and excellent than 100,000 circulation; and Waldman the depth of Bollag’s writing — of how he circulation interviews to come up with new insights for opinion writing. explored the complexities of religion in and interesting angles.” • First Place: Kimberly Winston, higher education. “While focusing on uni- Eighty-five journalists entered the con- freelance, Pinole, CA Waldman submitted opinion articles dis- versity life, the journalist manages to look tests, the most in its six-year history. The cussing the election and The Passion of the at issues as varied as Homeland Security • Second Place: Bill Tammeus, awards recognize “well-researched Christ. “Often contrarian and always policies, the funding of religious universi- Kansas City Star newswriting that enhances the public provocative, these articles consistently ties, as well as studies of Catholic understanding of religion,” said Barbara • Third Place: David Van Biema, Time helped shape the discussion of the impor- pedophilia and evangelical debates over DeConcini, AAR Executive Director. tant religion news of 2004,” one judge omniscience,” a judge commented. News outlets with less than 100,000 cir- Each of the winners will be awarded noted. Another said that although the sto- culation $1,000. Tracey O’Shaughnessy, of the Sunday ries were familiar, Waldman “succeeded in Republican, in Waterbury, Connecticut, • First Place: Linda Leicht, Winston, from Pinole, California, submit- presenting a wealth of information and placed second in the opinion-writing con- the News-Leader, Springfield, MO ted articles on a number of topics: the included a variety of sources, while test. “O’Shaughnessy’s voice is distinctive, mainstreaming of Wicca; whether the remaining straightforward about his own • Second Place: Burton Bollag, and she uses it to give the important reli- influence of the movie The Passion of the response.” Chronicle of Higher Education gion news of the week the kind of turn Christ was what was feared or hoped for; Waldman placed second in the contest last that the best columnists do — combining • Third Place: John Dart, the campaigning politicians’ use of Puritan year. In fact, three other writers who attitude with personal reflection, local Christian Century theology; the trend of modern pagans placed second or third were honored in reporting, and insight drawn from religion reviving ancient religions; and how non- Opinion Writing last year’s contest as well: Bill Tammeus, scholarship,” one judge said. Christians are fighting to save Christmas. John Dart, and Douglas Todd. • First Place: Steven Waldman, Beliefnet David Van Biema, of Time magazine, The judges said Winston “distinguishes Tammeus, of the Kansas City Star, placed placed third in the contest for news out- • Second Place: Tracey O’Shaughnessy, herself by pursuing unfamiliar stories and second this year in the contest for news lets with more than 100,000 circulation. Sunday Republican, Waterbury, CT angles, in the process casting unexpected outlets with more than 100,000 circula- “With cover stories and shorter takes, Van light on the tapestry of religion in • Third Place: Douglas Todd, Vancouver tion. Last year, he placed third in the Biema gives Time’s readers the kind of America today.” She did that in the five Sun opinion-writing contest and won it three reporting-with-assessment characteristic of stories she submitted by creating a “won- years ago. “The stories drew heavily on the best of that journal’s traditions,” derful mix of scholarly sources and inter- current scholarship, but the writing kept judges said. views to tackle a range of timely issues,” Read some of the award-winning the reader interested and engaged,” one the judges said. Additionally, the judges Each contestant submitted five articles articles at www.aarweb.org/awards/ judge noted. noted Winston’s stories on The Passion published in North America during 2004. journalism. ❧ and the candidates’ use of the City on the Dart, of the Christian Century, who won Names of contestants and their news out- Hill metaphor “managed to include new last year’s contest for news outlets with less lets were removed from submissions prior information.” than 100,000 circulation, placed third in to judging. this year’s contest for that category. “Dart’s Leicht submitted stories on the divisive- The judges were Joyce Smith, a journalism solid grasp of the range and character of ness of gay marriage, the debate over professor at Ryerson University and a for- scholarly research and insight gives these

Lilly Endowment Awards Three–Year The Committee on Teaching and Learning Grant to AAR for Continued Funding seeks nominations for of Religionsource Service the 2006 AAR Award ILLY ENDOWMENT INC. has ing religion. So the AAR is thrilled that PBS, Religion News Service, Reuters, awarded the AAR a three-year grant Lilly Endowment will help keep Slate, Time, US News & World Report, for Excellence L totaling $150,000 to help support Religionsource going these next three Wall Street Journal, and Washington Post, the continuation of Religionsource years.” as well as from hundreds of metro news in Teaching. through September 2008. Religionsource dailies and other local news outlets. The Endowment grant is one of several is a free service for journalists, providing the foundation has awarded the AAR in Religionsource is part of a broader AAR Nominations of winners them with referrals to scholars who can recent years, including grants for collect- effort to enhance the public understand- provide expertise specific to the news ing information on graduate and under- ing of religion. Our services to the news of campus awards, or stories the journalists are reporting. graduate religion programs, creating an media also include three annual journal- any other awards, are The Endowment funding, along with online guide to the graduate study of ism awards for Best In-Depth Reporting that provided by The Pew Charitable religion, and conducting workshops for on Religion, as well as attracting journal- encouraged. Trusts, supports responding to journalists’ department chairs and teaching work- ists to the AAR Annual Meeting and questions as well as the ongoing updating shops for faculty. Lilly Endowment is an providing guidance to those who come. of the Religionsource database. The Indianapolis-based, private philanthropic Procedures for the Another aspect of our Public online database supplies journalists with foundation that funds religion, educa- Understanding of Religion initiatives is nomination process are information on more than 5,000 religion tion, and community development. The offering a range of resources and services scholars, including their contact informa- Endowment also funds, for example, the outlined on the aimed at enhancing the understanding of tion and publications, with each scholar PBS weekly broadcast Religion & Ethics religion among public policy makers and being identified as knowledgeable in one Newsweekly. AAR Web site at government officials. We also work with or more of some 1,500 specific areas of In recent years, Religionsource has directors of U.S. prison chaplaincy pro- www.aarweb.org/awards/ expertise. responded to several thousand requests grams, connecting them with AAR teaching.asp. “Journalists have repeatedly told us how from journalists for referrals to scholars. members who have the scholarly expert- greatly they appreciate Religionsource,” These requests have come from most ise to respond to questions regarding the says AAR Executive Director Barbara major national news media, including religious beliefs and practices represented DeConcini. “They say there’s no referral Associated Press, CBS, Los Angeles Times, among the prison population. ❧ service near as useful to them for cover- Newsweek, New York Times, NBC, NPR, 12 • October 2005 AAR RSN NEWS

AAR to Publish Career Guide Grants Fellowships for Racial and Ethnic & 2005–2006 ATS Lilly Alan Ka Lun Lai, Vancouver School of Theological Research Theology and Su Yon Pak, Union Minorities in the Profession Theological Seminary Grants Recipients Practicing Religious Education in Asian Miguel De La Torre, Iliff School of Theology Named North American Contexts The Association of Theological Schools Lizette Larson-Miller, Church Divinity N 1999, I WAS completing my doc- manual that provides the scholar of color with in the United States and Canada (ATS) School of the Pacific torate, and like most, was anxious to the necessary information required to survive has announced that the following AAR This Holy Place: The Theology of find a job. I also had two things going an academic career is crucial. This manual is members are recipients of Lilly I Sanctifying Space against me. First, I had no idea how to specifically designed to be the product of a Theological Research Grants for obtain a tenure-track position, and so collective versus singular perspective. It will be 2005–2006. There are three types of Richard J. Perry, Jr., Lutheran School of spent a great deal of time trying to figure a concerted effort of scholars representing a grants: Faculty Sabbatical Grants (grants Theology at Chicago out how this process differed from the variety of races and ethnicities. The main up to $25,000 each during a sabbatical To Heal the Wounded Body, Soul, and typical corporate job search. In fact, it all chapter writers are: Rita Nakashima Brock, or other leave), Theological Scholars Spirit: Toward an African American seemed rather highbrowed and mysterious: Mary Churchill, Kwok Pui Lan, Peter J. Paris, Grants (grants up to $10,000 each for Theological/Ethical Perspective on finding faculty search postings, preparing a Anthony Pinn, John J. Thatamanil, Rosetta research apart from formal research Biomedical Ethics dossier, writing an application letter, going Ross, Andrea Smith, Lynn Westfield, and leave), and Research Expense Grants through an interview, and negotiating a job myself serving as editor. Each chapter is a (grants up to $5,000 for those engaged Loren L. Townsend, Louisville contract. Since I didn’t understand how facul- composite of the collective wisdom of schol- in research projects). A total of 25 grants Presbyterian Theological Seminary ty searches are really conducted, I therefore ars of color from throughout the academy were awarded among the three cate- What Is “Pastoral” about Pastoral naively believed that academics functioned who provided us with a great deal of feed- gories. Counseling? A Grounded Theory Study above and beyond any form of political back, anecdotal stories, and thoughtful dynamics. My second “problem” was that I advice. Faculty Sabbatical Grants was a person of color, and therefore on the Charlotte W. John G. Stackhouse, Jr., Regent College margins of the “good ol’ boy” system. As Attend the unveiling of the “AAR Newcombe Doctoral much as I wanted to believe that hires were Cultivating the Garden, Building the Career Guide for Racial and Ethnic chosen solely because of the scholastic rigor City: A Theology of Cultural Persistence Dissertation Minorities in the Profession.” demonstrated by the applicant, the truth of Fellowships, 2005 the matter was that even within academic set- Storming the Ivory Tower: Conflict, Theological Scholars Grants The following five AAR members are tings, race and ethnicity still matter. Complicity, and Social Change Nancy L. Eiesland, Candler School of among the 28 recipients of this year’s (A19–102) Fortunately for me, I came across a book Theology of Emory University Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship that was partly responsible in helping me Saturday, November 19, Foundation doctoral dissertation fellow- Reverence and the Complex Human reach my goal — the prized tenure-track 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM ships. The fellowships are designed to Condition: Theological Reflections on position — Survival Guide for Women in the encourage original and significant study Living Disability Profession published by the AAR. Even The manual’s usefulness is not limited to the of ethical or religious values in all fields though I am male, the practical advice, eluci- task of obtaining a teaching position. Instead Samuel K. Elolia, Emmanuel School of of the humanities and social sciences. dation of the politics involved in faculty it covers the entire academic career, beginning Religion Jiun-Chyi (Jessey) Choo, Princeton searches, and step-by-step explanation of the with the consideration of graduate school and African Pneumatology: The Holy Spirit University hiring process all proved to be invaluable. The following through to retiring from the profes- and the African Indigenous Churches prevailing oppressive structures faced by sion. Writing from the perspective of margin- Historicized Ritual and Ritualized women due to institutional sexism are the alized groups, the contributors explain situa- Alyda A. Faber, Atlantic School of History: Women’s Life-Cycles in Medieval same structures faced by scholars of color. It tions normally faced by candidates of color Theology China (589–960 AD) was not too difficult to mentally adjust the that are due to institutionalized racism and “The Conditions of Our Love”: Virginia Gareth J. Fisher, University of Virginia book’s advice to the situations I would proba- ethnic discrimination. As you will read, their Woolf, Theology, and Autobiography bly be facing as a Hispanic male. Still, even encounters differ greatly from those experi- Universal Rescue: Re-making the Post- though the Survival Guide for Women in the enced by their Euroamerican counterparts. Tat-siong Benny Liew, Chicago Mao China in a Beijing Temple Profession is well written, and remains a must- Theological Seminary The first chapter serves as an introduction, Alexander P. Gardner, University of read for any woman entering the profession, I looking at who we are as scholars of colors, Between Gentile Women and Jewish Michigan wish there had been a text dealing with the and explores balancing our academic careers Nation: Re-membering Gender and unique and specific challenges faced by schol- The Rimay Nonsectarian Movement on with self-care. There is also the struggle to National Politics in Matthew’s Post-War ars of color — both male and female. the Tibetan Chinese Frontier: Religious avoid the fracturing of who we are, as we deal Context Doctrine and Sacred Geography in the When the AAR Committee on the Status of with perceptions of our identity, as in being Formation of National Identity Racial and Ethnic Minorities in the the first or only scholar of color within our Research Expense Grants Profession announced their intention of pro- families, communities, or institutions. The Sarah H. Jacoby, University of Virginia Grace Ji-Sun Kim, Moravian ducing a career guide, I was thrilled. Theological Seminary and Jean K. Kim, The Autobiography of Sera Khandro Knowledge is power, and the existence of a See CAREER GUIDE p.19 Moravian Theological Seminary (1891 to 1940) and Its Eastern Tibetan Treasure Revelation Context A Hybrid Theology: Shamanism, AAR Announces New Staff Postcolonialism, and Empire Terrence L. Johnson, Brown University Born of Struggle: Race, Religion, and the Members, Position Changes Redemption of Democracy ❧

HE AAR’S EXECUTIVE office support for the AAR office as a whole, recently made several new hires and and will report to Aislinn Jones in this New Director of Development T promotions. This fall, Myesha capacity. Jenkins, currently AAR’s Administrative N LATE MARCH the AAR welcomed Lauren R. Frazier joined the AAR in Supervisor, will begin her transition to a Cynthia Walsh as its new Director of August 2005 as a new administrative new role as Associate Director of Development. She comes to us with assistant. She succeeds Allya Macdonald, I Theological Programs. In this capacity, many years of experience in the academic who recently relocated to Baton Rouge, Myesha will bring her theology school world, both as an editor and as a humani- Louisiana, to study at Louisiana State training and creative meeting-planning ties reference librarian and Japanese bibli- University. Frazier is a 2005 graduate of skills to assist Carey Gifford with the ographer. Walsh is a graduate of Mount the Interdenominational Theological many upcoming Theological Programs Holyoke College and holds master’s Center, where she received a Master of Initiative projects. degrees from Duke University and Emory Divinity degree. She also received a University. Master of Arts in English from Former administrative assistant Toby Northeastern University in 1997. She has Director will now serve as Research “I’m eager to grow in this position,” worked as a research assistant for the Project Coordinator. She will apply her Walsh remarked. “It’s a logical outgrowth Howard Thurman Papers Project and as extensive business experience to assist with of my previous work and one that promis- an instructor of English at Dillard tasks surrounding the Annual Meeting es to keep me close to the humanities. University and Delgado Community and with general project management Most delightful,” she said, “will be my College. ❧ first opportunity to meet the AAR mem- Cynthia Walsh, bership face-to-face in Philadelphia.” ❧ American Academy of Religion October 2005 AAR RSN • 13 Religious Studies News — AAR Edition GSU Establishes Religious Studies Department

Timothy M. Renick, Georgia State University

S I’VE COME to appreciate in and a secularized Egyptian who had little We also worked to establish connections with Which speaks to another factor crucial to recent months, when a new time — and sympathy — for religion. Several other programs on campus, cross-listing the growth of religious studies at Georgia A department of religious studies is of my colleagues in Philosophy actively courses with ten different departments and, in State: dumb luck. We hired our tenure- established in these days of university cut- sought my quick exit. In a highly competitive the process, creating a host of faculty mem- track Islamist two weeks before the backs and consolidations, people in the funding environment, no resources would be bers who could speak to the benefits of the September 11 attacks. We elected to build discipline take notice. Georgia State offered that could not be justified by student field. These allies proved invaluable when our a true comparative religions program in the University has 28,000 students and more and institutional demand. proposals for new degrees and resources came 1980s only to find ourselves, especially than 100 different majors. It is the second before the faculty senate. (Believe me, it is far after the 1996 Olympics, in a state with So we set out to create such demand. When largest university in the state of Georgia, more effective to have the chair of Sociology one of the fastest growing immigrant popu- we hired, we made sure to recruit very good and, according to Newsweek, it is one of stand up and argue for the need for the new lations in the nation. The biologist dean scholars (from Harvard, Princeton, Santa the three most diverse universities in the Religious Studies MA than to do so oneself.) moved on and a new dean from the social Barbara) who were also superb teachers. country. Until about a decade ago, it had sciences was appointed. Soon thereafter, the These faculty members — who have gone on We actively participated in new initiatives no organized offerings in religious studies. program went through an external review to win a string of teaching awards — not on campus: the creation of a Middle East that resulted in a strong report from the This year, Georgia State University officially only attracted students, they began to pro- Center, an initiative to globalize the core external team arguing for Georgia State to establishes a Department of Religious Studies, duce results that were uncommon at Georgia curriculum. And we worked to convince establish a department of religious studies. only the second in the state system. At its State: one student received an NEH Young the upper-administration of the impor- Good fortune can prove more important birth, the department will have over 50 differ- Scholar’s Grant, another a Fulbright. The tance of the field, in some cases explicitly than careful planning. ent courses, 70 undergraduate majors, a major (established initially “on the cheap” in face-to-face meetings, but more potent- brand-new Masters program, two large with a two-person faculty) began to produce ly by being good, active citizens of the Of course, not all scholars in the field of reli- endowments (including an endowed, senior more honors theses per capita than any other campus and community. One dramatic — gion are so fortunate. When the AAR made chair), and seven full-time faculty. discipline on campus, and, within a few years, if atypical — instance occurred immedi- brief mention of the decision to establish a we had sent students off to Oxford, ately after hiring our new scholar of Islam, department of religious studies at Georgia How did this dramatic change come about? Cambridge, Harvard, Princeton, Brown, and John Iskander, in August 2001. Due to State in its April e-mail newsletter, I received Significantly, it was not due to an institutional Chicago for graduate work in the field. The the events of September 11, reporters were many kind notes of congratulations and best commitment to build such a department. I emphasis on good teaching also led to a gen- calling within weeks of his arrival; in late wishes from colleagues. Within ten minutes arrived at Georgia State in the late 1980s, erous endowment being established by one of September, John appeared on CNN. The of the posting of the AAR announcement, I fresh out of graduate school, as the only facul- our graduating majors, a senior citizen who biologist dean was probably swayed to also received three e-mail inquiries about ty member in religious studies. I was placed had come back to school to earn her degree appreciate the importance of the study of employment opportunities from jobless in the Department of Philosophy. The insti- and who fell in love with the study of religion religion more by tuning into CNN that PhDs (with dozens of additional job tutional “commitment” at the time was for and our faculty. At an ambitious institution one evening and seeing his new religion inquiries to follow in the subsequent days). one additional junior faculty member to be working to establish its academic credentials hire being interviewed live than by years As I said at the outset, when a new depart- hired if the “numbers” (i.e., course enroll- (and its endowments), administrators noticed of our abstract arguments about the perti- ment of religion is established, people in the ments) justified it. The dean was a biologist such accomplishments. nence of the field. discipline take notice. ❧

