2009 Annual Meeting News Annual Meeting 2009 ...... 4 Bienvenue à Montréal New Program Units ...... 5 Ten New Units Where to Stay in Montréal ...... 5 Annual Meeting Hotels RELIGIOUSELIGIOUS STUDIESTUDIES NEEWSWS What’s on in Montréal ...... 6–7 Eating, Drinking, and Entertainment March 2009 Published by the American Academy of Religion Vol. 24, No. 2 Annual Meeting Job Center ...... 8 Registration and Services An Early Glimpse of Quebec ...... 8 St. Lawrence Valley’s Canadians and the From the Editor...... 3 First Nations Leadership Workshop ...... 9 Benchmarking Humanities in America...... 3 Three Religion Majors Meet in a Café: What Do They Have in Common Call for Volunteers Committee Nominations ...... 10 2008 Annual Meeting News AAR Series Book Editor ...... 10 AAR Delegate to the ACLS ...... 11 Leadership Workshop ...... 26 11 Record Attendance Presidential Nominations ...... Scholars Meet with Prison Chaplaincy . . . . .26 Actions of the Board ...... 11 Cosponsors of International Scholars ...... 26 11 Two Schools Cosponsor South Asian Scholars New Policy Statement ...... Media Coverage ...... 26 Nondiscrimination Statement Over 45 Journalists Attend the Meeting 2009 Committee Roster ...... 12–13 A Successful and Popular Meeting ...... 27 Almost 6,000 at the Chicago Meeting Scholars Serving the AAR 2008 Annual Business Meeting Minutes . . .22 New Strategic Plan Border Crossing ...... 14 Outgoing Program Unit Chairs ...... 28 Collaborative Theological Reflection for Ministry at the University of Our Thanks to These 47 Chicago Divinity School Job Center Statistics ...... 28–29 Position-to-candidate Ratios Remain High To Prevail in Jerusalem ...... 15 2007–2008 Employment Survey Highlights ...... 30 Outgoing Committee Members ...... 16 32 Members Rotating Off Case Study Initiative ...... 17 FEATURES Teaching Pluralism In the Public Interest ...... 23 Barack Obama’s Endorsement of Faith-based Membership Corner ...... 18 Initiatives: Bringing Religion to the Public Square in the Context of the Separation of Church and State Briefs ...... 19 Research Briefing ...... 24 JAAR Calls for Papers ...... 19 Paging God: Religion in the Halls of Medicine Book Corner ...... 20 From the Student Desk ...... 25 Timbre, Tempo, and Time Signatures: A Jazz AAR Highlights Four New Books Musician’s Journey into Biblical Studies Place of Personal Faith in the Classroom ...... 21 Upcoming Summer Seminar ...... 22 Theologies of Religious Pluralism and Comparative Theology 2008 Annual Report A Message from the President ...... 31 A Message from the Executive Director ...... 31 About Us ...... 31 Financial Standing ...... 32 Membership Trends ...... 33 Annual Meeting ...... 33 Centennial Strategic Plan ...... 34 Contributors ...... 34–35 2009 Member Calendar 2 0 0 9 Dates are subject to change. Check www.aarweb.org for the latest information. AAR Staff Directory Kyle Cole March May 1. Annual Meeting Additional Meeting October 12. Annual Meeting Job Center pre- Director of Professional Programs E-MAIL: [email protected] Religious Studies News March issue, including the requests due for priority consideration. registration closes. TEL: 404-727-1489 2008 Annual Report. May 1. Deadline for submissions of nomina- October 15. Submissions for the January 2010 Jessica Davenport Associate Director of Professional Programs Journal of the American Academy of Religion tions for the AAR Delegate to the American issue of Religious Studies News due. For more E-MAIL: [email protected] March 2009 issue. Council of Learned Societies. See this issue, information, see www.aarweb.org/Publications/ TEL: 404-727-4707 page 11, for more information. RSN. For more information on AAR publications, see Toby Director Finance and Administration Coordinator www.aarweb.org/Publications or go directly to the May 1–2. History of Religions Jury meeting, October 15. Regional development grant E-MAIL: [email protected] JAAR homepage, hosted by Oxford University Atlanta, GA. awards announced. TEL: 404-727-7948 Press, http://jaar.oxfordjournals.org. Steve Eley May 1–2. Eastern International regional meet- November March 2. Annual Meeting proposals due to pro- ing, Syracuse, NY. Director of Technology Services November 1. Research grant awards announced. E-MAIL: [email protected] gram unit chairs. Additional Meeting requests May 15. Change of address due for priority TEL: 404-727-7972 may be submitted for the 2009 Annual Meeting. November 5. Regionally Elected Directors receipt of the Annual Meeting Program Planner. Ina Ferrell meeting, Montréal, Québec, Canada. Associate Director of Finance and Administration March 6–7. Rocky Mountains–Great Plains Program Planners will be mailed to members in E-MAIL: [email protected] regional meeting, Denver, CO. late May. November 5. Executive Committee meeting, TEL: 404-727-2331 Montréal, Québec, Canada. John Fitzmier March 7–8. Southwest regional meeting, (For more Annual Meeting information, see Executive Director Irving, TX. www.aarweb.org/Meetings/Annual_Meeting/ November 6. Fall Board of Directors meeting, E-MAIL: [email protected] Current_Meeting). Montréal, Québec, Canada. TEL: 404-727-3049 March 11. Humanities Advocacy Day, an event Carey J. Gifford organized by the National Humanities Alliance June November 6. Leadership Workshop at the and cosponsored by the AAR and more than Annual Meeting, Montréal, Québec, Canada. Director of Publications and Theological Programs Journal of the American Academy of Religion June E-MAIL: [email protected] twenty organizations to promote support for the issue. November 7. Annual Meeting registration and TEL: 404-727-2270 National Endowment for the Humanities. For housing opens for 2010 meeting. Stephanie Gray more information, see www.nhalliance.org. June 15. Membership renewal deadline for Associate Director of Publications 2009 Annual Meeting participants. November 7–10. Annual Meeting, Montréal, E-MAIL: [email protected] March 13–15. Southeast regional meeting, TEL Québec, Canada. The AAR Annual Meeting, : 404-727-3059 Chapel Hill, NC. June 15. Annual Meeting registration deadline the world’s largest gathering of scholars of reli- Steve Herrick for 2009 Annual Meeting participants. Director of External Relations March 14. Publications Committee meeting, gion, anticipates some 5,500 registrants, 200 E-MAIL: [email protected] New York, NY. June 15. Submission deadline for the October publishers, and 125 hiring departments. TEL: 434-202-8198 issue of Religious Studies News. For more infor- March 20. Nominations due for Awards for TBA. Annual Business Meeting at the Annual Margaret P. Jenkins mation, see www.aarweb.org/Publications/RSN. Director of Development Excellence in the Study of Religion book awards. Meeting. See the Program Book for day and time. E-MAIL: [email protected] For details, see www.aarweb.org/Programs/Awards/ TEL: 404-727-7928 July November 20. New program unit proposals Book_Awards/rules-excellence.asp. Aislinn Jones July 1. Annual Meeting program goes online. due. Director of Marketing March 21–23. Western regional meeting, Santa E-MAIL: [email protected] July 1. New fiscal year begins. December TEL: 404-727-8132 Clara, CA. July 31. Deadline for participants to request Journal of the American Academy of Religion Deanna Lord March 26–27. Mid-Atlantic regional meeting, audiovisual equipment at the Annual Meeting. December issue. Administrative Assistant Baltimore, MD. E-MAIL: [email protected] TBA. Program Committee meeting, Atlanta, GA. TEL: 404-727-3049 March 27–28. Upper Midwest regional meet- August Deborah Minor ing, St. Paul, MN. August 1. Research grant applications due. For December 15. Submissions for the March 2010 Director of Finance and Administration more information, see www.aarweb.org/ issue of Religious Studies News due. For more E-MAIL: [email protected] (For more information on regional meetings, see Programs/Grants. information, see www.aarweb.org/Publications/ TEL: 404-727-7954 www.aarweb.org/Meetings/regions.asp). RSN. Robert Puckett August 1. Regional development grant applica- Director of Meetings April E-MAIL: [email protected] tions due to Regionally Elected Directors. December 31. Membership renewal for 2010 TEL April 1. Notification of acceptance of Annual due. Renew online at www.aarweb.org/Members/ : 404-727-1461 August 15. Membership renewal period for Meeting paper proposals by program unit chairs. Dues. Susan Snider 2010 begins. Associate Director of External Relations April 3–4. Midwest regional meeting, River E-MAIL: [email protected] September And keep in mind TEL: 404-727-4725 Forest, IL. throughout the year… Journal of the American Academy of Religion April 3. Regionally Elected Directors meeting, Regional organizations have various deadlines September issue. Religious Studies News (USPS 841-720) is pub- Montréal, Québec, Canada. throughout the fall for the Calls for Papers. See lished quarterly by the American Academy of TBD. Program Committee meeting, Santa www.aarweb.org/Meetings/regions.asp. Religion in January, March, May, and October. April 3. Executive Committee meeting, Barbara, CA. Letters to the editor and features examining profes- Montréal, Québec, Canada. In the Field. News of events and opportunities sional issues in the field are welcome from all read- TBD. Executive Committee meeting, Santa for scholars of religion. In the Field is a members- ers. Please send editorial pieces in electronic uncom- April 4–5. Spring Board of Directors meeting, Barbara, CA. only publication that accepts brief announce- pressed file format only (MS Word is preferred) to: Montréal, Québec, Canada. ments, including calls for papers, grant news, [email protected]. September 1. Deadline for submissions of April 20. Employer preregistration for Annual conference announcements, and other opportu- Subscriptions for individuals and institutions are nominations for AAR Series Book Editor. Meeting Job Center opens. nities appropriate for scholars of religion. Submit available. See www.aarweb.org/publications/rsn for See this issue, page 10, for more information. more information. text online at www.aarweb.org/Publications/ April 24–26. Pacific Northwest regional meet- September 29. Finance Committee meeting, In_the_Field/submit1.asp. Deadlines for submissions: ing, Tacoma, WA. Atlanta, GA. January October 15 Job Postings. A members-only publication, Job (For more information on regional meetings, see March December 15 September 28–October 28. AAR officer elec- Postings lists job announcements in areas of inter- May February 15 www.aarweb.org/Meetings/regions.asp). October June 15 tion period. Candidate profiles will be published est to members. Issues are available online from in the October RSN. the first through the last day of the month. Advertising May Submit announcements online, and review poli- For information on advertising, please see Religious Studies News May issue, including October cies and pricing, at www.aarweb.org/Publications/ www.aarweb.org/publications/rsn. Annual Meeting registration materials and Religious Studies News October issue. Openings/submitad1.asp. Publisher: Spotlight on Theological Education. American Academy of Religion Spotlight on Teaching Fall issue. 825 Houston Mill Road NE, Suite 300 May 1. Nominations (including self- Atlanta, GA 30329 USA nominations) for committee appointments and October 1. Deadline for Additional Meetings Executive Editor elected positions requested. inclusion into the Annual Meeting Program Book. Carey J. Gifford Editor Stephanie Gray 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

