IN THIS ISSUE:
on The Work of the Academy Including the results of the Independent Annual Meeting Survey, beginning on page 10. RELIGIOUSELIGIOUS STUDIESTUDIES NEEWSWS 2008 Annual Meeting News Annual Meeting 2008 ...... 4 March 2008 Published by the American Academy of Religion Vol. 23, No. 2 Beautiful Chicago Introducing the Program Planner...... 5 Details on Our New Annual Meeting Publication AAR President Emilie Townes discusses her Important 2008 Annual Meeting Dates...... 5 Registration Deadlines thoughts on her journey and her goals for New Program Units...... 5 the Academy as its new president. See her 15 New Units interview on page 9. Where to Stay in Chicago ...... 5 Annual Meeting Hotels Eating, Drinking, and Entertainment ...... 6 Around the City From the Editor ...... 3 Changes to AAR’s Career Services ...... 7 Introducing Our New Job Postings and Job Center A Conversation with the President ...... 9 Chairs Workshop ...... 8 Emilie Townes Taking Religion(s) Seriously: What Students Need to Know 2008 Committee Roster ...... 16 2007 Annual Meeting News Scholars Serving the AAR A Successful and Popular Meeting...... 22 Call for Committee Nominations ...... 17 San Diego Had Greatest Number of Sessions Available Positions for 2009 2007 Annual Business Meeting Minutes ...... 22 Bylaws Revision Results in New Treasurer Outgoing Committee Members ...... 18 Media Coverage...... 23 Over 40 Journalists Attend the Meeting 35 Members Rotating Off Co-Sponsors of International Scholars...... 23 Five Schools Co-Sponsor Chinese Scholars 2008 Student Liaison Group...... 20 Outgoing Program Unit Chairs ...... 23 Advisors to the Student Director and the Graduate Student Committee Our Thanks to These 43 Employment Information Services Center...... 24 Academy Fund ...... 27 Surge in Registration Numbers Continue Contributors to the AAR
FEATURES In the Public Interest...... 19 Going Public on Religion: Paradise or Pitfall? From the Student Desk ...... 20 IN THIS ISSUE OF Getting Stuck Overseas? Reflections on Graduate Studies Abroad Research Briefing ...... 21 A Pivotal Decade in the Life and Work Theological of I. B. Horner Education Teaching Critical Thinking and Praxis 2008 Member Calendar 2 0 0 8 Dates are subject to change. Check www.aarweb.org for the latest information. AAR Staff Directory Kyle Cole March May October 15. Submissions for the January 2009 Director of Professional Programs issue of Religious Studies News due. For more Religious Studies News March issue. Religious Studies News May issue. E-MAIL: [email protected] information, see www.aarweb.org/ TEL: 404-727-1489 Spotlight on Theological Education. Spotlight on Teaching Spring issue. Publications/RSN/. Jessica Davenport Associate Director of Professional Programs Journal of the American Academy of Religion May 1. Nominations (including self-nomina- October 30. Regionally Elected Directors E-MAIL: [email protected] March issue. For more information on AAR tions) for committee appointments requested. meeting, Chicago, IL. TEL: 404-727-4707 publications, see www.aarweb.org/Publications/ May 1. Annual Meeting Additional Meeting October 30. Executive Committee meeting, Joe DeRose or go directly to the JAAR home page requests due for priority consideration. Chicago, IL. Director of Technology Services hosted by Oxford University Press, E-MAIL: [email protected] http://jaar.oxfordjournals.org/. May 2–4. Pacific Northwest regional meeting, October 31. Fall Board of Directors meeting, TEL: 404-727-7972 Newberg, OR. Chicago, IL. March 4. Humanities Advocacy Day, an event Toby Director May 2–3. Eastern International regional meet- Finance and Administration Coordinator organized by the National Humanities Alliance October 31. Chairs Workshop at the Annual E-MAIL: [email protected] and co-sponsored by the AAR and more than ing, Montréal, Quebec. Meeting, Chicago, IL. TEL: 404-727-9503 20 organizations to promote support for the May 15. Change of address due for priority Ina Ferrell National Endowment for the Humanities. For receipt of the Annual Meeting Program Planner. November Associate Director of Finance and Administration more information, see www.nhalliance.org. Program Planners will be mailed to members in E-MAIL: [email protected] November 1. Research Grant Awards TEL: 404-727-2331 March 7–9. Southeast regional meeting, late May. announced. John Fitzmier Atlanta, GA. (For more Annual Meeting information, see November 1–3. Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL. Executive Director March 14–16. Southwest regional meeting, www.aarweb.org/Meetings/Annual_Meeting/ The AAR Annual Meeting, the world’s largest E-MAIL: [email protected] Dallas, TX. Current_Meeting/). gathering of scholars of religion, anticipates TEL: 404-727-3049 some 5,000 registrants, 200 publishers, and March 15. Publications Committee meeting, Carey J. Gifford June 125 hiring departments. Director of Publications and Theological Programs New York, NY. E-MAIL: [email protected] Journal of the American Academy of Religion November 3. Annual Business Meeting at the March 20. Nominations due for Awards for TEL: 404-727-2270 June issue. Annual Meeting. See the Program Planner for Excellence in the Study of Religion book Stephanie Gray June 15. Membership renewal deadline for day and time. Associate Director of Publications awards. For details, see E-MAIL: [email protected] www.aarweb.org/Programs/Awards/Book_Awards 2008 Annual Meeting participants. November 14. New program unit proposals due. TEL: 404-727-3059 /rules-excellence.asp. June 15. Submission deadline for the October Steve Herrick March 27–28. Mid–Atlantic regional meeting, issue of Religious Studies News. For more infor- December Director of External Relations mation, see www.aarweb.org/Publications/RSN/. Journal of the American Academy of Religion E-MAIL: [email protected] New Brunswick, NJ. TEL: 404-727-7948 December issue. March 28–29. Rocky Mountains–Great Plains July Margaret P. Jenkins regional meeting, Denver, CO. December 12–13. Program Committee Director of Development Annual Meeting program goes online. meeting, Atlanta, GA. E-MAIL: [email protected] March 28–29. Upper Midwest regional meet- TEL: 404-727-7928 ing, St. Paul, MN. July 1. New fiscal year begins. December 15. Submissions for the March Myesha D. Jenkins March 29–30. Governance Task Force meet- July 31. Deadline for participants to request 2009 issue of Religious Studies News due. Director of Membership Development ing, Atlanta, GA. audiovisual equipment at the Annual Meeting. For more information, see E-MAIL: [email protected] www.aarweb.org/Publications/RSN/. TEL: 404-727-3026 March 29–31. Western regional meeting, August December 31. Membership renewal for Aislinn Jones Pasadena, CA. August 1. Research Grant applications due. 2009 due. Renew online at Director of Meetings and Marketing (For more information on regional meetings, E-MAIL: [email protected] For more information, see www.aarweb.org/Members/Dues/. TEL: 404-727-8132 see www.aarweb.org/Meetings/regions.asp). www.aarweb.org/Programs/Grants/. Deanna Lord And keep in mind Administrative Assistant April August 1. Regional development grant appli- throughout the year… cations due to regionally elected directors. E-MAIL: [email protected] Annual Meeting registration materials mailed. TEL: 404-727-3049 August 15. Membership renewal period for Regional organizations have various deadlines Deborah Minor April 1. Notification of acceptance of Annual 2009 begins. throughout the fall for the Calls for Papers. See Director of Finance and Administration Meeting paper proposals by program unit www.aarweb.org/Meetings/regions.asp. E-MAIL: [email protected] chairs. TEL: 404-727-7954 September April 4–5. Midwest regional meeting, River In the Field. News of events and opportu- Robert Puckett Journal of the American Academy of Religion nities for scholars of religion. In the Field is Associate Director of Meetings Forest, IL. September issue. a members-only publication that accepts E-MAIL: [email protected] April 11. Regionally Elected Directors meet- TEL: 404-727-1461 September 5. Program Committee meeting, brief announcements, including calls for ing, Atlanta, GA. Susan Snider New Haven, CT. papers, grant news, conference announce- Associate Director of External Relations April 11. Executive Committee meeting, September 6. Executive Committee meeting, ments, and other opportunities appropriate E-MAIL: [email protected] Atlanta, GA. for scholars of religion. Submit text online TEL: 404-727-4725 New Haven, CT. April 12–13. Spring Board of Directors meet- September 22–October 20. AAR officer elec- at www.aarweb.org/Publications/ ing, Atlanta, GA. tion period. Candidate profiles will be pub- In_the_Field/submit1.asp. Religious Studies News (USPS 841-720) is pub- lished quarterly by the American Academy of April 21. Annual Meeting registration and lished in the October RSN. Job Postings. A members-only publication, Religion in January, March, May, and October. housing opens for 2008 Annual Meeting. Job Postings lists job announcements in areas Letters to the editor and features examining profes- April 21. Registration for the Annual Meeting October of interest to members. Issues are available sional issues in the field are welcome from all read- Job Center opens. ers. Please send editorial pieces in electronic uncom- Religious Studies News October issue. online from the first through the last day of pressed file format only (MS Word is preferred) to: April 25–26. History of Religions Jury meet- Spotlight on Teaching Fall issue. the month. Submit announcements online, [email protected]. ing, Atlanta, GA. and review policies and pricing, at October 13. Annual Meeting Job Center pre- www.aarweb.org/jump/jobpostings. Subscriptions for individuals and institutions are (For more information on regional meetings, registration closes. available. See www.aarweb.org/publications/rsn for see ). more information. www.aarweb.org/Meetings/regions.asp
Deadlines for submissions: January October 15 March December 15 May February 15 October June 15 Advertising For information on advertising, please see www.aarweb.org/publications/rsn. Publisher: RELIGIOUS STUDIES NEEWSWS American Academy of Religion 825 Houston Mill Road NE, Suite 300 Atlanta, GA 30329 USA Religious Studies News is the newspaper of record for the field especially designed to serve the professional needs of persons involved in teaching and scholarship in religion (broadly construed to include religious studies, theology, and sacred texts). Executive Editor Published quarterly by the American Academy of Religion, RSN is received by some 11,000 scholars and by libraries at Carey J. Gifford colleges and universities across North America and abroad. Religious Studies News communicates the important events of the Editor field and related areas. It provides a forum for members and others to examine critical issues in education, pedagogy (especially Stephanie Gray through the biannual Spotlight on Teaching), theological education (through the annual Spotlight on Theological Education), © AAR, 2008 research, publishing, and the public understanding of religion. It also publishes news about the services and programs of the POSTMASTER: AAR and other organizations, including employment services and registration information for the AAR Annual Meeting. Send address changes to Religious Studies News 825 Houston Mill Road, Suite 300 For writing and advertising guidelines, please see www.aarweb.org/publications/rsn.asp. Atlanta, GA 30329 Periodicals postage paid at Atlanta, GA.
2 • March 2008 RSN 2008 ANNUAL MEETING NEWS FROMTHEEDITOR
Dear Readers: The Focus section, “The Work of the Academy,” begin to see information about the upcoming Annual includes two exciting topics: the results of our Member Meeting in Chicago, November 1–3, 2008. Beginning with the January issue of RSN, there has Survey regarding the Annual Meeting, and the been a change to the editorial leadership of the Also in this issue are some impressive figures for the announcement of our receipt of a planning grant from Academy’s quarterly newspaper. I will now be the exec- number of employers and candidates who were assisted the Henry Luce Foundation. The purpose of the survey utive editor and Stephanie Gray will be the editor. by the Employment Information Services Center. was to provide a forum for members to express their Stephanie joined the executive office in 2005 as our opinions about several features of the upcoming inde- The work of the Academy cannot be accomplished office manager. Her exceptional organizational skills pendent Annual Meeting. The Luce planning grant will without the help of our 11,000 members. In this issue and her MTS from Boston University will help her allow us to begin preparation for summer seminars on we have recognized our outgoing Annual Meeting with these new responsibilities. For me this is a return comparative theology. Program Unit members, and new and outgoing com- to the newspaper that I edited from 2002 to 2005. This mittee members. editorial change was precipitated by a realignment of This issue also includes the second Spotlight on the executive office staff last fall, which will be dis- Theological Education, published under the supervision Another way in which you serve the Academy is by cussed in Jack Fitzmier’s article. of the Theological Education Steering Committee. means of your generous contributions to the Academy Editor Larry Golemon (Alban Institute) has assembled Fund. Margaret Jenkins, our new director of develop- One of the ways in which the Academy’s president 12 impressive articles around the theme “Teaching ment, is proud to list all those who contributed to the communicates with the membership is through the Critical Thinking and Praxis.” Fund last year. annual “Conversation with the President” article in RSN. This month we are happy to have Emilie Townes’s Attendance at the Annual Meetings of the AAR and the As always, if you have suggestions regarding the news- thoughts on her journey and her goals for the Academy SBL in San Diego was over 10,000. We surveyed you to see paper, please do contact me at [email protected]. as its new president. how satisfied you were with the meeting and the results
Carey J. Gifford
show a very high level of satisfaction. In this issue you will Executive Editor ✃
MEMBERSHIP FORM Manage 2008 Calendar Year A calendar year is January 1–December 31. Your AAR AMERICAN ACADEMY OF RELIGION You may also establish your membership online at www.aarweb.org/membership. Membership Complete/update your contact information. ! Dr. ! Prof. ! I am a new member. Did you know that you ! Ms. ! Mr. ! Other Name: ID Number (for renewals): can take care of many If your last name is not the final word in your name, please circle it (e.g., Kim Kyong Min, Juana González Nuñez ) membership activities Address: Office Phone: using the My Account Home Phone: feature from the City: State/Province: Cell Phone: “Members” tab Postal Code: Country: E-Mail: on the AAR website? Institution/Organization: Department/School: ! I am the department chair. You can: MEMBERSHIP DUES DONATE TO THE ACADEMY FUND Update your Circle the appropriate dues category. See below for information on Please consider a gift to the Academy Fund. We depend on your support contact information applicable discounts. to continue to provide a high level of programs and services. SBL MEMBER DISCOUNT Amount: ! $250 ! $150 ! $100 ! $50 ! $ Generate membership Annual Income AAR " AAR # AAR "+# AAR All gifts to the Academy Fund are tax-deductible to the fullest extent fees receipts (in US Dollars) Standard Retired Standard Retired of the law. $120,000 or More $195 $156 $156 $117 Check on Annual Meeting $105,000 – $119,999 175 140 140 105 PAYMENT DUE registration status $90,000 – $104,999 150 120 120 90 Circle the appropriate dues category in the chart to the left and enter the $75,000 – $89,999 135 108 108 81 amount owed in the space provided below. & Non-U.S. residents must Set your privacy settings $60,000 – $74,999 115 92 92 69 include an additional $10 for postage. $50,000 – $59,999 95 76 76 57 Calendar Year (Jan. 1–Dec. 31) 2008 and much more! 80 64 64 48 $40,000 – $49,999 Membership Dues $ $30,000 – $39,999 60 48 48 36 & Log in at this link to do so: $20,000 – $29,999 45 36 36 27 Non-U.S. Postage (add $10) $ www.aarweb.org/ Under $20,000 40 32 32 24 Academy Fund Donation $ Members/My_Account/ Under $15,000 and non-U.S.$ 15 12 12 9 TOTAL DUE $ Student % $30 Questions? METHOD OF PAYMENT DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE Payment in full, drawn on a U.S. bank or Canadian bank (if on a U.S. Contact us at % ! dollar account) is required. Student: I am including a copy of my current student ID and [email protected] or I have not already been a student member for 10 or ! Check or Money Order (payable to American Academy of Religion) more years. ! Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express via phone at 404-727-3049. " Retired: ! I am retired from full-time employment. Credit Card Number # SBL: ! I am also a current member of the SBL (SBL dues Exp. Date (mm/yy) ______/ ______CID*: must be paid separately to SBL). Cardholder Name (Printed) $ Int'l: ! My annual income is below $15,000 and I am a non-U.S. citizen living outside the U.S. Cardholder Signature * Card Identification Number (required for all cards): 4 digits on front of American Express; 3 digits Signature on back of other cards
Return via postal American Academy of Religion Or fax to: 1-404-727-7959 mail: 825 Houston Mill Road NE Suite 300 Atlanta, GA 30329-4205 Membership Inquiries? Call 1-404-727-3049 or e-mail [email protected]. Visit us on our website at www.aarweb.org. March 2008 RSN • 3 Religious Studies News
Annual Meeting 2008: Chicago azz it up in Chicago this November at the 2008 AAR Annual Meeting. Chicago is world renowned for its culture and architecture. The Chicago JHilton Towers Hotel and Palmer House Hilton Hotel are the headquarter hotels. As the host of the first independent AAR meeting in more than 35 years, the location represents a homecoming; Chicago was home to some of the earliest meetings of the newly minted American Academy of Religion in the 1960s. Chicago’s vibrant cityscape of the arts, architecture, cuisine, shopping, and more provide the perfect background for the 2008 AAR Annual Meeting.