Transitions Public Radio Launches Web Site Focusing Emeritus religion professor Raymond on the Work of Reinhold Niebuhr B. Williams has been named dean of Wabash College. Williams retired from a distinguished teaching career in 2002. In 1995, through a $5 mil- lion grant from Lilly Endowment PEAKING OF FAITH, public Posting the original material on the Web Inc., Williams founded the Wabash radio’s national conversation ‘Reinhold Niebuhr has presents a unique opportunity to provide Center for Teaching and Learning in S about belief, meaning, ethics, and college teachers, church groups, book clubs, Theology and Religion, where he ideas, has produced a program and Web been cited as an influence and others the chance to delve more deeply served as director until his retirement. site about one of the most influential by more of my guests than into the meaning of Niebuhr’s life and boundary-crossing religious figures in the “ work. 20th century, theologian Reinhold any other figure past or Speaking of Faith collaborated with scholars Jeffrey H. Mahan, professor of min- Niebuhr. The program “Moral Man and and AAR members Peter Williams and istry, media, and culture, and director Immoral Society: The Public Theology of present, and on a vast and Charles Lippy to create a set of study ques- of ministry studies, has been named Reinhold Niebuhr” explores his complex vivid range of topics — tions and guides to discussion. The material academic vice president and dean of thought and asks how some of Niebuhr’s from war to politics to created by Williams and Lippy focuses on the faculty of Iliff School of Theology. enduring questions and ideas might selected topics, from Niebuhr’s ministry in Mahan has been at Iliff since 1995. inform current religious and political life. movies,’ Speaking of Faith Detroit, to his views on war and peace, and “Reinhold Niebuhr has been cited as an host Krista Tippett said. his understanding of the American nation, influence by more of my guests than any among others. These questions may be used Richard Penaskovic, professor of reli- other figure past or present, and on a vast as part of college and seminary courses on gious studies, has recently been elect- and vivid range of topics — from war to American religion, ethics, American intel- ed chair-elect of the University Senate politics to movies,” Speaking of Faith host lectual history, and cultural studies. at Auburn University. As chair, begin- tial qualities of Niebuhr’s theology and Krista Tippett said. ning in 2006, he will represent the worldview. But there is far too much in this “Our hope is that you will find rich stimu- more than 1,000 faculty members at Each week, the program offers conversa- man’s ideas — and the way they resonate” in lation for reflecting with your students on Auburn. tions with thinkers, writers, theologians, 21st-century life — to convey in one hour Niebuhr and discover the ways in which his and many others on important questions of radio.” ideas and legacy can open new perspectives that shape the news and the world we live on problems and issues that engage our With special funding from the National Tim Muldoon has left Mount in — from how we wage war, to how we common life today,” Tippett said. Endowment for the Humanities, the Aloysius College in Cresson, raise our children. Speaking of Faith production team was able The Speaking of Faith program, companion Pennsylvania, to become director of The Niebuhr project features the voices of to continue their coverage with a Web site Web site, and Williams and Lippy college- The Church in the 21st Century Christian ethicist Robin Lovin, political that includes an interactive timeline illus- level curriculum can be found at Center at Boston College. theorist Jean Bethke Elshtain, both AAR trating Niebuhr’s life and thought; an exten- www.speakingoffaith.org/programs/niebuhr/. members, and historian and Niebuhr biog- sive collection of archival images, letters, Speaking of Faith appreciates scholars’ and rapher Richard Wightman Fox. and documents unearthed from the Library students’ thoughts on these materials, and Tobias Winright has moved from of Congress; Web-exclusive interviews with hearing about how they use them. Please Walsh University in North Canton, “For me and all of my producers, this pro- Niebuhr’s daughter, Elisabeth Sifton, and send your comments to Jody Abramson at: Ohio, to Saint Louis University in St. gram became something of an odyssey — Princeton ethicist and AAR member, Max [email protected]. ❧ Louis, Missouri, where he is assistant energizing, unpredictable, immensely Stackhouse; streaming audio of Niebuhr’s professor of theological studies. thought-provoking, and personally exact- selected sermons from United Theological ing,” Tippett said. “It has been an experi- and much more. ence, in other words, marked by the essen-

14 • October 2005 AAR RSN NEWS

University of Florida Opens Center to Study Hindu Traditions

Vasudha Narayanan, University of Florida

in area studies programs. Given the demo- We have found that there is particular sible, and the audience was drawn from HE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA graphic changes, it seems time to rethink interest in how religion relates to art, many constituencies. recently created a Center for the the area studies templates in a more inno- music, and dance. In the wake of post- Study of Hindu Traditions (CHiTra) About two years back, we started conver- T vative way. colonial studies, there has been a shift to to encourage research, teaching, and pub- sations about a possible center with our hearing the voices of people in other parts lic understanding of Hindu traditions and Some new forums — like the Harvard dean and a couple of enthusiastic mem- of the world and trying to understand culture. Housed in the College of Liberal Pluralism Project — that focus on the bers of the local community. Our dean what they mean by the term “religion,” Arts and Sciences, the new center will presence of world religions and cultures in visited the Oxford Centre for Hindu and frequently this has included studying encompass the fields of art, architecture, the United States are studying Hindu cul- Studies and met several professors there. art, music, and dance. Also, in the last ten Asian languages and literature, philosophy, ture not in the context of South Asia, but We are also working on a formal connec- years (and almost every semester), I have performing arts, healing, women’s studies, rather in the neighborhoods of tion with the Women’s Studies (Narivada) had students of Indian origin who have the environment, and peace studies. It will Philadelphia, Lexington, or Jacksonville. section of the Indira Gandhi National wanted to perform short pieces of classical bring together experts from across the uni- CHiTra will focus on the Hindu tradi- Center for the Arts, which is the premier or folk dance and theorize about it. A full- versity’s diverse campus to collaborate on tions in South and Southeast Asia, Africa, institute for classical studies as well as folk semester, interdisciplinary course involving research, offer new courses, and host lec- the Caribbean, and North America, in traditions in India. Planning for the center the departments of religion and dance is tures, seminars, symposia, and confer- addition to the Indian subcontinent. included discussions with faculty members taught at Emory University, and it has ences. from other units — ecology, the Center Over the past several years, the academic been very successful. In our first year, we for Health and Spirituality, Performing CHiTra (which is a Sanskrit word which atmosphere has become ideal for CHiTra. are planning courses on dance and on arts, etc.; we also have enthusiastic sup- means “excellence,” “distinguished,” or “a The fields of transnational religion and introducing a segment on Hindu culture. port from some faculty at the law school. work of art”) will focus on the globaliza- globalization have become extraordinarily Through CHiTra, therefore, components tion and the transnational aspects of the important in academia. Several universities While most faculty saw this as an umbrel- of Hindu culture will eventually be taught Hindu traditions and will encourage their have established programmatic units la rubric, those used to the terms “South in courses in several colleges within the study through interdisciplinary perspec- focusing on these increasingly popular Asia” or “India” studies were initially con- University of Florida. Teaching across dis- tives. areas. For example the University of cerned over the word “Hindu.” However, ciplines carries the excitement of cross- California, Santa Barbara’s Center for it seemed important to retain the word, While the United States already boasts pollination and having students become Global and International Studies offers which best expresses what the center is several centers for Jewish studies, and aware of cultures, theoretical perspectives, courses that have some of the highest about. In the creation of new centers any- there are well-established centers for and discourses that they may not have enrollments in the university. where, it is, of course, necessary to engage Buddhist studies at Stanford and the been exposed to otherwise. We are partic- in discussion with faculty who worry if University of California’s Los Angeles and Additionally, the academy is seeing a rise ularly encouraging students from the you are intruding on their turf. And final- Berkeley campuses, CHiTra is the first in interdisciplinary studies. As the AAR Business School and the College of ly, well before the final version of the pro- center for Hindu studies in the country. annual meetings so clearly exemplify, it Journalism to take an introductory course posal was written, our dean made sure Like the terms “Jewish” and “Buddhist,” has become increasingly common to study to Hindu culture. We are also planning to that I discussed this center with all the the word “Hindu” is associated with a religion through methods prevalent in the offer lectures connecting us with other several top administrators in the university larger cultural matrix, and it made sense social sciences — cultural anthropology, fields such as Asian literature, environ- who had to sign off on the proposal. to have a multi/interdisciplinary center literature, art history, psychology, etc. — ment, and health. under one roof. in addition to the more traditional ways. The proposal for CHiTra, written in a for- The beginnings of ChiTra are small; we, at Since interdisciplinary courses will be an mat prescribed by the state university sys- As part of the colonial legacy, Hinduism the Department of Religion, have had con- important part of CHiTra, we did a quick tem, had to be vetted at several levels — has largely been identified with the Indian nections with performing arts, the Center survey with members of the AAR’s the deans of the College of Liberal Arts subcontinent. The presence of Hindu tra- for Spirituality and Health, and the Harn Religion in South Asia listserv to find out and Sciences, the vice president for ditions — sectarian, architectural, icono- Museum of Art for the last several years. what kinds of courses involving Hinduism Research, the University Curriculum graphic — in Southeast Asia for over For instance, last December, Dr Thierry were being taught in various parts of the Committee, and the finally the provost 1,500 years, for instance, has been ignored Zephir, Chargé d’études at the Musée country. I was deluged with information. and the president — before it was sent up by textbooks and is not even a blip on our national des Arts asiatiques (Guimet-Paris) Courses with significant Hinduism com- to powers at even dizzier heights. research radars. However, since the 19th and a professor of South and Southeast ponents were being taught and cross-listed century, millions of Hindus have settled Asian Art at l’ Ecole du Louvre in Paris, CHiTra is in the beginning stages now. with several fields and disciplines, includ- down in various parts of the world (there gave a talk on iconography and bas-reliefs We hope that eventually, with the ing agriculture, anthropology, art, art his- are almost 2 million in the United States in Cambodia, connecting some of them changing population base and increasing tory, Asian studies, dance/performing arts, alone), and it is important to study Hindu with Sanskrit texts. We were able to collab- interest in interdisciplinary and globaliza- environmental studies, film studies, global traditions in these new contexts. Within orate with the France-Florida Research tion studies, other universities will create studies, history, law, philosophy, sociology, higher education, the study of Hindu tra- Institute at the University of Florida and similar units or rethink the “India” studies and women’s studies. ditions and cultures is usually conducted the Harn Museum of Art to make this pos- paradigm. ❧

In Memoriam Laurence G. Thompson, 1920–2005

Laurence G. Thompson, professor emeritus U.S. Marine Corps. He earned a BA from of the USC East Asian Studies Center as basic resource to the field. He was the of East Asian languages and cultures at the the University of California at Los Angeles an interdepartmental organization. author of the article on Chinese religion University of Southern California, died in in 1942 and an MA and PhD from for Encyclopedia Britannica, 15th edition. Thompson sometimes insisted on his Ventura, California, on July 10, 2005. Claremont Graduate School in 1947 and He served as president of the Society for unfashionable commitment to Sinology. 1954. From 1951 to 1959 he served in the Study of Chinese Religions for nine His first major publication was a transla- the United States Foreign Service in years and was honored with a festschrift in tion of Kang Youwei’s Da Tong Shu, and Taipei, Tokyo, Manila, and Hong Kong the Journal of Chinese Religion in 1992. his contributions to studies of Taiwan and on the staff of the Asia Foundation in included several meticulous translations. Thompson had a gift for friendship and George A. Hayden, Gary Seoul and Taipei. An accomplished classi- His major intellectual commitment was to was a regular participant in regional and cal violinist, he taught music at Taiwan Seaman, and John E. Wills, the study of Chinese religion, in which he national scholarly meetings. He was a sup- Normal University from 1959 to 1962. was a pioneer. His Chinese Religion: An portive mentor to students at all levels and Jr., all of the University of He was on the faculty of Pomona College Introduction and The Chinese Way in to several junior colleagues. He is survived from 1962 to 1965 and of University of Southern California, write . . . Religion were models of many-sided and by Grace, his wife of 62 years, five chil- Southern California from 1965 to 1986. Larry Thompson was born in Shandong astute analysis. He translated several vol- dren, eight grandchildren, ten great- He served as chair of the Department of province, China, in 1920 and lived in umes of studies of religion by Wu Yaoyu. grandchildren, and a host of devoted East Asian Languages and Cultures from China until 1934. During World War II His bibliography of studies of Chinese friends and colleagues. ❧ 1968 to 1970 and 1972 to 1976, and he engaged in combat in the South Pacific religion in Western languages, which he from 1972 to 1974 was the first director as a Japanese-language interpreter for the continued to update in retirement, is a

October 2005 AAR RSN • 15 Religious Studies News — AAR Edition Snapshot: Students in Academic Doctoral Programs in Religion and Theology in the United States

Race/Ethnicity Distribution Completion Rates by Race/Ethnicity Minority Enrollment

American Indian or Other American Indian or Alaskan Native 1.9% (9) Alaskan Native Male American Indian or Asian or 0.3% (4) Asian or 0.3% (8) Alaskan Native Female Pacific Islander American Indian or Asian or 0.3% (4) Pacific Islander 14.7% (70) Pacific Islander Female 13.6% (404) Alaskan Native 0% (0) 8.4% (126) Latino or Hispanic Latino or Hispanic Asian or 3.6% (106) 2.1% (10) Pacific Islander Male 18.6% (278) Black or Black or African-American Caucasian or African-American 8.0% (38) Caucasian Euro-American 8.4% (249) Caucasian or Euro-American Latino or Hispanic Female Female or Euro-American 74.3% (349) 1.6% (24) 48.8% (730) 74.3% (2,214) Latino or Hispanic Male 5.5% (82) Black or African-American Female 5.4% (81) Black or African-American Male 11.2% (168)

Gender Distribution Completion Rates by Gender

Female Female 30.3% (146) (1,011) 32.6% Male Male (2,092) 69.7% (336) 67.4%

For a full explanation of the above charts, please see “Completion and Placement Results” at www.aarweb.org/department/census/graduate/results/pdf.