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ELIGIOUS For writing and advertising guidelines, please see www.aarweb.org/publications/rsn. R 2 • March 2009 RSN NEWS

FROMTHEEDITOR Dear Readers: Also in this issue, you will find our reports on the 2008 We also have a call for nominations for the President, Annual Meeting, which include the satisfaction survey, committee memberships, and the AAR’s representative This issue is packed with articles dealing with the work media attendance, the minutes of the Academy’s annual to the ACLS. of the Academy. business meeting, and Job Center statistics. We round out this issue with several interesting articles The Academy’s 2008 Annual Report will provide you This issue also contains several opportunities and dealing with the vocational identities of ministerial stu- with a summary of our operations in 2008. announcements regarding publishing: dents and doctoral students, the future of Jerusalem, We are very excited about the upcoming 2009 Annual teaching pluralism, the Obama administration’s • A call for a new JAAR Editor; Meeting in Montréal. In this issue, you will find your endorsement of faith-based initiatives, religion and registration materials, articles dealing with new program • Two JAAR calls for papers; medicine, and list of contributors to the Academy. units, outgoing program unit chairs, and good housing, • A call for an Oxford University Press/AAR Book We look forward to seeing you in Montréal! food and beverage, shopping, and cultural centers in Series editor; Montréal. You will also find professional development Carey J. Gifford information on the Job Center and our popular • A list of the latest Oxford University Press/AAR titles; Executive Editor Leadership Workshop. and • A call for articles for the From the Student Desk column

Benchmarking Humanities in America

HE AMERICAN Academy of Arts “Until now the nation has lacked a broad- engineering,” said Oakley, cochair of the of part-time, non-tenured positions com- and Sciences recently unveiled the based, quantitative analysis of the status of Academy’s Initiative for the Humanities pared to their counterparts in the sciences T Humanities Indicators, a prototype the humanities in the United States,” said and Culture and President Emeritus of and engineering. But almost half of set of statistical data about the humanities Leslie Berlowitz, chief executive officer of both Williams College and the American humanities faculty indicate that they are in the United States. The new online the American Academy of Arts and Council of Learned Societies. “We know “very satisfied” with their jobs overall. resource is available at www.Humanities Sciences and project codirector. “We need that public support of the humanities Since the early 1970s, the number of Indicators.org. more reliable empirical data about what is depends on accurate data. The Indicators Americans who support the banning of being taught in the humanities, how they prototype is the start of an infrastructure Organized in collaboration with a consor- books from the public library because they are funded, the size of the workforce, and that will broadly support policy research tium of national humanities organizations, espouse atheism, extreme militarism, com- public attitudes toward the field. The in the humanities.” the Humanities Indicators are the first munism, or homosexuality decreased by at Humanities Indicators are an important effort to provide scholars, policymakers, The Academy’s Initiative for the least 11 percentage points, although still step in closing that fundamental knowl- and the public with a comprehensive pic- Humanities and Culture provides a frame- 26 percent to 34 percent of the public edge gap. They will help researchers and ture of the state of the humanities, from work for examining the significance of the would support banning some type of policymakers, universities, foundations, primary to higher education to public humanities in our national culture. It is a book. In the case of books advocating museums, libraries, humanities councils, humanities activities. The collection of necessary backbone for developing ade- homosexuality, the decline was a particu- and others answer basic questions about empirical data is modeled after the quate resources and informed policies to larly significant 20 percentage points. the humanities, track trends, diagnose National Science Board’s Science and ensure the continued growth and health of problems, and formulate appropriate Recent federal legislation identifies certain Engineering Indicators and creates reliable the humanities. The Academy’s work in interventions.” languages as “critical need languages” benchmarks to guide future analysis of the this area has received support from the (Arabic, Persian, Hindi, Bengali, Turkish, state of the humanities. Without data, it is Among the organizations collaborating Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the and Uzbek, among others), but the data impossible to assess the effectiveness, with the Academy on the effort are the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, show these languages are rarely studied in impact, and needs of the humanities. American Council of Learned Societies, the Rockefeller Foundation, the Teagle colleges and universities. At the same the American Academy of Religion, the Foundation, and the Sara Lee Foundation. “The humanities have long served as a time, there has been a substantial increase American Historical Association, the For more information on the Initiative, wellspring for a vibrant culture and a well- in the number of students studying American Political Science Association, see http://www.amacad.org/projects/ informed society,” said Jack Fitzmier, Chinese. Association of American Universities, the humanities.aspx. Executive Director of the American College Art Association, the Federation of Charitable giving to arts and cultural Academy of Religion. “What’s been miss- State Humanities Councils, the Linguistic organizations grew between the mid- ing — which the Humanities Indicators What Do the Society of America, the Modern Language 1990s and early 2000s before leveling off. now provide — is a consistent way to Association, and the National Humanities Humanities Indicators But little of public or private sector fund- track how investment in humanities edu- Alliance (http://www.nhalliance.org/research/ ing for the humanities goes to academic cation may correlate with outcomes such Tell Us? humanities-indicators/index.shtml). research. This trend undermines both aca- as employment of humanities graduates The picture of adult literacy in the United demia and the public since public institu- and public perception of the humanities. Almost a decade ago, Academy Fellows States is one of polarization. Among tions rely on humanities scholars to pro- Because religion, history, literature, philos- Steven Marcus, Jonathan Cole, Robert Western industrialized nations, we rank vide much of the knowledge on which ophy, and the arts vitally inform society, Solow, and Francis Oakley joined near the top in the percentage of highly these activities are based. it’s vital to have sound data available for Berlowitz in recognizing the need for literate adults (21 percent) but also near those who influence the role these subjects improved data on the humanities and the top in the proportion who are func- The number of American adults who read have in school curricula.” spearheaded the Academy’s efforts to tionally illiterate (also 21 percent). at least one book in the previous 12 establish a data collection system. Other months decreased from 61 percent to 57 The American Academy of Arts and Public debate about teacher qualifications leading humanists, including Patricia percent in the decade between the early Sciences project collected and analyzed has focused mainly on math and science, Meyer Spacks, Denis Donoghue, Norman 1990s and the early 2000s. The greatest data from existing sources to compile a but data reveal that the humanities fields Bradburn, Pauline Yu, Arnita Jones, and rate of decline (approximately 15 percent) prototype set of 74 indicators and more suffer an even more glaring dearth of well- Rosemary Feal helped guide the project. occurred among 18-to-24-year-olds. than 200 tables and charts, accompanied prepared teachers. In 2000, the percentage by interpretive essays covering five broad The need for and potential value of the of middle (29 percent) and high school subject areas. The Indicators will be updat- Humanities Indicators was described in (37.5 percent) students taught by a highly ed as new information becomes available, the Academy’s 2002 report, Making the qualified history teacher was lower than including data from a survey administered Humanities Count: The Importance of Data for any other major subject area. The defi- last year to approximately 1,500 college (available at http://www.amacad.org/ nition of “highly qualified” is a teacher and university humanities departments. projects/humanities.aspx). who has certification and a post-secondary The Academy views the Indicators as a degree in the subject they teach. “The humanities community has suffered prototype for a much-needed national sys- from a protracted case of data deprivation, Humanities faculty are the most poorly tem of humanities data collection. especially in comparison with science and paid. They also have a higher proportion