Registration and housing opens AAR Annual Meeting Job Center Monday, April 21, 2008, The 2008 AAR Annual Meeting Job Center will be at 9:00 am EDT! located in the Chicago Hilton Towers Hotel. Candidates and employers who wish to participate Mark your calendars! should visit the AAR website, www.aarweb.org/ Meetings/Annual_Meeting. Registration opens on April FAX: 330-963-0319 21, 2008, along with Annual Meeting registration and housing. WEB: www.aarweb.org/Meetings/Annual_Meeting MAIL: AAR Annual Meeting Childcare Registration & Housing c/o Experient Registration and Housing AAR is proud to provide childcare service at the Bureau Annual Meeting for the convenience of our members. 2451 Edison Boulevard Childcare is available at an hourly or daily rate. It will Twinsburg, OH 44087 be located in the Chicago Hilton Towers Hotel. Questions: Disability Accessibility TEL: 1-800-575-7185 (U.S. & Canada) AAR members with disabilities or who may have dif- +1-330-425-9330 (outside U.S. & Canada) ficulty getting around the meeting are encouraged to E-MAIL: [email protected] note this during registration and housing. AAR will make every reasonable attempt to accommodate you, whether by arranging special services such as sign lan- guage interpreters, assigning accessible hotel room Membership space, or through the AAR’s taxi reimbursement poli- cy. More information can be found at Don’t forget to renew your membership dues before www.aarweb.org/Meetings/Annual_Meeting. you register or else you won’t be able to get the lower member registration rates. If you are not certain about your current 2008 membership status, please Find A Friend see www.aarweb.org/members or call 404-727-3049. Please note the box on the registration form that gives permission for your name, institution, and hotel (if Getting Around any) to be posted on a list of attendees available online at www.aarweb.org/Meetings/Annual_Meeting and onsite Sessions will be held at the Chicago Hilton Towers on the Find A Friend board. If you do not check the Hotel and Palmer House Hilton Hotel. The hotels box, your information will not be listed. are five city blocks apart. Limited shuttle service will run between the hotels. Chicago has excellent public transportation to get to other areas of the city. International Attendees Check online at www.aarweb.org/Meetings/Annual_ It is necessary for those entering the United States to Meeting for more travel information including maps clear customs and immigration. International visitors, and travel discount opportunities! including those coming from Canada and Mexico, must present a passport in order to enter the United Additional Meetings States. Please note that Chicago O’Hare Airport is participating in a test program that requires all inter- Requests for Additional Meeting space are being national visitors to be fingerprinted upon arrival. accepted through the new online Additional Meeting Non-U.S. citizens should inquire about possible visa system at www.aarweb.org/Meetings/Annual_Meeting. requirements from their own country. Official letters All requests are handled on a space and time-slot of invitation to the Annual Meetings to support visa appli- available basis. The Additional Meetings program, cations are available. E-mail [email protected] held in conjunction with the AAR Annual Meeting, with your name, address, and the full contact infor- is an important service to AAR members. Additional mation of the consulate of your country. Meetings must have an AAR member listed as the primary contact. All Additional Meeting participants are expected to register for the Annual Meeting. Be AAR Annual Meeting Online Services sure to read the instructions carefully before complet- At www.aarweb.org/Meetings/Annual_Meeting you can: ing and submitting your space request. The deadline for priority scheduling is May 1, 2008. For more • Register for the Annual Meeting information about the Additional Meetings, please • Reserve your hotel room see www.aarweb.org/Meetings/Annual_Meeting. Questions should be directed to: • Find a roommate Robert Puckett • Request Additional Meeting space E-MAIL: [email protected] • Register for the AAR Annual Meeting Job Center • View the complete AAR program • Discover more about Chicago including tours, museums, houses of worship, restaurants, and much more! 4 • March 2008 RSN 2008 ANNUAL MEETING NEWS
Introducing the Program Where to Stay in Chicago Planner For full session details including session EEP AN EYE on your mailbox in descriptions, room listings, individual early June for the all-new Annual paper titles, and abstracts, check the Meeting Program Planner! The K online Annual Meeting Program Book at Annual Meeting Program Planner features: www.aarweb.org/Meetings/Annual_Meeting • Program Highlights — full descrip- any time after July 1. The online Program tions of special speakers and sessions. Book allows you to receive the most complete and up-to-date information in • A thematic listing of all AAR and a searchable format right up to the Additional Meetings sessions by date meeting. and time. At the Annual Meeting, you will be able • A program participant index. to pick up the familiar printed Annual • Information on new and forthcoming Meeting Program Book. The Annual publications from the leading publish- Meeting Program Book will be the ers in the field. comprehensive program guide with the complete session details, room locations, The Annual Meeting Program Planner will FTER A LONG DAY of attend- ✳ ✳ and more. Headquarters Hotel let you get a look at the program earlier ing sessions at the Annual Palmer House Hilton than ever — months earlier than the It is our hope that these innovations will make AMeeting, it is good to have a 17 East Monroe Street September mailing in previous years! It navigating the Annual Meeting program easi- haven to relax and recharge for the next Ideally located in the heart of the Chicago will be mailed to all 2007 and 2008 AAR er than ever. If you have any questions or day. AAR has negotiated special confer- Loop, the Palmer House Hilton Hotel members. Please remember that receipt concerns, please contact the Annual Meeting ence rates at a number of luxurious and offers modern conveniences combined of the Program Planner is separate from Team at [email protected]. convenient hotels for the convenience of with over one hundred years of elegance. Annual Meeting registration. meeting attendees. Hotel room rates do For the demanding traveler, the Palmer not include the 15.4 percent hotel room House Hilton provides a fitness center tax. Please note that the and indoor pool. Although standard in single/double/triple/quadruple room des- name, the interior design and appoint- ignation denotes the number of room Annual Meeting 2008 ments of the standard bedroom are equal occupants, not the number of beds. A to what other hotels refer to as deluxe. triple room means three people are shar- Important Dates Each room has Hilton’s new Serenity ing two double beds unless a rollaway bed Dreams bed providing a plush-top mat- April 21 September 16 is requested at an extra charge. tress to give plenty of support and luxury. Registration and Housing opens for the Second-tier premeeting registration rates ✳Headquarters Hotel✳ Fine European-style, 250 thread-count 2008 Annual Meeting. You must be regis- go into effect. Chicago Hilton Towers linens adorn the beds. It is easy to set the tered to secure housing! 720 South Michigan Avenue alarm clock with pre-set radio stations and October 13 MP3 connectivity. High-speed Internet AAR Annual Meeting Job Center registra- The Chicago Hilton Towers Hotel is a access is available in all rooms. tion opens. Register for the meeting and Annual Meeting Job Center preregistra- landmark downtown property located on $149/$175/$195/$200 then register for the Job Center! tion deadline. CVs due for inclusion in the “Cultural Michigan Avenue Mile” binders. overlooking Grant Park and Lake Essex Inn Early June Michigan, Millennium Park, and 800 South Michigan Avenue October 15 Museum Campus. The hotel features rich- Annual Meeting Program Planner mailed to The Essex Inn’s 254 guest rooms and ly appointed guest rooms and suites fus- all 2007–08 AAR members. Please allow Special housing rates end (continue to suites offer all the comforts of home. ing historic luxury and contemporary 3–4 weeks for delivery. contact Experient for housing throughout Many of them offer spectacular views of amenities. The Hilton Towers boasts a the meeting). the lakefront and of the sparkling city full–service business center, fitness facili- June 15 below. Rooms are tastefully decorated ties, indoor pool, and diverse dining October 25 with an Art Deco flare and framed art All AAR Annual Meeting participants options. Serenity Bed manufactured by posters, many of them from the Art must be current members and registered Preregistration refund request deadline. Serta® provides plush-top mattresses that Institute’s finest reproductions. for the Annual Meeting or else their Contact Experient for refunds (see pre- offer plenty of support and luxury with Accommodations come with some extra names will be dropped from the program. meeting registration form for details). All fabulous down and feather pillows and touches like a personal free shuttle to the further registrations received after this fine European-style 250 thread-count Magnificent Mile, free coffee in the room, July 1 date will be processed and the materials linens. High-speed wireless Internet access fitness center with state-of-the-art equip- will be available in Chicago at the available in all guest rooms and suites. Online Program Book is available at ment, free wireless Internet connection, Chicago Hilton Towers Hotel. $149/$175/$195/$200 www.aarweb.org/Meetings/Annual_Meeting. and more. The online Program Book will list the full November 1-3 $156/$156/$166/$176 session description and room locations for all Annual Meeting sessions. AAR Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL. New Program Units AR’S PROGRAM Committee approved the following new program units for the 2008 Annual Meeting: Future AAR Annual Meeting A • Cognitive Science of Religion • Religion in Southeast Asia Consultation Dates and Sites Consultation • Religion in the American West Seminar • Comparative Philosophy and Religion • Religion, Food, and Eating Seminar 2008 — Chicago, IL, November 1–3 Seminar • Sex, Gender, and Sexuality in Premodern • Liberation Theologies Consultation 2009 — Montréal, QC, Canada, November 7–10 Christianity Consultation • Martin Luther and Global Lutheran • Sikh Studies Consultation 2010 — Atlanta, GA, October 30–November 2 Traditions • Theology and the Political Consultation 2011 — San Francisco, CA, November 19–22 • Music and Religion Consultation • Transformative Scholarship and Pedagogy • Religion and Humanism Consultation 2012 — Atlanta, GA, November 3–6 Consultation • Religion Education in Public Schools: • Transhumanism and Religion International Perspectives Consultation Consultation
March 2008 RSN • 5 Religious Studies News Annual Meeting Eating, Drinking, and Entertainment
For more Chicago visitor information, Exposure Tapas Restaurant Oasis Cafe chilies, onions, grilled potatoes, and a trio guidebooks, and maps, contact the Chicago 1315 South Wabash Avenue 17 South Wabash Avenue of cheeses. Lunch selections include a Convention and Visitor’s Bureau or see their 312-662-1082 312-558-1058 Dublin pot roast sandwich (with mush- website at www.meetinchicago.com. room Cabernet sauce and Swiss) and a Exposure features a lineup of sharable hot Oasis features daily specials such as the balsamic chicken wrap. $$ and cold small plates, plus a raw bar roster. veggie combo, a platter of hummus, baba Menu highlights include Moroccan Lamb ghanoush, falafel, and stuffed grape leaves Zapatista Lollipops with feta cheese, green beans, and or tabbouleh. Daily luncheon specials 1307 South Wabash Avenue olives; pork ribs with peach barbecue sauce, include Moroccan couscous on Fridays. 312-435-1307 crispy onions, and slaw; and crab-stuffed The house-made baklava is the specialty The menu at this South Loop Mexican jumbo shrimp with Israeli couscous and dessert. $ spot includes low-key offerings like hand- shallot cream sauce. $$ EATING Oysy made tamales and tacos, plus more upscale Price Guide (for average entree): Fornetto and Mei’s Kitchen 888 South Michigan Avenue fare like grilled twin lobster tails in guajil- 1108 South Michigan Avenue 312-922-1127 lo cream salsa and a Negro Modelo- $ = up to $10 312-294-2488 marinated filet mignon. $$$ $$ = $11–20 Oysy, or “delicious,” sports a relaxed, con- $$$ = $21–30 Fornetto is set up food court-style with a temporary decor (designed by Chicago $$$$ = $31 and over variety of stations like rotisserie, pasta, architect Douglas Garofalo) and creative panini, Asian, and wood-fired thin crust menu of sushi and Japanese cuisine. pizza. Staffers give you a “credit” card; Almost 50 varieties of sushi and maki are Atwood Cafe move from station to station, pay at the available as well as tempura and entrees 1 West Washington Street end, and staffers will bring the food to like sauteed scallop with garlic ginger 312-368-1900 your table. The decor is as global as the sauce. $$ menu; each station is themed to match Atwood Cafe serves all-American comfort the cuisine. There is a showy floor-to- Park Grill DRINKING foods and cafe cuisine prepared in a tradi- 11 North Michigan Avenue ceiling walk-in wine tower; grab a glass at tional style. Specialties include pot pie 312-521-PARK (7275) the 40-foot wine bar or take a bottle to with a flaky buttermilk crust and a maple- Buddy Guy’s Legends go. $$ Park Grill received “Best New Restaurant” 754 South Wabash Avenue glazed grilled pork chop. $$$ Giordano’s in Chicago Magazine and “Top 312-427-0333 Billy Goat Tavern Newcomer” in Zagat’s 2004 Restaurant 130 East Randolph Street Although its large size may be less wel- 430 North Michigan Avenue Guide. The menu features contemporary 312-616-1200 coming than many of the city’s older 312-222-1525 American cuisine infused with distinctive clubs, it offers amenities that are a factor Way back before we had the dizzying Chicago flavors and seasonal ingredients, Ever hear of the “Curse of the Billy Goat,” of that size: a tasty menu (shrimp Creole, array of options like wood-fired, organic, offering something for the whole also known as the Cubs Curse? Do you jambalaya, barbecued ribs) and a great col- and gourmet pies, there were the hefty family. $$ recall the Saturday Night Live sketch in lection of blues memorabilia on the walls. stuffed pizzas at Giordano’s (which opened which a short order cook would yell out Live blues is presented seven nights a week in the early 1970s). The belly-busting pies Patty Burger to incoming patrons: “Cheezborger! 72 East Adams Street — generally local acts during the week come loaded with the usual suspects (like Cheezborger! No fries, cheeps! No Pepsi, 312-987-0900 and national touring acts on Friday and sausage or Canadian bacon). If you’re Coke!” All of the above have one thing in Saturday nights. looking for upscale items like rapini or Patty Burger features hand-formed Angus common: the World Famous Billy Goat truffles, you’re out of luck. If extreme beef burgers with toppings like lettuce and Tavern, a Chicago legend since 1934. $ Kasey’s Tavern carb-loading isn’t in the forecast, go for a secret sauce; add-ons include bacon, 701 South Dearborn Street China Grill thin crust disc instead. Pie-snobs can opt mushrooms, and avocado. Burgers take 312-427-7992 230 North Michigan Avenue for choices like lasagna, baked mostaccioli, less than four minutes to prepare and are Overall it’s your typical neighborhood 312-345-1000 or an Italian beef sandwich. $–$$ priced under $4 for a single. $ pub, with Bulls, Bears, and baseball on China Grill provides a culinary adventure Ma & I Pizano’s Pizza and Pasta television, friendly bartenders, and cushy in a spectacular setting. Asian flavors and 1234 South Michigan Avenue 61 East Madison Street places to sit. But there’s history here and techniques are an influence; the menu is 312-663-1234 312-236-1777 the place is warmer and more inviting labeled as world cuisine. Portions are gen- than other bars in the area. “It’s a real old South Loop Thai spot featuring Thai clas- Deep dish pizza with flaky crust and thin erous and meant to be shared. $$$ neighborhood saloon,” says Bill White, sics such as satay, crab Rangoon, curry crust varieties. Entrees include sandwiches, the owner. “Real old” meaning since dishes (red, green, massaman), and noodle homemade pastas, and Italian chicken Custom House 1889. 500 South Dearborn Street choices like pad Thai and lad nar. House specials. $ 312-523-0200 specialties include “rumbling ocean,” Potbelly Sandwich Works Tantrum seafood stir-fried with Thai chili paste, 1023 South State Street The frequently changing menu may 55 East Jackson Boulevard and “millennium duck,” boneless duck 312-939-9160 include appetizer choices like roasted 312-683-1234 sauteed in a red wine sauce. $$ quail, charred sashimi-style sirloin, and Tantrum is a sophisticated cocktail lounge Specializing in made-to-order sandwiches, marinated shrimp. Entrees may include in the South Loop. Fans of the place say Max’s Take Out Potbelly exudes a colorful charm. A dark- diver sea scallops, beef short ribs, and 20 East Adams Street they keep coming back for the A+ choco- wood decor, vintage knickknacks, and bone-in filet of beef. Lunch features a mix 312-553-0170 late martini and the eclectic jukebox with street signs add to the ambience. It’s a bit of fancy salads, hearty main courses like songs ranging from Van Morrison to Max’s is the quintessential Loop hole in corny, but the roomy booths and comfort- prime sirloin, organic chicken, steak sand- Morphine. Martinis are the rage here, but the wall. It’s a narrow room with just a able chairs keep the cozy factor dominant. wich, risotto, an artisinal cheese selection, the mahogany bar is also stocked with row of stools along one wall; in back, a Italian-style and vegetarian subs are the and more. $$$ imported beers, scotches, and wines. Try sweltering kitchen churns out fast food. best bets. $ the house drink: A Tantrum Martini made Emerald Loop Bar & Grill Breakfast is popular, with egg combos and Russian Tea Time with Stoli Orange, Triple Sec, and a splash 216 North Wabash Avenue even French toast for just a couple of 77 East Adams Street of orange juice. 312-263-0200 bucks. $ 312-360-0000 Villains Bar & Grill Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late– Nick’s Fishmarket Grill Not just a tea house as the name suggests, 649 South Clark Street night menus featuring bar and grill 51 South Clark Street Russian Tea Time is a full-service restau- 312-356-9992 favorites as well as Irish specialties. 312-621-0200 rant, whose slightly Americanized Russian Carvery at lunch, TVs, and lively bar at You may know him as The King, but at The owners of Nick’s Fishmarket remod- dishes have been well received by night. $$ this South Loop spot, he’s known as the eled the upstairs bar into this more laid- Chicagoans, especially the presymphony No. 1 rock n’ roll villain. In fact, black- back spot. The Grill offers a more casual concert crowd. $$$ Exchequer Restaurant and Pub and-white prints of Warhol’s Elvis with a 226 South Wabash Avenue (and affordable) menu than the upscale, Yolk gun are repeated along the 47-foot bar; 312-939-5633 seafood-heavy Fishmarket, with choices 1120 South Michigan Avenue black and gold wallpaper with jewel-toned like a burger with blue cheese, tequila The atmosphere is casual and you’re sur- 312-789-9655 accents and a texturally rich recycled card- chicken flatbread, and pecan-crusted rounded by more than 500 pieces of board “weave” dress the other walls. Super tilapia. The Grill offers daily drink specials This South Loop breakfast and lunch Chicago memorabilia to view. Four-star villain-inspired martinis and B-movie and a “bar bites” menu of cheap eats after spot, which is close to the Museum ribs and pizza are a must. Enjoy sports on nights make this a hip neighborhood hang 5 PM. $$–$$$ Campus, features all-day breakfast choices one of our many satellite TVs. $$ for 20- and 30-somethings looking for a such as banana-nut French toast and a laid-back, irreverent scene. Santa Fe frittata with bacon, avocado, (continued on next page) 6 • March 2008 RSN 2008 ANNUAL MEETING NEWS Changes to AAR’s Career Services
N APRIL 1, 2008, the AAR will open its new Also within the Career Services will be the new AAR For complete information about Job Postings and the AAR AAR Career Services where members can find job Annual Meeting Job Center. It will operate much the same Annual Meeting Job Center, please see www.aarweb.org/ Opostings, upload CVs, plan for interviewing at the as the joint EIS Center did. The Job Center will be offered jump/careers. annual meeting, and find timely expert opinions to help in every year at the Annual Meeting and is designed to ease Also posted within the AAR Career Services will be infor- the increasingly competitive academic job market. the communication process between candidates looking for mation to help in the job hunt process, notices of work- jobs in the field of religion and employers who have jobs to The new service will replace the current Openings and EIS shops from the Academic Relations Committee, Teaching offer. To accomplish this, we offer services such as adver- Center Services that AAR members have come to count on and Learning Committee, Theological Education Steering tisement listings, candidates’ credentials both online and in for locating future employment or their next faculty mem- Committee, and others, and articles discussing career issues hardcopy, an interview facility, and a message center ber. Members and departments will feel comfortable with — from leaving graduate school to retirement. through which employers and candidates communicate. the streamlined new services: AAR Job Postings will replace “I think you will find the Career Services a ‘must stop’ Openings and the AAR Annual Meeting Job Center will The 2008 Job Center will be located in the Chicago location on our website,” Fitzmier said. “We are excited replace the EIS Center. Hilton Towers Hotel, a headquarters hotel of the Annual about this new service, and always encourage feedback on Meeting. From 7–9 PM, Friday night, October 31, we will Within the AAR Career Services, Job Postings will include how to make it better.” be open with the exception of the interview hall. Come easier advertisement submission processes and enhance- review CVs or ad listings and use the message center. We ments to organization and content. “I think our members will be fully operational all day Saturday, Sunday, and will find it easier to post a job on the new website,” said Monday, November 1–3. Jack Fitzmier, AAR executive director. “Our staff has worked hard to improve the process.” To take advantage of the earlier Annual Meeting dates this Job Center Preregistration year (November 1–3), Job Center preregistration opens on Deadline is October 13! April 21, 2008, and closes on October 13, 2008. Candidate CVs are also due October 13.
(continued from previous page) Chicago Cultural Center Notebaert Nature Museum Weather Mark Tavern 78 East Washington Street 2430 North Cannon Drive 1503 South Michigan Avenue 312-744-6630 773-755-5100 312-588-0230 Chicago’s acclaimed landmark home of the Located in Lincoln Park, the Nature Set sail for a night of food and drink at this arts. Daily programs and exhibitions cover- Museum engages visitors, especially urban South Loop spot decked out in a nautical ing a wide range of the performing, visual, dwellers, in new ways to connect with and SHOPPING theme. Real sails hang floor to ceiling to and literary arts are presented by the preserve the natural world through a Chicago’s Magnificent Mile is a world- create semiprivate seating areas of couches Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs. unique indoor/outdoor experience. Open renowned shopping district. Shoppers can and cocktail tables. Go tropical and sip See the world’s largest Tiffany stained-glass weekdays 9 AM–4:30 PM; and weekends enjoy magnificent department stores and from a large selection of rums and tequilas, dome. Open Monday–Thursday 10 AM– 10 AM–5 PM. Cost: $ 9 adults, $7 seniors boutiques comprising a diverse mix of and sample fare from a menu of upscale bar 7 PM; Friday 10 AM–6 PM; Saturday 10 AM– (60+), $7 students (13–22), $6 children American and international style. With food with a Southwestern flair. 5 PM; and Sunday 11 AM–5 PM. Free admis- (3–12). Free on Thursdays. Chicago resi- over 460 retail stores, there is something sion. For weekly updated event listings dial dents always save $1 off general admission. for every taste. F-I-N-E A-R-T (312-346-3278) or log Shedd Aquarium 900 Shops onto www.cityofchicago.org/CulturalCenter. 1200 South Lake Shore Drive 900 North Michigan Avenue DuSable Museum of African 312-692-3315 312-915-3916 American History 740 East 56th Place The aquarium offers more than 22,000 Anchoring the chic north end of Michigan 773-947-0600 aquatic animals from around the world. See Avenue, The 900 Shops features six levels THINKING all Shedd has to offer with the All Access of shopping, including Bloomingdale’s, Art Institute of Chicago Celebrating 45 years of sharing history, Pass, which includes the original aquarium MaxMara, Gucci, Coach, Marina Rinaldi, 111 South Michigan Avenue DuSable Museum is the nation’s first and building, Wild Reef, Amazon Rising, and Ethel’s Chocolate Lounge, Preggers, The 312-443-3600 oldest independent museum dedicated to the Oceanarium. Open weekdays 9 AM– Silk Trading Co., and 60 other exclusive the collection, preservation, and study of 5 PM; weekends 9 AM–6 PM; and some retailers. Open Monday–Saturday 10 AM– Escape to the Art Institute and delight in the history and culture of Africans and holidays. Adults $23, seniors and children 7 PM; and Sunday 12 PM–6 PM. treasured collections that have lured visitors Americans of African descent. Exhibits, (3–11) $16. Group rates are available. Chicago Place to the museum from all over the world for concerts, films, children’s events, and liter- Spertus Museum/Spertus Institute 700 North Michigan Avenue more than a century. Journey through ary discussions are just a few of the institu- of Jewish Studies 312-266-7710 Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas as tion’s various programs offered. Open 610 South Michigan Avenue renowned works of art spanning 5,000 Tuesday–Saturday 10 AM–5 PM. 312-322-1700 North Michigan Avenue’s most unique years inform and inspire you. Experience Field Museum shopping experience! Over 50 shops and the artistic genius of Monet, Seurat, Renoir, 1400 South Lake Shore Drive Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies includes restaurants featuring Saks Fifth Avenue, van Gogh, Cassatt, Hopper, and more. 312-665-7600 Spertus Museum, the research facilities of Chiaroscuro, Design Toscano, Talbots, and Open Monday-Wednesday, and Friday the Asher Library and the Chicago Jewish much more! Open Monday–Friday 10 AM– 10:30 AM–5 PM; Thursday 10:30 AM–8 PM; Discover Sue, the largest and most com- Archives. Highlights include a unique dis- 7 PM; Saturday 10 AM–6 PM; and Sunday and Saturday-Sunday 10 AM–5 PM. plete T. rex ever found! At the Field play of over 1,000 objects from Spertus 12 PM–5 PM. Admission: Adults $12; children 12 and Museum, you can get a bug’s-eye view in Museum’s world-class collection, a series of Water Tower Place up, students and seniors $7; members and Underground Adventure, descend into an special changing exhibitions, and site- 835 North Michigan Avenue children under 12 free. Egyptian tomb, watch a glowing lava flow, specific installations of work by leading 312-440-3166 Adler Planetarium & Astronomy be dazzled in our Halls of Gems and Jades, international artists. Open Sunday– Museum come nose-to-nose with the man-eating Wednesday 10 AM–6 PM; Thursday 10 Water Tower Place is Chicago’s premier 1300 South Lake Shore Drive lions of Tsavo, and walk among dinosaurs AM–7 PM; and Friday 10 AM–3 PM. Spertus shopping destination. Its stunning eight- 312-922-STAR in our new, renovated dinosaur hall is closed Saturday for the Jewish Sabbath, level atrium features more than 100 of your Evolving Planet. Open daily 9 AM–5 PM, and public and Jewish holidays. Museum favorite stores, spas, and restaurants, plus a Opened in 1930 as the first Planetarium in last admission at 4 PM. Adults $12, stu- Admission $7, students and seniors $5. mix of distinctive specialty shops and bou- the Western Hemisphere, the Adler fuels dents and seniors $7, children (4–11) $7. Spertus members and children under 5 tiques. It offers a unique, high-energy the imagination of its visitors with all new Some exhibits require an additional ticket. free. Free museum admission for everyone urban shopping experience you simply exhibits and state-of-the-art computer tech- McCormick Tribune Freedom every Tuesday from 10 AM–12 PM and won’t find anywhere else in the city. Open nology in the world’s first StarRider Museum every Thursday from 3 PM–7 PM. Monday–Saturday 10 AM–9 PM; and Theater, while showcasing a renowned col- 445 North Michigan Avenue Sunday 11 AM–6 PM. Visit their website for lection of historical astronomy artifacts, 312-222-4860 more information and visitor incentives at including one of the world’s oldest tele- www.shopwatertower.com. scopes. Open Monday–Sunday 9:30 Dedicated to America’s freedoms and focusing AM–4:30 PM. Admission plus one show: on First Amendment rights, the McCormick $19 adults; $15 children (4–17); and $17 Tribune Freedom Museum inspires genera- Chicago residents and seniors. Each addi- tions to understand, value, and protect free- tional show is $5. dom through interactive experiences. Open Wednesday–Monday 10 AM–6 PM. Closed Tuesday. Free Admission. March 2008 RSN • 7 Religious Studies News Annual Meeting Leadership Workshop Taking Religion(s) Seriously: What Students Need to Know
HE ACADEMIC RELATIONS Committee will 2003 Annual Meeting 2001 Annual Meeting address student learning at its Leadership Workshop Chairs Workshop — Scholarship, Service, and Stress: The Tensions of Chairs Workshop — Evaluating and Advancing Teaching in the Tduring the Annual Meeting of the American Being a Chair Religious Studies Department Academy of Religion in Chicago on Friday, October 31. Summer 2003 2000 Annual Meeting The day-long workshop, “Taking Religion(s) Seriously: Chairs Workshop — The Entrepreneurial Chair: Building and Chairs Workshop — Assessing and Advancing the Religious Studies What Students Need to Know,” will explore the common Sustaining Your Department in an Era of Shrinking Resources and Department goal of religion courses: that all students learn to think seri- Increasing Demands We look forward to seeing you in Chicago! ously about the ways religion impacts public life and their 2002 Annual Meeting role as citizens. The Academic Relations Committee: Fred Glennon, chair, Chester Chairs Workshop — Running a Successful Faculty Search in the Gillis, DeAne Lagerquist, Steve Young, Rosetta Ross, Edwin David “Even though this objective is not always articulated and Religious Studies Department Aponte, and Kyle Cole, staff liaison. may be submerged in more specialized concerns, it is always an underlying goal,” said Fred Glennon, chair of the Academic Relations Committee. In this workshop we investigate what this goal entails and then invite chairs to consider how the curriculum they TAKING RELIGION(S)SERIOUSLY: oversee addresses (or could address) it; how the mission and culture of their institution shapes this objective; and WHAT STUDENTS NEED TO KNOW how it might contribute to assessment of their program’s effectiveness. “Exchange of experience and ideas will be central to the Friday, October 31, 2008, day’s work,” Glennon said. LeadershipW O R K SHOP Chicago, IL The interactive workshop will feature several speakers, pan- elists, and breakout sessions. Following the opening intro- That all students learn to think seriously about the ways entails and then invite chairs to consider how the curricu- duction by Chester Gillis, Georgetown University, a discus- religion(s) impacts public life and their role as citizens. lum they oversee addresses (or could address) it, how the sion will address two questions concerning “Educating This may be a common goal of religion courses offered at mission and culture of their institution shapes this objec- Students for Public Life:” all sorts of institutions; however, this objective is not tive, and how it might contribute to assessment of their 1. How could and how does your institution contribute to always articulated and may be submerged in more special- program’s effectiveness. Exchange of experience and ideas the understanding of religion(s) through your students? ized concerns. In this workshop we explore what this goal will be central to the day’s work. 2. How are your students prepared to engage religion(s) in the public realm? PRELIMINARY PROGRAM A panel discussion will follow, addressing: “How does this Legal issues, conflicts, and life cycles will be addressed for individual, department, and administration concerns. interact with the mission and culture of your institution?”