Areas of Concentration Note: Ordered by frequency, the distribution of primary areas of concentration is as follows:

400 400 380 380 360 360 340 340 320 320 300 300 280 280 260 260 240 240 220 220 200 200 180 180 160 160 140 140 120 120 100 100 80 80 60 60 40 40

20 / Christian Origins 397 Testament New Christianity: 372 Constructive Theology: Christian History 322 Christianity: 241 Bible or Hebrew Testament Old Christianity: Theology 208 Christian 195 Practical Theology: Christian Ethics 175 Christianity: 127 Judaism 103 Missiology and Evangelism in Antiquity 100 Christianity and Judaism of Religion 86 Philosophy Christian Education 71 and Preaching 57 Exposition, Liturgical Studies, Bible Theory in Religion 56 Culture and 53 Care and Counseling / Religion Personality Pastoral / East Asian Religions 53 Buddhism / Japanese Religions / Study of Religion 51 History of Religions / Comparative Social Scientific Studies 47 Hinduism / South Asian Religions 43 Ethics and Religion 43 Asian Religions 33 West Islam / Theology and Society 32 Religion and Social Change; Religion and Modernity; Theological Studies 19 American Religious History 18 Christianity 16 Religion in Antiquity 13 Theology 13 and Bible Confucianism / Chinese Religions 12 Middle East Studies 6 Interdisciplinary Studies 5 4 Rabbinics 3 Traditions Indigenous African/African-Diaspora Religions 2 Mission 1 World 20 0 0

Note: The survey collected information on 3,112 students from 49 academic doctoral programs. Source: AAR Survey of Graduate Programs in Religion and Theology, 2002. For full survey results and analysis see www.aarweb.org/department/census/graduate. ❧

16 • October 2005 AAR RSN NEWS Regional Meetings and Calls for Papers

Teaching Workshops: The topics of great- McGaughey, Department of Religious est interest to our members include course Studies, Willamette University, Salem, OR development and teaching skills. If you 97301, USA; [email protected]. would like to organize a teaching work- Panels and special topics sessions are wel- shop, NEMAAR will provide 1) assistance come! in developing regional grants to help with Theology and Philosophy of Religion: funding of such conferences; 2) Norm Metzler, Concordia University, NEMAAR grants of up to $500 to help 2811 NE Holman, Portland, OR 97211, support conference-related costs; 3) assis- USA; [email protected]. tance with resources to facilitate confer- ence planning, including best-practice History of Christianity and North Midwest planning schedules, access to regional e- American Religions: Papers are welcomed mailings to locate presenters and/or to in any area of History of Christianity and Midwest Regional Meeting publicize the event; and 4) inclusion in North American Religions. Robert Hauck, March 31–April 1, 2006 the regional Web site calendar. Proposals Religious Studies Department, Gonzaga Chicago, IL should be sent to Barbara Darling Smith University, Spokane, WA 99258-0001, at [email protected] (copied to USA; [email protected]. Eastern International The theme, “Religion and Violence,” is Linda Barnes at [email protected]), intended to solicit papers and panels Women and Religion: This section is co- Eastern International Regional Meeting and should include a workshop title, exploring religion and war, domestic or chaired by Ardy Bass, Religious Studies May 5-6, 2006 abstract, list of projected speakers and/or clerical abuse, corporal discipline, capital Department, Gonzaga University, Quebec City, Quebec facilitators, schedule, contact person, and punishment, urban gangs, environmental Spokane, WA 99258-0001, USA; a budget that indicates how the destruction, sacrifice, or other intersec- [email protected]; and Kendra Irons, The Eastern International Region of the NEMAAR grant will be used. tions of religion and violence. Papers/pan- Religious Studies, George Fox University, American Academy of Religion announces els on other topics are also invited. Follow 414 N. Meridian ST, Newberg, OR its regional conference May 5 and 6, 2006 Salon Series: Lunch and/or dinner series, instructions for online submission of 97132, USA; [email protected]. to be held in Quebec City, Quebec, with held in different parts of the region, focus- paper and panel proposals at www.aar- meeting spaces in historic monasteries and ing on the work of regional authors (these Asian and Comparative Studies: Nicholas web.org/regions/region-mw.asp. Submissions churches within the walls of the Old City. can be works in progress), or other topics F. Gier, Philosophy Department, should be made as early as possible, but The theme for this year’s conference is of interest to members. NEMAAR will University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83844- before December 15, 2005. Younger “Points of Contact,” and although the ses- provide 1) assistance in developing region- 3016, USA; [email protected]. scholars and students are especially sions are soliciting papers on this broad al grants to help with funding of such encouraged to submit proposals and par- Religion and Society: Gary Chamberlain, topic, we are also open to other topics. We are series; 2) NEMAAR grants of up to $250 ticipate in the conference; senior scholars Department of Theology and Religious also interested in panels combining activism to help support related costs; 3) access to are encouraged to serve as session chairs Studies, Seattle University, 910 12th AVE, or performative dimensions with scholarly regional e-mailings to publicize the series; and respondents. For further information P.O. Box 222000, Seattle, WA 98122- inquiry. Furthermore, we encourage inter- and 4) inclusion in the regional Web site contact the Program Chair, Martha L. 1090, USA; [email protected]. disciplinary panels that maintain religion as calendar. Proposals should be sent to Finch, at [email protected]. a central theme. Scholars from any region Michael Hartwig at [email protected] Interreligious Dialogue with the Natural may apply to participate. Further details can (copied to Linda Barnes at Sciences: Papers for this section should focus be found on the AAR/EIR Web site at [email protected]), and should include on conceptual dialogue with the natural sci- www.aar-eir.mcgill.ca. a title, abstract, list of authors and/or ences from the perspective of the traditions facilitators, schedule, contact person, and normally included under the academic disci- Deadline for paper and panel proposals is a budget that indicates how the pline “history of religions.” Accordingly, January 15, 2006 with notification of NEMAAR grant will be used. papers written from Buddhist, Christian, acceptance by early February. Electronic sub- Jewish, Islamic, and Chinese religious per- missions are required. Complete proposals Proposals may be submitted on a rolling spectives in dialogue with the natural on include the names, addresses, and current deadline. Funding will be disbursed based such broad topics as cosmology, evolution, CVs or résumés of all proposed participants, on the merits of proposals, as proposals stem cell research, ecofeminism, the relation and a description of the proposed paper or are received, so it is advisable to submit between mind and body, the problem of suf- panel, complete with working titles for all sooner rather than later. fering in light of the theory of evolution, the talks. Send all necessary information to both anthropic principle, and the problem of con- Professor Jonathan von Kodar, sciousness are especially welcome. This sec- [email protected] and Dianne Cole, tion is co-chaired by Paul Ingram, [email protected]. Department of Religion, Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, WA 98447-0003, USA; Note: All presenters at the Spring 2006 [email protected]; and Mark Unno, regional conference must have active mem- Department of Religious Studies, 1294 bership in the AAR. All participants must University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403- pre-register for the conference. Deadline for 1294, USA; [email protected]. conference registration is April 1, 2006. New England–Maritimes The New England–Maritimes Region of the AAR (NEMAAR) is continuing to extend advisory, promotional, and funding support for projects initiated by NEMAAR members. These include:

Co-Sponsoring Conferences: NEMAAR will function as a co-sponsor of confer- ences proposed by members around the region. NEMAAR’s contribution will involve 1) assistance in developing AAR regional grants to help with funding of Mid-Atlantic such conferences; 2) NEMAAR grants of up to $500 to help support conference- Pacific Northwest Mid-Atlantic Regional Meeting related costs; 3) assistance with resources (AAR/SBL) Pacific Northwest Regional Meeting to facilitate conference planning, includ- March 16–17, 2006 May 5–7, 2006 ing best-practice planning schedules, Rocky Mountains–Great Plains Baltimore, MD Gonzaga University access to regional e-mailings to publicize Spokane, WA Rocky Mountains–Great Plains Regional the event; and 4) inclusion in the regional The call for papers for the 2006 Mid- Meeting (AAR/SBL) Web site calendar. Proposals should be Submit a 150-word abstract for each pro- Atlantic Regional Meeting can be found at March 24–25, 2006 sent to Ann Wetherilt at posed paper by January 18, 2006, to the www.aarweb.org/regions/default.asp. Colorado College [email protected] (copied to Linda appropriate program unit chair(s) listed Colorado Springs, CO Barnes at [email protected]), and below. Participants in the meeting may should include a conference title, abstract, present only one paper and must be regis- The Regional Program Committee invites list of projected speakers, schedule, con- tered for the meeting to participate. Papers you to submit proposals for papers and tact person, and a budget that indicates not fitting into any of the categories below how the NEMAAR grant will be used. should be sent directly to Douglas See ROCKY MOUNTAINS p.30

October 2005 AAR RSN • 17 Religious Studies News — AAR Edition Member-at-Large Robin W. Lovin, Southern Methodist University

be reacting to the end of the Cold War and America’s world hegemony? I’m afraid that in many cases, ‘moral values’ have become Lovin: I suppose that anybody who tries to relate social reality and moral ideals even- code for ‘things that I don’t want other people to do.’ tually has to come grips with Reinhold Niebuhr’s way of doing that. I didn’t come to “ it naturally. I began with a Wesleyan spiritu- ality and a 1960s impatience with the pace of for these readers that would include some It may seem odd for a Niebuhrian realist to change that made me resist Niebuhr’s real- cases or practical applications. I expected that talk about people being willing to pay a price ism. Over time, however, I began to see the lay groups in church would provide these out for their political goals, but I’m not thinking” point of his warnings about self-interest and of their own experience. For classroom use, of some kind of improbable political altruism power. Niebuhr understood that power keeps that material needs to be more structured. I in which people make sacrifices on behalf of the existing structure of society in place, but know that a lot of my colleagues who have other people’s goals. I’m suggesting that citi- he astutely warned us that there is self-inter- used the book in their classes have supple- zens and political leaders start an honest dis- est at work for change, too. Realistic tactics mented it that way. cussion of what they would be prepared to Robin Lovin joined the SMU faculty in know how to harness that self-interest to contribute toward the achievement of their RSN: In the most recent presidential elec- July 1994, and served as Dean of Perkins bring about change, but a realistic strategy own goals for society. tion, moral values were a central issue. How School of Theology from 1994 to 2002. understands that successful change move- do you see religious ethics influencing public The current disillusionment with politics During 1991–94, he was Dean at the ments become new centers of power. That’s life in general? reflects a conviction that the best we can Theological School of Drew University in why “democracy matters,” as Cornel West hope for is to create a community of our own Madison, New Jersey. His teaching career puts it. The only realistic strategy over the Lovin: I’m not sure that we’ve understood in which we can form our character accord- includes service as an instructor at long run is strengthening real democracy to the role of values in the 2004 election. The ing to our values. The problem with that “too Candler School of Theology of Emory the point that people always have the capaci- polls that alerted people to the importance of University and 13 years as a faculty mem- consistent pessimism,” to use Niebuhr’s ty to raise questions about whatever forces “moral values” were pretty vague about what ber at the Divinity School of the phrase for it, is that it is a self-fulfilling are currently in power. Niebuhr put it most that means, and in any case, there’s no good University of Chicago. He is a graduate of prophecy. If moralists and religious leaders succinctly in The Children of Light and the data from previous years to compare them to, Northwestern University (BA) and tell people that all politics is good for is to Children of Darkness when he said, “Man’s so it’s hard to know whether this was some- Harvard University (BD and PhD), and impose constraints on others before they have capacity for justice makes democracy possi- thing really new. I’m afraid that in many he is an ordained minister of the United an opportunity to impose them on you, that ble; but man’s inclination to injustice makes cases, “moral values” have become code for Methodist Church. His writings include will soon be all that politics does. We need to democracy necessary.” It’s the last part of that “things that I don’t want other people to do.” two studies of 20th-century Christian avoid exaggerated expectations for the role of aphorism that seems most relevant for us That is, people who have no intention of social ethics: Christian Faith and Public values in politics, but that is not the same today. Verbal commitments to freedom and having an abortion or marrying someone of Choices: The Social Ethics of Barth, thing as giving up on them altogether. Brunner, and Bonhoeffer (1984) and democracy often yield to a Realpolitik that the same gender see the moral purpose of Reinhold Niebuhr and Christian seeks to clamp Western and specifically politics as making sure that nobody else does RSN: Can you tell our readers something Realism (1994). He has also written American ideas in place during a moment of that, either. Voting for “moral values” in that about your current research, lecturing, or extensively on religion and law and on opportunity when we have the power to do way isn’t a moral influence on public life. It’s publishing plans? comparative religious ethics. His most so. Niebuhr never would have trusted any part of the politics of fear. Lovin: Right now, I’m working on another recent book, Christian Ethics: An single power with the task of global transfor- RSN: How do you see ethical reflection study of Christian realism. This one is less Essential Guide (2000), provides a gen- mation, and I think the possibilities for that influencing modern political life? Or does it? focused on Reinhold Niebuhr himself and eral reader’s introduction to Christian transformation that are emerging in other more on a broader movement in Christian ethics. parts of the world are rich and varied. Lovin: Real values enter into politics when thought that Niebuhr understood himself to Americans think they are being liberal and people think sincerely about the kind of soci- represent. For about 500 years, since the enlightened when they acknowledge that ety they would like to live in and what it RSN: Can you tell our readers something Reformation, that sort of Christian realism other parts of the world may create different would cost them to make that society a reali- about your interest in Christian ethics? At has been closely associated with Christian forms of democracy that are relevant for ty, and then they vote to pay that price, what point in your life did you decide you participation in the politics of the successful them. What about the possibility that these instead of voting for simple economic self- wanted to become a scholar of religion, espe- modern state. Niebuhr helped us to under- experiences are relevant for us? Our civil interest, or regional advantages, or restrictions cially of religious ethics? stand the triumph of that modern, democrat- rights movement inspired similar changes on other people’s choices. It’s not just conser- ic state over its totalitarian and revolutionary Lovin: Well, I’ve always been religious, in around the world, but perhaps we now need vative politics that falls short of genuine polit- rivals, and he gave us an understanding of a Protestant Christian way, and I’ve always to enter a global discourse on human rights ical values on that measure. The mantra of how democracy might be self-critical enough been interested in ideas. As a child in the that seems to be developing without us. Democratic electoral strategists for more than to remain democratic in spite of its own suc- 1950s, I assumed this meant that I wanted We’ve learned a great deal in the U.S. about a decade has been, “It’s the economy, stupid!” cess. It seems to me now, however, that the to be a scientist. Nobody talked about “cre- how to incorporate a certain liberal under- Which means, “Don’t talk about values. Talk modern state is being undone by its own suc- ationism” at that point, and I learned to read standing of justice into our politics, but we about self-interest.” cesses. Business, culture, and religion have the Bible seriously without taking it literally, may have more to learn from the South The lesson of 2004, I think, is not that con- flourished so well under the protection of the so it never occurred to me to think of reli- African experience with the politics of truth servative values triumph over liberal values, or modern state that they now escape govern- gion and science as things you had to choose and reconciliation. that any values triumph over no values, but ment regulation in many ways, while the between. By the time I got to college, how- RSN: Tell us something about the recep- that when nobody is really talking about val- state itself seems to be losing its grip on its ever, it was concepts and ideas in general tion that your book Christian Ethics: An ues, it’s very hard to introduce them into the original task, which was to provide a secure that held my attention, rather than science Essential Guide has received. discussion at the last minute. If religious and environment for those so-called “private” in particular. I was fortunate that the under- moral leaders want politics in 2008 to be activities. The state has so much power that graduate philosophy sequence at Lovin: I wrote the book with a lay audi- about the kind of society we desire by the keeping it under realistic self-restraint will Northwestern took medieval philosophy ence in mind, for people who are trying to middle of the 21st century, the time to begin always be an important political task, but the seriously, so I never thought of faith and figure out what their Christian faith has to that discussion is now. My guess is that if the Christian realist now needs perhaps to ask philosophy as incompatible, either. What I do with a search for the good life that they kind of society we want became the subject how we extend that kind of self-criticism and didn’t get was ethics, especially social ethics. seem to share with a lot of their neighbors. I of discussion, the coalition of social conserva- self-restraint to other spheres of social life — My introduction to that came in a very con- wanted to show them that this is not a new tives and economic individualists that has business, culture, and religion, for example. crete way, between my junior and senior question and that the Christian answer isn’t dominated politics for the last decade would Christian realism needs a more complex and years in college, when I worked with chil- about ignoring all the other answers that dissolve. The results of that would be unpre- probably more conflictual understanding of dren in an inner-city ministry program that people have given over the centuries, nor dictable, and so, for that matter, would be the how modern society works, and it needs to was run by the Presbyterian Church in does it have to separate us from the answers vision of society that might emerge from the rethink its historical relationship to the suc- Chicago. Racism, economics, demographics that other people might be offering in our discussion. Perhaps the important task of eth- cessful modern state in light of these new — social reality in general — came into communities today. ical reflection now is to reintroduce that kind realities. ❧ focus for me that summer, and I guess I’ve The book has been read by some classes and of unpredictability into our politics. Political spent 44 years since then trying to connect study groups in churches, and I’m always leaders have become so knowledgeable about those realities to the larger ideas about interested to hear from the people who’ve the connections between self-interest and human life and its purposes that drew me to used it that way. I’m pretty sure, however, electoral outcomes that they have no interest philosophy and theology. that most of the readers have been students in shifting the focus of the discussion to less RSN: How has Reinhold Niebuhr influ- in undergraduate classes and schools of theol- familiar territory. But our politics is being enced your intellectual life? How would he ogy. I think I need to write a second volume diminished by this kind of predictability.