March 2009 RSN • 3 Religious Studies News

ANNUAL MEETING 2009 Montréal

BIENVENUE À MONTRÉAL THIS NOVEMBER FOR THE 2009 AAR ANNUAL MEETING. MONTRÉAL IS WORLD-RENOWNED FOR ITS CULTURE AND ARCHITECTURE.THE FAIRMONT QUEEN ELIZABETH AND LA CENTRE SHERATON ARE THE HEADQUARTERS HOTELS.THE 2009 MEETING MARKS THE KICKOFF OF THE AAR’S CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION, AND MONTRÉAL’S UNIQUE BLEND OF CULTURES FITS WELL WITH THE MEETING’S THEMES OF GLOBALIZATION AND INTERNATIONAL CONNECTIONS. MONTRÉAL’S VIBRANT CITYSCAPE OF THE ARTS, ARCHITECTURE, CUISINE, SHOPPING, AND MORE PROVIDE THE PERFECT BACKGROUND FOR THE 2009 AAR ANNUAL MEETING.

Registration and Centre Sheraton hotels. Shuttle service Career_Services/Job_Center. Candidate Canadian Immigration will run between the headquarters hotels registration is open now through the Housing is open now! and the Palais. Montréal has excellent Annual Meeting registration system. It is necessary for those entering Canada public transportation to get to other areas to clear customs and immigration. FAX: 301-694-5124 of the city. Check online at www.aarweb.org/ Childcare International visitors, including those WEB: www.aarweb.org/Meetings/ Meetings/Annual_Meeting/Current_Meeting coming from the United States and Annual_Meeting/Current_ for more travel information! AAR is proud to provide childcare service Mexico, must present a passport in order Meeting/registration.asp at the Annual Meeting for the conven- to enter Canada. Non-North American ience of our members. Childcare is avail- and European Union citizens should MAIL: AAR Annual Meeting Additional Meetings able at an hourly or daily rate. It will be inquire about possible visa requirements Registration and Housing Requests for Additional Meeting space are located in the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth from their own country. Official letters of c/o Experient Registration and being accepted through the new online Hotel. invitation to the Annual Meeting to sup- Housing Bureau Additional Meeting system at www.aarweb.org/ port visa applications are available. E-mail 2451 Edison Boulevard Meetings/Annual_Meeting/Current_Meeting/ [email protected] with your Twinsburg, OH 44087 Disability Accessibility Additional_Meetings. All requests are han- name, address, and the full contact informa- Questions: dled on a space and time-slot available AAR members with disabilities or who tion of the consulate of your country. basis. The Additional Meetings program, may have difficulty getting around the TEL: 1-800-575-7185 (U.S. and held in conjunction with the AAR Annual meeting are encouraged to note this dur- Canada) Meeting, is an important service to AAR ing registration. AAR will make every rea- +1-330-425-9330 (outside members. Additional Meetings must have sonable attempt to accommodate you, U.S. and Canada) an AAR member listed as the primary whether by arranging special services such AAR Annual Meeting contact. All Additional Meeting partici- as sign language interpreters, assigning Online Services E-MAIL: [email protected] pants are expected to register for the accessible hotel room space, or through At www.aarweb.org/Meetings/ Annual Meeting. Be sure to read the the AAR’s taxi reimbursement policy. Annual_Meeting/Current_Meeting instructions carefully before completing More information can be found at you can: Membership and submitting your space request. The www.aarweb.org/Meetings/Annual_Meeting. deadline for priority scheduling is May 1, • Register for the Annual Meeting Don’t forget to renew your membership 2009. For more information about the Find A Friend • Reserve your hotel room dues before you register or else you won’t Additional Meetings, please see be able to get the lower member registra- www.aarweb.org/Meetings/Annual_Meeting/ Please note the box on the registration • Find a roommate tion rates. If you are not certain about Current_Meeting/Additional_Meetings. form that gives permission for your name, • Request Additional Meeting space your current 2009 membership status, institution, and hotel (if any) to be posted Questions should be directed to Aislinn please see www.aarweb.org/Members/Dues on a list of attendees available online at • Register for the AAR Annual Jones at [email protected]. or call 404-727-3049. www.aarweb.org/Meetings/Annual_Meeting Meeting Job Center and onsite on the Find A Friend board. If • View the complete AAR program Getting Around Job Center you do not check the box, your informa- tion will not be listed. • Discover more about Montréal The 2009 AAR Annual Meeting Job Most AAR sessions will be held at the including tours, museums, houses Center will be located in the Palais des Palais des Congrès. Some evening recep- of worship, restaurants, and much Congrès. Candidates and employers who tions and additional meetings will be held more! wish to participate should visit the AAR at the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth and La website at www.aarweb.org/Programs/

4 • March 2009 RSN 2009 ANNUAL MEETING NEWS

New Program Units Where to Stay in Montréal

AR’S PROGRAM Committee approved the following new program units for the A2009 Annual Meeting: • Body and Religion Consultation • Religion, Memory, and History Consultation • Jain Studies Consultation • Religious Conversions Consultation • Latina/o Critical and Comparative Studies Consultation • Sociology of Religion Consultation • Middle Eastern Christianity Consultation • Women of Color Scholarship, Teaching, and Activism Consultation • Religion in Europe and the Mediterranean, 500–1650 CE • Yogâc–ara Studies Consultation Consultation