“The Academic Relations Committee strives to speak to 9–9:15 Introductions 10:15–11 Panel discussion: How does 1:15–2 Assessment of your institution: the multitude of institutional contexts influencing the 9:15–9:45 Educating students for public this interact with the mission Addressing the question — study of religion,” said Kyle Cole, AAR director of profes- life and culture of your institution? How should this be assessed sional programs. 9:45–10:15 Break-out session 11–12 Break-out session and how do you assess it? The concluding plenary will concentrate on a principal 12–1:15 LUNCH 2–3:30 Plenary session on objectives question: “How should this be assessed and how do you and assessments assess it?” The workshop will be of benefit to a range of participants: faculty, administrators, and graduate students. The goal is The workshop will expand a specific area addressed by the to bring a diverse group of AAR members together in a lively and open discussion. Teagle Foundation-funded “The Religion Major and Liberal Education,” which guided the theme of last year’s Leadership Workshop. “Assessment issues and student learning have been highly cited as potential workshop top- TO REGISTER ics by past workshop participants,” Glennon said. “I’m very happy for the Academy that we can explore these areas and Complete the information below, arrange payment, and send via fax or surface mail. You can also register online offer such a rich workshop topic.” as a part of the Annual Meeting registration process: www.aarweb.org/meeting/annual_meeting/current_meeting. Colleagues in your institution, such as chairs, other faculty members, faculty being developed to assume leadership Name responsibilities, and deans, may be interested in attending this workshop. Chairs may want to bring a team of faculty Department or send a designated faculty person. Institution Serving as Chair since Number of faculty in department Registration is limited to the first 75 participants, and last year’s workshop filled up long before the annual meeting. Registration is limited to the first 75 participants. The cost for the workshop is $75, which includes the Send your registration form and payment of $75.00 *** before October 1, 2008 ($100.00 after and onsite). entire day of sessions, lunch, and a book on the topic. PAYMENT INFORMATION The topics for past workshops have been: ❒ Check: (payable to “AAR Annual Meeting,” memo For more information, contact Kyle Cole, Director of 2007 Annual Meeting “Leadership Workshop”) Professional Programs, at [email protected], or by phone Chairs Workshop — Best Practices: Diversifying Your at 404-727-1489. Faculty - Honest Conversations Credit Card (Check one): The Leadership Workshop is arranged by the Academic Leadership Workshop — The Religion Major and Liberal ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ Visa Mastercard American Express Discover Relations Committee of the American Academy of Education Religion, chaired by Fred Glennon.
2006 Annual Meeting Credit Card Number Expiration Date Chairs Workshop — Personnel Issues: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Register online (as part of Annual Meeting CID* 2005 Annual Meeting registration): www.aarweb.org/meetings/ annual_meeting/current_meeting Chairs Workshop — Enlarging the Pie: Strategies for Cardholder Signature Managing and Growing Departmental Resources Register by Fax: 330-963-0319 2004 Annual Meeting Name on Card (Please Print) Register by surface mail: Chairs Workshop - Being a Chair in Today’s Consumer AAR Leadership Workshop Culture: Navigating in the Knowledge Factory * Card Identification Number: 4 digits on front of American Express; 3 digits on back of other c/o Experient cards 2451 Enterprise PKWY Twinsburg, OH 44087 USA 8 • March 2008 RSN NEWS A Conversation with AAR President Emilie Townes
family of seven siblings and orphaned at a fair- and Rosemary Keller and together we devel- attention to their growth as an academician as ly young age. Growing up in the family of one oped a course on black women in the well as scholar.The four areas of diversity of the neighbors, he realized that one of the church. When I opened my mouth to greet touch on all areas of the academic environ- ways he could make it out of Scottsdale, the class and began talking with them about ment of the school. A large part of my role as Pennsylvania, was through the military and what we would be doing throughout the academic dean is to work with others as we through education. He served in World War II semester, I had the strongest sense of call I’ve develop ways to address these challenges, as and used the GI Bill to go to college. Not stop- ever had in my life. This was both a joy and well as to set a tone of collegiality and some ping there, he went on to get a doctorate and a curse, though, because I knew that I’d have vision to give excellent leadership in these areas. began his teaching career at Wiley College and to go back to school to earn a PhD — some- I’m also a part of a group that began in 2006, ultimately settled in at North Carolina Central thing I was not keen on doing, as I had gone the Initiative on Religion and Politics at Yale. College. It’s at Central where my parents met straight through from kindergarten to gradu- The initiative seeks to provide a progressive and made the home I grew up in, where learn- ate school without a break and, after 25 religious voice to the sociopolitical issues of our ing was revered and expected. Although never years, I wanted to get away from that grind. day.We work with students to develop their pushy, they were clear with both my sister and Such was not to be! sense of and abilities in social justice ministry, me that no less than our best was expected in It was through my teaching that I realized I we want to develop a progressive religious Emilie M. Townes, an American Baptist cler- our studies and that our best was enough. gywoman, is a native of Durham, North wanted to become a scholar of religion. They think tank, and we also want to develop ways Carolina. She holds a DMin from the My maternal grandmother was, I think, the go hand in hand for me, as I can’t be a good to provide a significant voice to the issues of University of Chicago Divinity School and a one who started this education ball rolling. teacher if I am not constantly challenging our day on the local, national, and internation- PhD in Religion in Society and Personality Although she never got past the eighth grade, myself as a scholar to explore, to understand, al level. One of the ways we want to get at the from Northwestern University.Townes is the she instilled in all her children the importance to remain inquisitive and never satisfied. It is latter is developing partnerships with like- first Andrew W.Mellon Professor of African of getting an education. For her, the Holy these same qualities that compel me as a minded centers and initiatives in other colleges American Religion and Theology at Yale Grail was to complete high school — and teacher. I have learned from wonderful teachers and universities. University Divinity School, and in the fall of everyone did whether they wanted to or not! (and those who have not been so wonderful) One last area I’m invested in is growing the 2005 she was elected to the presidential line of When Mom was away for a year completing that a scholar’s true mettle is tested in the class- new Middle Passage Conversations on Black the American Academy of Religion. She cur- her doctorate at the University of Michigan room and public speaking outside of scholarly Religion in the African Diaspora Initiative here rently serves as President, the first (she was the first black woman to earn a doc- enclaves. If I can’t translate my work to a vari- at Yale. We will launch the initiative this spring African–American woman to do so. In July torate in molecular biology there), I spent the ety of audiences, then there is much more with a major conference here, April 3–5, that 2008, she will become the first year with my grandmother. I spent that year in work for me to do to understand what I am will feature eight conversation panels of over African–American and first woman to serve as the same grade school that my mother attend- thinking about and exploring. Associate Dean for Academic Affairs in the 40 black scholars from the United States, the ed and had the older black men and women of Divinity School. She is the former Carolyn RSN: What has compelled you to research, United Kingdom, and Brazil. The conference that close-knit southern black community Williams Beaird Professor of Christian Ethics publish, and lecture in the area of Christian is free and open to all — we are only limited encouraging all of us to do well in school. at Union Theological Seminary. Editor of two social ethics? by space! collections of essays, A Troubling in My Soul: Most of those folks were like my grandmother Womanist Perspectives on Evil and Suffering — not a good bit of book learning, but a Townes: I am that young black girl Alice RSN: What is your greatest joy in teaching? world of common sense and a deep belief in Walker talks about in her first definition of and Embracing the Spirit: Womanist Townes: Being a part of a student’s growth. the necessity of the next generations getting a “womanist” — wanting to know more than Perspectives on Hope, Salvation, and Watching students gain confidence in their good education. what was considered good for me. I drove my Transformation, she has also authored ideas and insights and expressing them with parents and teachers crazy at times with all the Womanist Ethics, Womanist Hope; In a Years later, I would walk from my grade rigor and precision rather than as ad hominim Blaze of Glory: Womanist Spirituality as questions I had and wanted to understand. I school in Durham up to the biology build- statements are ways in which I hope to be a Social Witness; and Breaking the Fine Rain think this kind of inquisitiveness pointed me ing where I sat outside of Mom’s classroom part of a student’s growth. For me, teaching is of Death: African American Health Issues in the direction of Christian social ethics. I am while she lectured. I loved to hear her lecture also about the moral formation of my students and a Womanist Ethic of Care. Her most fascinated with structures and social phenome- — such precision in speech, such love of the (as well as myself) and being a part of that recent book, Womanist Ethics and the na and how they are created and maintained subject matter, such command of it. I didn’t process is also being a part of their growth — Cultural Production of Evil, was released in — something that is a strong feature found in consciously think of teaching as a vocation in other words, a student’s growth is about November 2006. She continues her research on social ethics. And for me, what is particularly then, but years later I had to admit that them as a whole person and helping them real- women and health in the African diaspora fascinating is how we, as human beings, partic- teaching was in my genes and that all those ize that the best of what we can be in our soci- with attention to Brazil and the United States. ipate in them or not. How we dissent from days spent outside of Mom’s class listening ety is a person of head and heart, and trying to She is a founding member of the Initiative on inequalities and how we build systems of to her lecture and care about what and how live that moment by moment. Religion and Politics at Yale that seeks to bring justice–making. her students learned had their effect. a progressive religious voice to the education of RSN: What are your goals as the Academy’s seminarians, spark lively debate on the inter- For me, justice is an important concept that I think the simplest way to describe the effect president in 2008? play of religion and politics in the university, I want to see embodied in our lives. Not my family has had on me is that they taught and speak to the pressing social issues of the day. only do I think this is important as a schol- Townes: My primary goal is to deal with me to demand nothing less than my best. She is also the founder of the Middle Passage ar, but I believe this as a religious person the issues and challenges we face in having an Conversations on Black Religion in the African RSN: At what point did you decide you who finds her home in both Christianity independent meeting and plot a way forward. Diaspora Initiative at Yale. wanted to become a scholar of religion? and the Afro–Brasilian religion of My hope is that we will find a compromise in Candomblé. From both, I have learned the which the goods outlined in 2003 and the Townes: This was a two-step process for importance of seeking balance and living a problems we face in 2008 can find a good res- me. I had avoided what I call the family busi- RSN: How did your parents and extended “good” life. I try to take these lessons and olution. Part of this will be addressed in the ness, teaching, for years. I wanted to be my family influence your early career and more into my research, lecturing, and pub- task forces begun by Jeffrey Stout last year to own person and find a different path than education? lishing. All center on the lives of black folk look at our governance and to consider the my folks did. It was not that I had an aver- in the United States by probing the worlds environmental footprint we leave at our Townes: Both of my parents were college sion to teaching, it was more that I thought I of black women to see who we unfold into Annual Meeting. But the board must sort professors and spent the latter years of their would live my professional life either as a our communities and the larger society. through the Annual Meeting survey results careers as administrators. Dad was a depart- lawyer or later in some form of social justice Social ethics, as a discipline, helps me get to (which include 629 often–detailed comments) ment chair and Mom was, over the years, ministry work in a community agency. But, this, as I think this is the way my brain and look at location, structure, book exhibits, department chair, dean of the graduate school, in 1982, when I was working as a bookstore works most naturally, creatively, and pro- EIS, receptions, meeting with scholarly soci- and dean of the college (at one point, she was manager for the Lombard, Illinois, satellite of ductively. eties, scholarly interactions, and how we relate both deans!) and they instilled in both my sis- the Seminary Cooperative Bookstore in to the SBL. Of particular interest to me is the ter and me a love of books and a love for learn- Chicago, I got a call from Henry Young at RSN: Can you tell us about your current aca- impact the independent meeting decision has ing. Both of them were “firsts” in their families Garrett–Evangelical Theological Seminary in demic life at Yale Divinity School, especially on colleagues at institutions that have few to go to college and to go on and earn doctor- Evanston. I had just finished my DMin at your work on religion and politics? financial resources; student members; groups ates. Mom was the oldest of her five siblings the University of Chicago Divinity School Townes: Well, that’s a lot right now. I will that have members from the AAR and the and grew up in West Southern Pines, North and was enjoying the world of bookselling. become associate dean for academic affairs in SBL that used the additional meeting time to Carolina. She was known as a bookworm Garrett was experiencing an increase in black July 2008. I have eight areas I want to concen- meet because they would not be able to do growing up, and this inspired no small amount women in the student body and they had trate on during my term, but two of the most so on their own; and scholars of color who of pride in that close-knit community of black begun to ask why there were no black important areas are mentoring pretenure facul- often had scholarly commitments in both folks. She excelled throughout grade school women on the faculty — a question that ty and addressing the four areas of diversity we the AAR and the SBL. and high school and won a scholarship to could have applied to most of the have identified (admissions, curriculum, ethos, North Carolina Central College at Durham Chicago–area schools and most theological The AAR is a very big tent and our mem- and faculty hires). In addressing mentoring, we for Negroes (now North Carolina Central schools at that time. I was close at hand and bership has diverse interests — trying to find open up the possibility of exploring the ways University), where she began as a first-year stu- had a DMin. I remembered what it was like a way to address the majority of these while to address curricular innovation and program dent and 49 years later retired as dean of the for me as a student to have no black female fostering scholarly rigor and justice are my and faculty research. We have talented pre- college. In Dad’s case, he was the baby of his role models to draw on, so I met with him chief goals in 2008. tenure faculty who can benefit from sustained
March 2008 RSN • 9 RELIGIOUSELIGIOUS STUDIES NEEWSWS FOCUSON The Work of the Academy
Independent Annual Meeting Survey
an unusually high number of comments, and some of the HE AMERICAN ACADEMY of Religion invited mem- comments were quite lengthy. Question 12 (about the 2011 bers from 2005, 2006, and 2007 (even if their member- meeting) drew 1,454 comments (from 53.73 percent of T ships had lapsed during one or two of those years) to respondents); 1,170 comments (from 43.24 percent of the take the Independent Annual Meeting survey. The purpose of respondents) were recorded after Question 13 (about atten- INTHISISSUE the survey was to provide a forum for members to express their dance at next year's Annual Meeting); and 629 comments opinions about several features of the upcoming independent (23.24 percent of the respondents) were recorded at the end of Annual Meetings. The survey was not intended as a referen- the survey. Our Board is continuing to review and assess these Independent dum or as a prelude to a return to traditional AAR–SBL joint comments, some of which contain personal identifying infor- Annual Meeting meetings. The AAR Executive Office contacted members four mation. We will make the comments section of the survey Survey ...... 10 times about the survey. available after the Board has had a chance to review it in its • Every AAR member received a postcard, via USPS, explain- entirety and to make sure that no respondent's personal com- Academy Plans for ing the survey and inviting them to take it. ments, intended to be made anonymously, are made public. Summer Seminars • Every AAR member received a letter, via e-mail, from Jeffrey The results of the survey follow. on Theologies of Stout, AAR President, and Emilie Townes, Vice President, 1 Religious Pluralism explaining why the AAR was doing a survey and inviting Demographic Questions* and Comparative them to take it. The e-mail contained a hot link to the sur- Theology...... 14 vey on the AAR website. Demographic 1: Please identify your AAR affiliation. • Each member received the October AAR E-bulletin, which contained a reminder about the opportunity to take the sur- Realignment of 80 72.07% the AAR Executive vey. The E-bulletin also contained a hot link to the survey 70 Staff ...... 15 on the AAR website. 60 • The October edition of Religious Studies News, sent to every 50 40 AAR member, contained a reminder about the opportunity Percen t 30 to take the survey and included the letter from Jeffrey Stout 19.69% 20 and Emilie Townes. 5.35% 10 2.89% 0 The Executive Office invited several leadership groups to Exhibitor Regular Retired Student encourage their AAR colleagues to take the survey. These AAR Member AAR Member AAR Member included: Demographic 2: Please identify your institutional home. • All AAR volunteer leaders (Board Members, Program Unit Chairs, and Standing Committee members). Several Regionally Elected Directors sent e-mails to their regional 50 42.05% members encouraging them to take the survey. 40
• Departmental Chairs whose names are included in the AAR 30 27.85% Departments database. 20.98%
Percen t 20 • AAR members who serve as Presidents and Deans of schools who are members of the Association of Theological Schools 10 7.49% in the United States and Canada. 1.62% 0 Community Liberal Arts Research Theological University The AAR Executive Office also sent a letter, via USPS, to over College College University University Divinity School 500 persons who work with Annual Meeting exhibitors — 1 0 publishers, acquisition editors, and publishing house staff Demographic 3: Are you currently a member of the Society members — inviting them to take the survey. Many of these of Biblical Literature? 3 persons are not AAR members, so the Executive Office made
arrangements for them to receive a special login ID number 80 75.49% 7 that would allow them to participate in the survey. 70 In all, 15,367 members and exhibitors were invited and 60 enabled to take the survey. The questions posed on the survey 50 40 were presented to respondents in random order to prevent Percen t 30 order bias. The survey was available online from September 21, 19.97% 20 2007, through October 15, 2007, and 2,706 persons partici- 10 4.54% pated, answering some or all of the questions. This represents a 0 response rate of 17.61 percent. No Yes Prefer not to say The survey itself contained two major sections: one captured demographic information about respondents and the other * Note: Graph scales vary posed questions about the Annual Meeting. In addition, at three places in the survey we invited respondents to make
comments; we did not place a limit on how much text respon- 6 dents could type into the comment boxes. Respondents made (continued on next page)
10 • March 2008 RSN FOCUS
(continued from page 11) Questions about the Annual Meeting* Question 5: How important is it to you for the AAR to Demographic 4: In the past have you been a member of hold its Annual Meeting in the same city on the same days the Society of Biblical Literature?4 Question 1: How important is it for you to attend Annual as the SBL? Meetings where the book exhibition includes displays, 59.40% 80 publications, and professional staff from both biblical 60 studies and religious studies publishers? 70 64.54% 50 60 40 50 80 40 70 30 32.00% 60.13% 60 Percen t Percen t 30 16.16% 20 13.71%
P 20 50 10 7.24% 40 3.49% 10 3.46% Percen t 0 30 0 No Yes Prefer not to say 18.50% Not Important Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Very 20 at All Unimportant Important Important 10.69% 10 5.02% 5.67% 0 Not Important Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Very Demographic 5: Please identify and rank up to three reli- at All Important Important Important Question 6: How important is it for you to be able to gious tradition(s) on which you focus your research and attend receptions, additional meetings, or workshops teaching (Composite results below). at an Annual Meeting that includes both AAR and SBL members?