18 • October 2005 AAR RSN FEATURES Passages: Life in Retirement James C. Livingston, College of William and Mary

Livingston: What has notably changed is RSN: Tell us about those activities you have I think it would be fun to the tempo and variety of my days. And this is been involved in since you retired. a great joy. During my nearly 40 years of launch into the study of a Livingston: I continue to do quite a lot teaching I was always deeply involved in the of teaching, in fact. When I retired I decided new, appealing field of institutions where I also voluntarily took on “ to go “cold turkey” on the offer to teach the rather heavy teaching loads. And now, look- exploration, say, some occasional undergraduate course. Luckily, ing back on my career, I can see more clearly William and Mary has a very successful phase of the work of an that my real goals were threefold — and all Elderhostel-type program called the artist or a poet that I have three were consistently important to me as Christopher Wren Association. It serves the well as time-consuming. One was a contribu- long found fascinating. local adult population that really yearns for tion to furthering the aims of undergraduate continuing higher education. I have taught liberal education. I wrote a fair amount on numerous short courses in the program, e.g., the subject. And, on two occasions at differ- on the current quest of the historical Jesus, on ent institutions, I assisted in efforts to sub- some of the similarities between Protestant Livingston: I may lack imagination, but stantially change the undergraduate curricu- and Islamic fundamentalism today, on recent my present retirement comes close to my lum. My other goals were, of course, teach- Roman Catholic social teachings, on major ideal. I believe I would have imagined it as ing, research, and writing. Looking back, I James C. Livingston, Walter G. Mason 20th-century religious thinkers, and so on. enjoying with Jackie the presence, close” by, of feel confident that these competing goals were Professor Emeritus, College of William and caring children and grandchildren; more time right for me — despite the frustrations I I’ve also increased considerably my involve- Mary, received his BA from Kenyon College, to read, reflect, and continue some teaching sometimes felt in attempting to do them jus- ment in our local community, assisting some his MDiv from Union Theological Seminary, and writing; and to participate actively in the tice. What is pleasing about retirement is that organizations, but also speaking to local New York, and his PhD from Columbia life of a relatively small but increasingly University. He served on the clergy staff of the I can choose what and when I will undertake groups and churches. These talks tend to be diverse and interesting community. We enjoy Riverside Church in New York for three years. this or that project or avocation. on current affairs, e.g., the religious aspects of travel and go abroad for visits almost annual- After teaching briefly at Union, Columbia, pluralism, religion in current global politics, RSN: What makes for a satisfactory ly. But I have noticed that many American New York University, and Southern and the church in the public square. Methodist University (1963–68), he was retirement? retirees, across the economic spectrum (except In working on these issues, the mentor whose for the really poor), travel almost obsessively appointed the founding Head of the new Livingston: Many things. Though some wisdom has been most helpful to me is as if it were a requirement of aging, or a proof Department of Religion at William and may seem small, for me they were significant. Reinhold Niebuhr. When the bumper stick- of their vigor and resolution. But I may be Mary in 1968 — where he also served for One is spending leisurely time every morning ers appeared shouting “The Power of Pride,” I wrong about this. five years as Dean of the Undergraduate reading the New York Times with my break- wrote a Niebuhrian op ed for the local news- Program. Among his nine books are The fast. W. G. Ward derived similar pleasure There is one “ideal” retirement plan that I paper pointing out — as we invaded Iraq — Ethics of Belief: Matthew Arnold and every morning reading the London Times — may yet pursue. I long have thought that in Christianity, the two-volume Modern the dangerous implications of these two but along with a papal bull! Another pleasure beginning a new phase of life it would be Christian Thought, and Anatomy of the words. To crib a phrase, “Niebuhr, thou is participating in two faculty luncheon good to strike out on an entirely fresh but fea- Sacred: An Introduction to Religion. He shouldst be living at this hour. The world groups. One is a fun chatter-fest about sible venture. I remember learning that the has published over 50 chapters and articles in hath need of thee. . . .” books, journals, and encyclopedias. Livingston William and Mary or local goings-on; the philosopher Charles Hartshorne later in his was a Fellow of the American Council of other is more focused on one or two issues, RSN: Are you doing any research or writing life took up ornithology, loved it, and ended Learned Societies, the National Endowment usually education or political and social policy in retirement? up becoming something of an authority on matters. I listen to more classical music, and one aspect of the subject. I think it would be for the Humanities, the Woodrow Wilson Livingston: My wife Jackie would say, take special pleasure in the Baroque period. I fun to launch into the study of a new, appeal- International Center for Scholars, and Clare “Yes, too much!” The time given to research also derive satisfaction in physical workouts ing field of exploration, say, some phase of the Hall, Cambridge University. He was honored and writing has not slowed down appreciably, two or three times a week at the college’s fit- work of an artist or a poet that I have long by the State Council of Higher Education for but I no longer attempt to do this at night or Virginia with an Outstanding Faculty ness center. But most of all, I enjoy pursuing found fascinating. on most weekends. Usually, but not compul- Award in 1989 and William and Mary’s my usual intellectual activities, but at a more sively, I will spend three or four hours a day RSN: If you could give advice to your Thomas Jefferson Award in 1994. unhurried pace. working in my study. Recently I completed younger colleagues who are still teaching, three chapters for two volumes of the new what would it be? Cambridge History of Philosophy. The chapters RSN: Tell us how you’ve responded to Livingston: I’m loath to give advice to deal with selected philosophical critics and retirement. colleagues who have entered undergraduate In working on these issues, defenders of religion in the periods teaching in recent years. The issues and Livingston: Well, my observation is that 1790–1870 and 1870–1914. During the first the mentor whose wisdom challenges they face are different and, I many “retired” academics who have spent year of retirement I finished volume two of believe, more perplexing. But, from what their careers teaching in the humanities don’t has been most helpful to me Modern Christian Thought, and a few months “ I’ve observed, some cautious advice may be “retire” when they are officially declared ago I completed the fifth edition of Anatomy is Reinhold Niebuhr. When relevant to some. Professionally, it’s impor- emerita or emeritus, and I’m one of them. of the Sacred: An Introduction to Religion. tant to reflect early and carefully, but flexi- The matters intrinsic to philosophy, history, the bumper stickers Currently I am revising a manuscript on bly, on goals that are truly close to your literature, and religion are so crucial to what appeared shouting ‘The “British Religious Thought: 1860–1914,” heart but also practically achievable. Then concerns our humanity that it strikes me as that attempts to examine that period rather Power of Pride,’ I wrote a you can throw yourself more fully into these impossible to be immersed in these questions differently, and I have some other projects in endeavors despite changing circumstances for decades and not continue to exercise one’s Niebuhrian op ed for the mind. Despite this ongoing work in my field, — and to both your own and your stu- professional knowledge and experience as I am firmly committed to doing (and am local newspaper pointing dents’ benefit. Otherwise, there likely will long as one is able and enjoys putting them to doing) much more reading outside my aca- be ongoing frustration and increasing cyni- some account. out — as we invaded Iraq demic specialty, especially in the area of pub- cism — with misery all around — if your lic affairs and policy. RSN: What has been the most significant — the dangerous implica- real goal lies elsewhere, e.g., teaching a few change in your life since you retired? tions of these two words. RSN: If you could design your perfect graduate students, with substantial time for retirement, what would it look like? research and writing. ❧

CAREER GUIDE, from p.13 career paths to follow. The fifth chapter information on how to recruit and retain own cultures. It is a project we hope all schol- describes what usually happens post-tenure, scholars of color. ars of color will have a hand in contributing second chapter will focus on graduate school: and the challenges and stresses one might to and forming. how to select the school, the major concentra- The manual, once completed, will be posted face. Additionally, it treats grant-writing,” sab- tion of study, the advisor, the committee, and on the Internet as a service to AAR scholars A sneak preview of the guide will be available baticals, and preparing for retirement. the dissertation topic, followed by a discus- of color. Because it will be an electronic man- at the November AAR conference in Chapter six looks at other career options out- sion of skills needed while navigating through ual, the information will be easily obtainable Philadelphia. Please join us on Saturday, side tenure-track academic teaching positions, the doctoral process. and constantly updated. It is our hope to also November 19 from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM (see i.e., ministry, activism, administration, pub- provide discussion boards linked to each topic box). On behalf of the AAR Committee on The third chapter, on the faculty search, is a lishing, etc. The seventh chapter will concen- to allow the reader to post comments, experi- the Status of Racial and Ethnic Minorities in literal nuts-and-bolts on how to search, pre- trate on dealing with difficult issues, specifi- ences, and wisdom gained. The “AAR Career the Profession, we extend an invitation to you pare, apply, and interview for job openings. cally harassment at the workplace. The last Guide for Racial and Ethnic Minorities in the to be a part of this important and exciting The fourth chapter deals with the tenure chapter will be geared to the institutional Profession” moves away from the salient indi- project. ❧ process. This chapter explores teaching skills, administrators wishing to diversify their cam- vidualism of the dominant culture toward a institutional responsibilities, establishing rela- pus community, providing predominantly communal format more indigenous to our tionships, choosing research projects, and white school administrators with valuable October 2005 AAR RSN • 19 Religious Studies News — AAR Edition From the Student Desk Are We There Already? Kimberly A. Bresler, Princeton Theological Seminary

The AAR Web site will undergo a major Religious Studies at Pomona College Third, the Committee on the Status of overhaul soon, so our work on that front (Claremont, California). As students well Racial and Ethnic Minorities (REM) is will be folded into the larger plan. In know, a good teacher makes all the differ- launching a project of great interest to stu- approaching the Annual Meeting, we ence in whether a class is stimulating and dents. In addition to publishing an online hoped to facilitate a greater variety of pro- transformative or a boring waste of time. guide for racial and ethnic minority stu- gramming — not just in terms of topics, This session offers a rare opportunity to dents in religion, REM also seeks to create but especially the settings for programs. listen and learn from a real mentor — and a mentoring program linking students For instance, we are initiating a graduate to ask your own questions. Come reap the with AAR mentors. The GSTF is co-host- student discussion series, “Exploring the benefits of her experience for your own ing a conversation and brainstorming ses- Field,” featuring informal discussions future teaching. sion among members of REM, a panel of among senior and junior scholars in a par- racial and ethnic minority students, and Second, together with the Committee on ticular field. This year focuses on two dif- audience members about issues of concern the Status of Women in the Profession, the ferent fields: philosophy of religion and to racial and ethnic minorities in the field GSTF is sponsoring a session to discuss a religion and literature. of religion. This is an opportunity to voice wide range of issues of concern to women your opinion as a student, so come speak Several other program units responded (and, increasingly, to men) in the field, all your mind and contribute your thoughts! Kimberly A. Bresler is a PhD student at eagerly to the GSTF, seeking to join us in of which are explored in the recently pub- Princeton Theological Seminary and is the offering programs for students — this lished book, A Guide for Women in These offerings only hint at the rich fruits Chair of the AAR Graduate Student Task year, we have three. Annual Meeting pro- Religion: Making Your Way from A to Z available to students as a result of the hard Force. gram evaluations often express a wish for (Palgrave, 2004). Mary E. Hunt, editor of work of the GSTF; and the GSTF repre- less formal programming allowing greater the guide and co-founder of WATER sents only part of the AAR’s work on audience participation and interchange (Women’s Alliance for Theology, Ethics, behalf of students over the past two years. HEY SAY TIME FLIES when you’re with panelists. Taking this feedback to and Ritual, online at www.hers.com/water), Check the program guide for other ses- having fun: I must be having a blast! heart, each co-sponsored session is intend- joins us to answer questions and discuss sions of special interest to students. It has My two-year term is almost over — it’s T ed to facilitate the kind of personal inter- some of the insights in the guide: In the been my pleasure and privilege to serve as time to welcome a new Student Director. change impossible in a more formal, 21st century, can we move beyond merely your Student Director and as chair of the What’s happened in the last two years for stu- paper-presentation format — so come “surviving” as women in the field of reli- GSTF. Please take a moment to thank all dents in the AAR? The biggest change is cre- prepared with those burning questions gion to “thriving”? What does it take to the dedicated GSTF members: Rich ation of the Graduate Student Task Force you’ve always wanted to ask! thrive? What issues arise as one passes Amesbury, Melissa Johnston-Barrett, (GSTF), with the charge of promoting stu- through the typical stages of a career in the Maurice Lee, Brad Herling, and our staff dent members’ professional development, First, with the Committee on Teaching field? Once again, this session offers a liaison, Myesha Jenkins. I look forward to which we have pursued in two primary ways: and Learning, the GSTF encourages stu- unique opportunity for students to speak continuing to serve as chair of the GSTF. (1) developing new Annual Meeting pro- dents to attend the Excellence in Teaching first-hand with someone who has spent It’s been a wild — and quick — ride! ❧ gramming, and (2) improving student Forum, offering an opportunity for con- many years in the field and has much wis- resources on the AAR Web site (www.aar- versation with this year’s Teaching Award dom to share. web.org). winner, Zayn Kassam, Professor of

At Play in the Fields of the Load Brett R. Dewey, Baylor University dom clothed in throw-away remarks have “Get it down now,” he would advise, and helpful to seek an attitude of play, know- lasted. Not everything he said that I “get it right later.” This command was ing that I don’t yet have to have all the remember is a help. One poor student hardly an invitation to sloppy work. answers. I love what I do and I seek to be raised professorial ire when he asked an Haphazard writing and research received more competent and more virtuous at it. admittedly silly question that provoked stern rebuke. Instead, the advice was born Jim’s sayings only matter now because the retort, “In my day, I’d go to the library of a humble spirit that recognizes that they were set in an even larger shape of and look that up.” In an elderly state, Jim what we say will never be once-and-for-all, life that he shared with his students. I hardly had time to waste, and wanted stu- especially for those of us too young to learned more about hospitality from Jim dents to prepare long and hard so that master the craft — despite what our grad- than I did about theology — at least, I class time could be dedicated wholly to uate degrees profess about us! Jim encour- learned a lived theology rather than a stark beneficial work. Jim did not believe in the aged a humble spirit, which is the type of scholasticism. Friendship, food, and liba- myth that “there are no stupid questions.” disposition that has taken me through tions guided our time together, and I’m But some of Jim’s comments stayed with doctoral coursework and helped me navi- the better for it. Vincent van Gogh once me and have been of benefit. gate the halls of the academy. said that he painted, not for the sake of Most surprising was the remark that a the- Jim also advised many of his students ven- art, or to make a living, but for the associ- Brett Dewey is a PhD candidate in religion ologian can’t be competent in their craft turing off to doctoral programs to “do ation he had with artists — for friendship. at Baylor University. When he isn’t partici- until “at least 50.” Now in my 30s, I take what you love, because doing a PhD will I apprentice in theology for a similar rea- pating in play of many sorts, he likes watch- a strange comfort in this notion. It pro- make you sad.” Again, these are strange son. Jim McClendon enjoyed a martini; ing the Los Angeles Dodgers play baseball vides permission not to have to know it and even simplistic words. But he was but even more, he enjoyed sharing one and the Glasgow Celtics play soccer. all. The leisure world of academia ought right. There is much to be sad about in with a friend. And his friends were not to be encouraged by such conviction. the process of doing a PhD. There is only his colleagues, but also his students Humility is implied; diligence is demand- always the dilemma of juggling home, whom he invited to share a common life Y CURRICULUM VITAE ed, along with the notion that if theology work, and school duties. Departmental or of scholarship and faith. Because of his recently took a turn toward is to be practiced, it must first be lived institutional politics sadden many of us. tutelage, I have learned to experience the credibility. After years of hard M over the long run. However, it is a dis- Heartbreaking politics were not strange play amidst the fields of the daily load. work I have earned three coveted letters comforting idea as well, especially in an facts of life to Jim, and are real issues in — ABD. Much work remains, but I have No matter the discipline, becoming a information age when ready access to the life of graduate students. Be humble, reached an important guidepost on the PhD involves wits and patience. But most immense amounts of data implies a sup- he taught. Do what you love, he exhorted. way toward even grander letters. As I pre- of all, I am convinced, earning a doctorate posed immediate expertise. Theology, and These are the ways to get through, get pare for the stretch run to the doctorate, I requires fortitude and strength gained religious reflection of all sorts, has never done, and be human in the process. have taken pause to reflect on lessons through scholarly trials and the coopera- simply been about data sorting. It involves learned in the journey. In trying to foster a spirit of humility and tive play of a community of friends. With a form of living and requires real reflec- in pursuing something I love, I have made trials ahead and yet more friends to make, tion on time-tested convictions, as well as It is the strange truth about teaching that my academic study almost like an occa- I look forward to earning my next three the virtues of sorting data properly. a professor’s passing comments rather than sion of play. Sure, I’m studying to try and letters — PhD. I’m comforted in the idea Theology takes decades to master — if it lectured lessons remain with students long get a research or teaching position. Yes, that, as rigorously as I will write my dis- ever can be mastered — not semesters. after a semester’s load is lightened. My the debt I have incurred for my education sertation, I can still work with the attitude theology teacher, the late James Besides these comments, and many more, must be paid off, and that requires a job. that I will “get it down now,” and “get it McClendon, had a way of making such two other remarks by Jim stuck deep. The But my work has become play — a labor right later.” Jim would recommend no comments stick. He wrote and taught the- first was his advice on paper writing. I of fun and joy. Despite the chagrin of other way. ❧ ology well, but the surprising bits of wis- heard it so often it seemed his mantra. time-crunched living, I have found it 20 • October 2005 AAR RSN Editor’s Note: FEATURES This article was originally published in the April 27, 2005, issue of No Longer a Desperado the Chronicle of Higher Education. Reprinted with permission. Jonathan Malesic, King’s College, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