FTER A LONG DAY of attending atrium-style lap pool, a sauna, a whirlpool, sessions at the Annual Meeting, it is and a fully equipped state-of-the-art fitness A good to have a haven to relax and center. CAN 165/165/189/189 recharge for the next day. AAR has negotiated ✳Student/Retired Member Hotel✳ special conference rates at a number of luxuri- Holiday Inn Select Montréal ous hotels for the convenience of meeting 99 Viger Avenue and St. Urbain Street attendees. All rates are listed in Canadian dol- lars. Hotel room rates do not include the 15.5 This hotel is located in the heart of down- percent hotel room tax. Please note that the town Montréal, only one block from Old single/double/triple/quadruple room designa- Montréal. When it’s time to relax, guests can tion denotes the number of room occupants, enjoy the full-service spa, heated indoor swim- not the number of beds. A triple room means ming pool, whirlpool, sauna, and fitness cen- three people are sharing two double beds ter, or a selection from the hotel’s room service unless a roll-away bed is requested at an extra menu. Every guest room is well outfitted for charge. the traveler, including a spacious and well-lit ✳Headquarters Hotel✳ work area, voicemail, high-speed Internet, and Fairmont Queen Elizabeth other business-essential amenities. 900 Rene-Levesque Boulevard West CAN 140/140/160/160 Hotel InterContinental Montréal This landmark hotel is celebrated interna- 360 Rue St. Antoine West tionally for its world-class accommodations. The Fairmont Queen Elizabeth boasts a skill- Centrally located in the heart of the financial fully integrated health club, featuring state-of- district and at the gateway to Old Montréal the-art equipment and an indoor pool, as well and the downtown core, this extraordinary as three distinctive venues to experience hotel brings a level of excellence and luxury to Montréal’s gastronomy at its best: Les the city.The hotel is ideally located just min- Voyageurs Lounge, Le Montréalais Bistro- utes from Montréal’s finest shopping, enter- restaurant, and the award-winning Beaver tainment, cultural, and financial districts. The Club, recognized as one of the best places in InterContinental Montréal offers its guests a Canada. Guests of Fairmont Hotels and world of total comfort in its richly appointed Resorts will enjoy high-speed Internet connec- guest rooms. Each room is elegantly decorated tivity in all guest rooms as well as wireless in a sophisticated color palette of soft greens, Internet access in public areas such as lobbies cream, or sienna. All the rooms and suites and lounges. CAN 165/165/189/189 have large picture windows, a spacious work ✳Headquarters Hotel✳ area, dataports, marble, and an oversized bath- La Centre Sheraton Montréal room with separate shower. 1201 Rene-Levesque Boulevard West CAN 159/159/179/179 Hyatt Regency Montréal Stroll out our doors and into the heart of 1255 Jeanne-Mance beautiful Montréal. La Centre Sheraton is Future AAR Annual Meeting close to exceptional shopping, fine dining, the This hotel offers direct underground access to entertainment district, and just minutes from the Palais des Congrès, the Metro, and the Dates and Sites the lively business district. The guest rooms Contemporary Museum of Art. It is also are tastefully appointed and designed for com- within walking distance of Old Montréal, fort. Sink into the Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Chinatown, and the trendiest restaurants. 2009 — Montréal, QC, Canada Bed, with its custom-designed plush-top mat- Enjoy every productivity advantage, including tress, cozy fleece blanket, plump duvet, and continental breakfast, free local calls, generous November 7–10 five cushy pillows. All guest rooms feature work area, and wireless high-speed Internet high-speed Internet access and are equipped access. Beautiful views of Montréal or the with an in-room safe that is large enough to Place des Arts complement stylish decor, 2010 — Atlanta, GA store a laptop computer. Multilingual including Portico amenities, and two double concierge services and the lobby coffee bar are beds with ultra-plush pillows, soft sheeting, October 30–November 2 conveniently located at the lobby level. A and down blankets piled atop pillowtop mat- completely redesigned business center is locat- tresses. CAN 160/160/175/175 2011 — San Francisco, CA ed on level A. The sixth floor spa/health club is open daily and includes a superb indoor, November 19–22 2012 — Atlanta, GA November 3–6

March 2009 RSN • 5 Religious Studies News What’s On in Montréal For more Montréal visitor information, guidebooks, and maps, contact Tourisme Montréal or see their website at www.tourisme-montreal.org.

where guests are treated to the myriad fla- Le Cabaret du Roy vors of maple, in warm ambiance. 363 de la Commune Street East Furthermore, visitors might want to stop 514-907-9000 by the onsite museum to discover the secrets of maple products. $ Get ready for a trip to another time as Le EATING Cavalli Ristorante and Bar Cabaret du Roy transports you to New DRINKING 2040 Peel Street France, with period musicians, historic 514-843-5100 figures, and an old world table. Amer- Alexandre et Fils indian dishes, locally-grown Québec prod- 1454 Peel Street Price Guide in Canadian dollars (for Cavalli Ristorante is the epitome of cos- ucts, and grilled game add authentic flavor 514-288-5105 average entrée): mopolitan fine dining, not only for dinner to the feasting and festivities. $$$ Alexandre’s French brasserie cuisine treats and cocktail hour, but also for its classic $ = up to $10 its guests to sauerkraut, cassoulet, confit, yet playful business lunch. With its retro Le Pavillion Nanpic $$ = $11–20 75A de la Gauchetière Street West foie gras, broiled meat, and fresh fish from decor and picturesque bar scene, the $$$ = $21–30 514-395-8106 the market, all served in a convivial restaurant offers the art of glamorous din- $$$$ = $31 and over Parisian atmosphere. Upstairs, a British ing, and the city’s most sense-exhilarating A great restaurant to enjoy a gourmet pub offers the choice of twelve tap dining experience! $$$ meal prepared with only fresh, quality imported beers and also contains a cigar ingredients and spices resulting in mouth- Aix Cuisine du Terroir Chez L’Épicier lounge. Hôtel Place d’Armes 311 Saint-Paul Street East watering flavors and vibrant colors. $$ 711 Place d’Armes Hill 514-878-2232 Restaurant du Vieux Port Brutopia, Brasseur Artisan 514-904-1201 39 Saint-Paul Street East 1219 Crescent Street Chez L’Épicier is a restaurant that offers a 514-866-3175 514-393-9277 Aix Cuisine du Terroir celebrates Québec’s fresh, surprisingly creative, and refined For more than ten years, Brutopia has finest products thanks to the innovative menu. For the past eight years, Chef The Restaurant du Vieux Port is been offering guests a wide choice of and flavorful cuisine of Chef Carl Röder. Laurent Godbout has reinvented Québec renowned for its Angus beef, seafood, and beers, including eight types of in-house The warm and contemporary décor of the gastronomy using local products that devoted service. Located in the heart of ales brewed using natural ingredients. The restaurant blends in perfectly with Le revive the palate. Chez L’Épicier is more Old Montréal, the restaurant invites you microbrewery also serves its self-styled Place d’Armes Hôtel and Suites’ classic than just a restaurant, it is also a fine gro- to warm up by the fireplaces on cold win- Brutapas cuisine, a delicious menu of fin- urban chic design, as well as with the styl- cery where one can obtain a wide array of ter days. $$ ger foods sure to please every palate. ish yet relaxing Aix La Terrasse, located on “Les Saveurs de L’Épicier” products, as Guests can choose from three different the roof of the hotel. The hotel’s new bar, well as take-out dishes that will satisfy Restaurant Le Pier Gabriel 39 de la Commune Street East levels of seating and can tune into the Suite 701, offers a great selection of drinks even the greatest gourmets. $$$ 514-396-4673 rock, pop, or blues performances featured and an upscale gourmet bar menu. $$$ Chez Queux every night. Auberge Le Saint-Gabriel 158 Saint-Paul Street East In a friendly atmosphere, Chef Michel 426 Saint-Gabriel Street 514-866-5194 Racine offers a varied table d’hôte inspired Le Quartier 514-878-3561 by the flavors and colors of the season. In 1001 du Square-Victoria Street Chez Queux is located just steps away addition to exquisite cuisine, the age-old 514-875-9669 Founded in 1754, the Auberge Le Saint- from the Palais des Congrès in a historic stones, classical woodwork, majestic view Located in the Quartier International, the Gabriel is the oldest inn in North building at the heart of Old Montréal. of the Old Port, and lounge all guarantee restaurant Le Quartier features contempo- America. Its fine French and Québec cui- Whether for its express menu, gourmet an unforgettable fine dining experience. rary market cuisine, one-of-a-kind cock- sine is prepared with the best available dinners, business lunches, or group recep- $$$ tails, and a variety of wines at the main market ingredients, served in a charming tions, the restaurant treats fans of fine bar. Express lunch hours, lively happy atmosphere reminiscent of yesteryear. A French cuisine to personalized service in Restaurant Mr. Ma Corner of Cathcart and Mansfield hours, and a supper club atmosphere on graceful terrace for those sultry summer enchanting ambiance. $$$ 514-866-8000 Saturdays have made this restaurant one of days and a fireplace in winter make for the trendiest meeting places in the romantic dining year round. $$$ Confusion/Tapas du Monde Picture yourself in the refined surround- 1635-7 Saint-Denis Street metropolis. Bonaparte 514-288-2225 ings of this charming downtown restau- 443 Saint-François-Xavier Street rant. Treat yourself to a fine Szechuan Pub St-Paul 514-844-4368 Critics are unanimous in their praise of meal, enjoy fresh seafood, or discover dim 124 Saint-Paul Street East Confusion, which serves a wide range of sum at Mr. Ma’s. Business lunch specials 514-874-0485 Three decorated halls in the Empire style tasty tapas in a totally feel-good ambiance. from Monday to Friday. $$ Steps from Place Jacques-Cartier, in the that dominated the Napoleonic era give Seat yourself comfortably on a plush ban- heart of Old Montréal, is the delightful the restaurant the intimate character that quette or a swing, and thrill your taste Restaurant Toqué 900 Place Jean-Paul-Riopelle Pub St-Paul, renowned for its affordable guests treasure. The Imperatrice Hall can buds with the flavors of foie gras, the 514-499-2084 good food and excellent nightly shows. accommodate up to sixty people. The famous sweetbread popcorn, and a variety Spread out over two floors, the pub offers Greenhouse, bursting with green plants, of seafood dishes. These small-sized plates, Member of Relais and Châteaux since the delights of a warm atmosphere with and the Centre Hall, with its stonework, which are perfect for sharing, are artfully 2006, Toqué is located in the heart of excellent views overlooking the Old Port. can easily accommodate twenty guests. reinvented in a flavor explosion and gour- Montréal’s Quartier International. Rated The Bonaparte cuisine is inspired by the met outing that goes easy on the wallet. $$ five diamonds by the CAA and AAA, the Sir Winston Churchill Pub French countryside. The menu, with its Fourquet Fourchette du Palais restaurant features an elegant and lumi- Complex array of tempting suggestions, is made to 265 Saint-Antoine Street West nous decor, as well as a remarkable wine 1455-59 Crescent Street satisfy the most diverse palates at very rea- 514-789-6370 cellar. Chef Normand Laprise showcases 514-288-3814 sonable prices. $$$ exceptional products, such as his famous Combining an English pub, a nightclub, When you combine artfully prepared local melt-in-your-mouth duck foie gras, and and a bar and restaurant all under one Brisket Montréal dishes with beer and historical reenact- co-owner Christine Lamarche looks after 1093 Beaver Hall Hill roof, this complex is a one-stop for gour- ments, the resulting dinner-theater or your every need. $$$ 514-878-3641 mets and night owls. For great food, rest, brunch feast is nothing short of masterful. and relaxation, put Winnie’s Restaurant Since 1986, fans from far and wide have $$ Tour De Ville 777 University Street on your list. Patrons appreciate the exten- been converging on Brisket Montréal for 514-879-4777 sive table d’hôte menu and the renovated its delectable smoked meat, prepared in Le Bourlingueur 363 Saint-François-Xavier Street and richly appointed dining room, with the traditional manner. But Brisket’s secret Boasting a remarkable panoramic view of 514-845-3646 its wood and leather accents. to success relies equally on its relaxing sur- the city, this revolving restaurant, located roundings, and classical decor, as well as Close to the St. Lawrence River is Le on the thirtieth floor of the Delta Centre- on its outstanding and charming service. $ Bourlingueur, with its menu of seafood Ville Hotel, takes you on a culinary world Canadian Maple Delights specialties; in particular, poached salmon. tour. $$$ 84 Saint-Paul Street East Fish and seafood lovers, as well as those 514-765-3456 ext. 224 craving red meat, will find satisfaction in the chef’s selection, served in an unpreten- Gelati, coffee, pastries, organic maple tious atmosphere. $ syrup, and many more delicacies made from maple syrup are beautifully displayed on the shelves of this bistro-boutique,