Religion Choices % of Total Question 2: When you are deciding whether to attend the 60 Christian 3,247 47.20% AAR Annual Meeting, how important a factor is the cost 51.29% Postmodern 509 7.40% (to you) of attendance? 50 Judaic 496 7.21% 40 30 Buddhist 357 5.19% 50
Percen t 21.60% Islamic 323 4.70% 41.70% 39.36% 20 40 12.58% Popular and Folk Religions 278 4.04% 9.21% 10 5.33% Ancient Greco–Roman 265 3.85% 30 0 African–American 242 3.52% Not Important Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Very
Percen t 0 20 at All Unimportant Important Important Hindu 219 3.18% 10.75% New Religions 209 3.04% 10 5.55% 2.64% Ancient Near Eastern 182 2.65% 0 Not Important Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Very Indigenous Religions 108 1.57% at All Unimportant Important Important Question 7: How important is it for you to attend an AAR Taoist 84 1.22% Annual Meeting that is scheduled concurrently with schol- Native–American 82 1.19% arly organizations other than the SBL (e.g., Middle Eastern Studies Association, Society of Christian Ethics, Gnostic 73 1.06% Question 3: Based on what you know about job candi- Association for Jewish Studies,Q etc.)? African 72 1.05% dates in your field, how important is it for the AAR and Confucian 68 0.99% the SBL to offer a common center for interviews at a 24.84% 25 24.38% Jain 24 0.35% single convention site each year? 21.89% Secular Shinto Modern 19 0.28% 20
Zoroastrian 12 0.17% 47.94% 15.92% 50 13.88% Sikh 10 0.15% 15 40 Total 6,879 100.00% Percen t 10
30 5 0 20.40%
Demographic 6: Please identify the methodological Percen t 20 14.18% 0 12.41% Not Important Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Very approaches you use in your work. Enter your first, second, at All Unimportant Important Important 10 and third most used approaches (Composite results below). 5.07% 0 Not Important Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Very at All Unimportant Important Important Question 8: Based on what you know about faculty con- Approach Choices % of Total ducting searches for your institution, how important is it Theology (Christian) 1,038 14.00% for the AAR and the SBL toQ offer a common center for History 643 8.67% interviews at a single convention site each year? Historical 614 8.28% Question 4: Given your institution’s academic calendar, 50.00% Philosophy 518 6.99% how important is it for the AAR to hold its Annual 50 Cultural Studies 412 5.56% Meeting the weekend before the U.S. Thanksgiving holi- 40 Ethics 375 5.06% day? Textual Studies 374 5.04% 30
35 33.13% 18.79% Systematic 337 4.54% Percen t 20 15.62% Comparative 296 3.99% 30 11.65% 24.82% 25 23.36% 10 Gender 278 3.75% 3.94% 0 Theory of Religion 266 3.59% 20 0 Not Important Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Very 13.56% Anthropology 246 3.32% Percen t 15 at All Unimportant Important Important 10 Literature 246 3.32% 5.13% Sociology 220 2.97% 5 0 Cultural Critique 185 2.49% Not Important Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Very N Practical 162 2.18% at All Unimportant Important Important Question 9: How important is it for you to attend Annual Meetings where you can share scholarly dialogue, in and Phenomenology 122 1.65% Q Liturgy/Worship 117 1.58% out of formal sessions, with both AAR and SBL members? Arts 110 1.48% * Note: Graph scales vary 59.65% Psychology 108 1.46% 60 Ecumenical Studies 101 1.36% 50
Ideological 99 1.34% 40 Performance/Ritual Studies 99 1.34% 30
Philology 83 1.12% Percen t 20 17.00% Science 74 1.00% 10.53% 7.24% Archaeology 71 0.96% 10 5.59% Pastoral Care/Counseling 63 0.85% 0 Not Important Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Very Myth 61 0.82% at All Unimportant Important Important Education 49 0.66% Gay/Lesbian 48 0.65% Total 7,415 100.00% (continued on next page)
March 2008 RSN • 11 0
Religious Studies News
(continued from page 11)
Question 10: AAR Annual Meetings have been held in ten Question 13: Do you intend to attend the 2008 AAR Question 4: Given your institution’s academic calendar, different cities over the last ten years. Some members have Annual Meeting in Chicago (held November 1st through how important is it for the AAR to hold its Annual suggested that we rotate our Annual Meetings through a November 3rd), the first AnnualQ Meeting held independ- Meeting the weekend before the U.S. Thanksgiving smaller, fixed set of four or five cities. Would you prefer to ently of the SBL? holiday? 2 attend meetings in many cities around the country, or 50 57.95% would you prefer to meetQ in a fixed set of four or five 60 41.89% 41.07% cities? 40 50
40 50 30 43.27%
Percen t 30 38.97% 23.36% 20 17.04% Percen t 40 18.69% 20 30 10 10 17.76% Percen t 20 0 No Yes I Am Undecided 0 Not Important Neutral Important 10
0 I have no I prefer to attend meetings I prefer to attend preference in a fixed set of four meetings in many Question 5: How important is it to you for the AAR to or five cities cities around the country Collapsed Responses by Percentage* hold its Annual Meeting in2 the same city on the same days as the SBL? Frequently, results given on a five-choice Likert scale survey Question 11: In your opinion, which three of the follow- are “collapsed” to show more general results. In such instances ing are most important to you as you consider attending 80 75.56% the “Not important at all” and “Somewhat unimportant” cat- an Annual Meeting of the AAR? (Identify the three items 70 egories are combined, the “Neutral” response is left as is, and most important to you). 60 the “Somewhat important” and “Very important” categories 50 are combined. The following charts show how the 40
Independent Annual Meeting survey responses can be so “col- Percen t 30 Why Attend the % of 17.20% lapsed.” 20 Annual Meeting? Rank Selections Total 10 7.24% The opportunity to attend Question 1: How important is it for you to attend Annual 0 scholarly presentations (papers, Meetings where the book exhibition includes displays, Not Important Neutral Important panels, etc.) 1 1,439 18.79% publications, and professional staff from both biblical The opportunity to attend a studies and religious studies publishers? large and comprehensive 2 book exhibition 2 1,185 15.47% Question 6: How important is it for you to be able to The opportunity to make attend receptions, additional meetings, or workshops 80 78.63% scholarly presentations (papers, at Annual Meeting that2 includes both AAR and SBL panels, etc.) 3 1,070 13.97% 70 members? The opportunity to meet with 60 50 AAR members in one’s 80 72.88% specialized field 4 1,021 13.33% 40 70 Percen t The opportunity to attend 30 60 or participate in SBL sessions 5 621 8.11% 20 15.70% 500 5.67% The opportunity to meet with 10 40
0 Percen t AAR members outside one’s Not Important Neutral Important 30 17.91% specialized field 6 528 6.89% 20 9.21% The opportunity to be 10 Question 2: When you are deciding whether to attend the interviewed for a job 7 420 5.48% 0 AAR Annual Meeting, how important a factor is the cost Not Important Neutral Important The opportunity to meet with SBL members 8 380 4.96% (to you) of attendance?
The opportunity to meet with 2 acquisitions editors 9 309 4.03% Question 7: How important is it for you to attend an AAR The opportunity to interview 100 Annual Meeting that is scheduled concurrently with schol- job candidates 10 288 3.76% 81.06% 80 arly organizations other than the SBL (e.g., Middle The opportunity to participate Eastern Studies Association, Society of Christian Ethics, in receptions involving your 600 Association for Jewish Studies, etc.)? alma mater 11 257 3.36% 2
The opportunity to meet with Percen t 40 38.71% members of scholarly 20 40 36.91% societies other than the SBL 12 142 1.85% 8.19% 10.76% 350 0 Total 7,660 100.00% Not Important Neutral Important 30 24.38% 25 20 15
Question 12: In 2011, the AAR plans to meet at the same Percen t time that the SBL meets in San Francisco. The two organi- Question 3: Based on what you know about job candi- 10 zations will meet in different facilities, and will not co- dates in your field, how important is it for the AAR and 5 0 publish a program book. After 2011, how often would the SBL to offer a common center for interviews at a sin- Not Important Neutral Important you like to see Annual Meetings conducted on roughly gle convention site each year?2 this model (i.e., independently administered, but in the same city and on the sameQ weekend as the SBL’s meeting)? 80 68.34% 70 * Note: Graph scales vary 50 600 41.99% 50 40 40
Percen t 30 30 17.48% 20 14.18%
Percen t 20 17.34% 16.43% 10 14.15% 0 10.09% Not Important Neutral Important 10 0
0 Never RarelySometimes Often Always
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0 12 • March 2008 RSN FOCUS
(continued from page 13) II. AAR Regional Identification V. Member Research and Teaching Interests All AAR members, by virtue of where they work, are mem- Respondents were asked to identify and rank up to three reli- Question 8: Based on what you know about faculty con- bers of one of ten regions. The 2007 Regional Census of all gious traditions on which they focus their teaching and ducting searches for your institution, how important is it AAR members is compared to the regional identity of all sur- research. The list of traditions we used in the survey was taken for the AAR and the SBL to offer a common center for vey respondents below. from another instrument we have, the Research Interest interviews at a single convention site each year? Survey (RIS). The RIS has been taken by over 8,500 AAR 2 members in the last three years. One difference between the 2007 Regional IAM Survey RIS and the demographic we used in the survey is that on the 80 Region Census Respondents RIS, respondents are able to pick more than three religious 68.79% 70 Southeast 16.62% 16.54% traditions, whereas on the IAM survey, they are limited to 60 three traditions. As it turns out, those who took the RIS 50 Mid-Atlantic 16.38% 15.17% chose, on average, 3.4 religious traditions, whereas IAM 40 Midwest 12.52% 12.47% respondents chose, on average, 2.8 religions. Another differ- Percen t 30 ence is that the RIS includes four categories of Christianity 15.59% Western 12.23% 14.58% 20 15.62% (Christian, Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox) whereas the 10 New England–Maritimes 9.20% 8.33% IAM survey has only three (Protestant, Catholic, and 0 Orthodox). Not Important Neutral Important Other (non–U.S., non–Canada) 8.69% 6.53% Eastern International 6.82% 6.45% The chart below shows a comparison of the RIS and IAM surveys. It includes all the choices persons made and treats Southwest 6.29% 6.22% them equally (i.e., if a respondent clicked Islam once, it Question 9: How important is it for you to attend Annual counts as one, regardless of whether it was his/her first, sec- Meetings where you can share scholarly dialogue, in and Upper Midwest 5.32% 7.15% ond, or third choice). It collapses all the subcategories of out of formal sessions, with both AAR and SBL members? Pacific Northwest 3.39% 3.87% 2 Christianity into a single category (Christian). The chart is Rocky Mountain–Great Plains 2.55% 2.70% arranged from highest number of choices to lowest number of 80 76.65% choices. 0 70 Total 100.00% 100.00% 60 50 RIS IAM 40 Conclusion: Relative to the 2007 Regional Census, those Choices % of Total Choices % of Total
Percen t 30 who took the survey are highly representative of the overall Christian 12,666 45.44% 3,247 47.33% 20 16.12% AAR membership. 10 7.24% Postmodern 1,949 6.99% 509 7.42% 0 Not Important Neutral Important III. Member “Activity” Relative to the Annual Buddhist 1,515 5.44% 357 5.20% Meeting Judaic 1,460 5.24% 496 7.23% The following chart compares how many Annual Meetings, The “Shape” of the Sample Popular and Folk of the last five, the 2005, 2006, and 2007 members attended, We know that 2,706 persons took the survey. But how do the as compared with how many the IAM survey respondents Religions 1,237 4.44% 278 4.05% respondents compare to the overall membership of the AAR? attended. Islamic 1,153 4.14% 323 4.71% The survey was anonymous — we cannot tell how a particu- New Religions 1,114 4.00% 209 3.05% lar respondent answered the questions. But our polling soft- Hindu 984 3.53% 219 3.19% ware does allow us to capture some demographic and partici- 2005, 2006, pation information about the respondents. This can be com- How many Annual and 2007 IAM Survey African–American 722 2.59% 242 3.53% pared to the overall “shape” of the AAR membership. This Meetings of the last 5? Members Respondents Ancient comparison can be done in five areas: 0 37.00% 15.80% Greco–Roman 715 2.57% 265 3.86% 1 25.30% 15.30% Indigenous I. Membership Type Religions 664 2.38% 108 1.57% 2 13.30% 14.20% The AAR identifies its members in four ways: Regular, Native–American 601 2.16% 82 1.20% Student, Retired, and Joint (members who also belong to the 3 8.90% 14.40% Ancient Near SBL). Note that the Joint membership is not a discrete cate- 4 7.80% 17.60% gory: Joint members are spread across the Regular, Student, Eastern 584 2.10% 182 2.65% and Retired categories. The following shows how the survey 5 7.60% 22.70% African 537 1.93% 72 1.05% respondents compare to the entire AAR membership for the Total 99.9% 100.00% Gnostic 514 1.84% 73 1.06% years 2005, 2006, and 2007. Taoist 502 1.80% 84 1.22% Confucian 450 1.61% 68 0.99% 2005, 2006, and Conclusion: IAM survey respondents are very active relative to the general membership when it comes to Annual Meeting Zoroastrian 185 0.66% 12 0.17% 2007 Members Respondents attendance. A much higher percentage of the respondents Jain 171 0.61% 24 0.35% Regular 62.91% 72.04% have attended the Annual Meeting regularly than has the gen- Sikh 147 0.53% 10 0.15% Student 31.74% 19.72% eral membership. Choices 27,870 6,860 Retired 5.35% 5.35% IV. Member “Activity” Relative to Membership Choices per Exhibitors 0.00% 2.89% We have tracked the number of years, in the last three, that respondent 3.27 2.78 Total 100.00% 100.00% respondents have been members of AAR and have measured this against all members from 2005, 2006, and 2007. The fol- lowing chart shows this data: Conclusion: The IAM respondents identify their areas of Joint Membership Data: 19.97 percent of survey respondents study in a manner very similar to the RIS respondents. A identified themselves as Joint members. In September 2007, slightly higher percentage of those who study Christian, 8.46 percent of all current AAR members were Joint members. 2005, 2006, Ancient Greco–Roman, Judaic, African–American, Ancient and 2007 IAM Near Eastern, and Islamic traditions took the IAM survey. A Conclusion: Relative to the shape of the overall membership, Years Members Respondents slightly lower percentage of those who study Zoroastrian, a smaller percentage of Student Members took the survey, a Sikh, African, Native American, Jainist, Gnostic, Confucian, greater percentage of Regular Members took the survey, and a 3 of 3 47.30% 77.58% Indigenous, and Taoist traditions took the IAM survey. greater percentage of Joint Members took the survey. 2 of 3 22.50% 12.17% At its November 2007 meeting, after an initial review of these 1 of 3 30.20% 7.38% results of the Independent Annual Meeting survey, the AAR 0 of 3 0.00% 2.87% Board of Directors voted to devote part of its April 2008 Total 100.00% 100.00% meeting to a discussion of future Annual Meetings. The Board and the Executive Office will inform members of any developments that may occur in light of this discussion. Conclusion: IAM respondents are more likely than most members to keep their AAR membership current. * Note: Graph scales vary
March 2008 RSN • 13 Religious Studies News Academy Plans for Summer Seminars on Theologies of Religious Pluralism and Comparative Theology A Report from the Theologies of Religious Pluralism Planning Committee and the Theological Education Steering Committee
context is Christian. Hence, TESC has an obli- gation to attend carefully to the needs of AAR Editor’s Note: members whose scholarly, teaching and profes- RSN recently interviewed John J. Thatamanil regarding the results of work on behalf of the sional lives are lived out in seminaries and divin- Academy’s Theological Programs Initiative. ity schools. But I hasten to add that nothing that the AAR does is targeted exclusively for per- sons from a single religious tradition. Theology especially pressing for pastoral caregivers and Thatamanil: Well, we took our mark from within the AAR takes a multiplicity of configu- chaplains in hospital and military settings, but Rambachan’s argument that we must generate a rations and even names. Although some seminary training remains largely monoreli- religiously diverse group to think about religious Buddhist scholars have demonstrated relative gious. diversity.That will be a basic consideration. comfort with the term “theology” — as is Second, we agreed that these summer seminars RSN: So, the summer seminars are not meant evinced in the 1999 edited collection by Roger cannot amount to remedial coursework in for those who are already experts in TRP or Jackson and John Makranksy entitled Buddhist world religions. No doubt faculty participants comparative theology? Theology: Critical Reflections by Contemporary will learn a great deal about traditions other than Buddhist Scholars (RoutledgeCurzon) — AAR Thatamanil: Right. The TESC and the their own, but by way of focused learning and John J. Thatamanil is Assistant Professor of groups tend to talk about “constructive-critical” TRPPC believe that most academic institutions reflection on theologies of religious pluralism Theology at Vanderbilt Divinity School. He is work instead. The AAR explicitly “welcomes all — whether we are speaking of graduate semi- and comparative theology. disciplined reflection on religion — both from naries or undergraduate religious studies depart- the author of The Immanent Divine: God, The core goal of these seminars will be to help within and outside of communities of belief and ments — cannot afford to dedicate faculty lines Creation, and the Human Predicament faculty participants to formulate a working practice” (emphasis added). Naturally, these to specialist scholars in these areas. Meanwhile, (Fortress Press, 2006). He is currently at work answer to the question, “What significance does Religious communities are not just Christian. So, the term nonspecialists are keenly feeling the need to get on a book tentatively entitled my neighbor’s tradition have for my own?” At Diversity after “Religion” (forthcoming from “theology,” within the AAR and hence also for up to speed on the relevant literature and incor- the end of the summer seminar, faculty partici- Fordham University Press). He is Chair of the the TESC, cannot be understood as a narrowly porate theological reflection about religious pants will have worked out the basic elements of Theological Education Steering Committee. Christian term. diversity into their teaching and research. He can be reached at john.j.thatamanil@ their own TRP and have substantive familiarity vanderbilt.edu. Even on the graduate front, theological educa- with current literature in TRP and comparative tion encompasses the various university divinity theology.We also hope to equip faculty partici- schools which have long been and continue to pants to incorporate their learning into restruc- be populated by persons from a variety of tradi- turing their courses. How might the basic course RSN: Congratulations on receiving the tions. Some seminaries also are becoming mul- in theology include a unit on TRP and compar- Planning Grant from the Henry Luce tireligious, both on the faculty side as well as The core goal of these ative theology? How might a course in Hebrew Foundation. What was the grant for, and what among students. Hartford Seminary and Bible, New Testament, or pastoral care take up did you accomplish? seminars will be to help Lutheran Theological Seminary in Chicago are faculty participants to questions of religious diversity? Thatamanil: First, let me say that the examples that come readily to mind. Of course, “ As far as content goes, we begin with the Theological Education Steering Committee graduate theological education also includes the formulate a working assumption that religious traditions have long (TESC) and the AAR are enormously grateful various Jewish seminaries. I expect that in this histories of speaking about other communities to the Luce Foundation for this grant. The grant decade, we will also see the rise of graduate answer to the question, and traditions. So, part of our work will be to enabled the TESC to gather a group of distin- Muslim institutions. Still more broadly, graduate ‘What significance does unearth and to articulate those histories. The guished scholars who work on theologies of reli- and undergraduate theology and religious stud- my neighbor’s tradition subsequent question is this: What should our gious pluralism (TRP) and comparative theolo- ies departments also include Jews, Hindus, traditions say about our religious neighbors? gy to plan a series of summer seminars for theo- Buddhists, Muslims, and others who would have for my own?’ What can we say about our neighbors in the logical educators on TRP and comparative the- characterize their work as “constructive-critical” presence and hearing of those neighbors? ology. Convening as the Theologies of Religious if not “theological.” Pluralism Planning Committee (TRPPC), the RSN: Is there a normative theology of religious RSN: And this religious diversity is central to group included Francis X. Clooney, S.J. pluralism that your group will commend to fac- the work of the TESC and the TRPPC? (Harvard Divinity School), Jeannine Hill ulty seminar participants? Fletcher (Fordham University), Mark Heim Thatamanil: Yes, the work of the TRPPC RSN: You keep referring to theological reflec- ” Thatamanil: Not at all. I doubt that the (Andover Newton Theological School), is to plan summer seminars for faculty on TRP tion about religious diversity, but isn’t such members of this religiously and theologically Anantanand Rambachan (St. Olaf College), and and comparative theology.While religious diver- reflection exclusively a Christian preoccupation? diverse group could come to any such consen- myself (Vanderbilt Divinity School). Peter Ochs sity has been a fact of life in America following Thatamanil:Not at all. As Anant sus! Our task is to introduce seminar partici- (University of Virginia) was unable to join us at the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, Rambachan observed during our planning pants to the best current scholarship in these our meeting, though he will be involved in our few scholars in theological education are trained meeting, religious traditions have always spoken contested fields and to assist seminar participants future work. in TRP and comparative theology.The trouble about other traditions and communities. What in formulating their own positions. The only is that clergy and religious leaders from across RSN: Let’s back up for a moment. What is the is new, Rambachan insists, is that such speaking constraint on all who are present — on instruc- traditions — who are by necessity generalists — TESC, and what is its overall mandate? does and indeed must now happen in the pres- tors and learners — is that we must articulate have to deal routinely with questions about how ence of those others. On the research front, we and defend our convictions in the presence of Thatamanil: Our charge reads as follows: to officiate at interreligious weddings or fulfill are seeing the emergence of new work that goes persons from traditions other than our own. “The Theological Education Steering chaplaincy obligations that require engagement beyond attending to Christian approaches to Committee meets the scholarly and professional with persons across traditions. Life in an ever RSN: But won’t the very fact that the group is religious diversity. Kristin Kiblinger’s Buddhist needs of theological educators by creating pro- more pluralistic nation makes reflection about religiously diverse tilt the conversation in the Inclusivism: Attitudes toward Religious Others grams and services that bring theological studies the nature and meaning of religious diversity a direction of a pluralistic theology of religions of (Ashgate, 2005) is a monograph that comes into the wider conversation of the Academy and mandatory component in theological education. the sort advocated by John Hick or Paul readily to mind. Paul Knitter’s edited volume, enriches the work of theological educators.” The Speaking in Christian terms, we would hardly Knitter? The Myth of Religious Superiority (Orbis, 2004) term “theological educator” in the first instance consider a student training for ordination well- includes Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jewish, and Thatamanil: Not necessarily. Let’s admit refers to all involved in graduate theological edu- prepared if she were unable to work up a good Muslim approaches to religious diversity. that the presence of persons from traditions cation. The term also includes those who teach sermon; likewise, it is hard to see how we could Likewise, David Ray Griffin’s edited collection, other than one’s own, especially among academ- in undergraduate theology departments or reli- call a minister well-prepared for her vocation if Deep Religious Pluralism (WJK, 2005) also ic conversation partners, is likely to generate a gious studies departments who take themselves she finds herself unable to educate her congrega- includes a variety of religious perspectives. spirit of hospitality, but that need not mean that to be theological educators. Anantanand tion about how to respond to widespread resist- we are compelled to agree with each other. Rambachan, a member of the TESC and the ance in her town when Muslims seek to pur- RSN: Is the work of the TRPPC finished? Indeed, there is no agreement within any given TRPPC is a good example. He is a constructive chase an unused church building. Thatamanil: Hardly! Although our work as tradition on these issues. Just as there are theologian, albeit one who operates from within The question of religious diversity also bears on a planning group is largely complete, all mem- Christian exclusivists, inclusivists, and pluralists, the Hindu tradition. every area within theological education and is bers of TRPPC, Peter Ochs included, have there are also Buddhist inclusivists and exclu- RSN: So, the TESC’s charge extends not just a matter to be left to the theologians. agreed to serve as part of the teaching team for sivists. We cannot ignore our neighbors but we beyond Christian terrain and beyond gradu- Church historians have long known that the first run of our summer seminars, providing need not agree with them. Indeed, our willing- ate education? encounter with religious diversity has been a of course, that we receive funding. ness to engage in informed conversation and reality in all historical periods, but that knowl- Thatamanil: It hardly needs to be said that RSN: So what will these summer seminars edge has not sufficiently trickled down to stu- much, indeed most, of what goes by the name look like? What are your basic instructional dents. The reality of religious diversity is (continued on page 15) “theological education” in the North American goals?