After I arrived at the college, the department unable to eat anything because I would either My anxieties have not entirely left me, but head escorted me to the house where I would be answering a question or listening intently they have been transformed into more tolera- be staying. It was the president’s house, to long-winded senior professors’ declama- ble forms: fear that the teaching load will vacant because the current president lives in a tions about the college or the field, never keep me from becoming the darling of aca- dorm with his students. I felt like I was being breaking eye contact long enough to see if demic publishers I assumed I would someday allowed an intimate look at the college and anything was on my fork. be; uncertainty about which Flannery the town when I walked into the kitchen, O’Connor stories best illustrate the relation leaky faucet and all. The Eisenhower-era yel- But it became clear that the dinner was between grace and free will; worry that rising low Formica countertops gave me hope that meant to be a social occasion more than it interest rates will make student-loan repay- there would be a lot of cool, retro kitchens in was another chance for me to be sized up. I ment more burdensome. apartments near the campus. relaxed, tried to seem collegial despite being exhausted, and enjoyed it. Anxiety’s antidote is confidence, and I am Despite that hospitality, however, I was on very confident that I’m joining a good my guard for hidden tests of my suitability The next morning, I drove the five hours back department and college. From the moment I Jonathan Malesic earned his PhD in reli- for the job. I supposed that even the contents down the interstate — dodging 18-wheelers met my new colleagues, I liked them. They gious studies from the University of of the refrigerator — three bottles of Molson, and, only four months removed from a reck- were warm and funny, and they showed Virginia in 2004 and is currently in his one Heineken, and three O’Doul’s — were less driving ticket, keeping a close eye on my none of the smugness I’ve detected in other first year as an Assistant Professor of meant to assess my “fit” with the blue-collar speed — thinking that I did as well as I could search committees whose members in subtle Theology at King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, nature of the town and college. (I drank the have, and that I would get the job. ways suggested that I would always be the Pennsylvania. He wrote a series of columns Molsons, not wanting to seem like either an low man on the totem pole, as if they had for the Chronicle of Higher Education elitist or a teetotaler, in case anyone was Even so, the offer came as a surprise. I was never felt like supplicants themselves. about his time on the job market, and will be writing occasional columns about his checking up on me.) still in bed when the phone rang just four first year on the tenure track. days after the interview, and, squinting at the Even though I might always think in my The more formal parts of the interview the caller I.D., I recognized the area code as that insecure moments that my new colleagues next day seemed alternately like a receiving of the college. I didn’t pick up. did me a favor in hiring me, they never once line and a gantlet. After meeting with the made it seem that way. After years of trying RIENDS WHO WORK outside of dean and then the president, with whom I I was too afraid. In part, I didn’t want to to prove myself to professors, waiting for the academe think I’m telling a self- spoke casually about teaching style and the embarrass myself by talking to a potential pat on the head that suggests, “Good boy; F effacing joke when I say that I only mission of the college, I taught a class on the employer in a raspy voice at an hour when keep it up, and maybe you can be one of us ask two things of potential employers — development of Christian theology through most decent people were already at work. (I’d some day,” it was good to be extended a that their campus not be located in one of the fifth century. I tore through the lecture at made that mistake before, answering a call hand of welcome. ❧ the Dakotas and that their paychecks a very fast pace, realizing that I had overpre- for a conference interview late in the morn- rarely bounce. pared by about 50 percent and hoping that ing, but after I’d gone to bed at 5 AM.) The the students’ (and faculty’s) stone-faced job was offered to me, then, by voice mail. Jonathan Malesic was first interviewed When architects, physicians, and electrical impassivity was not a sign of boredom or by King’s College at the AAR’s 2004 engineers tell me that I should be able to incomprehension. I spent a week frantically calling friends, fam- Employment Information Services write my own ticket with a doctorate from ily, advisers, and the institutions where I Center. To learn more about the EIS the University of Virginia, I know that they Afterward, the department head invited thought (wrongly, it turned out) that I still Center, please see www.aarweb.org/eis/. are only trying to be supportive. I try hard young, vibrant recent hires in other depart- had a chance of receiving another offer before not to play the victim too overtly when I tell ments to have lunch with me. I surmised I accepted the job. I pretended to be calm with the other them about how everyone else who applied that this was a plot to convince me that I job candidates in the EIS Center for the jobs I did has a degree from an would have friends my age there. It worked. I In the weeks that followed, almost everyone I lounge in San Antonio last year. I esteemed institution, how they also have liked all the people I met, and I was able to told about the job asked me, “Are you excited?” jumped up when my name was called, advisers who write and speak enthusiastically imagine many more conversations with like someone who was just named the about their qualifications, and how they also them, intellectual and otherwise. I wasn’t sure. An idealist at heart, I always winner of a door prize, but I felt outnumber me 100 to one. have been more comfortable with possibility inside as if I were being led to an But someone could have handed me a than with finality or certitude. Would I be abattoir. The latter feeling made me It’s cute that those friends think the academic coupon for two Big Bites and a Slurpee and teaching the same classes for the rest of my glance back at some friends, as if to job search is anything at all like other job sent me off to 7-Eleven on my own, and I life? Is the dream of living in a seaside town say, “You alone will survive to tell my searches, in which you have a reasonable would have found the job no less appealing. and driving a golf cart to class now unrealiz- tale!” hope of living in a region you find desirable able? What if Miramax wanted to turn my and getting work commensurate with your When there’s only one name on your dance dissertation into a movie — would I be able I didn’t get that job, but three inter- qualifications. They don’t realize how some- card, you’re a pretty cheap date. to get out of my contract? views later, I was calm and confident, one intelligent, competent, and disciplined an old hand well familiar with enough to earn a PhD can be utterly desper- I boasted after the campus tour that the search Lately, though, as I have been reading the Ballroom E. The conversation with ate, forced to apply for every job advertised committee would have to try a lot harder if books I’ve assigned for my classes and shop- the King’s College faculty flowed easi- and to take anything offered. they were aiming to tire me out and see how I ping for tweed blazers (I dreamed of being a ly, and I genuinely liked the people I held up under pressure, and they delivered in a professor for a long time, and now I’m deter- met. The half-hour sped by. Staring down the possibility of spending 90-minute session in which the department’s mined to look the part), I realize that I am another year making sushi or parking cars, I entire faculty grilled me on my views of teach- excited. I’m both relieved that the search is Next time that department interviews found it incongruous that the one college ing and research, and my career goals. over and satisfied in having reached a huge candidates at the AAR meeting, I’ll be that invited me for an on-campus interview professional goal. I am also grateful, knowing the one asking the questions and, I this winter did its best to make me feel want- The final stage of the interview was dinner at how much of it all hinges on dumb luck and hope, trying to set the candidate at ease. ed. It certainly didn’t have to. I was the one a seafood restaurant. Colleagues had warned that many, if not most, people earning PhD’s with something to prove. me that I would be on trial even at meals, these days don’t ever get a tenure-track offer.

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October 2005 AAR RSN • 21 Religious Studies News — AAR Edition Research Briefing Religion in Plain View: The Public Display of Religion in the United States Sally M. Promey, University of Maryland

ment and free exercise clauses of the First Amendment, is not just something that many people do and see, it is also a consti- tutive, and frequently contested, practice of American democracy. My manuscript focuses attention on historical understand- ings of constitutional latitude and limits and the broader visual contexts within which a sense of what is appropriate is formed. In the years since I began this project, the public display of religion in the United States has become an especially volatile subject, a moving target difficult to bring into analytical and critical focus. Observers of American society, its behav- iors, practices, and beliefs, cannot yet pre- Sally M. Promey (PhD, History of Culture, dict the degree to which — and in what University of Chicago) is Chair and ways — the events of September 11, 2001 Professor in the Department of Art History (and the presidential campaigns of 2000 "Sign from God" billboard, Pennsylvania Turnpike, June 2000. Photo: Sally M. Promey. and Archaeology, and Faculty Affiliate in and 2004) marked permanent or funda- American Studies, at the University of mental shifts in American attitudes. Maryland. She teaches and publishes on American art and visual culture, with a I have deliberately selected the word “dis- research specialization in relations among play” in order to describe the widest possi- ing the aftermath of September 11, 2001; Over the course of my project, three fac- images, objects, and religions. ble range of experiences while still empha- and the continuing controversy over dis- tors have accounted for most research sizing the explicitly visual character of the play of the Ten Commandments in public expenditures: travel, photography, and phenomenon my enterprise engages. places and on government property. I am research assistance. My work’s archival HE AMERICAN ACADEMY of “Art,” for example, as one category of dis- writing, in other words, about religion in character and my concern with the recep- Religion granted funds in play, occupies an important and particular plain view. My interest in display goes tion of religious display have necessitated T 2003–2004 for research related to place in the public pictorial representation beyond appearances, however, to consider significant time in archives, libraries, and my project on the public display of reli- of religion. But, for this project’s purposes, the kinds of conversations that take place museums, viewing a wide range of materi- gion in the United States. I welcome the art is part of a larger whole constituted by in the display’s literal — and recollected als in collections representing different opportunity provided by this brief essay in numerous modes of visual communica- — presence. Display generates social regions of the United States. Of particular Religious Studies News to discuss the project tion, including such things as broadsides spaces where cultural negotiations about importance to me are images and texts and then to report on the progress made and signage; processions or parades; individual and collective identities take that picture or describe religion’s historical under the research award. adornment of the body; film, television, place. It is these negotiations, and their presence in the visible landscape, e.g., and the Internet as well as pictures and roles in shaping our visual and mental period diaries, works of art, broadsides My interdisciplinary study of the public paintings; architectural façades; statuary, landscapes over time, that perhaps most and prints, public school literature, display of religion is, in large part, an monuments, shrines, and memorials. To fundamentally describe my subject. almanacs, trade catalogues, stereographs, interpretive survey of attitudes and prac- be a bit more specific, my book explores postcards, newspapers, and periodicals. tices beginning with the founding of the the shape and impact of, for example, With respect to contemporary religious American republic. Having once made Cambodian-American Buddhist New display, the visual and contextual nature of this material from the past accessible, Year’s observances in the 21st century; the my study has also required travel, in this however, my goal is also to invite history The public display of exterior architecture of a recently dedicated case to locate, see, and photograph display to illuminate the contemporary dynamics Hindu temple in Lanham, Maryland; religion, firmly lodged in situ. of public religious display at the beginning Rosalie Pelby’s mid-19th-century displays of the 21st century. As an art historian, I between the establishment AAR’s generous research funds have of life-scale wax figures representing bibli- “ am interested in the visual articulation of allowed me to bring the research phase of cal stories and civic virtues; the United and free exercise clauses of the public religious landscape. As a histo- my project close to completion. I say close States Capitol Rotunda murals; a rian of American culture, I am concerned the First Amendment, is to completion because, in the process of Baltimore neighborhood’s outdoor Purim with changing notions of plural religions not just something that accomplishing research travel specified in decorations; the sculpted figure of in the United States, from the 18th centu- my proposal, I discovered information Muhammad in the Supreme Court friezes; many people do and see, ry’s competing sectarian Protestantisms to that will take me in some new directions. representations of Our Lady of Guadalupe the 21st century’s global migration of it is also a constitutive, In addition to travel already accomplished on public murals in Los Angeles; the cre- world faiths. The public display of reli- before the award, I had anticipated trips ation of “spontaneous” memorials mark- and frequently contested, gion, firmly lodged between the establish- to New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Los practice of American Angeles, and Chapel Hill to visit archives democracy. and to do on-site photography. In 2003–2004 I actually traveled to New York, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Boston, and Seattle. I have developed a dense slide My work on this project was already well archive of rich visual material. Since I can- underway when I applied for the AAR not actually use all of these images in the Research Award. At that point the ”project book, I am investigating the possibility of had already secured me a place at the a Web site to archive them. In 2005–2006 Woodrow Wilson International Center for I plan additional travel to San Diego and Scholars in 2000–2001 and I was on my Sedona (Arizona). In 2006–2007, with way to a year (2003-–2004) as Ailsa the support of a Guggenheim Fellowship, Mellon Bruce Senior Fellow at the Center I will complete the manuscript. for Advanced Study in the Visual Arts. I am immensely grateful to the AAR for These residential fellowships offered con- its generosity; I offer my heartiest thanks genial scholarly communities in which to for the opportunities provided by this work and write but did not provide funds research award. ❧ for the extent of travel necessitated by my project’s geographical and chronological scope (the United States from the 18th century to the present). "God Bless America" bus, New York City, November 2001. Photo: Sally M. Promey.

22 • October 2005 AAR RSN Editor’s Note: FEATURES “In the Public Interest,” a regular feature of Religious Studies News, is sponsored In the Public Interest by the Academy’s Public Understanding of Religion Committee. Prisoners’ Free Exercise Rights Upheld by Court Dena S. Davis, Cleveland-Marshall College of Law

In the years since Smith, a number of broad- stream religions were being accommodated. RLUIPA claims will actually prevail. In fact, based coalitions have worked to get Congress The State of Ohio countered by arguing that speculating on why Justice Stevens, usually a to enact a law that would essentially return RLUIPA was unconstitutional under the staunch supporter of nonestablishment at the federal and state governments to the “com- Establishment Clause, because it required the expense of free exercise, was willing to go pelling interest” standard. The Religious state to privilege religious reasons over other along with the majority, one commentator Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), passed in reasons and therefore would “encourage pris- suggested that Stevens did not expect 1993, was largely struck down by the Court oners to become religious” in order to garner RLUIPA to have any real effect. in 1997. The Court ignored the argument those privileges. For example, if two prisoners This decision has especial meaning for the that RFRA violated the Establishment were in solitary confinement without reading AAR and the Committee for the Public Clause of the First Amendment by affording material, an avowedly religious prisoner Understanding of Religion. Last year the special privileges to religious practice. Rather, would be able to fight his boredom by suc- Committee began an outreach initiative to it struck down RFRA on grounds of federal- cessfully demanding a Bible, while another prison chaplains in state and federal systems ism, that is, on the proper relation between prisoner, wishing perhaps for poetry or a self- (see “AAR Expanding Government Relations Congress and the states. One of the Court’s help book, would fail. Program,” RSN, March 2005, p. 10). Seven objections was that Congress had not shown The Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit chaplains attended the 2004 Annual HIS STORY begins 15 years ago. In any evidence that state or local governments ruled in Ohio’s favor, but the Supreme Meeting, including the directors of prison 1990, the Supreme Court startled the were systematically burdening religious liber- Court, in an opinion written by Ruth Bader chaplaincy programs in Colorado, North nation by announcing that the ty; had that evidence been presented, it T Ginsburg, disagreed. The Court took official Carolina, Nevada, Ohio, Texas, and Constitution did not inhibit enforcement of might have grounded an argument that a note of evidence that religious practice in Washington; the president of the American otherwise valid laws of general applicability return to the compelling interest standard prisons is often subjected to “frivolous or Correctional Chaplains Association; and the that happened to burden religious practice. In was necessary to protect religious freedom. arbitrary barriers.” Ginsburg found that director of chaplaincy programs for the the decades before this decision (Employment The RFRA coalition responded with a much Section 3 of RLUIPA does not impermissibly Federal Bureau of Prisons. AAR member Division v. Smith), such laws were deemed more narrowly tailored piece of legislation, privilege religion, but simply “alleviates Patrick McCollum and the AAR Director of constitutional only if they embodied the least the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized exceptional government-created burdens on External Relations, Steve Herrick, had restrictive alternative means of fulfilling a Persons Act of 2000 (RLUIPA), which con- private religious exercise.” In a reference to arranged a day and a half of activities. compelling state interest. To give an example: centrated on two areas in which an empirical last year’s decision, in which the Court Scholars who met with the chaplains includ- A public school has a rule that students can- case could be made for the existence of wide- allowed the State of Washington to exclude ed Edward Curtis, Fred Denny, Diana Eck, not wear any sort of head covering in the spread and systematic abuses of religious free- people studying for the ministry from a state Barbara McGraw, Wendy Griffin, Michael gym. Sikhs, Muslims, Orthodox Jews, and dom. On May 31, 2005, RLUIPA won its scholarship program, Ginsburg noted that McNally, Sarah Pike, and Ines Talamantez. others with a religious commitment to cover first decisive battle, as the Supreme Court, in there is a certain “play in the joints,” a “corri- their heads, sue, claiming that this has bur- It is difficult to overstate how excited every- Cutter v. Wilkinson, unanimously upheld dor” for laws that are neither required by the dened their religious freedom by forcing them one — scholars and chaplains alike — is Section 3 of the Act, which states that “No Free Exercise Clause, nor forbidden by the to choose between their religious obligations about this new initiative. Many of the AAR government shall impose a substantial bur- Establishment Clause. and the benefits of gym class, intramural scholars commented that this was the most den on the religious exercise of a person sports, etc. Before Smith, the school district The Court was careful to point out that compelling AAR experience they had had in residing in or confined to an institution” could prevail only if it could show that the RLUIPA is hardly a “free pass” for religious more than a decade of membership. The unless the burden furthers “a compelling gov- state’s interest (e.g., safety on the gym floor) practice in prison. It does not elevate the chaplains all voiced great enthusiasm and ernment interest” and does so “by the least was compelling and that there was no less right to religious practice over the needs of indicated their intention to return this year restrictive means.” restrictive way of meeting that interest (e.g., prison security, and it requires lower courts and to urge their colleagues to come. Given requiring extra strong bobby pins). After Cutter began in Ohio, where prisoners from adjudicating RLUIPA claims to take account the recent Supreme Court decision, prison Smith, the district could win simply by show- unconventional faiths (Wicca, Satanism, of “the burdens a requested accommodation officials have an even greater need for the ing that it had any general purpose other than Asutra) sued the state under RLUIPA on the may impose on nonbeneficiaries.” Given the kind of access to academic expertise that the making difficulties for adherents of certain grounds that their religious needs were not paucity of resources in prisons, the latter is AAR provides. ❧ religions. being met, whereas prisoners from main- likely to be a serious check on which

Beyond the Annual Meeting Regions Committee Members Stacy L. Patty (Chair), Jacqueline Z. Pastis, Lubbock Christian University La Salle University Regions Committee Linda L. Barnes, John Harrison, Stacy L. Patty, Lubbock Christian University Boston University AAR Staff Liaison

out the year via e-mail conversations and Regions Committee most recently planned, RSN: Tell us, when did your committee teleconferences, and we come together for in coordination with the director of college begin and what kind of work does it do? meetings each spring and every other fall. programs, two regional chairs workshops. In Patty: The AAR has a long history of Prior to each spring meeting, we bring short, the Regions Committee helps to for- interest in strong regional activities by its together all of the regional secretaries for a mulate and implement AAR strategies so members. Since 1974 the regionally elected retreat. that their effect on AAR members will be as secretaries of the ten regions have served as widespread as possible. RSN: It seems so obvious, but let me ask, members of the AAR Board of Directors, what makes the work of this committee RSN: What contributions have different providing full board member responsibility important for the Academy? members made? for the AAR and also serving as a natural link between the regions and the board. In 1991 Patty: All AAR members are also mem- Patty: We are particularly blessed as a the board formed the Regions Committee as bers of regions, but not all AAR members or standing committee with a membership that a standing committee to support further the many AAR objectives are regionally centered. changes often; rarely does the same person work of the regions. Activities of the com- The Regions Committee focuses specifically serve on the committee for more than three Stacy L. Patty is Professor of Religious Studies mittee are monitored by the board in consul- on ways to strengthen all AAR activities by years, and a new member rotates onto the at Lubbock Christian University, where he tation with the AAR by-laws. making connections between regional activi- committee at least every two years. This teaches courses in world religions and ethics. ties and needs on the one hand and acade- turnover provides fresh perspectives from var- The Regions Committee works with regional He is a graduate of Union Theological my-wide initiatives and activities on the ious geographical, institutional, and social secretaries, AAR staff, and the AAR board, to Seminary in the City of New York (STM); other. I give three examples. First, AAR locales, and it prevents us from overlooking promote the work of the academy’s regional and Baylor University (PhD). He currently teaching workshops, developed in coordina- serious concerns that may otherwise be groups. We research needs and activities of serves as chair of the AAR’s Regions tion with the Regions and Teaching and missed. A Northwest region member brings a the regional groups, assist regional officers in Committee. Patty has been a leader in the Learning Committees, have been a major quite different perspective to discussions meeting planning and professional develop- development of the AAR’s teaching work- success in several regions. Second, the com- about Annual Meeting locations than shops, and he speaks frequently in communi- ment opportunities, administer the regional mittee has been active in creating links ty settings on religious pluralism in North development grants program, and make offi- between the AAR Student Liaison program America. cial recommendations to the board regarding See PATTY p.32 and regional AAR student officers. Third, the the regions. Our committee works through- October 2005 AAR RSN • 23 Religious Studies News — AAR Edition Department Meeting Boston College, Department of Theology Kenneth R. Himes, Chair