6 • March 2009 RSN 2009 ANNUAL MEETING NEWS

Musée des Hospitalières de l’Hôtel- Sherbrooke Street West Dieu de Montréal Once an enclave for Montréal’s wealthiest 201 Pine Avenue West families, this posh area of the city is now 514-849-2919 lined with designer boutiques, antique www.museedeshospitalieres.qc.ca stores, art galleries, and many other places to pick up unique and high-end trends. THINKING The Musée des Hospitalières de l’Hôtel- SHOPPING Many of Québec’s leading fashion designers Biodôme Dieu de Montréal opens on a magnificent Underground Pedestrian Network have set up shop on both de la Montagne 4777 Avenue Pierre-De Coubertin oak staircase built in the seventeenth centu- The name “Underground City” refers to the and Crescent Streets, the latter a favorite 514-868-3000 ry. It relates the history of the Hospitallers vast network of pedestrian walkways below the spot of the jet-set crowd thanks to its lively www2.ville.montreal.qc.ca/biodome of St. Joseph and of the Hôtel-Dieu, a his- city.There are 33 kilometers of connecting assortment of restaurants, bars, and ter- tory forever entwined with that of The word Biodôme comes from the Greek passageways beneath downtown, with the races. Montréal. With a permanent exhibition as words bios, or life, and domos, house. An métro (subway), commuter trains, and buses well as temporary exhibitions focusing on oasis in the heart of the city, the Montréal also converging here. The passageways serve a Marché Bonsecours its history, medicine, and religious art, the 350 Saint-Paul Street East Biodôme recreates some of the most beauti- more leisurely purpose as they provide access to Musée des Hospitalières de l’Hôtel-Dieu de ful ecosystems of the Americas: the lush forty entertainment venues and attractions. Recognized as one of the ten most beautiful Montréal does not merely speak of the past, and humid tropical forest, warm even in heritage buildings in Canada, the Marché but also offers an enlightened view of the the depths of a Montréal winter; the Crescent Street Bonsecours is a proud showcase for Québec present. Known as one of the world’s friendliest and Laurentian forest, changing with the sea- artists, designers, and artisans. It houses fif- liveliest cities, Montréal is recognized for its sons; the St. Lawrence marine ecosystem, teen boutiques, including the Conseil des Musée des Maîtres et Artisans du cosmopolitan side and its openness. In the replicating the Estuary and the Gulf; and Métiers d’Art du Québec (Québec’s Craft Québec middle of it all is famous Crescent Street, the Polar Worlds of the Arctic and 615 Avenue Sainte-Croix Council), which offer original creations at the heart of downtown Montréal for Antarctic. 514-747-7367 artisans’ prices. Watch glass-blowing artists tourists and locals alike. A wonderful sense www.mmaq.qc.ca at work in the Gogo Glass Boutique and of hospitality characterizes this tiny strip; it Biosphère, Environment Museum enjoy Québec-grown products in the three 160, Chemin Tour-de-l’Isle Prior to our industrial era, the making of also has a unique architecture that tends to restaurants and cafés-terraces. Sainte-Hélène Island daily objects depended on the talents and create a warm and authentic atmosphere. 514-283-5000 ingenuity of our masters and artisans. Famous for its specialty shops, art galleries, www.biosphere.ec.gc.ca Their knowledge, transmitted from genera- and designer boutiques, the like of tion to generation, has left us with an Parasuco, Hugo Boss, Shan, and Matt The Biosphère is an exclusive venue to bet- impressive heritage. The Musée des Maîtres Bailey, Crescent shopping is the ideal mix ter understand major environmental issues, et Artisans du Québec transports its visitors of style and class. including those related to water, air, climate into this forgotten universe and presents change, sustainable development, and the tools, furniture, textiles, ceramics, met- responsible consumption. alwork, statues, sacred objects, and other Cinemania Film Festival religious ornaments that constituted the Cinema Imperial everyday lives of the French-Canadians of 1430 de Bleury Street the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth www.cinemaniafilmfestival.com centuries. Since its inception in 1995, the Cinemania Nativity Scenes French Film Festival has presented audi- St. Joseph’s Oratory of Mount-Royal Request for Proposals ences with films of excellence and origin- 3800 Chemin Queen-Mary ality — French language films of the high- 514-733-8211 Deadline - September 1, 2009 est quality. Cinemania is the annual ren- www.saint-joseph.org/en_1119_index.asp dezvous of cinephiles to discover exception- The exhibit of nativity scenes from the al new feature films judiciously selected Oratory Museum has become a tradition from nearly 200 films viewed annually by during the Christmas season. Artists and Pedagogy of Transnational Education its professional team of programmers. The craftspeople from around the world have 2009 film festival will be held from given a new meaning to faith, hope, and November 5–15.  What are the pedagogical challenges posed by joy. The exhibit unites religious and social Montréal, a Living History traditions as it presents the Nativity of Jesus the presence of students from a variety of Centre D’Histoire de Montreal in a wide variety of settings, each one more countries in North American classrooms and at 335 Place D’Youville inventive than the last. Over 260 crèches 514-872-3207 coming from 111 countries are represented your institution? www.ville.montreal.qc.ca/chm in the annual offering.  Relive more than one hundred events from Natural History and Ethnology What project or activity for faculty conversation Montréal’s history. This exhibit provides a Exhibit can help you address this opportunity? unique opportunity to explore the living Redpath Museum history of Montréalers through the ages. 859 Sherbrooke Street West Montréal Holocaust Memorial 514-398-4086 ext. 4094 The Wabash Center invites proposals for projects up Centre www.mcgill.ca/redpath 5151 Côte Ste-Catherine Road Discover the natural history and diversity to $20,000 from faculty teaching theology and religion 514-345-2605 of Québec through exhibits on paleontol- in theological schools, colleges or universities in the www.mhmc.ca/en/index.html ogy, mineralogy, and biodiversity as well as an impressive variety of cultural displays United States or Canada. The exhibition weaves the cataclysmic from ancient times (Egypt and the events of the Holocaust into a tapestry of Mediterranean) and from around the globe Jewish history and heritage, exploring the (Africa, Asia, Oceania, and South America). We welcome inquiries and would be richness and diversity of Jewish life before, Highlights include dinosaur skeletons and during, and after the Shoah. What makes glad to talk with you about this grant Egyptian mummies. the exhibition unique is its connection to opportunity. Montréal. Approximately 5,000–8,000 sur- Sacred Africa: Ancient Art from vivors live in the Montréal area, making the Sub-Saharan Africa Exhibit city home to the third largest survivor pop- Montréal Museum of Fine Arts ulation in the world. Over 418 original 1380 Sherbrooke Street West artifacts (bequeathed to the museum by 514-285-2000 Montréal survivors), 372 photographs, and www.mmfa.qc.ca Application information 20 films give visitors a “locally focused” http://www.wabashcenter.wabash.edu/grants/default.aspx The exhibition features fifty stunning lens through which to reflect on the pieces of high-quality, traditional African Holocaust. art — objects, sculptures, and masks — from the Sub-Saharan region. Contact: Paul Myhre - 800-655 7117 - [email protected]