14 • March 2008 RSN FOCUS
Realignment of the AAR Executive Staff
Jack Fitzmier, American Academy of Religion
NE RECENT FOCUS of organi- without the need to let anyone go or to add Membership Development: Myesha Jenkins tant, we have created an altogether new role zational leadership is the alignment additional staff. We have fine-tuned job Marketing and Meetings: Aislinn Jones, — that of Membership Development. Oof resources — particularly of staff descriptions, put backup personnel in place Robert Puckett Myesha Jenkins has agreed to take on this resources. Over the last year I have done a in critical offices, and added some func- Information Technology: Joe DeRose challenge. She will help us think about who good deal of thinking about how the tions that were missing. Here is a listing of our members are, why they belong to the While this does not represent a radical Executive Staff of the American Academy our major areas and the staff that work in AAR, and what their professional and restructuring, there are some new features. of Religion is organized. Is it properly each one: scholarly needs are. The changes, as well as We have given sharper focus to two aligned? That is, have we accurately identi- a series of other more modest staffing Executive: Jack Fitzmier areas — Publications, which is headed up fied our needs and do we have the right shifts, are intended to help our Executive Finance and Administration: Deborah by Carey J. Gifford, and Professional staff members in place to meet those needs? Staff to continue its tradition of excellence Minor, Ina Ferrell, Toby Director, Programs, which is headed up by Kyle In most cases, I answered that question in in serving you, our members. If you have Deanna Lord Cole. We have also added a function that the affirmative. But it was also clear that in any questions about the realignment, please Development: Margaret Jenkins was somewhat nascent, but is increasingly other spots, the Executive Staff had gaps contact Jack Fitzmier, AAR Executive Publications: Carey J. Gifford, Stephanie important to the success of the AAR — and lacuna. After a good deal of thought Director, at 404-727-3049. Gray that of Marketing. Aislinn Jones has added and discussion with our senior staff and the Professional Programs: Kyle Cole, Jessica this to her portfolio, and has been able to Executive Committee of the Board, we Davenport do so, in part, because we brought Robert have done a modest realignment of the External Relations: Steve Herrick, Susan Puckett, her assistant, onto the staff in a Atlanta staff. Fortunately, this has occurred Snider full time capacity. Third, and most impor-
(continued from page 14) Mark reports that he finds it difficult, if not RSN: And what about your own work? mer. We will also convene the group at the debate with persons from other traditions is impossible, to form students in their own tradi- Annual Meeting. Naturally, in the first weeklong Thatamanil: Well, my first book was an itself a sign that we take them seriously enough tion without helping those students think meeting, our expert instructors will do the bulk exercise in constructive comparative theology. I to disagree. through what they ought to think about other of the work and introduce participants to the compared Sankara and Tillich on the human traditions. He is also increasingly encountering key questions, themes, methods, and texts in Moreover, there is a perception among some predicament and offered a proposal for what a Christian students who have been significantly TRP and comparative theology.We will also that the question of religious diversity is a matter nondualist Christian theology might look like. formed in and by traditions other than their talk a good bit about the pedagogical challenges of concern for mainline liberals alone, but judg- My current book project is driven by a critical own but now are training to be Christian leaders of integrating this work into coursework and ing by the scholarship, that is not the case. Some worry broached in Jeannine’s book. So much of and seeking to integrate their multiple religious teaching. Our meeting at the Annual Meeting of the best work being done in the field comes TRP has proceeded by taking up the following commitments. For such students, questions of will enable us to take stock of how work done in from evangelicals. I am thinking in particular question: Are the various religions paths up the TRP and comparative theology are absolutely the first summer has been incorporated into the about Amos Yong’s fine work, Beyond the same mountain or paths up different moun- critical. Unfortunately, Mark observes that many teaching and research lives of seminar partici- Impasse: Toward a Pneumatological Theology of tains? Put otherwise, do the religions aspire to theological institutions have little at the heart of pants. That meeting will also enable us to plan Religions (Baker, 2003) in employing his the same good or are there multiple religious their curricula to help students take up these carefully for a second weeklong meeting in the Pentecostal commitments to shift Christian goods or ends? I am increasingly worried about questions. following summer.The second summer will TRP away from an exclusive focus on questions what these questions take for granted: that there include a focus on presentations by seminar par- of soteriology to questions of pneumatology. Jeannine Hill Fletcher has recently published a are in the world a variety of “religions,” that ticipants about their developing perspectives on Given his work in particular, it is no longer pos- ground-breaking book entitled Monopoly on these traditions are sealed off from each other, the central questions of comparative theology sible to characterize — perhaps we should say Salvation? A Feminist Approach to Religious and that these are variations of the same generic and TRP.We very much hope that some of caricature — the evangelical position as narrow- Pluralism (Continuum, 2005). The virtues of reality.These assumptions are problematic not these presentations will find their way to publi- ly exclusivistic. this book are many, not least that it makes a least because they take for granted that soterio- cation. Our Annual Meeting meeting will help compelling case that our religious traditions logical differences come into play only when RSN: What special areas of expertise will this us to identify unanswered questions and special have always been in contact with and shaped by one crosses the boundary between one religion particular group of instructors bring to the first problems that seminar participants want us to each other.That work is part of a larger argu- and another.The obvious problem is that the offering of the summer seminar? treat in greater depth in our second week ment against the reification of religious tradi- traditions we call “religions” are by no means together.The TRPPC is convinced that meeting Thatamanil: Well, first let me say that we tions over against each other. She undercuts internally consistent on soteriological matters. over two summers and at the Annual Meeting will not limit the instructional team to the claims to radical difference between traditions, The more subtle but equally consequential will generate a sense of community and collabo- scholars already mentioned, namely — Clooney, claims that undergird notions of utter incom- problem is this: Just where are the boundaries ration that a single meeting in one summer Heim, Hill Fletcher, Ochs, Rambachan, and mensurability, and she also challenges those who between “religions” to be found? The reality of alone could not accomplish. If funding is forth- myself. Our work would be incomplete without posit an underlying sameness between and “multiple religious participation” makes conven- coming, we hope to have the first meeting of Muslim and Buddhist perspectives at the very across traditions. Here, her critique challenges tional talk about “religions” in the plural rather our summer seminar in May 2009. least. A second caveat is that each of these schol- the work of both John Hick and our own Mark problematic. ars would do a far better job at characterizing Heim. Her work also sheds new light on impor- RSN: What will you look for when selecting RSN readers also know that there has been an their own work than I am able to do. Finally, tant postcolonial themes like hybridity. Her cur- seminar participants? Will there be an applica- explosion of important scholarship, much of it I’m certain that in a seminar for faculty learners, rent and future work is also concerned to tion process? coming from postcolonial quarters, that renders the participants themselves will offer an abun- explore the lived experience of women’s interreli- problematic the very idea of “religion.” I am Thatamanil: We have not yet developed dance of resources. gious dialogue. thinking especially about the work of Talal Asad application forms. But, in short, yes. We envi- Now to your question: Peter Ochs’s work on scriptural reasoning as a and S. N. Balagangadhara in anthropology but sion an application process, and we hope to way of advancing an Abrahamic trialogue is well also the impressive work of scholars like have funding for faculty participants to attend Francis X. Clooney, S.J. ranks as perhaps our known. In a recent essay, Ochs characterizes Timothy Fitzgerald, Richard King, Russell these summer meetings. We are also hoping to most distinguished comparative theologian. His scriptural reasoning as, “pragmatic, postliberal, McCutcheon, and others. A conclusion to be have funding in place for follow up grants that work focuses on how to read Hindu texts with scriptural, and inter-Abrahamic.” He also notes drawn from their work is that critical scholar- will enable faculty participants to take on some care in their home contexts and then bring that scriptural reasoning is especially concerned ship cannot take the category “religion” and its project for their home institution. This might those texts into conversation with Christian the- to correct for modern liberal theology’s insuffi- contrast term “the secular” for granted. mean funding for a lecture series on TRP and ology. He has recently completed a Christian cient attention to questions of everyday practice. Theology of religious pluralism, has by and comparative theology, funds that will help in commentary on a key work of the Sri Vaisnava He brings a wealth of experience to the work of large, done just that. My sense is that it is high course creation, and the like. We will ask appli- theologian Vedanta Desika as well as a second comparative theology. time for TRP and comparative theology to con- cants to articulate just why a movement into book on loving surrender in Francis De Sales sider what this scholarship has to say about our this work is the next natural phase in their and Vedanta Desika. Anantanand Rambachan writes as a constructive enterprise. teaching and scholarly lives. For now, we would thinker within the Hindu tradition of Advaita Mark Heim has argued that talk about religious welcome expressions of interest via E-mail so Vedanta. His work is particularly concerned to RSN: How will the summer seminar be struc- traditions as paths to the selfsame end is limited that we can send out application materials take up the tension between 19th and 20th cen- tured? if not mistaken. He argues for a multiplicity of should funding come through. tury representations of Hinduism as “mystical” salvations, a diversity of religious ends. Mark Thatamanil: Briefly, our planning group and anti-scriptural and his own experience of also makes a complementary effort to find in decided that the most promising format for the the Advaita tradition as fundamentally commit- the trinity a constructive Christian theological kind of collaborative work we hope to generate ted to exegesis and commentary. Rambachan foundation for attention to the distinctive char- will require that these summer seminars meet has extensive experience in interreligious dia- acter of other religions. In his teaching work, over two summers for one full week each sum- logue at national and international levels.
March 2008 RSN • 15 Religious Studies News 2008 Committee Roster
Board of Directors Graduate Student Committee Anne E. Monius, Harvard University,Texts Job Placement Task Force and Translations Officers *Chase Skorburg, Chair, Harvard University Theodore Vial, Iliff School of Theology, *Deanna A. Thompson, Chair, Hamline *Whitney Bauman, Graduate Theological Reflection & Theory in the Study of Religion University Emilie M. Townes, President, Yale University Union Carey J. Gifford, Staff Liaison, American *Alice Hunt, Vanderbilt University Mark Juergensmeyer, President-elect, *Annie Blakeney-Glazer, University of Academy of Religion *Davina C. Lopez, Eckerd College University of California, Santa Barbara North Carolina, Chapel Hill *Albert G. Miller, Oberlin College *Ann Taves, Vice President, University of *Janet Gunn, University of Ottawa Regions Committee *Wayne Proudfoot, Columbia University California, Santa Barbara *Cameron Jorgenson, Baylor University *Timothy M. Renick, Georgia State Jacqueline Z. Pastis, Chair, La Salle University *Michel Desjardins, Secretary, Wilfrid *Nichole Phillips, Vanderbilt University University *Douglas R. McGaughey, Willamette Laurier University Myesha D. Jenkins, Staff Liaison, American Carey J. Gifford, Staff Liaison, American University *David Thibodeau, Treasurer, Nashville, TN Academy of Religion Academy of Religion *Brian K. Pennington, Maryville College Members International Connections Religion in the Schools Task Force Committee Status of Racial and Ethnic Linda L. Barnes, Boston University Minorities in the Profession Diane L. Moore, Chair, Harvard University *Donna Bowman, Honors College Richard M. Jaffe, Chair, Duke University Committee Ann Marie B. Bahr, South Dakota State Francis X. Clooney, Harvard University *Edward Phillip Antonio, Iliff School of University Anthony B. Pinn, Chair, Rice University Eugene V. Gallagher, Connecticut College Theology Betty A. DeBerg, University of Northern Iowa Akintunde Ebunolu Akinade, High Point W.Clark Gilpin, University of Chicago Jonathan E. Brockopp, Pennsylvania State *David Haberman, Indiana University, University Fred Glennon, Le Moyne College University Bloomington Miguel A. De La Torre, Iliff School of Hans J. Hillerbrand, Duke University Teresia Mbari Hinga, Santa Clara University *Bruce B. Lawrence, Duke University Theology Alice Hunt, Vanderbilt University Xiaofei Kang, Carnegie Mellon University Stephanie McAllister, Brookline High School Melanie L. Harris, Texas Christian University Richard M. Jaffe, Duke University * Tat-siong Benny Liew, Pacific School of Steve Herrick, Staff Liaison, American Zayn Kassam, Pomona College *Scott T. Kline, St. Jerome’s University Religion Academy of Religion Grace Ji-Sun Kim, Moravian Theological Susan M. Maloney, University of Redlands Kyle Cole, Staff Liaison, American Academy of Seminary Charles Mathewes, University of Virginia Religion Status of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Myesha D. Jenkins, Staff Liaison, American Douglas R. McGaughey, Willamette Academy of Religion Transgendered Persons in the University Nominations Committee Profession Task Force *John J. O’Keefe, Creighton University Hans J. Hillerbrand, Chair, Duke University Status of Women in the Profession Melissa M. Wilcox, Chair, Whitman College Jacqueline Z. Pastis, La Salle University Rebecca T.Alpert, Temple University *Jennifer Harvey, Duke University Brian K. Pennington, Maryville College Committee Linell E. Cady, Arizona State University Mark D. Jordan, Emory University *Nichole Phillips, Vanderbilt University Alice Hunt, Chair, Vanderbilt University *Stacy Patty, Lubbock Christian University *Laurel C. Schneider, Chicago Theological Sarah M. Pike, California State University, Stacey M. Floyd-Thomas, Texas Christian *Jeffrey L. Stout, Princeton University Seminary Chico University *Jonathan L. Walton, University of D. Mark Wilson, Pacific School of Religion Anthony B. Pinn, Rice University M. Gail Hamner, Syracuse University California, Riverside Joe DeRose, Staff Liaison, American Academy Jeffrey L. Stout, Princeton University *Nadia M. Lahutsky, Texas Christian John R. Fitzmier, Staff Liaison, American of Religion Sarah McFarland Taylor, Northwestern University Academy of Religion University Karen Pechilis, Drew University Sustainability Task Force Deanna A. Thompson, Hamline University Program Committee Judith Plaskow, Manhattan College Aislinn Jones, Staff Liaison, American *Sarah McFarland Taylor, Chair, Standing Committees John R. Fitzmier, Chair, American Academy of Academy of Religion Northwestern University Religion *Roger S. Gottlieb, Worcester Polytechnic Academic Relations Committee Michel Desjardins, Wilfrid Laurier University Teaching and Learning Committee Institute Mark Juergensmeyer, University of California, *Laurel D. Kearns, Drew Theological Eugene V.Gallagher, Chair, Connecticut Fred Glennon, Chair, Le Moyne College Santa Barbara School College *Edwin David Aponte, Lancaster *Ellen Ott Marshall, Claremont School of *Isabel Mukonyora, Western Kentucky Tazim Kassam, Spotlight Editor, Syracuse Theological Seminary Theology Institute University Chester Gillis, Georgetown University Charles Mathewes, University of Virginia *John J. O’Keefe, Creighton University Carolyn Medine, University of Georgia L. DeAne Lagerquist, St. Olaf College *Evelyn L. Parker, Southern Methodist *Barbara A. B. Patterson, Emory University Paul Myhre, Wabash Center *Rosetta Ross, Spelman College University Kyle Cole, Staff Liaison, American Academy of *Andrew Sung Park, United Theological Steve Young, McHenry County College Michelene Pesantubbee, University of Iowa Religion Seminary Kyle Cole, Staff Liaison, American Academy of Jeffrey L. Stout, Princeton University *Tina Pippin, Agnes Scott College Religion *Ann Taves, University of California, Santa Theological Education Steering David C. Ratke, Lenoir-Rhyne College Barbara Kyle Cole, Staff Liaison & Virtual Teaching Committee Executive Committee Emilie M. Townes, Yale University and Learning Center Editor, American John Thatamanil, Chair, Vanderbilt University Emilie M. Townes, Chair, Yale University Public Understanding of Religion Academy of Religion Daniel O. Aleshire, Association of Theological *Michel Desjardins, Wilfrid Laurier Committee Schools University Ad Hoc Committees, Larry Golemon, Alban Institute *Alice Hunt, Vanderbilt University Sarah Pike, Chair, California State University, David H. Kelsey, Yale University Mark Juergensmeyer, University of California, Chico Task Forces, and Juries Paul Lim, Vanderbilt University Santa Barbara Shaun Allen Casey, Wesley Theological Career Services Advisory Committee *Anant Rambachan, St. Olaf College *Sarah M. Pike, California State University, Seminary Glen Stassen, Fuller Theological Seminary Chico *Diane Connolly, Religion Newswriters/ Jessica Davenport, Chair, American Academy Kathleen T.Talvacchia, New York University Anthony B. Pinn, Rice University ReligionLink of Religion Barbara Brown Zikmund, Wesley Theological Jeffrey L. Stout, Princeton University Lawrence Mamiya, Vassar College Dwight N. Hopkins, University of Chicago Seminary *Ann Taves, University of California, Santa Colleen McDannell, University of Utah Jason Steuber, Glasgow University Carey J. Gifford, Staff Liaison, American Barbara Ronald F.Thiemann, Harvard University Academy of Religion Deanna A. Thompson, Hamline University Steve Herrick, Staff Liaison, American Governance Task Force John R. Fitzmier, Staff Liaison, American Academy of Religion Book Awards, Awards for Excellence *Jeffrey L. Stout, Co-chair, Princeton Academy of Religion Juries Publications Committee University Finance Committee *Emilie M. Townes, Co-chair, Yale Malcolm David Eckel, Coordinator of Juries, Francis X. Clooney, Chair, Harvard University University Boston University David Thibodeau, Treasurer, Nashville, TN Kimberly Rae Connor, University of San *Rebecca Alpert, Temple University Myesha D. Jenkins, Staff Liaison, American *Donna Bowman, Honors College Francisco, Academy *David Kyuman Kim, Connecticut College Academy of Religion Eugene V.Gallagher, Connecticut College Susan E. Henking, Hobart and William Smith *Robert W. Lovin, Southern Methodist Jack Fitzmier, Staff Liaison, American Colleges, Teaching Religious Studies University ANALYTICAL–DESCRIPTIVE STUDIES Academy of Religion Jacob Kinnard, Iliff School of Theology, *Jacqueline Pastis, La Salle University David Carrasco, Harvard University Religion, Culture, and History *Nelly Van Doorn-Harder, Valparaiso Amy M. Hollywood, Harvard University Kevin Madigan, Harvard University,Texts and University Steven P.Hopkins, Swarthmore College Translations John R. Fitzmier, Staff Liaison, American Charles Mathewes, University of Virginia, Academy of Religion CONSTRUCTIVE–REFLECTIVE STUDIES JAAR Editor Francis X. Clooney, Harvard University (continued on next page) 16 • March 2008 RSN NEWS
HISTORICAL STUDIES Catherine Brekus, University of Chicago David Frankfurter, University of New Hampshire Norman J. Girardot, Lehigh University Best First Book in the History of Religions Jury Rebecca T. Alpert Edward Phillip Antonio Edwin David Aponte Paula K. R. Arai Whitney Bauman Annie Blakeney-Glazer Pamela Klassen, Chair, Victoria College *Paula K. R. Arai, Louisiana State University *Ebrahim E. J. Moosa, Duke University Louis A. Ruprecht, Georgia State University Myesha D. Jenkins, Staff Liaison, American Academy of Religion Research Grant Jury Kathleen M. Erndl, Florida State University *James L. Ford, Wake Forest University Donna Bowman Diane Connolly Michel Desjardins James L. Ford Roger S. Gottlieb Janet Gunn *Amir Hussain, Loyola Marymount University Patricia O’Connell Killen, Pacific Lutheran University John R. Fitzmier, Staff Liaison, American Academy of Religion * indicates newly appointed or elected. Photo, if available, at right.