To my mind the biggest strengths are, first, choose: “Biblical Heritage,” “Catholicism,” ology is growing. As a member of the Boston the overall quality of the faculty and, second, “Christian Tradition,” “Religious Quest” (a Theological Institute (BTI) Boston College the commitment that the university has to comparative study of at least two religious provides our students with access to a our department. We have some very distin- traditions), and “Perspectives on Western tremendous number of faculty and courses guished faculty members, people who would Culture” (a 12-credit course satisfying both throughout the Boston/Cambridge area. be on just about anyone’s short list of the theology and philosophy requirements). So far our students have been finishing in a best in a given field. A number of years ago, Students must stay with both semesters of timely way and finding tenure-track posi- prior to my arrival, the administration sin- the same course since the second semester tions. I may sound immodest but I do think gled out theology as one of the five flagship presupposes and builds upon the first semes- that BC has been on a fast track in advancing departments, and they have backed that up ter. the reputation of its doctoral program and by being generous with institutional These courses vary in style of presentation the quality of our applicants; the placement resources. and class size; however, in any given semester of our graduates indicates as much. As a department we also have a good sense of there are more than 2,000 students enrolled The MA program deserves greater attention our mission and our place in the university. in core courses. Overall, the student response in the coming years. I think we need to look Quite a number of years ago there was a is quite positive, with the clearest demonstra- at how we fund the MA as well as review the Boston College was founded by the Society deliberate decision by the faculty that this tion being that most of our majors come to curriculum and comprehensive exam process. of Jesus (Jesuits) in 1863. Though incorpo- was going to be a department of theology, us after experiencing a core course. Very few Right now our MA program does not really rated as a university since its beginning, it not religious studies or catechetics or students come to Boston College intending serve as a “feeder” for the doctoral program was not until its second half-century that Catholic studies. to major in theology. What they find out in here or at other schools. Our MA students the school began to fill out the dimensions the core courses is that theology asks precisely Another plus for us is the Jesuit charism that often go into high school teaching or church- of its charter. In addition to the College of the questions that many of them are asking marks the university. I think it is pretty hard based work. That is perfectly fine, but we Arts and Sciences, there is an evening col- at this point in their lives. lege, a Graduate School of Arts and for a student to attend BC and not come need to ask if the degree should be more Sciences, Law School, Graduate School of away with an understanding of the Jesuit tra- We have about 175 majors, a larger number intentionally aimed at preparation for doctor- Social Work, and Schools of Business dition’s emphasis on faith, learning, critical of minors, and a great many students who al studies. I don’t have a firm opinion about Management, Nursing, and Education. reflection, and social justice. Not every stu- take additional electives in theology beyond this, but it is a topic that I want to raise with The student body of 14,400 (4,800 gradu- dent will buy into the entire package, but the core. (We offer about 45 undergraduate colleagues at a future date. ate and professional) represents all the states they would have a hard time not knowing electives each semester.) Majors must take RSN: What problems do you foresee in the and territories of the U.S. as well as 94 for- what matters to the Jesuits. There is an envi- two of the year-long intro courses, five elec- future? eign countries. The Department of ronment here at BC that takes faith and the tives chosen in consultation with the director Theology, located in the College of Arts and quest for religious truth seriously. of undergraduate studies in the department, Himes: I am hesitant to call this a prob- Sciences, offers an undergraduate major as and one majors’ seminar in junior or senior lem, more a challenge with very promising RSN: Tell us a bit more about the faculty. well as MA and PhD degrees through the year. Minors take four electives in addition to consequences. Boston College is discussing Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. There Himes: Well, we are a pretty big depart- a core course. with another member of the BTI the feasibil- is a strong, though not exclusive, emphasis ment: 38 full-time, about 20 part-time in ity of a merger. It would result in the creation on Christianity, especially as manifested in One of the things we are currently working any given semester, and approximately 7–10 of a new Graduate School of Ministry here at the Roman Catholic tradition. on is developing opportunities for our under- teaching fellows. One of my concerns for BC. This would bring a healthy contingent grads to work more closely with individual Himes received his BA from Siena College future hires is to bring in younger people at of new faculty and grad students to campus. professors through research projects, study in history (1971), an MA in moral theolo- the assistant level and not just recruit estab- tours, lunch discussions, and other opportu- An important item, therefore, is how that gy from the Washington Theological Union lished scholars. Because we have a substantial nities that bring faculty and students together new school will be related to the Department (1975), and a PhD in religion and public graduate program, research and publication policy from Duke University (1981). For outside the classroom. of Theology in the College of Arts and are strong expectations among us, but since 23 years he taught graduate courses at the Sciences. We have been very clear that our we also do a lot of undergraduate instruction RSN: What sorts of courses attract stu- Washington Theological Union in funda- department wants to remain in A&S. After there is an emphasis on teaching perform- dents? mental moral theology, Catholic social all, the Jesuit tradition sees theology as an ance as well. People have been hired with the teaching, and Christian social ethics. The Himes: This has been one of the surprises integral element of a liberal arts education, expectation that they will teach at all differ- author of two books and editor of two oth- that I had upon coming to BC. Last year we and no one in the administration wishes to ent levels of instruction within the university. ers, he also served as editor of New had a very healthy enrollment for an elective remove theology from the core curriculum of Theology Review. He is a past President Within the full-time faculty the biggest area course in John of the Cross, and that was a our undergraduates. At the graduate level, of the Catholic Theological Society of of study is systematics — no surprise for a sequel to an earlier course that was an intro- however, there will be considerable interest, I America. Himes moved to Boston College Catholic university — but we also have a duction to John’s writings. If you had told think, on the part of some faculty, to have in January 2004 as the Chair of the strong group in ethics. Biblical studies, com- me that a bunch of undergrads would want dual appointments to the department and to department. parative theology, history, and pastoral theol- to spend one afternoon every week studying the new school of ministry. That makes sense ogy are the other formally identified fields of a 16th-century Spanish mystic I would have but we need to think it through and do it study within the department. To some extent doubted your sense of young Americans. But right. RSN: What gives you the greatest these designations are for organizational pur- they did; and the professor who taught the satisfaction as a department chair? A second item is to insure that we retain our poses in the division of departmental labor. course told me there was a high level of dis- identity as a theology department. A tempta- Himes: This may seem hokey, but it is the Graduate students often cross the boundaries cussion in the course. So, go figure. tion may exist for some to start thinking the opportunity to help others. There are, of of the fields in pursuing their programs, and Students often pick courses on the basis of new school of ministry will perform the the- course, the small things — granting a stu- I notice that faculty interact pretty freely the teacher and, since we have a generous ological role at the university and that our dent an override to get into a closed course across the various fields. There is not a lot of number of excellent teachers in the depart- department ought to morph into religious or hosting a dinner for a visiting scholar. But, isolation due to specialization. ment, our elective courses do very well. studies or some other alternative way of more importantly, it is shaping budgets and One of the issues on the horizon, I think, is Ethics courses are popular; students are inter- understanding ourselves. Instead, I believe we policies so that resources go to the people to determine the nature of our history field. ested in issues of peace, human rights, social must maintain a role for theology within the and programs that really deserve them and Should we be focusing on the history of the- justice, and what faith has to say about these. liberal arts and to make the case for theolo- that will use them well. ology or doing the customary work of Comparative theology is also popular since gy’s place in a university education in addi- I try to highlight the faculty’s work within church history with its study of figures, insti- today’s students are so aware of the religious tion to its essential role within the profession- the department and the university. When tutions, and social context? Since BC has a pluralism that marks our global situation. al education of church ministers. they recruited me, I stated that my first task large history department with several mem- What has surprised me a bit is the level of There will be a slew of practical matters to would be to serve the faculty, trusting that if bers of that department interested in religious interest in spirituality and more straightfor- attend to as well. But, to my mind, getting I make their lives easier, they will, in turn, be history, it may be that our department ought ward doctrinal questions. But then again, I the first two items right will allow the other able to serve our students better. I do take to move more toward greater concentration return to my point that an excellent teacher pieces to fall into place. pleasure in seeing the accomplishments of on the history of theological ideas. That will will attract students almost irrespective of the my colleagues. be a topic for upcoming department meet- topic, and we are lucky to have so many out- RSN: Any advice for new chairs? ings. standing teachers in the department. Also I like creating an office environment Himes: No, I am too new at this to be where people enjoy coming to work. RSN: How is your undergraduate program RSN: What about the graduate program? giving advice to others. I should be the one structured? seeking guidance. ❧ RSN: Can you tell us something about the Himes: It is a program sized to our department’s strengths? Himes: All BC students are required to resources. We accept 12 doctoral students take one two-semester course sequence. each year, the majority in ethics and system- Himes: Do you mean besides the chair- There are five such courses from which to atics, though the interest in comparative the- man?

24 • October 2005 AAR RSN NEWS

BERLING, from p.11 established a faculty grants office to help faculty identify and apply for research funding; the office was so successful that it introduced to Western audiences a syn- was moved to ATS, and from there served cretic religious leader who combined ele- the full range of theological schools. The ments of Confucianism, Buddhism, and ATS office also offered workshops at the Daoism into a “Religion of the Three AAR Annual Meetings open to all faculty. Teachings” in 16th-century Fukien. Building on that work, I participated in a RSN: Recently, you chaired the Task number of interdisciplinary conferences Force on the Independent Annual and conference volumes on religion and Meeting. What did you learn from that popular culture from the Sung through process? the Ming. 2) Work on ecumenical theo- Berling: I agreed to chair the Task logical education, the relationship of the- Force on condition that its members rep- ology and the university, and globalization resent the various groups and voices most and theological education. During this unhappy with the decision for the inde- period I was dean of the Graduate pendent meeting. While it was outside the Theological Union, participated in a mandate of our group to revisit the deci- multi-year Lilly-funded project on sion, I was well aware (through heated Theology and the University, and (briefly) conversations in a number of venues) that served as a staff member on globalization there were still many unhappy with the and theological education for the decision (as well as those happy about it). Association of Theological Schools. I I had an excellent group that was very rep- wrote extensively on all of these issues. resentative of all points of view. We even Also in this period, I wrote rather exten- had a member who was so adamantly sively on why and how theological educa- opposed to the split (he felt it left him tion should include rigorous study of without an academic home) that, when he other religions. 3) Work on inter-religious learned we could not revisit the decision, learning, that is to say, the process of he announced that he would not put his learning a religion across lines of religious name on our report, even though he spent and cultural difference. This work builds a day with us and provided us with con- on my entire background: in comparative siderable input and wisdom. Although the religions, in critical teaching and learning members of the task force had a broad theory, and in theological education and range of opinions about the decision itself theological learning. Inter-religious learn- and were determined to acknowledge in ing is a well-developed field in Europe the report that many would be adversely (particularly Germany, the Netherlands, affected by the split, they worked together and Belgium), with strong representatives very constructively: a) to maximize the in other countries such as South Africa benefits of the independent meeting by and Turkey. As we become increasingly creating the space for a number of new aware of the significance of religious diver- program units; b) to redress or ameliorate sity in our society (and in our classrooms), the negative impacts as far as possible; c) inter-religious learning becomes ever more to recognize the deep differences of opin- important. My recent book, ion in the AAR, the frustration many were Understanding Other Religious Worlds: A feeling, and to make clear that the deci- Guide for Inter-religious Education (Orbis, sion was not intended to exclude certain 2004), articulates the process of inter-reli- fields or groups from the AAR; and d) to gious learning and its implications for the set up a process for immediate feedback classroom. The book was written primari- about our recommendations and for a ly for the theological education audience, thoroughgoing review of the independent but I hope to extend the work to the reli- meeting relatively early so that any prob- gious studies classroom as well. lems could be identified and addressed early. It was a pleasure working with this RSN: You’ve served on a variety of com- group of committed and articulate scholars. mittees for the AAR and many other organizations and universities. What com- RSN: What are the biggest challenges mittee(s) do you feel have helped most to facing religion scholars today? foster excellence in religion scholarship? Berling: There are a number of serious How so? issues. Berling: I served for nine years on the Despite the increasing religious diversity ACLS History of Religions Committee, of our society (and classrooms) over the five of those as its chair. This committee past 30 years, public discourse about reli- gave an award for the Best First Book in gion is still woefully inadequate. The the History of Religions, which was a way media still tend to represent only the most of recognizing and affirming excellence. It extreme and “simplistic” forms of religion also arranged for a Lecturer in History of rather than giving voice to a range of Religions, a senior scholar who offered a Christianities, Islams, Buddhisms, and the series of lectures (which will soon become like. a book) at a number of institutions across the U.S. We as scholars have not succeeded in modeling for the general public how to I also served on a number of fellowship converse intelligently about religious dif- selection committees (for the American ference, or what is at stake in understand- Council of Learned Societies, Fulbright, ing religions. the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Association of We are still too caught up in the (to my Theological Schools); these committees mind) false “insider/outsider” dichotomy, quite literally supported the production of exaggerating and distorting both posi- excellent scholarship and provided schol- tions. Our tendency to exaggerate this ars with much-needed funds for research dichotomy only exacerbates the public’s leaves or travel. inability to understand how to discourse about religion/s and undermines our abili- As a member of the AAR’s Program ty to make the case for the importance of Committee I helped support the develop- the study of religion in colleges and uni- ment of new program units that would versities in ways that would be more com- foster promising fields of scholarship. pelling. ❧ At the Graduate Theological Union we

October 2005 AAR RSN • 25 Religious Studies News — AAR Edition Academy Fund The AAR thanks these loyal contributors. Your generous gifts help us realize our goals. This list reflects donations received from July 1, 2004, through August 31, 2005.

The✧ indicates AAR currentthanks boardthese Frank Burch Brown Emilie M. Townes ★ Charles B. Jones William Schweiker Sidney Brown ★ loyalmembers contributors. Your Susanna Bede Caroselli Mary Evelyn Tucker Harold Kasimow Vanina G. Sechi Don S. Browning gifts indicates help uscurrent realize commit- our William J. Cassidy Catherine Tinsley Tuell Laurel D. Kearns ★ Alan Segal Pamela K. Brubaker goals.tee members, JAAR edito- John B. Cobb ★ James L. Waits R. W. Keith • John C. Shelley Sharon Peebles Burch rial board, or jurors David L. Coleman Cynthia Walsh Aaron Kerr • Kim Shively Grace G. Burford ★ ★ indicates current program Kimberly Rae Connor Carol Welles Wonil Kim Wade H. Singletary Laura Busch • unit chairs or steering John Crossley Paul B. Whittemore Kerri A. Kor Robert Smith José I. Cabezón ★ committee members Wade H. Dazey Kwok Pui Lan ✧ ★ Frederick Sontag Carnegie Samuel Calian • Gifts of $50 or more indicates current students Dedunupitiye Upananda • William R. LaFleur David T. 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26 • October 2005 AAR RSN NEWS

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Charles Brock Mark Hanshaw • Christiaan Mostert Amy Black Voorhees • Todd T. Lewis Jamie Sanders • Anne Clarke Brown Beverly W. Harrison Henry Moyo Charles I. Wallace Reid Locklin David Sandmel Michelle Bryan • Betty C. B. Harwick Leslyn Musch • Dale Wallace • Michael Lodahl ★ Erik E. Sandstrom J. Lanier Burns Suzanne Hasselle- Vijaya Nagarajan ★ Charles D. Walters Friedrich Lohmann Carmelo Santos • Ellen Cahn Newcombe • Arlene Nehring James Watson Christo Lombard Sasaki Kei Amy Carr Stanley Hauerwas Kathleen Davis Niendorff Linda Watson Grace Cumming Long Yoshitsugu Sawai Paul H. Carr Sophia Heller Astrid M. O’Brien Richard John Wiebe Lois Ann Lorentzen Andreas Schuele Jeremy R. Carrette ★ Joan M. Henriksen Hellyer • Samuel Oduyela • Roger Willer Josef Lossl David Schultenover Joan L. Carter Gray Henry Masahiko Okada Jane Williams-Hogan Tim Macquiban ★ Barbara J. Searcy Thomas Cattoi • Barbara Hester • Irfan A. Omar Charles A. Wilson F. Rachel Magdalene John Senior • James Cavill Toni Hinchcliffe • Maura O’Neill Cynthia B. Witt Aditya Malik Sheila Shiki-y-Michaels ★ Christopher W. Chase • Devan M. Hite David Oringderff Ariana Kateryna Wolynec- Charles Marsh Leanne Simmons Glenn A. Chestnutt • Travis Hodges • Cyril Orji • Werner • Paul Martin • Michael Slater • Emily J. Choge William Hoverd Zoltan Ormoshegyi • Amber Wood • Kakuju Matsubara • Robert V. Smith Neal Christopher • Thomas Hughson Douglas Osto Dean Worthington Brian Rice McCarthy Sodiq Yushau William Chu • Greta G. F. Huis Dorothy M. Owens Siri A. Worthington • Jim McCurdy Mark Soileau • Shannon Clarkson Michael Humphreys • Sang-un Park Kelly Wyman • Rachel Fell McDermott Eric Sonnicksen • David Cockerham • Matthew Hunter • Ann Pearson Tadanori Yamashita John A. McGrath George S. Spink Angela Coco Roger Huston • Josue Perez Felix Yeung • Anne G. McWilliams Ralph Steele • Jane Compson Nancy Hutton • Cheryl Peterson Edward A. Yonan Gary Meegan Matthew Stefon • Maryanne Confoy Madoka Inoue • Mary Lou Pfeiffer Alfred P. Zarb Larry Menyweather-Woods • Karin Juliana Steiner Claude Conyers Jih Chang-shin G. Philip Points Wanda Zemler-Cizewski Gordon S. Mikoski • Daniel B. Stevenson ★ Isaac Crawford Howard R. Johnson Damon Powell Cosimo Zene Carol Miles Robert L. Stivers Garry J. Crites Kathy Johnson • Kim Elaine Power Peter Zografos Charles William Miller Horace H. Stoddard John W. Crossin Todd E. Johnson Virginia Kaib Ratigan Zion Zohar Kenneth H. Miller Bev Stratton Randal Cummings Ann Johnston John A. Raymaker Merrill P. Miller Frederick J. Streets Lars Johan Danbolt Jaewan Joo David Redles

We strive for accuracy in our records. Please notify the AAR of any incorrect listings. You can contribute to the Academy Fund online at www.aarweb.org/support or call us at 404-727-3049.