March 2009 RSN • 7 Religious Studies News Annual Meeting Job Center 2009 All candidates have the option of filing a Employer Fees OCATED IN the Palais des Congrès, Employer Services CV with the Job Center. Those who register the Annual Meeting Job Center will First Job: $275 ($325 onsite) by October 12, 2009, may upload an elec- All registered employers receive: provide employers and job candidates Each Additional Job: $60 ($85 onsite) L tronic CV, due October 13. with interview facilities, a message service, • Use of the Interview Hall and the ability current job listings, and candidate creden- Organized by job classification, the online to invite any Annual Meeting registrant Job Postings tials for review. CVs are available to employers August 15, to an interview. 2009 through January 31, 2010, and onsite In order to ensure the widest possible pool • Placement of job advertisement in the at the Annual Meeting Job Center. Onsite of candidates, all jobs registered with the Candidate Services Annual Meeting edition of Job Postings, registrants and those who do not upload Job Center must be advertised for at least available onsite to all candidates. All registered candidates receive: their CV by the deadline may bring two thirty days and at least one of those days copies to the Job Center to be filed alphabet- • Job Center icon next to Job Postings must fall within the sixty day period before • Annual Meeting edition of Job Postings. ically. online job advertisement. the Annual Meeting. The fee for the adver- • Opportunity to file a curriculum vita tisement is not included in the Job Center Please see www.aarweb.org/jump/jobcenter for • Access to candidate credentials at the Job (CV) for employer review. registration fee. To place an ad, go to more information. Center and online beginning August 15, www.aarweb.org/jump/jobpostings. • Access to the Job Center message system 2009 through January 31, 2010. Candidate Fees to send and receive confidential communi- Preregistration: $25 • Access to the Job Center message system cation with registered employers. Registration Onsite registration: $50 to send and receive confidential commu- • Use of drop box to leave employers nication with registered candidates. Job Center registration for candidates is cur- requested documents. rently open through Annual Meeting registra- • Ability to reserve a Private Interview tion. Registration for employers opens April Room for an additional fee. 20, 2009, at www.aarweb.org/jump/jobcenter. Employers who register onsite will not be able to Registration for both candidates and employ- reserve Private Interview Rooms or Interview ers closes October 12, 2009. Hall space prior to arriving onsite. St. Lawrence Valley’s Canadians and the First Nations Louis Rousseau, Université du Québec à Montréal Seventeenth through Iroquois League, Jesuits slipped into the living in the Laurentian forest, and the west- Louis Rousseau is a professor in the “dangerous men” category. Hostages, without ern peoples — forgotten baptized half-breeds Département de Sciences des Religions at Eighteenth Centuries: knowing it, of the aboriginal rule regarding and never converted Plain Cree. Secular the Université de Québec à Montréal. He Catholic Missions Engaged in commercial alliances, they were tolerated for priests, Grey Sisters, and Oblats de Marie- is a specialist in the history of modern a few years, mostly because they were Immaculée were at the core of this new con- Christianity, in particular Québec of the Unequal Partnership imposed by Québec, and because aboriginal version and civilization process, supported by nineteenth century, the religious dimen- Alliances children played the same role in the French the federal government in its territorial and sion of First Nations in Québec, and reli- community. The Christian Huron project commercial expansion politics. Ever since the The French presence in America, mostly in gious expression of migrant communities ended in 1649, with the termination of the Indian Act of 1850, the Amerindians were the St. Lawrence Valley, is a result of the in contemporary Québec. He is a found- League by the Iroquois. legally considered minors, and this fragile commercial expansion will of the European ing member of the Groupe de Recherche population, at a loss without its traditional nations, a will that pushed them out of their Attempts to achieve a reduction of nomad Interdisciplinaire sur le Montréal way of life, welcomed the help and the con- borders in the sixteenth and seventeenth cen- Amerindians near Québec and Montréal by Ethnoreligieux (GRIMER) and the version call of the white power being deliv- turies. In Europe, the rise of monarchic evangelization and settling were a failure. Centre de Recherche sur la Diversité au ered by the missionaries. At the end of the national powers and religious fragmentation Amerindians understood early on that it was Québec (UQÀM). Rousseau has written nineteenth century, the Amerindian popula- gave birth to national churches strongly their ability to supply the fur market that extensively in his areas of specialization. tion of Québec was almost completely bap- linked to the state. France’s international mis- made them valuable to the French, a fact that His most recent publication is Les tized in one of many Christian confessions. sionary movement emerged after the reli- encouraged them to maintain their hunting Sulpiciens de Montréal: Une Histoire However, outdoor native religious practices de Pouvoir et de Discrétion, gious wars as an expression of the Catholic activities. Because of that, the missionary remained. As for the Inuit population farther 1657–2007 (Montréal, QC: Fides, phase of the Reform. Between 1600 and strategy developed differently until the end of north, the conversion sped up after World 2007). 1640, an awakening movement was felt New France, going deeper and deeper into War II. through laymen, members of religious the continent by following the military and orders, and secular clergy. From this “devout commercial routes. With the Canadian T SEEMS IMPOSSIBLE for a contem- France” came the Jesuit missions in New voyageurs, Amerindians were able to establish 1960–Today: Amerindian porary scholar to write a short paper on France, the founders of religious schools first a fair exchange of cultural and commercial Awakening and the Ithe complex history of relations developed for Amerindian girls (Ursulines of goods under the protection of the inter- between America’s First Nations and the Marie-de-l’Incarnation, 1639) and the utopi- Indian peace recognized and formally signed Criticizing of Cultural and Québecois descending from a French and an project started by the Montréal Notre- by a large number of Aboriginal Nations in Territorial Despoiling Catholic background. The scholarly works Dame Society for the conversion of the New 1700 and 1717. Introduced by French politi- Since 1960, starting with traditionalist related to the four or five centuries cover- World savages (1642). Of all the French men cians, the inter-Indian peace offered them Mohawks faithful to the Longhouse ing this subject, written north or south of and women canonized in the seventeenth protection under the “mediator” function of Religion, a gradual reclaiming of the tradi- the forty-fifth parallel in the last thirty century, a third of them had lived in New New France’s Governor (Onontio). From tional heritage can be observed through the years, have definitely spoiled the canonical France. It was clearly a generation of individ- Father Le Jeune (1633) to Father Lafitau Twelve Nations represented in the province framework of history. The role of the hero uals influenced by personal mysticism that (1724), the Jesuits’ observations, whether of Québec. This process of reconstruction, is no longer exclusive to the European embarked on an evangelical journey for the they were motivated by ethnographic or pub- with its political, economic, and territorial national subject, while “savage” people are conversion of Amerindians. But what licity interests, provide us with a unique cor- aspects, is based ultimately on the spiritual recognized as more than just a helper or became of this adventure at the end of the pus of information still deemed incredibly dimension. The challenge is immense; an opponent, welcoming or rejecting the French regime? valuable. This first missionary period ended changing ways of life profoundly modified progress brought by the civilized Christian with the transfer of New France to England, Recent historiography gives a lukewarm por- the traditions. The public examination of the Nations. Innovative works in recent eth- while Amerindians suffered a clear loss of trait of the Jesuit experience. The Amer- perverse effects of the Catholic missionary nohistory have either deconstructed the power against the growing French and indians were generally curious and open to activities has just begun. In June 2008, the national story by demarginalizing the abo- English populations. discuss the religious beliefs of the newcomers, Truth and Reconciliation Commission was riginals, tried to view the European for they felt their own belief system was launched in order to support a process of actions through Amerindian eyes (based equal, if not superior, to that of the French. 1840–1960: The truth and healing on a path leading towards on European written sources!), or written “Black Robes” were first seen as powerful reconciliation and renewed relationships micro-stories showing the confusion and Conversion of Savage People men, placed in the same category as chiefs, based on mutual understanding and respect. fecundity of interactions on a local level. sorcerers, and healers. This perception soon to Catholicism Governments and churches are deeply To restrain one’s remarks to Catholic mis- changed as it became clear that they wanted Catholic missionary activity started again in involved in a dialogue about the negative sionaries’ activities instead of the business- to attack the foundations of the aboriginals’ the Saint Lawrence Valley around 1840. In effects of the Indian boarding schools. The men’s, the settlers’, or the government’s world view. With the propagation of illnesses, the context of an ultramontanist cultural Québec government recognizes the cannot possibly contribute to a synthesis frequent deaths of catechumens and the revitalization, the Québec church embraced a Amerindian Nations as equal partners in of mixed points of view. The reader is on newly baptized, and the decrease of the new missionary vocation aimed at the ongoing negotiations. Public opinion perilous ground. But let us suggest three Huron population due to war against the Amerindians, the different hunting Nations does not always agree! chronological markers.