Call for Committee David Haberman Jennifer Harvey Alice Hunt Amir Hussain Cameron Jorgenson Laurel D. Kearns Nominations
Each year members of the American Academy of Religion are invited to nominate persons to fill open positions on AAR Standing Committees, Task Forces, and Juries. This year there are openings on the following groups: * Academic Relations Committee David Kyuman Kim Scott T. Kline Nadia M. Lahutsky Bruce B. Lawrence Tat-siong Benny Liew Davina Lopez * Book Award Juries * Career Services Advisory Committee * History of Religions Jury * International Connections Committee * Nominations Committee * Public Understanding of Religion Committee * Publications Committee * Research Grant Jury * Status of Racial and Ethnic Minorities in Robert W. Lovin Ellen Ott Marshall Douglas R. McGaughey Albert G. Miller Ebrahim E. J. Moosa Isabel Mukonyora the Profession Committee * Status of Women in the Profession Committee * Teaching and Learning Committee * Theological Education Steering Committee Nominations for positions on these groups must be made in writing, and must include 1) a description of the nominee’s academic and professional interests; 2) a summary of John J. OʼKeefe Andrew Sung Park Evelyn L. Parker Jacqueline Pastis Barbara A. B. Patterson Stacy Patty the nominee’s activity in the AAR; 3) a state- ment describing the nominee’s interest or promise for a particular assignment; and 4) a current copy of the nominee’s curriculum vita. Members may nominate themselves. All nominees must be members in good standing of the AAR. Nominations must be received by May 1, 2008, and may be e-mailed, faxed, or posted to: Brian K. Pennington Nichole Phillips Sarah M. Pike Tina Pippin Wayne Proudfoot Anant Rambachan Jack Fitzmier Executive Director American Academy of Religion Suite 300 825 Houston Mill Road NE Atlanta, GA 30329 USA Fax: 404-727-7959 [email protected] Emilie Townes, President of the AAR, will review nominations and make selections dur- Timothy M. Renick Rosetta Ross Laurel C. Schneider Chase Skorburg Jeffrey L. Stout Ann Taves ing August and September 2008. Nominees will be notified of their status soon there- after. If you have questions about particular assignments, please feel free to contact the AAR’s Executive Staff, Board members, or Committee/Task Force chairs. Committee descriptions and rosters are available on the web at www.aarweb.org/about_AAR/ committees. Sarah McFarland Taylor David Thibodeau Deanna A. Thompson Emilie M. Townes Nelly Van Doorn-Harder Jonathan L. Walton
March 2008 RSN • 17 Religious Studies News
THE AAR THANKS THE FOLLOWING OUTGOING Update on Government COMMITTEE,TASK FORCE, AND JURY MEMBERS Relations Program Richard Amesbury, Claremont School of Theology (Graduate Student) Ellen T. Armour, Vanderbilt University (Research Grants) Ali S. Asani, Harvard University (Religion in the Schools) HE AAR CONTINUED to support 30th anniversary approaches, looking back John Berthrong, Boston University (Research Grants) and expand its government relations on Jonestown. This is the 10th consecutive Kimberly Bresler, Princeton Theological Seminary (Graduate Student) T program in 2007. During the year, the year the AAR has facilitated such meetings. Karen McCarthy Brown, Drew University (History of Religions) AAR advocated for increased federal fund- Scholars volunteering time to participate in Richard M. Carp, Appalachian State University (Academic Relations) ing for the humanities and coordinated the sessions were Amir Hussain, John John C. Cavadini, University of Notre Dame (Program) almost a dozen meetings for FBI and prison Kelsay, Ruth Mas, Rebecca Moore, David Francis X. Clooney, Harvard University (Executive) chaplaincy program officials to meet with Rapoport, Tamara Sonn, John Voll, and Frederick M. Denny, University of Colorado, Boulder (Rocky Mountains–Great scholars on a variety of issues related to reli- Catherine Wessinger. gious beliefs and practices. Plains Regionally Elected Director) Also in November, for the fourth straight James A. Donahue, Graduate Theological Union (Nominations) In March 2007, the AAR and 36 other year, the AAR arranged meetings between Diana L. Eck, Harvard University (Executive, Nominations, and Program) scholarly associations co-sponsored directors of prison chaplaincy programs and Robert Flanigan, Spelman College (Finance) Humanities Advocacy Day, an annual event religion scholars. Patrick McCollum, an Nancy Frankenberry, Dartmouth College (Nominations) in Washington, D.C., organized by the AAR member and prison chaplain from Jin Hee Han, New York Theological Seminary (International Connections) National Humanities Alliance. AAR board California, helped plan the agenda and co- Bradley L. Herling, Marymount Manhattan College (Graduate Student) members Frederick Denny and Stacy Patty, chaired the meetings. Topics discussed in Richard Heyduck, Northeast Texas Community College (Religion in the Schools) member Scott Collins-Jones, and staffers the seven meetings were Wicca and Thomas P. Kasulis, Ohio State University (History of Religions) Steve Herrick and Shelly Roberts met with Neopaganism; legislation affecting religion Melissa Johnston-Barrett, Emory University (Graduate Student) congressional staff from Colorado, Georgia, in prison; Kabbalah; Native-American Julia A. Lamm, Georgetown University (Book Awards Jury) Pennsylvania, and Texas to advocate for Traditions; Scientology; Afro-Caribbean tra- Jane Marie Law, Cornell University (Regions and Eastern International Regionally increased funding for the National ditions; and Islam. States represented by the Elected Director) Endowment for the Humanities. NEH is prison chaplaincy directors included Bruce B. Lawrence, Duke University (History of Religions) the largest funder of humanities programs Colorado, Connecticut, Indiana, Missouri, Maurice Lee, Harvard University (Graduate Student) in the United States. At the time of the RSN Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, Davina C. Lopez, Eckerd College (Graduate Student) copy deadline, the AAR is supporting fund- North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Daisy L. Machado, Union Theological Seminary (Theological Education) ing of the $160 million approved by the Texas. Two officials from the Federal Bureau Heather A. McKay, Edge Hill University (International Connections) House Appropriations Committee for fiscal of Prisons and one from the American Stephanie Y. Mitchem, University of South Carolina (Status of Women in the year 2008, which is an increase of $19 mil- Correctional Chaplains Association were Profession) lion above the fiscal year 2007 NEH appro- also in attendance. The following scholars Gustav Niebuhr, Syracuse University (Public Understanding of Religion) priation. volunteered their time to participate in Stacy L. Patty, Lubbock Christian University (Executive and Southwest Regionally these informative sessions: Mary Ann Clark, In November, the AAR arranged four meet- Elected Director) Noel Erskine, Eugene Gallagher, Pinchas ings between scholars and three FBI offi- Michelene Pesantubbee, University of Iowa (Executive) Giller, Wendy Griffin, Marcia Hermansen, cials. Each meeting covered a different Timothy M. Renick, Georgia State University (Teaching and Learning) Aminah Beverly McCloud, Barbara topic: Islam and charity; religion and politi- Sarah McFarland Taylor, Northwestern University (Regions) McGraw, Michael McNally, Sarah Pike, Ines cal violence; Islam and the West; and, as the Nelly Van Doorn-Harder, Valparaiso University (Program) Talamantez, and Michael York. Lynne Westfield, Drew University (Religion in the Schools) Chun-Fang Yu, Columbia University (Academic Relations)
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18 • March 2008 RSN FEATURES In the Public Interest Going Public on Religion: Paradise or Pitfall? Colleen McDannell, University of Utah
demanding questions and prefers its religion to Diane Winston, a self-confessed “recovering Winston also suggested “doing it yourself,” be trivial, entertaining, and irrelevant. journalist,” admitted to committing all of the especially in the area of new media sins that Orsi and Prothero attributed to the (Internet sites, blogging, podcasts) that are A critic of media, Orsi reminded the audience media. For her, the overarching question was replacing the mainstream media of newspa- that news reporters failed to challenge the gov- “So what?” So what if reporters only discuss the pers and magazines. The democratic nature ernment’s assertions about Iraq’s “weapons of paper on the Church of the Flying Spaghetti of the new media allows for scholars to mass destruction.” Unfortunately, this is because Monster? For Winston, the stakes are too high become reporters. Blogging opens the flow reporters merely restate what they already to get frustrated about the current state of jour- of information by encouraging individuals “know” about a subject. When scholars of reli- nalism. Like Prothero, Winston believes that as to shape public discourse as they see fit. gion try to convey the complexity of an event, scholars we need to improve the level of educa- Looking for stories of religion constructed reporters simplify their ideas into sound bites tion about religion in whatever ways we can. with more sensitivity and nuance? Check and select quotes that affirm what they already out the Internet. One example Winston have decided to say about a particular story. In Winston reminded the audience that journalists, provided is the newly launched newsinitia- this sense, the news media does not come to us of whatever media, have limitations that they tive.org. Journalism programs from to be educated about our areas of expertise. The cannot control. They often practice self–censor- Columbia, Berkeley, University of Southern hard, disciplined language of scholarship is ship, knowing what stories or ideas will or will California, and Northwestern University needed to say complicated and significant things not get by their own editors. Current journalism Colleen McDannell is professor of History also post in-depth stories about religion. and Sterling M. McMurrin Professor of about religion in contexts in which we have standards push reporters to produce stories that Religious Studies at the University of Utah more control. are “balanced” rather than true. They under- While expressing generally positive feelings stand all stories as having two sides and they toward “going public on religion,” the audience in Salt Lake City. In 1984 she received her Orsi concluded by raising a larger question: look to find speakers to support one side or the raised several important issues. University doctorate from Temple University in Why are we all so hungry to get into the news? Philadelphia. Her most recent book is an other.This conflict narrative form has taken administrators might be excited to find their fac- edited volume, Catholics in the Movies Stephen Prothero provided one possible answer: over as the model for reporting and so scholars ulty members on television or reviewed in the (Oxford 2007). Picturing Faith: Tofeed the masses. Although Americans are the need to work hard at breaking down this binary New York Times, but tenure committees are less Photography and the Great Depression most religious people in the Western world, we orientation. One way of doing this is to cultivate impressed. Departments rarely have standards in (Yale University Press 2004) spun-off a are also the most ignorant on the basic facts of your local reporter. Reporters can be students place for evaluating new forms of public scholar- 45–photograph exhibition that travels religion. This ignorance has serious civic and too. It is their very curiosity about how the ship. Where does blogging fit into standard pro- throughout the country. Professor international repercussions. All of us should find world works that motivated them to join the fessional evaluation criteria? Does giving a talk at McDannell is also the author of Material a way to teach not just our students and col- profession in the first place. As scholars, we need a local mosque fall under the category of service Christianity: Religion and Popular leagues, but the general public. This public to patiently educate not every reporter who calls or teaching? If scholarship is our craft, how do Culture in America, (Yale University Press ranges from our neighbors who go to the local up on the phone, but one or two we trust to we make our prolonged conversation with stu- 1995); Heaven: A History, co-authored church to the international readers of the New take seriously our scholarly approach to the dents and colleagues more significant? with Bernhard Lang (Yale University Press, York Times. As public intellectuals, our moderate study of religion. second edition 2001), and The Christian voices work to drown out the extreme ones who Home in Victorian America: 1840–1900 often command attention by sheer force of will. (Indiana University Press 1986). She has As scholars, we need to model a different way of also edited a two-volume documents reader, The Religions of the United States in talking about religion. Practice (Princeton 2001). For Prothero, “writing is a passion” and so he 2007–2008 enjoys communicating to a general audience. To follow Prothero’s model, writing in clear and RESEARCH GRANT WINNERS HEN THE San Diego Union- accessible prose should be promoted by doctoral COLLABORATIVE Tribune reported on the programs and encouraged among our col- Adele Reinhartz, University of Ottawa WNovember AAR meeting, writer leagues. While his first university press book per- AAR Heart (Transplant) and Soul: How Movies Mediate Meaning Sandi Dolbee couldn’t pass up the chance haps had a stunning 500 readers, his more com- ESEARCH Collaborator: Sam Shemie, University of Ottawa to mention the Church of the Flying mercial books were reviewed in all the major R Spaghetti Monster. Did her November 17th newspapers, resulted in talk show appearances, GRANT INDIVIDUAL article promote or ridicule the academic study of and thus reached larger audiences. Julius Bailey, University of Redlands religion? Noted religion scholars Robert A. Orsi PROGRAM Making a Homeland: Race, Religion, and the Meaning of Africa in “Going public,” however, has its challenges. the Nineteenth-Century African Methodist Episcopal Church (Northwestern University), Stephen Prothero Neither reporters nor the public are comfortable (Boston University), and Diane Winston Jennifer Eichman, Seton Hall University “worshiping the God of bracketing.” They want Buddhist-Inspired Contemporary Art: Zhu Ming and His Network (University of Southern California) — all fea- DID YOU to know who you are and where you stand. For tured at a Special Topics Forum sponsored by KNOW THAT William P.Harman, University of Tennessee, Chattanooga this reason, personal questions about religious the Public Understanding of Religion you could receive Suicide Bombers Become Goddesses: Women, Apotheosis, and affiliation cannot and should not be avoided Sacrificial Violence in South Asia Committee — had some answers. Each laid out when speaking to a broader public. For up to $5,000 in distinct ways that we should understand our Steven Heine, Florida International University Prothero, revealing rather than concealing research assistance roles as public intellectuals. Sacred High City, Sacred Low City: A Tale of Religious Sites in Two allowed him to come alive and to speak in a from the AAR? Tokyo Neighborhoods While Robert Orsi voiced great respect for his voice more fully his own. Since 1992, the Jennifer G. Jesse, Truman State University colleagues who talk to the media, he does not. At the same time, he quickly learned that “going Academy has There’s a Methodism to His Madness: William Blake as a Religious For Orsi, the “true public” for scholars of reli- Moderate public” means giving up control. A news show gion is our students and our colleagues. By awarded over asked him to give his “religion literacy quiz” to Greg Johnson, University of Colorado at Boulder doing what we do best — teaching and $500,000 to some high school students to see how they Religion in the Moment: Contemporary Lives of Indigenous researching — we reach in a sophisticated and members for Traditions would fare. The student’s teacher, however, nuanced manner a surprisingly wide public. found the test and prepared the students in individual and Frank J. Korom, Boston University Students talk to their families and friends (what advance. When the students responded with collaborative From Guru to Shaykh: Bawa Muhaiyyaddeen and the Making of we might think of as an extended field of others Transnational Sufi “Family” uncharacteristically insightful answers, the aston- research projects. who will be affected by what we teach: “the ished news reporter kept filming until more typ- Leela Prasad, Duke University ghosts in the classrooms”) and in this way The application Annotating Pastimes: Oral Narrative and Religion in Colonial India ical “dumb” answers were given. These were the spread our insights wider than we think. When deadline is August responses that were subsequently broadcast. Irate Miranda Eberle Shaw, University of Richmond students go home for Thanksgiving break, for parents then e-mailed Prothero, blaming the 1st of each year. Buddhist Goddesses of Tibet and Nepal: Final Phase of Fieldwork instance, they might bring the latest fact they whole affair on him. For application Kerry Martin Skora, Hiram College learned about radical Islam or Vatican II to the information and Recollecting Minling Thrichen Rinpoche’s Vision: The History and dinner table. In similar ways, our colleagues Unlike Orsi, Prothero believes it is worth the Contemporary Lived Experience of a Seventeenth-Century extend far beyond the walls of our departments risk to have our knowledge “produced” in ways eligibility Mindroling Monastery and Its Holy Landscape in Central Bhutan because professional contacts have become that may be blatantly false or pitifully simplistic. requirements, see Manuel A. Vasquez, University of Florida increasingly international and multidisciplinary. “Going public” means gaining new audiences www.aarweb.org/ Performing Identities and Spaces among Brazilian and Congolese By focusing our attentions on what we have and learning new ways of talking about ideas grants. Immigrants in London and Atlanta: The Case of Two Transnational been trained to do, we avoid the temptation to that matter. It means learning how to speak Religious Networks engage in a celebrity culture that rarely asks with compassion about religion to ordinary peo- ple in language they can understand. March 2008 RSN • 19 Religious Studies News
American Academy of Religion From the Student Desk Student Liaison Group Spring 2008 Getting Stuck Overseas? Reflections on Graduate Studies Abroad The Student Liaison Group (SLG) is composed of AAR graduate student members who are appointed or elected by their department to serve. Currently, the Student Liaison Group is open to students J. Patrick Hornbeck II, Fordham University enrolled in a PhD program. Student liaisons are a resource for stu- ensure that they have sufficient breadth as dents who need information about AAR’s programs and services. well as depth of knowledge; without con- They also report on the needs and activities of students to the stu- stant deadlines, they must quickly master dent director and participate in efforts to expand student involve- self–discipline. ment in the Academy. If you would like more information about how your PhD program can be represented, contact Myesha D. Crucial to this process is the relationship Jenkins at [email protected]. The next appointment period is between a student and his or her supervisor. August 2008. If having a supportive adviser and committee is important to American doctoral students, 1. Baylor University, Cameron Jorgenson it is the sine qua non of graduate studies in Oxford. Since the supervisor is the individual 2. Boston College, Bede Bidlack with whom a student will have almost exclu- 3. Catholic University of America, Jay Carney sive contact, the importance of choosing him or her cannot be underestimated. I have ben- 4. Chicago Theological Seminary, Adam Kotsko efited immensely from a supervisor who has 5. Columbia University, Daniel Vaca consistently shown interest in my develop- ment as a historian of late medieval 6. Concordia University, Laurie Lamoureux Scholes J. Patrick Hornbeck is a doctoral candidate in theology at the University of Christianity and as a scholar more generally, 7. University of Dayton, Coleman Fannin Oxford and senior scholar of Christ who has gone out of his way to argue on my behalf, and who has made it clear that the 8. Drew University, Krista Hughes Church. In the fall of 2007, he will become assistant professor of theology at flourishing of his graduate students ranks 9. Duke University, Susanna L. Drake Fordham University in New York. high among his priorities. My time in Britain would have been significantly poorer without 10. Emory University, Matthew Bersagel Braley this support, and I would encourage students 11. Florida State University, Kathleen Hladky thinking about applying for a British gradu- ate degree to identify a potential supervisor 12. University of Florida, Eleanor Finnegan HE NEWS THAT I had been accept- and to get a sense of what a working rela- 13. Fuller Theological Seminary, Matt Hamsher ed into Oxford University’s graduate tionship with him or her might be like program in theology was greeted by before signing on the dotted line. 14. Graduate Theological Union, Erin Brigham T my professors at Georgetown with a blend The intellectual independence I have 15. Harvard University, Linford Fisher of delight and skepticism. “It looks like a enjoyed and the close relationship I have compelling offer,” I was told on several 16. Iliff School of Theology, Stephanie Yuhas developed with my advisor have been at the occasions, “but don’t take it: you’ll only heart of my Oxford experience. I have also 17. Loyola University, Chicago, Andrea Hollingsworth end up getting stuck permanently in gained from being in close proximity to Britain.” It seemed that everyone had a 18. McGill University, Lei Kuan Lai archives of primary sources and to a com- story of another American who had pur- munity of scholars of late medieval and 19. McMaster University, Sherry Smith sued doctoral studies abroad and then early modern England likely unequaled found it impossible to secure a position 20. University of Missouri, Kansas City, Day Lane outside the United Kingdom. These and back home. other circumstances have made my decision 21. University of Oxford, Brian Frank Curry In the end, I took the plunge and headed to come to Oxford the right one for me, 22. Pacifica Graduate Institute, Joe Good across the pond. What I discovered was an but it is not necessarily right for everyone. academic system whose methods and prior- Some will prefer a broader program of 23. Princeton University, Jimmy Yu ities diverged sharply from those I had been study; others will benefit from the more 24. Southern Methodist University, Mary C. Moorman accustomed to in the United States. It is structured approach of North American only now, with four years of hindsight, that universities. 25. Union Theological Seminary, New York, K. Christine Pae I have been able to see how the many pecu- But for those who do choose to pursue 26. Union Theological Seminary & Presbyterian School of liarities of life and study in Oxford have their graduate work overseas, and who wish shaped my habits as a thinker and teacher. Christian Education, Tammie Marie Grimm ultimately to return to the United States, a Those peculiarities are clearly not suited to word of warning. I have often found myself 27. University of Toronto, Rebekka King everyone. But for those who embark upon tempted to lose touch with North the experience with a sense of what is in 28. University of Virginia, Timothy P. McConnell American academe, and I am grateful that store for them and a willingness to invest a number of mentors reminded me to forge 29. University of Waterloo, Mandy Furney time in sustaining relationships with col- connections and attend conferences on leagues and institutions on both sides of 30. Wheaton College, Michael D. White both sides of the Atlantic, to stay involved the Atlantic, graduate studies abroad can be with the AAR and other professional highly rewarding. organizations, and to seek out teaching The most obvious difference between an opportunities, where possible, in both sys- Oxford (indeed, a British) graduate pro- tems. Indeed, there are more than pragmat- gram and an American one has to do with ic gains to be realized, not least because the independence. Broadly speaking, British opportunity to learn and to teach in both doctorates are research–based; there is no the highly individualized British tradition In the Next Issue of mandatory coursework, there are no com- and its broader–based American counter- prehensive exams, and the degree is award- part can lead to the cross–pollination of Spotlight on Teaching: ed exclusively on the merits of the disserta- ideas and practices within academic special- tion. Even so-called “taught” graduate ties and with regard to pedagogy. courses may involve no more than two or Signifying (on) Scriptures: So should American applicants to graduate three hours of contact time per week. The school be worried about “getting stuck” Reorienting Teaching and Research result is that graduate students have an overseas? Some may well decide to remain unparalleled degree of freedom: they can abroad of their own volition. But with read widely, attend lectures and seminars in Guest Editor: Vincent L. Wimbush some careful choices during the application fields outside their own, and develop their process and some careful planning after- ideas at their own pace. But this freedom ward, no one need be permanently disad- also entails responsibilities: without com- vantaged by the presence of a long–term prehensive exams, students must themselves student visa in a passport.