October 2005 AAR RSN • 27 Religious Studies News — AAR Edition Editor’s Note: At the request of the Status of Women in the Profession Committee, RSN publishes the AAR’s Sexual Harassment Policy every year to ensure that each member has an opportunity to read it. This same statement is always available online at www.aarweb.org/about/board/resolutions/sh.asp.

Sexual Harassment Policy T ITS NOVEMBER 1996 meet- This cuts across gender and sexual orienta- ing, the AAR Board of Directors tion. Because of the inherent power differen- A adopted a policy condemning sexual tial between teacher and student, it is impera- harassment in academic settings. Building tive that members of the Academy maintain upon the Equal Employment Opportunity the integrity of an environment which is not Commission’s definition of sexual harassment, coercive, intimidating, hostile, or offensive. the statement is designed to elevate members’ The work of the Academy is best carried out awareness of the range of behaviors that can in an atmosphere that fosters collegiality and be described as sexual harassment, and to mentoring. Sexual harassment can destroy or articulate the AAR’s own commitment to undermine this relationship. The impact of ensuring that its own activities and operations this on the life and future of the Academy are free from the pernicious effects of such cannot be belittled or ignored. When our behavior. actions are in violation of the dignity and The AAR’s Status of Women in the Profession integrity of another person, these actions are a Committee drafted the statement which also profound violation of professional and human draws from statements by a number of other relationships. These are violations because learned societies that have established similar they are exploitative and abusive. policies. When asked why it was important for the AAR to put forward such a statement, Descriptions Emilie Townes, a former chair of the AAR’s Sexual harassment includes all behavior that Committee on the Status of Women in the prevents or impairs an individual’s full enjoy- Profession, said, “It is important to match the ment of educational or workplace rights, ben- high standards the American Academy of efits, environments, or opportunities. These Religion has for scholarship and research with behaviors include but are not limited to: a policy that calls forth the best of each of us professionally and interpersonally. It is impor- 1. sexist remarks, jokes, or behavior tant for AAR to make a clear and unambigu- 2. unwelcome sexual advances, including ous statement against sexual harassment and unwanted touching provide all of the membership of the Academy resources for understanding and 3. requests for sexual favors combating such dehumanizing behavior.” 4. sexual assault, including attempted or completed physical sexual assault Sexual Harassment 5. the use of professional authority to inap- Policy for the American propriately draw attention to the gender, Academy of Religion sexuality, or sexual orientation of an employee, colleague, or student Introduction 6. insults, including lewd remarks or con- The American Academy of Religion is com- duct mitted to fostering and maintaining an envi- 7. visual displays of degrading sexual images ronment of rigorous learning, research, and or pornography teaching in the field of religion. This environ- ment must be free of sexual harassment. 8. pressure to accept unwelcome social invi- Sexual harassment is a discriminatory practice tations. which is unethical, unprofessional, and threat- Sexual harassment occurs from these behav- ening to intellectual freedom. It usually iors and other verbal or physical conduct of a involves persons of unequal power, authority, sexual nature when any or all of the following or influence but can occur between persons of conditions apply: the same status. 1. Submission to or rejection of such con- Sexual harassment is illegal under Title VII of duct by an individual is used, implicitly the 1980 Civil Rights Act and Title IX of the or explicitly, as a basis for employment 1972 Educational Amendments. Sexual decisions or academic decisions affecting harassment is a gross violation of professional such individuals; ethics comparable to plagiarism or falsification of research. It should be regarded and treated or as such by members of the Academy. The pol- 2. Such conduct has the purpose or effect icy of the American Academy of Religion is to of unreasonably interfering with an indi- condemn sexual harassment. Members of the vidual’s work or academic performance Academy are encouraged to file complaints or creating an intimidating, hostile, or about sexual harassment with the appropriate offensive working or academic environ- administrative office of the institution where ment. the harasser is employed or where he or she is enrolled, or with appropriate law enforcement Such an atmosphere cannot and does not fos- authorities. ter intellectual rigor or valuable, trusting human relationships. Both are necessary Background ingredients for good scholarship and profes- sional excellence. The impact on the victim of The Equal Employment Opportunity sexual harassment can be profound. Studies Commission (EEOC) of the United States on the effect of sexual harassment reveal dis- government defines sexual harassment in the turbing consequences, such as loss of self-con- workplace or in the academic setting as “the fidence, decline in academic performance, and use of one’s authority or power, either explicit- inhibited forms of professional interaction. ly or implicitly, to coerce another into Sexual harassment has no place in the unwanted sexual relations or to punish anoth- American Academy of Religion at any organi- er for his or her refusal; or the creation of an zational level — formal or informal. It is intimidating, hostile, or offensive working behavior that we must seek to identify and environment through verbal or physical con- eradicate. duct of a sexual nature.” For information on AAR’s Grievance and Having friendships with students is common Complaint Procedure, please go to: www. for teachers. It is also possible that teachers aarweb.org/about/board/resolutions/shg.asp. ❧ will experience attraction to students and experience students’ sexual attraction to them.

28 • October 2005 AAR RSN NEWS

Yocum when she was an unaffiliated and “From that experience he continued to ble, generous, or kind than Glenn,” she YOCUM, from p.9 discouraged independent scholar, said that champion me, personally and professional- said. “He uses his talents and his influence as editor of JAAR, he accepted an article ly, eventually encouraging me (and no to help others, not for his own aggrandize- “He has been a model of how humor can she had submitted to the journal. That led doubt persuading others) to become an ment. Glenn possesses a gentle passion that leaven the seriousness of what we do, mak- to future collaborations between the two. editor for the AAR Academy Series. The both soothes and inspires. . . . His great ing us all more effective in ensuring critical work has been gratifying to me for the legacy is his participation in the opening and reflective study of religion and more “This act, which recognized the merits of opportunities I have had to be of service to up of the AAR to include many voices. effective as public intellectuals. Whether my work without regard to my lack of sta- others, to help them as Glenn helped me, helping with practical suggestions — who tus, rescued me from invisibility and gave “Although his own voice is powerful and but also because it meant I got to see might review a book proposal or what topic me hope that I might find a place in our compelling and merited its own attention, Glenn twice a year.” might be a good one for a volume in the profession someday,” Connor said. “Not Glenn’s great gift was to find ways to let Teaching Religious Studies Series or how a long after that, he accepted me as a not She said Yocum is unique among scholars, others be heard and to take sincere satisfac- vote might go on the Board — or choosing entirely qualified participant in his teaching and his editorship at JAAR will have an tion in simply listening.” a restaurant or a museum for an hour’s workshop, again looking beyond my status impact on the journal that will be felt for It’s left for me to state the obvious, that visit, Glenn made my involvement in the and inviting me to join in this professional many years. his search committee chose well and wise- academic study of religion better.” collaboration based on what I had written “I have never encountered a senior faculty ly. From all of us, Glenn, thanks! And

in my application and the promise of what

Kimberly Rae Connor, who first met member of such renown who is more hum- from me: See you at the Bluebird. ❧ I might be able to contribute. ✃

MEMBERSHIP FORM 2005 and 2006 Calendar Years Future AAR You may also establish your membership online at www.aarweb.org/membership. Annual AMERICAN ACADEMY OF RELIGION Please make any corrections necessary in your contact information Meeting Dates ❒Dr. ❒Prof. ❒Ms. ❒Mr. ❒Other ______Name: ______ID Number (for renewals):______and Sites If your surname is not the last word in your name, please circle it (e.g., Kim Kyong Min, Juana González Nuñez ). Address: ______Office Phone: ______Home Phone: ______2006 City: ______State/Province:______Fax: ______Postal Code: ______Country: ______E-Mail: ______November 18–21 Washington, D.C. Institution Where You Are Employed: ______School or Department of Your Primary Appointment:______❑ I am the chair ACADEMY FUND 2007 MEMBERSHIP DUES SBL ______Please circle the appropriate dues category. See Member Discount Please consider a gift to the Academy Fund. Membership November 17–20 below for information on applicable discounts. ➁➂➁& ➂ dues cover less than 30 percent of programs and services. San Diego, CA Annual Income AAR AAR AAR AAR Amount: ❐ $100 ❐ $75 ❐ $50 ❐ $25 ❐ $_____ (in U.S. Dollars) Standard Retired Standard Retired ❐ General Operations and Programs 2008 $90,000 or More $145 $116 $116 $93 ❐ Research Grants ______$80,000 – $89,999 $135 $108 $108 $86 ❐ Teaching & Learning October 25–28 $70,000 – $79,999 $125 $100 $100 $80 ❐ International Programs $60,000 – $69,999 $110 $088 $088 $70 Chicago, IL $50,000 – $59,999 $ 95 $076 $076 $61 PAYMENT DUE $42,000 – $49,999 $080 $064 $064 $51 Circle the appropriate dues category in the chart to the left 2009 $38,000 – $41,999 $070 $056 $056 $45 and enter the amount owed in the space provided below. ______$34,000 – $37,999 $065 $052 $052 $42 Non-U.S. residents must include an additional $10 for November 7–10 $30,000 – $33,999 $060 $048 $048 $38 postage. Montreal, QC $26,000 – $29,999 $055 $044 $044 $35 $22,000 – $25,999 $050 $040 $040 $32 Calendar Year 2005 2006 Under $22,000 $040 $032 $032 $26 Membership Dues $______$______2010 ➀ ______Student $025 Non-U.S. Postage (add $10) $______$______Academy Fund Contribution $______October 30–November 2 Discounts Available ➀ Student: TOTAL DUE $______Atlanta, GA ❐ I am including a copy of my current valid student ID and I METHOD OF PAYMENT: have not been a student member for seven or more years. Payment in full, drawn on a U.S. bank or Canadian 2011 bank (if on a U.S. dollar account), is required. ______➁ Retired: ❐ ❐ I am age 65 or older and I am retired from full-time Check or Money Order (payable to American Academy of Religion) November 18–21 ❐ Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express employment. San Francisco, CA Credit Card Number:______➂ SBL Member: ❐ I am also a current member of the Society of Biblical Expiration Date (mm/yy):__ __/__ __ CID* ______Please renew your membership Literature. SBL dues must be paid separately to SBL. now, and consider making an Cardholder’s Name:______additional contribution to the Signature: ______Cardholder’s Signature:______AAR’s Academy Fund. * Card Identification Number (required for Discover cards): 4 digits on front of American Membership dues cover less Express, 3 digits on back of other cards. than 30 percent of programs Please fill in the demographic information below (optional). This is for AAR aggregate statistical use only. and services. ❐ ❐ Gender: Male Female Renew online at Citizenship: ❐ U.S. ❐ Canada ❐ Other (specify): ______Year of Birth:______www.aarweb.org/renewal. Ethnic Background: ❐ Asian or Pacific Islander ❐ Black, Not Hispanic ❐ Native American or Native Alaskan Or contact us at ❐ Hispanic ❐ White, Not Hispanic ❐ Other: ______TEL: 404-727-3049 Return to: E-MAIL: [email protected]. AMERICAN ACADEMY OF RELIGION Please see the membership page, 825 HOUSTON MILL ROAD, SUITE 300 • ATLANTA, GA 30329 • USA www.aarweb.org/membership. TELEPHONE 404-727-3049 • FAX 404-727-7959 • E-MAIL [email protected] RSN204 www.aarweb.org