8 • March 2009 RSN 2009 ANNUAL MEETING NEWS Annual Meeting Leadership Workshop Three Religion Majors Meet in a Café: What Do They Have in Common?

HE ACADEMIC Relations Committee will begin a Participants will then explore the presence of these characteristics in The interactive workshop will feature several speakers, three-year sequence of workshops exploring the implications the design of majors in different institutional contexts (small pub- panelists, and breakout sessions. Eugene V.Gallagher Tof the Teagle/AAR White Paper, “The Religion Major and lic, large public, private, and theological). The workshop will con- will open the workshop with a discussion titled: “The Liberal Education,” at the Annual Meeting in Montréal on Friday, clude with presentations and discussions about how we address convergent characteristics of the religious studies November 6. these in ways attentive both to our responsibilities as educators and major: Findings of the Teagle Working Group.” to the students and the reasons they are in our programs. Gallagher, the Rosemary Park Professor of Religious This year’s daylong workshop, “Three Religion Majors Meet in a Studies at Connecticut College and founding director Café: What Do They Have in Common?” will address five com- “In light of the findings of the AAR/Teagle Working Group and of the Mankoff Center for Teaching and Learning, was mon characteristics the White Paper identified of a religious studies from our own conversations with department chairs over the past a member of that working group. major: intercultural and comparative, multidisciplinary, critical, few years, sustained discussion about the shape of the major in reli- integrative, and creative and constructive. In this interactive work- gious studies and its relation to liberal education in the twenty-first A panel will follow addressing how the five characteris- shop, participants will have an opportunity to discover and discuss century is more important than ever,” said Fred Glennon, chair of tics play out in different institutional contexts. A this constellation of characteristics. the Academic Relations Committee. breakout session led by members of the Academic Relations Committee immediately follows, which will allow participants to discuss these issues in depth. Following lunch, which is provided, will be a session THREE RELIGION MAJORS MEET IN A CAFÉ: on student dynamics, their motives for study, and how students can be targeted with the characteristics in WHAT DO THEY HAVE IN COMMON? mind. Another breakout session will allow for partici- pation from attendees. W O R K SHOP Friday, November 6, 2009, The workshop will conclude with a plenary address Leadership Montréal, QC from Gallagher. “Our hope is that this workshop will not only con- The Teagle/AAR working group, which produced the white paper, institutional contexts (small public, large public, private, and theo- tinue the conversation begun by the AAR/Teagle “The Religion Major and Liberal Education,” identified five com- logical). The workshop will conclude with presentations and dis- Working Group but also extend it to illuminate some mon characteristics that suggest the religious studies major is by its cussions about how we address these characteristics in ways atten- best practices for curriculum and program develop- very nature intercultural and comparative, multidisciplinary, criti- tive both to our responsibilities as educators and to the students ment,” Glennon said. cal, integrative, creative, and constructive. In this interactive work- and the reasons they are in our programs. This is the first in a Colleagues in your institution, such as chairs, other fac- shop, participants will have an opportunity to discover and discuss three-year sequence of workshops that will explore the implica- ulty members, faculty being developed to assume lead- this constellation of characteristics. They will then explore the tions of the Teagle White Paper. ership responsibilities, and deans, may be interested in presence of these characteristics in the design of majors in different attending this workshop. Chairs may want to bring a team of faculty or send a designated faculty person. PRELIMINARY PROGRAM Registration is limited to the first 75 participants. The cost for the workshop is $100, which includes the 9–9:15 Introduction 10:00–10:45 Institutional Perspectives: How 11:00–12:00 Break-out session (by entire day of sessions, lunch, and a book on the topic. these characteristics play out in institutional context) 9:15–10:00 The convergent characteristics The topics for past chairs workshops have been: of the religious studies major: different institutional contexts 12:00–1:00 LUNCH Findings of the Teagle Working • Theological schools 1:00–2:00 Student dynamics 2008 Annual Meeting Group (Eugene V. Gallagher, • Large public universities 2:00–2:45 Breakout session (random small Leadership Workshop — Taking Religion(s) Connecticut College) • Small public universities/ groups with ARC Seriously: What Students Need to Know colleges members as Facilitators) 2007 Annual Meeting • Private universities/colleges 3:00–3:45 Plenary wrap up: What have we Chairs Workshop — Best Practices: Diversifying Your learned? (Eugene V. Gallagher) Faculty — Honest Conversations Leadership Workshop — The Religion Major and TO REGISTER Liberal Education Complete the information below, arrange payment, and send via fax or surface mail. You can also register online 2006 Annual Meeting as a part of the Annual Meeting registration process: www.aarweb.org/meeting/annual_meeting/current_meeting. Chairs Workshop — Personnel Issues: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly 2005 Annual Meeting Name Chairs Workshop — Enlarging the Pie: Strategies for Managing and Growing Departmental Resources Department 2004 Annual Meeting Chairs Workshop — Being a Chair in Today’s Consumer Institution Serving as Chair since Number of faculty in department Culture: Navigating in the Knowledge Factory Registration is limited to the first 75 participants. 2003 Annual Meeting Send your registration form and payment of $100.00 *** before October 20, 2009 ($125.00 after and onsite). Chairs Workshop — Scholarship, Service, and Stress: The Tensions of Being a Chair PAYMENT INFORMATION Summer 2003 ❒ Check: (payable to “AAR Annual Meeting,” memo For more information, contact Kyle Cole, Director of Chairs Workshop — The Entrepreneurial Chair: Professional Programs, at [email protected], or by phone “Leadership Workshop”) Building and Sustaining Your Department in an Era of at 404-727-1489. Shrinking Resources and Increasing Demands Credit Card (Check one): The Leadership Workshop is arranged by the Academic ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ Relations Committee of the American Academy of 2002 Annual Meeting Visa Mastercard American Express Discover Religion: Fred Glennon, chair, Chester Gillis, L. Chairs Workshop — Running a Successful Faculty DeAne Lagerquist, Steve Young, Rosetta Ross, Edwin Search in the Religious Studies Department David Aponte, and Kyle Cole, staff liaison. Credit Card Number Expiration Date 2001 Annual Meeting Chairs Workshop — Evaluating and Advancing Register online (as part of Annual Meeting  Teaching in the Religious Studies Department CID* registration): www.aarweb.org/meetings/ annual_meeting/current_meeting 2000 Annual Meeting Cardholder Signature Chairs Workshop — Assessing and Advancing the  Register by Fax: 330-963-0319 Religious Studies Department Name on Card (Please Print) Register by surface mail: We look forward to seeing you in Montréal!
AAR Leadership Workshop * Card Identification Number: 4 digits on front of American Express; 3 digits on back of other c/o Experient The Academic Relations Committee: Fred cards 2451 Enterprise PKWY Glennon, chair, Chester Gillis, L. DeAne Twinsburg, OH 44087 Lagerquist, Steve Young, Rosetta Ross, Edwin USA David Aponte, and Kyle Cole, staff liaison.