20 • March 2008 RSN FEATURES
Research Briefing Editor’s Note: Grace G. Burford received an AAR Individual Research Grant in 2005, which she used to conduct the research A Pivotal Decade in the Life and Work of I. B. Horner outlined here. Grace G. Burford, Prescott College
Horner came to write Women under encountered briefly in Ceylon on the way Thus, in this one decade, Horner made Primitive Buddhism. So during that to India. Upon her return to Cambridge, her first trip to Asia, developed an interest research trip I gathered together the infor- Horner continued her discussions of reli- in Theravada- Buddhism, established a mation I had already obtained about gion in her correspondence with D. J. friendship with D. J. Stephen (with whom Horner’s early life, and then focused my Stephen. In 1923 Horner became the she engaged in extensive correspondence attention on discovering as much as I Librarian at Newnham College, a position on matters related to religion), undertook could about what Horner did during the she would hold until she left Cambridge the study of Pali- language and Theravada- decade of the 1920s. in 1936. In 1925 Horner contacted Buddhism, began her working relationship then–PTS president Caroline Rhys Davids with Caroline Rhys Davids (who would Horner’s upbringing and education pre- and expressed an interest in learning more serve as Horner’s most significant mentor pared her for a life of international travel, about Buddhism. It was Rhys Davids — in the study of Pali- language and texts language study, and a focus on women. herself a dedicated feminist — who sug- until Rhys Davids’s death in 1941), and Raised in a moneyed middle-class family gested the topic of women and Buddhism fell in love with Elsie Butler (Horner and at a time when women were beginning to to Horner. For the latter half of the 1920s Butler remained together until Butler’s break into higher education, Horner Horner immersed herself in the study that death in 1959). All of these developments attended (1914–17) one of the two newly would result in the publication of Women fed into Horner’s lifelong interest in established women’s colleges at Cambridge Grace G. Burford is (the only) Professor of under Primitive Buddhism. In the summer women in Buddhism, and established pat- University, Newnham College. Religious Studies at Prescott College in of 1926 Horner began her most signifi- terns that would play out for the rest of Prescott, Arizona, where she teaches in the What would, indeed, become a life of cant personal relationship, with fellow her life. Cultural and Regional Studies Program travel, study, and focus on women began Newnham scholar Elsie Butler. I am grateful to the American Academy of about the connections among religions, to blossom for Horner in the 1920s. In modernization and globalization, social Religion both for the research grant that 1920, the principal of Newnham suggest- change, gender and sexuality issues, peace contributed to my work on this project ed that Horner accompany the principal’s studies, science, and environmentalism. She during the summer of 2006 and for the sister, D. J. Stephen, to India to establish a also offers courses on Buddhism and on the - ongoing professional community it pro- Christian college for women. Stephen Her work on Pali texts varieties of religious experience. Her vides. Both are particularly helpful to needed a traveling companion and Horner research for her first book, Desire, Death, . . . still influences the those of us who work in primarily under- leapt at the opportunity, although she and Goodness: The Conflict of Ultimate scholarly and popular graduate teaching positions at small col- Values in Theravada- Buddhism, utilized firmly rejected Christianity herself. “ leges. I extend my thanks to include the - During her two years (1921–23) in India, a lot of the work on Pali texts done by I. B. understanding of members of the Lesbian and Feminist Horner exhibited a keen intellectual inter- - Horner and the Pali Text Society. She is Theravada Buddhism Issues in Religion Group of the AAR, est in religion and included in her letters currently researching the life and work of whose interest in the life and work of I. B. Horner, a twentieth-century British scholar home detailed descriptions of the exotic in Western and Asian Horner inspires me to continue this of Buddhism. Hindu activities she witnessed. But she countries today. research. reserved her personal enthusiasm and approval for the Buddhism she had OR MOST OF THE twentieth cen- tury, British scholar Isaline B. Horner F(1896–1981) devoted her consider- able intelligence, time, energy, leadership, ” and finances to establishing an under- standing of Buddhism in the West based on careful study of the texts that consti- Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning in Theology and Religion tute the scriptures, written in the Pali- lan- guage, of Theravada- Buddhism. Her work on Pali- texts — both directly, as an editor, Announcing... translator, and interpreter of these texts, and indirectly, as a significant contributor to and long-term leader of the Pali- Text Society (PTS) — still influences the schol- arly and popular understanding of Theravada- Buddhism in Western and Asian countries today. In addition to her contributions to study of Theravada- texts 3HGDJRJ\ RI 'LIÀFXOW &RQYHUVDWLRQV *UDQW 5HFLSLHQWV in the West, Horner’s groundbreaking first $TXLQDV ,QVWLWXWH RI 7KHRORJ\ (Ann Garrido & Gregory Heille, project directors) $19,975 book, Women under Primitive Buddhism Pursuing a Culture of Engaged Conversation for School and Church (1930), stood for over 40 years as the only book–length work on the subject of 'UXU\ 8QLYHUVLW\ (Teresa Hornsby, project director) $17,435 women and Buddhism. It remains influ- 7KH 0RVW 'LIÀFXOW 5HOLJLRXV &RQYHUVDWLRQ" 3HGDJRJLFDO 6WUDWHJLHV IRU 7HDFKLQJ WKH &RPSOH[LWLHV RI $ERUWLRQ ential both in scholarly circles and for /XWKHUDQ 7KHRORJLFDO 6HPLQDU\ DW 3KLODGHOSKLD (Stephen G. Ray, Jr., project director) $20,000 female practitioners of Buddhism. .QRZLQJ 7RR 0XFK 8QGHUVWDQGLQJ 7RR /LWWOH 2YHUFRPLQJ $OLHQDWLRQ DQG 3UHVXPHG (SLVWHPLF 3ULYLOHJH DV /HDUQLQJ A few years ago, impressed by Horner’s Barriers in Courses about the Black Christian Tradition accomplishments and intrigued by some 1HZ %UXQVZLFN 7KHRORJLFDO 6HPLQDU\ (Virginia Wiles, project director) $19,976 information I happened upon about her personal life, I began an in–depth study of +RZ &DQ March 2008 RSN • 21 Religious Studies News 2007 AM Registration and Satisfaction Survey VER 10,000 PEOPLE gathered An overwhelming 94.5 percent of survey recipients. Consequently, the 2008 interna- instead of the west wing meeting space. The in San Diego, California, last respondents thought the 2007 Annual tional focus on South Asia and South Asian AAR will address this issue in Chicago by ONovember for the 2007 AAR Meeting was a satisfactory or very satisfactory scholarship should encourage participants holding the vast majority of its sessions in the Annual Meeting. Total registration for the experience. Satisfaction with this year’s ses- from that region. Chicago Hilton Towers Hotel, with addition- meeting was 10,193. This number reflects sions was high; 93 percent of survey respon- al meetings and some overflow in the Palmer Once again, Annual Meeting registration and a 7.5 percent decrease from the record set at dents said they were satisfied or very satisfied House Hilton Hotel. The shuttle loop will housing was handled by Experient. Satisfac- the 2006 Annual Meeting (Washington, with the quality.The opportunity to network run between the two hotels on a regular basis. tion with the registration and housing process D.C.: 11,011). San Diego’s location, warm with other colleagues also received high was very high; 96 percent of respondents The Annual Meeting Satisfaction Survey is weather, and attraction as a tourist and vaca- marks; 95 percent reported satisfaction. rated the process positively.The peak hotel sent via e-mail to all AAR members (over tion destination made it a big draw for AAR Respondents rated the San Diego Annual night was Saturday, November 17, with over 12,400) at the conclusion of each meeting members, but the distance from the East Meeting location very favorably, giving posi- 4,900 hotel rooms in use. Overall more than and is offered online at the AAR website. The Coast contributed to the decrease in overall tive feedback about its exhibit facilities (92 19,800 room nights were occupied during number of responses this year was 1,157, attendance. percent), hotel facilities (74 percent), and the meeting. which represents about 9.5 percent of the meeting room space (92 percent). The 2007 Annual Meeting was the largest in membership. Respondents did not answer The comments from survey respondents were terms of programming. Over 1,100 AAR, The Annual Meeting attracted attendees from each question, so the values were measured generally positive. The most frequent com- SBL, and Additional Meetings sessions around the world; 56 nationalities were repre- from the number of respondents who did. plaint was about the long walks between the occurred during the five-day time period sented. Canadians made up the largest inter- The survey is voluntary and open to all mem- Convention Center, the Marriott Marina, from Thursday, November 15 to Tuesday, national group with 390 attendees, followed bers. The executive office staff would like to and the Grand Hyatt. Because the American November 20. AAR continued to expand its by the United Kingdom (283), Germany thank everyone who participated in the post- Association of Pharmaceutical Sciences meet- program and hosted 428 sessions, making it (87), the Netherlands (67), Australia (53), Annual Meeting survey. It continues to be ing overlapped with the AAR and SBL’s the largest ever. and Israel (45). California was the best-repre- valuable to the Annual Meeting process, for it move-in day on Thursday, November 15, we sented state in 2007 with 1,696 attendees, provides the AAR’s Program Committee, Responses to the post-Annual Meeting survey were unable to secure the exhibit halls on the followed by Illinois (519), New York (492), Board of Directors, and executive office staff reflect positive experiences by the members in west wing of the Convention Center, closer Texas (424), Massachusetts (411), and with an important measure of member satis- attendance. Survey results are posted online at to the headquarters hotels. This left us with Pennsylvania (380). AAR’s 2007 international faction. We value this opportunity to hear www.aarweb.org/Meetings/ Annual_Meeting/ Halls F and G on the east wing of the build- focus was on China, and the Annual Meeting your comments and suggestions on how we Current_Meeting/Surveys/Annual_Meeting/ ing. Because the meeting rooms were larger hosted 36 attendees from China, Taiwan, and can continue to meet your needs and to offer results. and more plentiful in the east wing (above Hong Kong, including 11 AAR travel subsidy an excellent meeting. the exhibit hall), we decided to utilize them American Academy of Religion 2007 Annual Business Meeting Minutes MARRIOTT MARINA HOTEL, MANCHESTER 1 • SAN DIEGO, CA • MONDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2007 1. CALL TO ORDER President Stout thanked all the people who She pointed out that she is aware that she is Fitzmier explained how the survey was attend to the work of the AAR and to the the first black woman to hold the office and put together, distributed, and adver- President Jeffrey Stout called the meeting members who make the organization work. she hopes to do it well. tised. He noted that multiple to order at 11:45 AM. He also offered special thanks to Jack announcements and reminders about 8. NEW BUSINESS 2. APPROVAL OF 2006 MINUTES Fitzmier, Executive Director, for his excellent the survey were sent out over a 30-day help during this pivotal moment for AAR. 8a. CHANGES TO THE AAR period. He reported a 17.6 percent The minutes were approved unani- BYLAWS response rate. He identified some of the mously. 5. THE STATE OF THE ACADEMY items that received the most comments Fitzmier explained the proposed 3. MEMORIAL LIST Fitzmier reported that the AAR is in from the membership and pointed out change in the bylaws (distributed excellent condition by whatever measure that the high number of comments President Stout read the memorial list during the meeting). The executive one uses. Membership is larger than it makes the interpretation of the results (distributed at the meeting) of those director and treasurer position has has ever been and this year’s Annual more complex. He stated that the members who had passed away since always been held by one person. Best Meeting has been a success. He noted membership will receive an E-blast with November 1, 2006. Those remembered practices today separate the executive that attendance was down a little, which a link to the results of the survey. He are: Donald E. Arther, Scott Becker, director from the treasurer. He the executive office had anticipated, as added that 80 percent of the respon- Heyward Canney, Robert Drinan, explained our bylaws stipulate that a lower attendance seems to be a trend dents were concerned about the high Stephen J. Duffy, Robert S. Eccles, change has to be submitted to the whenever AAR meets on the West cost of attending the meeting and over- James A. Martin, Sanford E. Rosen, Lee membership 30 days in advance of Coast. He announced that Teagle fund- whelmingly members come to the Rouner, Letty M. Russell, and Nathan the Annual Meeting. He also noted ed the undergraduate major and liberal meetings to participate in the programs. A. Scott. A moment of silence followed that the proposed changes were sent education program and that the Henry the reading. to the entire membership in the 8c. OTHER NEW BUSINESS Luce Foundation funded a planning October E-bulletin. He stated that 4. PRESIDENT’S REPORT: Jeffrey Stout grant for the theological education study. Fitzmier reported that the SBL invit- he is fully in support of the separa- Fitzmier introduced Margaret Jenkins as ed AAR members to participate in President Stout spoke about the new tion of the positions. the new director of development. their international meeting in New challenges facing the organization in light The motion to separate the executive Zealand and four AAR programs of the independent meeting decision, 6. 2007 ELECTION RESULTS director position from the treasurer will have sessions at that meeting. He including when and how the meetings Stout announced that Emilie Townes is position was unanimously approved. reported on the Board’s and the should be run, costs, and possible simul- the new president, Mark Juergensmeyer Program Committee’s discussion taneous meetings. He gave a brief expla- 8b. REPORT ON THE INDEPEND- is president-elect, Ann Taves is vice presi- regarding the international focus of nation of how and why the survey regard- ENT ANNUAL MEETING dent, Michel Desjardins is secretary, and the AAR and how to do this well ing the future of AAR was developed. He SURVEY Nichole Phillips is the student director. without bordering too much on also briefly went over some of the find- Stout thanked Michelene Pesantubbee President Townes explained that the colonialism or neocolonialism. He ings of the survey.He expressed the for her work as secretary. results of the survey are too complex explained that the AAR has three ini- Board’scommitment to assessing the con- and the high number of comments tiatives that they are working on cerns of members in the future. He Stout turned the gavel over to the new nuanced the results to the extent that before addressing the international emphasized that the survey was a forum president, Emilie Townes. the Board will need time to deliber- question. designed to find out what members care 7. REMARKS FROM THE NEW ate on the results before making any about and that it was not a referendum. 9. MOTION TO ADJOURN PRESIDENT: Emilie Townes decisions. She stated that the survey He announced the formation of three was not a referendum to reverse the Motion passed unanimously.The new task forces to address some of the President Townes expressed thanks to all decision to have independent meet- meeting adjourned at 12:50 PM. issues: Governance Task Force chaired by those who are supportive of the presi- ings, but rather it was a means of Jeffrey Stout and Emilie Townes, dent. She noted that no president can asking the membership how to Sustainability Task Force chaired by Sarah do his or her job without the Board, address issues concerning how to Respectfully submitted, McFarland Taylor,and the Job Task Force staff, home institutions, and goodwill of move forward with the independent Michelene Pesantubbee chaired by DeannaThompson. the membership. meeting. 22 • March 2008 RSN 2007 ANNUAL MEETING NEWS Media Attend the 2007 AAR would like to thank the following Annual Meeting outgoing Program Unit Chairs ORE THAN 40 journalists attended the 2007 Annual Meeting in San Diego. whose terms ended in 2007. Media outlets represented included the BBC, Beliefnet, Christian Century, MChristianity Today, Chronicle of Higher Education, Harper’s, KFMB-TV (CBS), Minnesota Public Radio’s Speaking of Faith, Ottawa Citizen, Publishers Weekly, San Diego Donald L. Boisvert, Concordia Richard C. Martin, Emory University Union-Tribune, Wall Street Journal, and Wired. University (Gay Men’s Issues in (Contemporary Islam Consultation) Religion Group) Prior to the start of the meeting, the Associated Press published a story about one AAR Jane Dammen McAuliffe, Georgetown panel in particular, the Religion and Popular Culture Group’s “Evolutionary Controversy Rosemary Carbine, College of the University (Qur’an Group) and a Side of Pasta: The Flying Spaghetti Monster and the Subversive Function of Holy Cross (Feminist Theory and K. Steve McCormick, Nazarene Religious Parody.” The story was picked up by CNN and more than 125 other national Religious Reflection Group) Theological Seminary (Wesleyan and international news outlets. Several panelists were featured in the article. Thomas A. Carlson, University of Studies Group) The AAR hosted its fourth annual reception for journalists prior to Saturday evening’s awards California, Santa Barbara Michael McNally, Carleton College ceremony. At the reception, two winners of the 2007 AAR Awards for Best In-Depth (Philosophy of Religion Section) (Native Traditions in the Americas Reporting were honored for their outstanding contributions to religion newswriting. Kip Elolia, Emmanuel School of Group) Religion (African Religions Group) Bonnie Miller–McLemore, Vanderbilt Steven Engler, Mount Royal College University (Practical Theology & Pontifícia Universidade Católica Group) de São Paulo (Critical Theory and Moses N. Moore, Arizona State With Gratitude! Discourses on Religion Group) University (Afro–American HE AAR WOULD like to thank the following co-sponsors of these Chinese Jennifer L. Geddes, University of Religious History Group) scholars at the 2007 Annual Meeting. To co-sponsor a South Asian scholar this year, Virginia (Arts, Literature, and Thomas W. Ogletree, Yale University contact Kyle Cole, Director of Professional Programs, at [email protected]. Religion Section) T (Biblical/Contextual Ethics • Princeton University and Harvard University – Chunwen Hao, Capital Normal John Goulde, Sweet Briar College Consultation) University (Korean Religions Group) Su Yon Pak, Union Theological • Lafayette College – Yen-zen Tsai, National Chengchi University Garrett Green, Connecticut College Seminary (Asian North American (Nineteenth-Century Theology Religion, Culture, and Society • College of New Jersey – Zhihua Yao, Chinese University of Hong Kong Group) Group) • Columbia University and the University of Chicago – Xin Yu, Fudan University Rosalind Gwynne, University of Parimal Patil, Harvard University • Humboldt State University and Indiana University, Bloomington – Weichi Zhou, Tennessee, Knoxville (Religion in South Asia Section) Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (Contemporary Islam Consultation) Greg Peterson, South Dakota State Amir Hussain, Loyola Marymount University (Science, Technology, and University (Religion, Film, and Religion Group) Visual Culture Group) Barbara Pitkin, Stanford University Richard Jaffe, Duke University (Childhood Studies and Religion (Cultural History and the Study of Consultation) Religion Group) S. Brent Plate, Texas Christian Rob James, University of Richmond University (Arts, Literature, and and Baptist Theological Seminary at Religion Section) Richmond (Tillich: Issues in Selva Raj, Albion College Theology, Religion, and Culture (Comparative Studies in Religion Group) Section) Anne Joh, Phillips Theological Jeanette Reedy Solano, California State Seminary (Asian North American University, Fullerton (Religion in Religion, Culture, and Society Latin America and the Caribbean Group) Group) Jay E. Johnson, Pacific School of Cynthia Rigby, Austin Theological Religion (Gay Men’s Issues in Seminary (Christian Systematic Religion Group) Theology Section) Mark J. Justad, Vanderbilt University Donna Seamone, Acadia University Tavis Smiley before his plenary address at the Annual Meeting. From left to right: Cornel West, (Men’s Studies in Religion Group) Emilie Townes, Tavis Smiley, Eddie Glaude, and Jeffrey Stout. (Ritual Studies Group) Tazim Kassam, Syracuse University Teresa M. Shaw, Claremont Graduate (Religion in South Asia Section) University (History of Christianity Catherine Keller, Drew University Section) (Bible, Theology, and Postmodernity Robert J. Sherman, Bangor Group) Theological Seminary (Reformed Jung Ha Kim, Georgia State Theology and History Group) University (Women and Religion Glen Stassen, Fuller Theological Section) Seminary (Biblical/Contextual David Lamberth, Harvard University Ethics Consultation) (Pragmatism and Empiricism in Oren Stier, Florida International American Religious Thought University (Religion, Holocaust, and Group) Genocide Group) David James Livingston, Mercyhurst Ines M. Talamantez, University of College (Men’s Studies in Religion California, Santa Barbara Group) (Indigenous Religious Traditions Nelson Maldonado–Torres, University Group) of California, Berkeley (Religion in Tracy Tiemeier, Loyola Marymount Latin America and the Caribbean University (Comparative Theology Group) Group) 2007 Martin Marty Award Winner, Robert N. Bellah, speaks to the audience. March 2008 RSN • 23 Religious Studies News Candidate Registration Trend Continues at EIS Center HE 2007 Employment Information that guide employers’ and candidates’ above. Many of the candidates who chose to job ratios shown at right cannot give a Services Center (EIS) saw a total of choices. Employers tend to choose more Hinduism or Buddhism as their primary clear indication of a candidate’s chances of T669 candidates and 152 employers, broad classifications that correspond to the classification likely chose Asian Religions as getting a job. Rather, they serve mainly to continuing a trend from the previous year. classes needing to be taught. They are likely an additional choice. Therefore, the posi- identify trends in position openings and In 2006 EIS saw a dramatic 46 percent rise willing to consider candidates from an tion-to-candidate ratio of 19:37 (or 1:2) is candidate specializations. in candidate registrations, and 2007 regis- array of specializations, as long as each per- a better indicator of how many candidates The AAR has been compiling EIS registra- trations were only slightly less (which is son can teach the general courses. In con- might have sought a particular position. tion data since 1990. Such data is available expected at a West Coast meeting). These trast, a candidate’s primary choice is usually Still, because of the different motivations upon request from Jessica Davenport at figures indicate that the number of job his or her area of research; they can teach guiding choices, and because many of the [email protected]. seekers has increased greatly while the more broadly. Take Introduction to classifications are interrelated, the candidate number of available jobs is increasing only Religion as an example. One need not spe- moderately. The ratio of registered jobs to cialize in this area to teach such a course. registered candidates in 2007 was 1:4.4. So despite the fact that the classification EIS Center Registration 2005–2007 had a 1:1 primary ratio in 2007, candidates The EIS Center was jointly hosted by the who chose this classification did not have a AAR and the SBL at the San Diego Annual 100 percent chance of getting a job. Employers 2007 2006 2005 Meeting. The center is designed to ease the Positions Registered 152 175 148 communication process between candidates Another example is Asian Religions. From for academic positions and employers seek- looking at the number of times this classifi- Total Institutions Registered 132 140 126 ing to fill available positions. EIS features cation was chosen as primary in 2007, it Preregistered 141 156 133 job postings, candidate credentials for might seem that each candidate in that Registered Onsite 11 19 15 review, a message center, and an interview field had a 75 percent chance of getting a Ratio of Positions to Candidates 1:4.4 1:4.27 1:3.47 facility. job. However, many candidates who chose Hinduism or Buddhism as their specialty Each year, EIS gathers data about job posi- have the ability to teach Asian religions. So tions and candidates registered for the cen- Candidates 2007 2006 2005 employers needing an Asian religions ter. Each position and candidate is required Total Registered 669 747 513 teacher are not limited only to those candi- to choose a primary classification from Preregistered 583 722 419 dates who consider it to be their specialty. among a provided list. They may also select Registered Onsite 86 25 94 additional classifications (candidates are This is where the “all” columns come into Female Participants 195 224 142 limited to a total of three). The “primary” play. These columns indicate the total Male Participants 406 461 217 columns at right indicate the number of number of times a classification was chosen Did Not Report Gender 68 62 154 times each classification was chosen as a as either primary or “additional.” These primary choice (see chart on page 25). columns often give better indication of the Ratio of Female to Male 1:2.1 1:2.1 1:1.5 ratio of positions to candidates within a When drawing conclusions from this data, particular subfield. Take the example from See additional 2005–2007 registration data in the chart at right. it is important to think of the motivations AAR Career Services Visit the AAR’s new Career Services webpage at www.aarweb.org/jump/careers for these services: Job Postings Annual Meeting Job Center Candidate CVs Workshop Information Employment Statistics Articles Discussing Career Issues Also see the article on page 7 for information about the 2008 Job Center. 