October 2005 AAR RSN • 29 Religious Studies News — AAR Edition

ROCKY MOUNTAINS, from p.17 The Colorado College 601 S. College RD, Wilmington, NC Ramey, University of North Carolina at 14 East Cache La Poudre ST 28403-5601; [email protected]. Pembroke, [email protected]. panels to be presented at the 2006 region- Colorado Springs, CO 80903 (SBL/ASOR) Archaeology and the (SBL) New Testament (4–6 sessions): (1) al meeting. The deadline for submissions W: 719-389-6615 Ancient World (4 sessions): (1) Joint ses- Invited panel discussion. (2) Open ses- is November 1, 2005. Each proposal [email protected] sion with Hebrew Scriptures/Old sions, with special interest in issues of race should consist of a one-page abstract Testament: Goddess Traditions and and ethnicity in the study of early describing the nature of the paper or panel Ancient Israel. Papers are invited on a Christianity, apocalypse, and ethics, utiliz- and should be sent as an e-mail attach- wide range of topics related to goddesses ing postcolonial theory in New Testament ment in MS Word format to dweddle@ in the Ancient Near East and feminine studies. (3) Joint sessions with Academic coloradocollege.edu. If you require techno- images of God in the Bible. (2) Joint ses- Study of Religion and Pedagogy, American logical support for your presentation (such sion with History of Religions and Biblical Hermeneutics, and Old as Internet connection, or audio and pro- Hebrew Scriptures/Old Testament: Testament/Hebrew Scriptures: Teaching jection equipment), you must request it Teaching Archaeology in the Classroom. the Bible in the Bible Belt. Chair: Shelly with your proposal. Proposals are welcome (3) Open session: Archaeology and the Matthews, Furman University, in all areas of religious and biblical studies. Biblical World. The material culture of the [email protected]. The committee also welcomes proposals biblical world, including (but not limited for panels and thematic sessions in the fol- (AAR) Philosophy of Religion and to) reports from the field, interpretations lowing areas: Theology (4 sessions): (1) Open call. (2) of finds, archaeologically informed read- Issues in Science and Religion. (3) • Religion in the Public Square: Case ings of texts, and historical analyses. (4) Historical Issues in Systematic Theology Studies in Religion and Government Presidential Address: Byron McCane, and Philosophy of Religion. (4) Teaching Wofford College. Respondents will be • Role of Religious Discourse in Talk Philosophy of Religion and Theology in invited. Send title and abstract (150 about Terrorism the South. Chair: George Shields, words) or complete paper (required of Kentucky State University, • Biblical Issues or Exegesis of Biblical first-time presenters) to Chair: Milton Southeastern [email protected]. Texts Moreland, Rhodes College, 2000 North Southeastern Regional Meeting PKWY, Memphis, TN 38112; more- (AAR) Religion, Ethics, and Society (2 • Studies in Specific Religious (AAR/SBL/ASOR/SE) [email protected]. sessions and 2 joint sessions): (1) Open Traditions March 10–12, 2006 call. (2) Joint session with Academic Study (AAR) Arts, Literature, and Religion (5 • Theory and Method of Comparative Marriott Century Center of Religion and Pedagogy and Women sessions): (1) Ethics in Reading and Religious Studies Atlanta, GA and Religion: Teaching Feminism in the Translation. (2) Joint session with Women South. (3) Disability. (4) Ethics and • Teaching Methods and Technologies and Religion: Masking and Maintaining The following sections and program units Theory. Chairs: Laura Stivers, Pfeiffer the Indigenous. (3) Ancient and Modern Only those proposals received by the invite members who wish to present a University, [email protected]; and Toddie Representations of War. (4) Staging deadline will be considered for inclusion paper or coordinate a session to submit Peters, Elon University, [email protected]. Reality. (5) Open call on arts and religion, in the program. Presentations are limited proposals (1–2 pages) or completed manu- religion and film, and/or religion and lit- (AAR) Religion in America (3 sessions): to 20 minutes, with time allowed for scripts to the appropriate section chairs by erature. Chair: Carolyn Medine, (1) Open call. (2) Religion and Popular questions. the call deadline, October 1, 2005. Each University of Georgia, Department of Culture. (3) Theological Education in the member is limited to one proposal. Please Student Paper Awards: Graduate students Religion, 206 Peabody Hall, Athens, GA South. (4) Pentecostalism. Chair: James P. use the proposal submission form available are encouraged to submit proposals. There 30602-1625; [email protected]. Byrd, Vanderbilt Divinity School, on the SECSOR Web site at will be awards for the best AAR and SBL [email protected]. www.utc.edu/~secsor. Proposals for joint (SBL) Hebrew Scriptures/Old Testament student papers. The awards are presented sessions should be sent to all chairs. (4 or 5 sessions): (1) An invited panel dis- (AAR) Women and Religion: (1) Joint ses- during the luncheon on Saturday and cussion of James L. Crenshaw’s Defending sion with Arts, Literature, and Religion: carry a stipend of $100 each. To be con- Please note that unless otherwise indicat- God. (2) Two open sessions. (3) Joint ses- Women in (Masking and Maintaining) sidered for the award a student should ed, papers must be of such a length as can sion with Archaeology and the Ancient Indigenous Religions. (2) Joint session submit a copy of the completed paper, be presented and discussed within 45 World: The Feminine Images of God in with Academic Study of Religion and along with an abstract, by October 15, minutes. Needs for audiovisual equipment the Hebrew Bible. (4) Joint session with Pedagogy and Religion, Ethics, and 2005. (Papers not chosen for an award must be noted on the submission form. Archaeology and the Ancient World and Society: Teaching Feminism/Womanism will be considered for the program.) A Because of the very high cost of renting History of Religions: Teaching in the South. (3) Women in Religion student’s name should appear only on the digital video projection equipment, pre- Archaeology in the Classroom. (5) Joint Writing: Academic and Nonacademic. (4) cover page of the paper; student papers senters who wish to use such equipment session with American Biblical Open call. Chair: Monica A. Coleman, will be judged anonymously. The paper must provide it themselves. The copying Hermeneutics, New Testament, and Bennett College for Women, should be 12–15 pages double-spaced (for of handouts is also the responsibility of Academic Study of Religion and [email protected]. a 20-minute presentation). Please submit the presenter. All program participants Pedagogy: Teaching the Bible in the Bible the paper as an e-mail attachment to must be preregistered for the meeting. Session for Undergraduate Students Belt. Chair: Don Polaski, University of [email protected]. In addition, Suggestions for new program units or spe- Virginia, [email protected]. Undergraduate students at institutions in please submit a hard copy of your propos- cial speakers should be sent to SECSOR’s the Southeast Region are invited to sub- al by fax or regular mail. (AAR) History of Christianity (2 sessions): executive director or to the vice president/ mit papers for a special session. Open to (1) Open call. (2) Techniques and The region also invites undergraduate program chair of the respective society. all topics, the session will be composed of Strategies for Teaching the History of papers for the “Theta Alpha Kappa the papers considered the best submissions (AAR) Academic Study of Religion and Christianity. Chair: Richard Penaskovic, National Honor Society Undergraduate by an interdisciplinary committee. Pedagogy (3–4 sessions): (1) Open call. Department of Philosophy, 6080 Haley Panel.” There will be an award for the best Students should submit completed papers (2) Joint session with Hebrew Center, Auburn University, AL 36849- paper in the panel. Please submit a com- that reflect original student research of an Scriptures/Old Testament, New 5210; [email protected]. pleted paper as an e-mail attachment to appropriate length for presentation Testament, and American Biblical [email protected] by October (AAR) History of Judaism (2 sessions): (1) (approximately 12 d.s. pages). Please Hermeneutics: Teaching the Bible in the 15, 2005. Open call. (2) Joint session with History include on a coverpage contact informa- Bible Belt. (3) Joint session with Religion, of Religions: Jewish Communities and tion for the student and the faculty spon- Program Committee Meeting: We will Ethics, and Society and Women and Educational Institutions in the Southeast. sor. Electronic submission preferred. Send meet during the AAR/SBL Annual Religion: Teaching Feminism in the Chair: Gilya Gerda Schmidt, Department submissions by December 15, 2005,to Meetings in Philadelphia on Saturday, South. Chair: Margaret Aymer, of Religious Studies, University of Bernadette McNary-Zak, Rhodes College, November 19, 2005, from 9:00 PM to Interdenominational Theological Tennessee, Knoxville 37996; [email protected]. Note: 11:00 PM to determine the final program. Seminary, [email protected]. [email protected]. Undergraduates may still submit proposals All members of the AAR/SBL Rocky (AAR) African-American Religion: Any to other sections as well. Mountains–Great Plains Region who are (AAR) History of Religions (3–5 sessions): topics related to African-American religion willing to serve on the Program (1) Teaching World Religions in the (continued on next page) or the religion of African peoples. Chair: Committee and review proposals are asked Southern Seminary. (2) Joint session with Sandy Dwayne Martin, University of to notify David Weddle, Regional Vice- History of Judaism: Jewish Communities Georgia, [email protected]. President and Program Chair, by and Educational Institutions in the November 1, 2005. Proposals and student (AAR/SBL) American Biblical Southeast. (3) Joint session with papers will be sent as e-mail attachments Hermeneutics (1 joint and 1 open ses- Archaeology and the Ancient World and to Program Committee members for their sion): (1) Joint session with Academic Hebrew Scriptures/Old Testament: evaluation in early November. We hope Study of Religion and Pedagogy, Hebrew Teaching Archaeology in the Classroom. that at least one faculty person from each Scriptures/Old Testament, and New (4) Islam: Text and Practice. (5) Creating of the participating schools in the region Testament: Teaching the Bible in the Bible and Re-creating Religious Traditions. (6) will serve on the Program Committee. Belt. (2) Open session: The Bible in Other topics, especially proposals related Southern Culture. Any papers on the to teaching in the particular regional con- Please send all proposals and inquiries to: Bible in American culture or academy texts of the Southeast. Chairs: Brian K. David L. Weddle welcomed. Chair: N. Samuel Murrell, Pennington, Maryville College, brian.pen- Department of Religion Philosophy/Religion, UNC Wilmington, [email protected]; and Steven

30 • October 2005 AAR RSN NEWS

tive religions are also welcome. Some over- Reflections on the Teaching of Religion: The program committee invites members head projectors and slide projectors may Proposals are invited for presentations of the societies to submit proposals for be available; if using a Power Point presen- during a Sunday morning session on the papers to be read at the regional meeting. tation, please make your own arrangement topic of teaching religious studies to the Please see the call for papers at umw-aars- for a data projector. Proposals should not general education or nonmajor student. bl.org/call2006.htm. The deadline for pro- exceed 500 words and should include title, Proposals should reflect on the different posals is December 15, 2005. Questions brief description, and an indication of the experiences of teaching majors and non- about the upcoming meeting or the main arguments of the presentation majors, propose strategies for capturing appropriate section for proposals should (Word attachment via e-mail preferable). the interest of general education students, be directed to Deanna A. Thompson, Please send proposals to: and suggest innovative ways to seize the Hamline University, 1536 Hewitt AVE, opportunity to impart religious studies St. Paul, MN 55104, USA; Julius N. Tsai methods and knowledge to students who [email protected]. Department of Religion will not continue on to other religious TCU BOX 298100 studies classes. Especially welcome are pro- Texas Christian University posals that consider the place of religious Fort Worth, Texas 76129, USA studies in the liberal arts or general educa- Southwest W: 817-257-6442 tion curriculum, contextualize religious E-MAIL: [email protected] studies within the public university or Southwest Regional Meeting nonsectarian college, and advocate for par- March 4–5, 2006 Ethics, Society, and Cultural Analysis: ticular approaches to introductory, core, Harvey Hotel, DFW Airport Proposals for papers or panel discussions or general education courses that will Dallas, TX are invited on any topic in ethics or cul- enrich the education of students with a tural analysis, including: social ethics, bio- wide range of disciplinary interests and The following is a listing of the chairs of medical ethics, environmental ethics, the- specialties. Submit proposals to: the various societies and a description of ological ethics, the history of ethics, ethi- program specifics. Submit proposals to the cal issues in church-state relations, the use Donna Bowman person designated in each section. Indicate of scripture or tradition in ethics. Also of Honors College if the proposal is being submitted to more Western interest are reflection on capitalism and University of Central Arkansas than one section. The deadline for all globalization, comparative religious ethics, P.O. Box 5024 Western Regional Meeting paper proposals is November 1, 2005. and constructive treatments of contempo- Conway, AR 72035, USA March 11–13, 2006 rary ethical issues. Send proposals to: W: 501-450-3631 Claremont Graduate University Arts, Literature, and Religion: The prem- F: 501-450-3284 Claremont, CA ise of our program (“Beyond Plot, Tracey Mark Stout E-MAIL: [email protected] Allusion, and Authorial Intent”) is that Bluefield College The theme of the 2006 AAR Western genre bears meaning, that the medium is 3000 College DR, Box 53 Theta Alpha Kappa Region Conference is “Religious the message, and that analysis of form is Bluefield, VA 24605, USA Encounters with Modernities.” The inten- inextricable from a consideration of con- E-MAIL: [email protected] Student members of Theta Alpha Kappa tion of this theme is to foster scholarship tent. Academic rhetoric about the virtues chapters in the Southwest Region are invit- on how religious thinkers and communi- of interdisciplinarity recognizes that the History of Christianity: The History of ed to submit papers for presentation at the ties have adapted to, or rejected, visions of discourses of Religious Studies and of the Christianity Section has an open call for regional meeting. Open to all topics. One modernity. As fundamentalisms and tradi- Arts and Literature have been parochial- papers. All submissions in the field of his- session will be devoted to the best papers. tionalist approaches world-wide reject key ized by the persistent separation of these tory of Christianity will be considered, Submissions must come from the chapter components of modern ideologies, while as independent disciplines, and affirms but papers in the following areas are of advisor and include the presenter’s name making full use of new technologies, this that this is an artificial division. Yet, calls special interest: the Stone-Campbell and contact information, the entire paper tension becomes increasingly fraught with for interdisciplinary studies have not Restoration Movement, issues in 90th- (preferred) or an abstract of the paper contradictions. As religious studies schol- resolved the problem of borrowing materi- century Christianity, African-American (acceptable), and name of the school. In ars, we can promote a more nuanced pub- al from one discipline for the purposes of Christianity, panel discussion regarding the event that there are more proposals lic understanding of the dynamics behind another, nor of appropriating that material the teaching of Christian history, historical than can fit in one session, local chapter religious attitudes to modernity, including without that discipline’s accompanying methodology, and historiography. Send advisors may be asked to select the one best the legacies of colonialism, the confluence analytical apparatus. Our program will proposals to: submission from their schools. Submissions of missionizing and modernizing, the address this problem. must be made electronically to: changing material conditions, social per- Mark A. Gstohl ceptions, and resulting contestations Because the separation of religious studies 3725 Tall Pines Drive Dr. Nadia Lahutsky around gender and sexuality, and the and the arts and literature as disciplines is New Orleans, LA 70131 Texas Christian University debates concerning science and religion. largely a contemporary phenomenon, W: 504-520-5456 E-MAIL: [email protected] Members are invited, within the given sec- while works of art continue to express reli- F: 504-520-7947 tions of the AAR–WR, to submit propos- gious thought and experience, paper pro- E-MAIL: [email protected] or als that deal with the historical, practical, posals that focus on contemporary media, [email protected] and theoretical ramifications of religions especially in popular culture, are invited. and modernities. Subtopics could include, Papers that address the problem of inter- Philosophy of Religion and Theology: but are not limited to, issues of 1) how disciplinary practice between religious Proposals are invited in all areas in philos- modern technologies have transformed studies and the arts and literature, espe- ophy of religion or in theology. Proposals life-and-death situations (e.g., warfare, cially as that applies to teaching, are also involving multiple presentations or panel modern medicine, contraception), and the invited. Session panels may be organized discussions (no more than three partici- resulting impact on religious thought and around a single medium/genre, a particu- pants) focused upon a single topic, figure, practice; 2) how changes in communica- lar religious theme, or theoretical engage- or publication will be especially welcome tion have made religious pluralism more ment of religious studies’ use of art or art (either have each panelist provide an evident, and thus created more religious and literature’s use of religion. Paper pro- abstract, which is preferred, or supply cre- options; 3) creation of religious utopias in posals should be sent electronically dentials of panelists). Proposals that fea- the past to contrast with the confusions of (abstract in Word attached) to katherine- ture interdisciplinary or interinstitutional the present; 4) the imagining of religious [email protected] or by postal carrier participation, and that promise to stimu- futures in speculative fictions and individ- to: late productive discussion, will be favored. ually created religions; 5) how relevant are Proposals should be no more than two wholesale critiques of religion (i.e., Marx, Katherine Downey, Section Chair pages, with the title of presentation and Weber, and Freud) in today’s world; and University of Texas at Dallas some sense of the argument. Include a 6) how fundamentalisms seek to alter the 9811 Windy Terrace DR return address, contact number, and e- modern ethos. The AAR–WR program com- Dallas, TX 75231, USA mail address. Please do not submit pro- mittee invites members of the AAR to sub- posals as e-mail attachments; paste them mit proposals to their various sections dealing Comparative and Asian Studies in into the body of the e-mail. Submit pro- with the theme. The deadline for submis- Religion: The Comparative and Asian posals to: sions is October 1, 2005. For details on sub- Studies in Religion Section has an open mission procedures and dates, please visit the call for papers. Papers and proposals in Steve Oldham WECSOR Web site www2.sjsu.edu/wecsor/. ❧ relation to all aspects of Asian religious University of Mary Hardin Baylor Upper Midwest practice and thought, both historical and Box 8422 UMHB Station contemporary, are invited. However, Upper Midwest Regional Meeting 900 College ST papers in the areas of “Illness and Healing (AAR/SBL) Belton, TX 76513, USA in Asian Religions” and “Islam in the March 31–April 1, 2006 W: 254-295-4171 Global Community” are of special inter- Luther Seminary E-MAIL: [email protected] est. Papers related to material culture in Saint Paul, MN the study of Asian religions and compara-

October 2005 AAR RSN • 31 Religious Studies News — AAR Edition

PATTY, from p.23 Patty: Several goals of the AAR’s Strategic Plan relate closely to regional activities and to members in some Eastern regions, for exam- our current committee work. The Academy ple. A committee dominated by theologians seeks to continue nurturing volunteer leader- might read regional development grant appli- ship, and regional service historically is an cations differently than a committee with entry point for many members into Academy more balance of disciplines. service. Thinking “beyond the regional meet- ings” will allow regions to include more mem- RSN: What have been some of the major bers in leadership roles and foster stronger initiatives of the committee? What major ini- AAR allegiance at both regional and Academy- tiatives do they plan on accomplishing in the wide levels. The regions also are well poised to future? encourage the “scholarly interaction among all Patty: In recent years the committee has approaches to the study of religion, including worked with the board to increase significantly ethical and theological perspectives.” Because annual regional funding, both in the area of of regional variations with regard to religious regional subventions for regular/meeting populations and institutional affiliations with expenses and in the area of regional develop- specific religions, strong regional activity virtu- ment grants. We plan to fund up to $10,000 ally guarantees that the Academy will hear a in regional development grants this year alone. multiplicity of voices in AAR publications and The grants program has improved the percep- annual meetings. tion of what happens in the regions, as well. In RSN: Committee work can be demanding. addition to annual regional meetings, AAR- What makes you willing to give so freely of funded activities within the regions include your time and talent? various seminars, workshops, colloquia, and research projects with impact on the regions. Patty: I look forward to the Academy’s Annual Meeting for most of the year, and in Currently we are beginning work on a major many ways for me the AAR is its Annual review of the structure and activities of region- Meeting. However, I live and work as an AAR al groups. We are researching whether current member within a region. My colleagues with geographic configurations of the regions best whom I dialogue, and those institutions most serve membership needs for regional meetings like mine, are within the region. Both my and other regional workshops. Also, we are teaching and my scholarship are improved by rethinking ways that regional meetings might having strong regional ties. I believe my own be improved or even replaced with alternative experience is not unique, and I find it quite structures of services for members. Whereas fulfilling in helping other members similarly. I regional meetings tend to mirror the Annual think the AAR is stronger as a whole when its Meeting, impending changes in the Annual regional group activities are strong. Serving on Meeting will likely have consequences for the this committee, and as a regional secretary, regions. then, is truly rewarding. ❧ RSN: How do these initiatives fit with the goals of the Academy?

WATCH FOR THE Don’t Let Time INTERNATIONAL FOCUS Get Away from You! AT THE Register for the Employment Information Services Center by October 21. The EIS Center at the Annual Meeting is an efficient way for candidates and employers to communicate and participate ANNUAL MEETING in job interviews. Those who register by the deadline will receive the following benefits. 2002 Canadian EMPLOYERS 2003 Japanese Unlimited use of the interview hall 2004 Latin American Placement of job advertisement in the Annual Meeting edition of Openings 2005 Eastern and Central European 2006 African Four months of online access to candidate CVs organized by specialization 2007 Chinese Ability to use the message center to communicate with registered candidates . . . contributions to the CANDIDATES study of religion Icon next to online CV so employers know you will be at the EIS Center Personal copy of registered job advertisements Special Topics Forum, Distinguished and employers’ interview plans Visitors, Panels, Films, and more . . . Ability to use the message center to communicate with employers For more information: For more information about the Employment Information Services Center, International Connections Committee and to register, see www.aarweb.org/eis. www.aarweb.org/about/board/intconn

32 • October 2005 AAR RSN October 2005 AAR RSN • 33 34 • October 2005 AAR RSN