24 • March 2008 RSN 2007 ANNUAL MEETING NEWS 2007 2006 2005 Employers Candidates Employers Candidates Employers Candidates Job Classifications Primary All Primary All Primary All Primary All Primary All Primary All Administration (e.g., President, Dean, Director, Program Director, Coordinator) 4437 26 111 12 01 Ancient Near Eastern Languages 06224 04 121 03 214 Archaeology — Ancient Near East 01312 03 1 9 0 4 18 Archaeology — Greco-Roman 0006 02 13 01 00 Arts, Literature & Religion 0411 41 09 13 47 05 728 Asian Religions (general or not listed separately) 6 19 9 37 9 20 8 34 4 12 5 27 Biblical Languages 29450 1 13 5 78 0 12 1 56 Buddhism 2 17 22 35 6 16 21 33 0715 20 Catholic Studies 3 11 0 18 26 230 46 215 Catholic Theology (all areas) 7 21 18 41 9 14 18 46 7 16 19 34 Central and South American and Caribbean Religions 0701 03 03 02 00 Christian Ethics 9 18 39 74 11 18 38 80 6 12 26 44 Christian Studies 2 12 4 21 37 131 36 015 Christian Theology (general or not listed separately) 5 11 22 79 7 15 35 106 3 12 17 51 Christian Theology: Practical/Praxis 1716 37 19 12 27 02 516 Christian Theology: Systematic/Constructive 6 14 58 102 29 65 113 5744 69 Classics 02116 00 016 02 113 Comparative Religions 4 32 6 43 2 18 6 49 4 14 8 45 Critical Studies/Theory/Methods in Religion 2 16 5 44 0 11 7 37 05 429 Early Christianity/Church History 2 17 33 81 1 10 38 94 3 11 25 58 Early Judaism 19322 04 124 06 012 East Asian Religions (general or not listed separately) 6 18 6 19 14 22 13 26 7 11 4 10 Editorial 0006 02 14 10 00 Epigraphy 0101 00 00 00 01 Gay/Lesbian Studies in Religion 1517 00 08 00 06 Hebrew Bible/Old Testament 9 27 81 134 11 28 91 133 12 28 69 106 Hinduism 2 13 7 18 19 719 04 410 History of Christianity/Church History 5 20 42 91 5 15 39 94 7 18 21 67 History of Religion (general) 3 19 5 25 4 16 4 34 3 15 4 29 Indigenous/Native/Traditional Religions 0 10 38 12 4 7 0 2 35 Introduction to Religion 1 16 1 16 0 12 0 14 1 17 09 Islam 17 32 23 37 14 29 26 42 13 24 25 32 Judaism 8 17 12 22 9 16 7 20 9 15 4 13 Library 0001 01 02 00 00 Missiology 0007 01 310 00 06 New Religious Movements 0619 02 210 01 012 New Testament 16 30 83 127 24 39 96 148 13 29 71 107 North American Religions 4 14 28 51 2 12 29 43 7 10 23 33 Pastoral Care 1334 25 512 00 58 Philosophy of Religion 1 10 22 62 2 10 22 72 1610 38 Preaching/Ministry 13316 02 012 00 19 Rabbinic Judaism 1858 27 39 18 01 Racial/Ethnic Minority Studies in Religion 0 16 4 23 1 11 3 21 06 210 Religion and Science 06420 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Religion/Theology: Two or More Subfields 2816 48 38 18 49 4711 40 Religions of Africa/Oceania 0 10 16 16 0 7 1 1 04 Religious Ethics 1 14 10 41 3 13 9 34 3 15 8 26 Second Temple Judaism 07851 05 739 08 530 Septuagint 0024 01 12 01 12 Social Sciences and Religion (e.g., Religion & Society, Anthropology, Economics, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology) 0 11 11 48 1 14 16 58 07 836 South Asian Religions (general or not listed separately) 3 10 11 26 3 15 11 23 46 822 Women’s Studies in Religion 0 20 6 47 1 11 7 46 1 11 6 51 World Religions 4 26 2 37 4 22 4 57 5 29 3 38 Other 10 10 9 92 10 10 13 78 15 15 7 54 Not Reporting 0 N/A 0 N/A 0 N/A 32 N/A 0 N/A 28 N/A Total 150 627 669 1903 174 543 747 2057 148 441 485 1370 March 2008 RSN • 25 Religious Studies News 2006–2007 Employment Survey Highlights O GET A MORE accurate picture of employment Figure 2: Figure 4: Data on candidates who received trends in the field, the AAR and the SBL have Highest degree offered at new institution T expanded our data collection efforts. Employment one or more job offers Information Services (EIS) created a web-based, anony- mous survey to track hirings by specialization and to col- lect demographic information on job candidates. 100 PhD In spring 2007, surveys were sent to all candidates who (32.35%) had registered for the 2006 EIS Center and to all employ- MA ers who had advertised a position in Openings in 2006. (28.43%) Presented here are highlights of the data received. DMin (28.43%) 80 Don’t Complete results, including new data on the PhD- Know (5.88%) granting institutions of candidates who received a position BA offer, can be found at www.aarweb.org/jump/eis. This ongo- (26.47%) ing project will provide longitudinal data. ThD (0.00%) AA (0.00%) 60 Employer Survey Data Candidate Demographics Out of 567 employer solicitations, 201 responses were received (35 percent response rate). Eighty-six percent of Sixty-two percent of the candidates who registered for the those who responded filled the position which they had 40 2006 EIS Center were male; 38 percent were female. advertised in Openings. Of the 172 positions filled, 80 Regarding race/ethnicity, 86 percent of the registrants percent of the employers report interviewing the reported their race/ethnicity as Caucasian or Euro- appointee at the EIS Center. The majority of the positions American, 4.5 percent African-American or black, 4 per- filled were at the assistant professor level (61 percent), fol- cent Asian or Pacific Islander, 2 percent multiracial, 2 per- lowed by associate professor (13 percent), full professor (9 20 cent Latino/a or Hispanic, 0.5 percent American Indian percent), lecturer (6 percent), instructor (5 percent) and or Alaskan Native, and 1 percent chose “other.” In terms visiting (3 percent), with 3 percent of the positions ranked of citizenship, 85 percent were United States citizens, as “other.” Sixty-three percent of the positions were 6 percent were noncitizen residents of the United States, 80.00% Doctoral degree by start of position 65.45% Article published/accepted for publication in peer-reviewed journal 18.18% Book or monograph published/accepted for publication 58.18% Presentation(s) at regional scholarly conference 84.55% Presentation(s) at national scholarly conference 99.09% Teaching experience 42.73% Administrative experience 29.09% Ministerial experience 50.91% First time using EIS 24.55% Second time using EIS 15.45% Third time using EIS 9.09% Used EIS more than three times tenure-track, 18 percent were tenured, 17 percent were 0 5 percent were citizens of Canada, and 4 percent reported nontenure-track, and less than 2 percent were either limit- their citizenship as “other.” ed or adjunct. None were reported as a joint appoint- Of those candidates who did not receive or accept a new ment. Sixty-five percent of the appointees were male; 35 position, 57 percent planned to continue in the same 3 percent were female. The racial/ethnic distribution of the employment status, the top four of which were: graduate Figure 5: appointees was as follows: 75 percent Caucasian or Euro- student (40 percent), part-time/adjunct faculty (40 per- American, 6 percent Asian or Pacific Islander, 4 percent cent), full-time/nontenure-track faculty (21 percent), and Age distribution of registered candidates Latino/a or Hispanic, 1 percent African-American or teaching assistant (4 percent) (Candidates could select black, 2 percent multiracial, and 12 percent reported more than one response). Eighteen percent did not know “other.” at the time of the survey what they would do the follow- ing academic year. 40–44 (13.60%) 45–49 Figure 1: Position Data (10.40%) 50–54 Of the 102 candidates who accepted an offer, 42 percent (6.40%) Year of appointee’s degree 35–39 (24.40%) will work in a private college/university, 23 percent will 55–59 (6.40%) work in a church-related college, 22 percent will work in a public college/university, 9 percent will work in a free- 60+ (2.00%) 30–34 (33.20%) 2004 (3.60%) standing seminary, and 4 percent will work in a Under 30 (5.60%) 2003 (3.60%) university-related divinity school. Seventy-one percent will 2005 2002 (3.60%) $ (11.51%) work as full-time/tenure-track faculty, 20 percent as full- 2001 (2.88%) time/non-tenure-track faculty, 3 percent as full- 2006 (15.11%) 2000 (4.32%) time/tenured, 2 percent as part-time/adjunct faculty, 1 percent in administration (e.g., dean, chair). Three per- 1976–1999 cent reported “other.” (18.72%) 2007 (32.37%) Job Search Experience Of the 102 candidates who accepted positions, 72 percent report being thrilled with the new position, 25 percent Most responding candidates (90 percent) reported that 2009 (0.72%) report feeling satisfied with the position, and 3 percent interviewers did not exhibit unprofessional or inappropri- 2008 (3.60%) report feeling unsatisfied. None reported feeling deeply ate behavior. Those that did encounter such behavior unhappy about the position. reported offensive remarks, offensive actions, and use of a hotel bedroom for interviews. Candidate Survey Data The majority of candidates (86 percent) report that inter- Figure 3: viewers did not ask questions or broach topics of an inap- Out of 746 candidate solicitations, 263 responses were propriate nature. Of those who did encounter such ques- received (45.25 percent response rate). When asked to Salary of appointment tions/topics, the three most common were in regards to indicate employment status during the search, 46 percent marital status, partner’s career, partner’s willingness to reported being a graduate student, 35 percent reported relocate, and religious beliefs. Sixty-nine percent reported part-time/adjunct faculty, and 21 percent reported full- that the interviewer directly asked an inappropriate ques- time/nontenure-track faculty (Candidates could select $50,000–$59,999 tion. Forty-three percent stated the interviewer indirectly more than one response). Seventy-two percent held a PhD (36.36%) broached an inappropriate topic. Eighty-eight percent of or planned to have completed theirs by August 2007, the respondents answered the question truthfully, while while 15 percent would be ABD going into fall 2007. $45,000–$49,999 $60,000–$69,999 22 percent changed the topic in order to avoid the ques- (22.22%) (16.16%) Job Offers tion. Forty-seven percent are not sure whether their response was to their advantage or disadvantage. Thirty- Of the 263 candidates who responded, 42 percent seven percent believe their answer was to their disadvan- received one or more job offers. Of those, 77 percent $70,000 or more tage and 16 percent believe it was to their $19,999 or below $30,000–$34,999 (3.03%) received one offer, 16 percent received two offers, 4 per- $35,000–$39,999 advantage. $40,000–$44,999 cent received three offers, and 3 percent received more (4.04%) $40,000–$44,999 (4.04%) (11.11%) than three offers. (11.11%) (11.11%) $25,000–$29,999 (0.00%) 26 • March 2008 RSN P CONTRIBUTORS ACADEMYFUND The AAR thanks these loyal contributors. Your generous gifts help us realize our goals. This list reflects donations received from January 1, 2007, through December 31, 2007. ▲ indicates current Ebrahim E. I. Moosa ♦ Raymond F. Bulman board members Gifts of $100 or more Gifts of $50 or more Raymond T. Moreland Jennifer Callaghan ✶ ♦ indicates current Susan Abraham ✤ Loye Ashton Vijaya Nagarajan ✤ Juan E. Campo committee members, Rebecca Alpert ♦ Margaret Ayers ✶ Patrick Nichelson Katie G. Cannon JAAR editorial board, Peter J. Awn Alice Bach Dennis A. Norlin Susan Brown Carlton or jurors David S. Blix Robert M. Baum June Elizabeth O’Connor Dolores L. Christie ✤ indicates current Barbara Boyd Ana Maria Bidegain Arthur L. Olsen Young Ho Chun program unit chairs Robert A. Bruttell William L. Blizek Thom Parrott-Sheffer David Clairmont or steering committee José I. Cabezón ♦ ✤ Tom W. Boyd Rodger Payne Reginald Crenshaw members Debra Campbell Kent Brintnall ✶ Kusumita P. Pedersen Donald A. Crosby ✶ indicates current William J. Cassidy Rita Nakashima Brock David B. Perrin Helen Crovetto students Francis X. Clooney ▲ ♦ ✤ Frank Burch Brown Michelene Pesantubbee ♦ ✤ Kristine A. Culp John B. Cobb ✤ Sidney Brown ✤ Ronald E. Peters Russell Dalton G. Byrns Coleman David W. Cain Rodney Purvis Nancy Danger ✶ David S. Cunningham ✤ Rhoda A. Carpenter Anthony G. Reddie ✤ Teresa Delgado Edward E. Curtis ✤ Peter Cha Ryan Reidburn ✶ Toby Director Wade Dazey Alejandro Chaoul Martha J. Reineke Mara E. Donaldson Gifts of $1,000 or more Gary Delaney Deangelis Malcolm Clark Frank Reynolds Shea Drake ✶ George F. Dole Paul Collins ✤ Lynn Ross–Bryant Donald Dreisbach Martha & Jack Fitzmier ▲ ♦ Chris Downing Don H. Compier Martin Rumscheidt ✤ Bari S. Dworken Hans J. Hillerbrand ▲ ♦ Terry Foreman M. Shawn Copeland ✤ Don E. Saliers Andrew Mark Eason Emilie M. Townes ▲ ♦ ✤ Stephen Garfinkel E. Randolph Daniel Lamin Sanneh ✤ Koenraad Elst Cecilia Gossen ✶ Michael I. N. Dash Elizabeth A. Say ✤ James L. Empereur Gifts of $500 or more Marcia Hermansen ✤ Maria T. Davila Alan F. Segal Antoine Faivre ✤ Betty Holley ✶ Therese B. DeLisio ✶ John C. Shelley Aileen Fitzke Ann Marie B. Bahr ♦ Susan T. Hollis Corinne Dempsey ✤ David Simmons Paul Flesher Diana L. Eck Victor Sogen Hori Bruce Duncan Chase Skorburg ♦ ✶ Peter Foley Martin Marty Joseph C. Hough Malcolm David Eckel ♦ ✤ Sompoch Sripundh ✶ Peter Francis Peter J. Paris ♦ ✤ Robert Hughes Carl D. Evans Megan Stanley ✶ Richard Gelwick Amir Hussain ♦ ✤ Eileen M. Fagan Axel D. Steuer Martha Gilliss Gifts of $200 or more Margaret Jenkins Millicent Feske David T. Stewart Margareth Glad Diane Jonte-Pace James L. Fitzgerald Stephen Stine ✶ Larry Golemon ♦ Anonymous Francis Landy David Noel Freedman Robert L. Stivers Robert C. Gregg Robert D. Baird John K. Leonard Jerome A. Frumento Jacqueline I. Stone R. Marie Griffith ♦ ✤ Mary F. Bednarowski Alain Lernould Jun Fukaya Paul L. Swanson Sigridur Gudmarsdottir ✶ Jorunn Jacobsen Buckley Charles L. Lloyd Elizabeth Gardner ✶ Britt–Mari Sykes Antoinette Gutzler Allison P. Coudert ✤ Lynne Faber Lorenzen ✤ David L. Gitomer Rose M. Tekel Pedro Iwao Hanaoka William G. Doty Mary McGee John A. Grim ✤ Thomas Thangaraj Mark Hanshaw Ina Ferrell William K. Mahony Roy Hammerling Curtis L. Thompson Daniel Hardy ✤ Martha L. Finch ✤ David L. Miller Vincent Harding Ken Vandergriff Israr Hasan Warren G. Frisina Julie Miller J. Barney Hawkins James L. Waits Susan E. Henking ♦ Eugene V. Gallagher ▲ ♦ Deborah Minor ♦ John Helgeland Charles I. Wallace Joan M. Henriksen Hellyer Fred Glennon ▲ ♦ ✤ Robert N. Minor Raymond G. Helmick Michael J. Walsh Hidayah Sita ✶ Alice Hunt ▲ ♦ Anne Moore Cynthia Hoehler-Fatton ♦ George Weckman Naoko Frances Hioki ✶ Zayn Kassam ♦ Lewis S. Mudge Barbara A. Holdrege ✤ Samuel Wells Barbara Holmes Sang Hyun Lee Fritz Muntean Dwight N. Hopkins ♦ ✤ Traci C. West John George Huber Julianna Lipschutz Leslie A. Muray S. Sue Horner Carol S. Wimmer Greta G. F. Huis ✶ Michael B. Lukens ✤ Robert C. Neville ✤ Roger A. Johnson Tyanna Yonkers Day ✶ Robert Hunt Charles Mathewes ▲ ♦ Gordon D. Newby ✤ Emanuel J. Karavousanos Nancy Hutton ✶ E. Ann Matter ✤ Tokiyuki Nobuhara Mari Kim ✶ Mary Jo Iozzio Rachel Fell McDermott Vivian–Lee Nyitray Younglae Kim Gifts of $25 or more Charles B. Jones Douglas R. McGaughey ▲ Jim O’Connor Charles A. Kimball Rachel R. Adler Pamela Jones ✶ Michael M. Mendiola Carl Olson Richard King ✤ Afe Adogame Felicity Brock Kelcourse ✤ Mary Moorman ✶ Christopher Osgood David E. Klemm ♦ James Ajayi Don–Sik Kim Vasudha Narayanan ♦ ✤ Parimal G. Patil ✤ Douglas A. Knight Daniel Ali Hyung Rak Kim ✶ Hester E. Oberman Vicki Cass Phillips Lynne Kogel Maria Antonaccio Nathan Kirkpatrick Peter Ochs Bill Pitts Nadia M. Lahutsky ♦ Etin Anwar Paul V. Kollman Park Joon Surh Andrew P. Porter Sarah Heaner Lancaster ✤ S. Wesley Ariarajah Robert Kossler Jacqueline Pastis ▲ ♦ Jill Raitt Bruce B. Lawrence ♦ ✤ Linda L. Barnes ▲ ✤ Kristen E. Kvam ✤ Stacy L. Patty ♦ Gene Reeves David B. Levenson Barbara Bernstengel Kwok Pui Lan ✤ Richard Pilgrim Cornish R. Rogers Baruch A. Levine Balbinder Bhogal William R. LaFleur Anthony B. Pinn ▲ ♦ ✤ Louis A. Ruprecht ♦ Christo Lombard Maria Clara Lucchetti Bingemer Day Lane ✶ Sally M. Promey Judy Saltzman David W. Lotz Bonnie Birk Emmanuel Lartey Timothy M. Renick ♦ ✤ Richard S. Sarason J. Rebecca Lyman Kathleen Bishop ✤ Jennie Latta ✶ Charles H. Reynolds Susan L. Schwartz Francis Madsen Brian Black Michael Lodahl ✤ Marian Ronan Vanina G. Sechi Lawrence Mamiya ♦ ✤ Beth Blissman Miguel Luna Philip C. Schmitz Susan Simonaitis Joan M. Martin Macon Boczek Emily Lyon Jonathan Z. Smith Mary Ann Stenger Kristin Meekhof Gretchen Brabander Gerard Mannion ✤ Jeffrey L. Stout ▲ ♦ Winnifred Sullivan ✤ Jerry D. Meyer Valerie Bridgeman Davis ✤ Barbara Jo McClure Catherine Tinsley Tuell ✶ Sarah McFarland Taylor ▲ ♦ ✤ Alan G. Meyers Laura E. Brock ✶ Crystal Elaine McCormick ✶ Paul B. Whittemore John Thatamanil ♦ ✤ Gordon S. Mikoski Leila Leah Bronner Alexander C. McKay James B. Wiggins Deanna A. Thompson ▲ ♦ ✤ Merrill P. Miller Gennifer Brooks David Mellins Glenn E. Yocum ♦ Jesse Terry Todd Mozella G. Mitchell Jeanne M. Brown Calvin Mercer Richard John Wiebe Paul D. Molnar Don S. Browning Alex Mikulich March 2008 RSN • 27 Religious Studies News Rochelle L. Millen Rudolf von Sinner Jennifer Frederick Grace Ji-Sun Kim ♦ Matthew Pierce ✶ Kenneth H. Miller C. Howard Wallace Marla Frederick Heerak Christian Kim Tina Pippin ♦ Charles Milligan Andrew Finlay Walls Stephen Fugitt Hwansoo Kim Geoffrey Pollick ✶ Anselm K. Min Watanabe Manabu ✤ Maura Gallagher Kye Jai Kim Chomingwen Pond Paul Mitchell ✶ Wilis Rengganiasih Endah Greg Garrett Sarah Kim Scott Prinster ✶ Yuki Miyamoto Ekowa ✶ Laurie Wright Garry Boris Kizzie ✶ Patricia Puder Gwyn Moser W. Waite Willis Abilio Jose Gaz Cory Andrew Labrecque ✶ Frederick Quinn Gwinyai Muzorewa ✤ Alex Wright James V. Geisendorfer John Lang ✶ Randal Rauser Mary Kaye Nealen Lee H. Yearley Alice Gibson Carmen Lansdowne ✶ Eric Repphun ✶ Kathleen Davis Niendorff Edward A. Yonan Michael Gibson ✶ Spencer Lavan Darryl Roberts ✶ Lucinda Nolan Amon Gill Terri Laws ✶ Douglas Robinson ✶ Mary Jane O’Donnell ✶ Beverly Janet Goines ✶ In-Yong Lee ✶ Elaine Robinson Maura O’Neill Gifts up to $25 Elizabeth Goodine Maria Lichtmann Nancy M. Rourke Lieve Orye Ibrahim Abu Bakar Greer G. Gordon ✶ Daniel Liechty Angela Rudert ✶ Robert Y. Owusu Ridgeway Addison ✶ Xavier Gravend–Tirole Paul Edwin Lockey Sadakane Keiji Paul J. Oxley E. Obiri Addo Bridgett Green Jeffery D. Long Saito Chizuko Bonnie Pattison Philip Amerson Todd Green ✶ Elenora Mackey Cushenberry ✶ Erik E. Sandstrom Laurie Louise Patton ♦ ✤ Keith Atwater Adam Greer Stanley Maclean ✶ Heiko Schulz Richard K. Payne Guy Beck Sidney Griffith ✤ Anna Madsen Richard Schumacher Martyn Percy Bernhard Beliak Barbara Guerin ✶ Sterry David Mahaffey William L. Secrest Thomas V. Peterson Stephen C. Berkwitz ✤ Margaret Eletta Guider Timothy Mallard ✶ Aditi Sengupta Regina Pfeiffer Peter Bisson Soraya Mahdi Hajjaji–Jarrah ✶ Susan M. Maloney ▲ Chernoh Sesay Sarah M. Pike ▲ ♦ ✤ Heather Blair ✶ W. David Hall Victor Marsh Eric Shaw ✶ Michael Raposa Donald L. Boisvert ✤ Susan A. Handelman Heather R. Martin ✶ Demetria Shew Stephen G. Ray ✤ Taisha Bonilla ✶ Dan Hanson Jeremy Martin Kim Shively Yuan Ren Kathlyn A. Breazeale Nicole Hanson H. John McDargh Marsha Snulligan–Haney Cynthia Rigby ✤ Anne Clarke Brown Beverly W. Harrison Sheila E. McGinn Anthony Solaqua ✶ Tyler T. Roberts ✤ David A. Buehler Abbylynn Helgevold ✶ James McGown ✶ Linda Spencer ✶ Daniel Rodriguez Bruce Buttler Eric W. Hendry ✶ Ryan McLaughlin ✶ Charlene M. Spretnak Roberta Rorke Leah Buturain Schneider ✶ Carter Heyward Jamie T. McMillan ✶ Evelyn Steiner Sánchez ✶ Traugott Roser Ellen Cahn Ikuo Higashibaba Gary Meegan Allison Stokes Rosetta E. Ross ♦ ✤ Michael Canaris ✶ Sean Higgins ✶ Steven Meigs ✶ Laura S. Sugg Letty M. Russell Jeremy R. Carrette Johnny B. Hill ✤ Larry Menyweather-Woods ✶ Sutadhara Tapovanaye Robert J. Russell Guy C. Carter R. J. Himes–Madero Morton J. Merowitz Phyllis J. Taylor Noel A. Salmond Glenn A. Chestnutt ✶ Devan M. Hite ✶ Jeffrey F. Meyer James Thomas ✶ David Schultenover Dean Chiasson ✶ Billy Honor ✶ Catherine R. Michaud Anthony Towey William Schweiker B. Hyun Choo Adam Hood Alasdair John Milbank Mary Evelyn Tucker Mark Shaw ✶ Brian P. Clarke Steven C. Horine Albert G. Miller ♦ George A. Tyrrell Neelima Shukla–Bhatt ✤ Shannon Clarkson Krista Hughes ✶ Amy S. Miller Eliezar Valentín–Castañón Laura K. Simmons Angela Coco Thomas Hughson Misty Miller Michele Verma ✶ Frederick M. Smith Francis Connolly–Weinert George Ille Brian Mooney Cynthia Visscher ✶ Sodiq Yushau S. Donald Corcoran Massimo Introvigne Nelson Moore Charles D. Walters Angella Son John W. Crossin Ishii Kiyozumi Lucinda Mosher Caleb Webster ✶ George S. Spink Wardene M. Crowley Melanie Johnson–Moxley ✶ Miles Mullin ✶ Justin Whitaker ✤ ✶ Horace H. Stoddard Nancy Dallavalle David Lee Jones Nathaniel S. Murrell Hans–Joachim Wiens ✶ Bev Stratton David Damrel Jaewan Joo Paul Nagy Preston N. Williams Richard N. Taliaferro Susana de Sola Funsten Afrie Songco Joye Cherrie Namy ✶ Gayraud S. Wilmore Barbara Brown Taylor Pamela A. Detrixhe Sung Sook Kang Karen Nelson Villanueva ✶ Charles A. Wilson Gregory Thomas ✶ William Rory Dickson ✶ Laurel D. Kearns ♦ Greer Anne Wenh–In Ng Anne E. Wimberly Fred P.Thompson Sandra Lee Dixon ✤ Ralph Keen Vivian Nixon ✶ Renate Wind Gene R. Thursby Riggins R. Earl Catherine Keller ♦ ✤ Hilmi Okur ✶ Joonho Yoon ✶ Hideto Tomabechi Ignatius Aniekanabasi Edet ✶ Mary Keller Zoltan Ormoshegyi ✶ Sakena Young–Scaggs ✶ Yuan–lin Tsai Marvin M. Ellison Sylvia H. Kemp Gnimbin Ouattara ✶ Wojciech Zalewski Ellen Umansky ✤ Patrick Emmett ✶ Minowa Kenryo Peter Oulton Cosimo Zene Benjamin Valentin ✤ R. Daren Erisman ✶ Aaron Kerr ✶ Aikya Param Kevin Vaughan ✶ Bruce L. Fields Abdul–Karim Khan Moses Paul Peter Penumaka Norvene Vest Judith Fleck January Kiefer ✶ Hans Pfeifer 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/about_AAR/support_AAR or call us at 404-727-3049. Honor GIFTS IN HONOR Celebrate graduation, publishing, tenure, retirement, or any occasion with a gift to the American Academy of Religion in the name of a friend or colleague. An honor gift is a unique way to rec- someone ognize those special people around you in a meaningful way. Charitable gifts of $25 or more will be personally acknowledged with a letter informing the recipient of your generosity and with a gift thoughtfulness. to the AAR GIFTS IN MEMORY Celebrate the life and memory of friends or colleagues through a memorial gift. Recognize his or her lifetime contributions to the academic study of religion with a gift in his or her memory. Make a contribution to the American To make a gift in honor or in memory of someone, please contact the Development Office Academy of Religion in honor or in at 404–727–7928, make an online donation at www.aarweb.org/about_AAR/Support_AAR or mail a check to: memory of a friend or colleague through American Academy of Religion a gift tribute to the Academy Fund. 825 Houston Mill Road, Suite 300 Atlanta, GA 30329 28 • March 2008 RSN