March 2009 RSN • 9 Religious Studies News Call for Committee Call for AAR Series Book Nominations Editor

ACH YEAR, members of the interests; 2) A summary of the nominee’s HE AAR Publications Committee AAR series editors help set editorial policy, American Academy of Religion are activity in the AAR; 3) A statement seeks a book editor for the Teaching acquire manuscripts, and work with Oxford Einvited to nominate persons to fill describing the nominee’s interest or prom- TReligious Studies series, which is pub- University Press in seeing manuscripts open positions on AAR Standing ise for a particular assignment; and 4) A lished in cooperation with Oxford through to publication. Further informa- Committees, Task Forces, and Juries. This current copy of the nominee’s curriculum University Press. tion on the entire Oxford/AAR book series year, there are openings on the following vita. Members may nominate themselves. can be found at www.aarweb.org/ The Teaching Religious Studies series locates groups: All nominees must be members in good Publications/Books. The required finalist itself at the intersection of pedagogical con- standing of the AAR. Nominations must interviews for the position will take place at • Academic Relations Committee cerns and the substantive content of religious be received by May 1, 2009, and may be the Publications Committee meeting on studies. Each volume provides scholarly and • Book Award Juries E-mailed, faxed, or posted to: Saturday, November 7, 2009, at the 2009 pedagogic discussion about a key topic (e.g., Annual Meeting in Montréal, Canada. • Career Services Advisory Committee Jack Fitzmier a text, theme, or thinker) of significance for Further information on the Publications Executive Director teaching and scholarship in religious studies. • Graduate Student Committee Committee can be found at www.aarweb.org/ American Academy of Religion Volumes typically comprise essays setting the About_AAR/Committees/Publications. • International Connections Committee Suite 300 topic within its historical context and locat- 825 Houston Mill Road NE ing the work within the traditions of reli- The new editor will assume office on • Public Understanding of Religion Atlanta, GA 30329 USA gious studies, and an array of brief essays January 1, 2010, for a five-year (renewable • Status of LGBTIQ Persons in the Fax: 404-727-7959 that discuss pedagogical and theoretical once) term, and is expected to attend the Profession Task Force [email protected] problems relevant to teaching the topic in a two meetings of the Publications range of contexts. Volumes may also include Committee: on the Saturday morning of • Status of Racial and Ethnic Minorities Mark Juergensmeyer, President of the primary sources and guides to reference the Annual Meeting and at the offices of in the Profession Committee AAR, will review nominations and make tools. Taken together, the pieces collected in Oxford University Press in New York City, selections during August and September • Status of Women in the Profession each volume place the topic firmly within usually in mid-March. 2009. Nominees will be notified of their Committee the religious studies context and raise chal- status soon thereafter. If you have ques- This is a volunteer position. All applicants lenging questions about its role in teaching • Teaching and Learning Committee tions about particular assignments, please must be members of the American and in the field more generally. The series is feel free to contact the AAR’s executive Academy of Religion. Please e-mail • Theological Education Steering designed to be useful and of interest to sever- staff, Board members, or Committee/ inquires, nominations (self-nominations are Committee al groups, including new teachers, those who Task Force chairs. Committee descrip- also encouraged), and applications (a letter are teaching a subject for the first time or in Nominations for positions on these tions and rosters are available at describing interests and qualifications, plus a new context, teacher-scholars, and students groups must be made in writing, and www.aarweb.org/about_AAR/committees. a current curriculum vita) by Word or PDF interested in the specific topic. The Teaching must include: 1) A description of the attachment to: Cheryl Kirk-Duggan, Religious Studies series seeks creative ideas nominee’s academic and professional Publications Committee Chair, that represent the best of our work as teach- [email protected]. The application dead- ers and scholars. line is September 1, 2009. Further information on books published in this series can be found at www.aarweb.org/ Publications/Books/teachingreligousstudies.asp.

AAR Career Services Visit the AAR’s 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

10 • March 2009 RSN NEWS

Actions of the Board Call for Presidential HE AAR BOARD of Directors • That gender identity and sexual orienta- passed several actions at the Winter tion be included in future surveys of Nominations T2008 meeting in Chicago. It voted AAR members that request demograph- on a new firm, Tarpley and Underwood, ic information; N RECENT DISCUSSIONS of our Candidates are chosen for each position to handle the fiscal year 2009 audit. The • That the AAR requires every institution updated Strategic Planning goals, the that is coming up for election that year. Board approved a recommendation to posting a job listing to disclose whether Executive Office is working on making Three or four candidates are chosen at first, adopt a Statement of Best Practices for I or not the institution has an antidis- AAR’s practices and processes more trans- ranked 1–4. The Chair of the Nomina- Academic Job Offers, which was penned crimination policy, and if it does to parent to the general membership. Four tions Committee works down the slate by by the Job Placement Task Force. The make it available; forces impel us to do this: contacting the candidates to see if they are Board also accepted the Sustainability Task willing to stand for election. Once two Force’s recommendation that the AAR • That institutions requiring a signed • Our approaching centennial, a time candidates agree to stand, the Chair sends executive staff, in future Annual Meeting statement of faith from their employees when it will be especially important for the final slate to the AAR Executive Office negotiations with cities and hotels, ask be required to disclose this information potential contributors and funders to for presentation to the Board of Directors competitors to propose what their sites in all Job Postings listings; clearly and readily understand our gover- at the Spring Board meeting, to be can offer in regards to sustainability — nance structures; • That all listings in Job Postings be approved by a vote of the Board of including recycling, availability of local required to provide a link, if available, • Members’ concerns about transparency Directors. food, housekeeping, energy use — and to to the benefits provided by the institu- and accountability; factor their responses into the decision of Once the slate of candidates is approved, tion; and which site to select. And finally, the Board • The rise over the last decade — in the the AAR Executive Office contacts the can- approved several motions proposed by the • That the AAR adopt an antidiscrimina- wake of prominent corporate and non- didates to request a photo, bio, and state- Status of LGBTIQ Persons in the tion policy, and display it prominently profit scandals — of heightened public ment for inclusion in the election materi- Profession Task Force: on its website (see below for policy). expectations for disclosure; and als. These materials are printed in the October issue of RSN and are mailed to all • Our own interest in excelling at the way members who do not have an e-mail we conduct and hold ourselves account- address in the membership system. For able ethically. those members who do have e-mail New Nondiscrimination With that in mind, the Nominations addresses, they receive an e-mail announc- Committee has outlined below the elec- ing the start of the election period with a tions process in detail. link to the election page on the AAR web- Statement site. They also receive reminders to vote in both the September and October N THE NOVEMBER 2008 Board of gender expression or identification, sexual Vice President — Serves a one-year E-bulletins. Directors meeting in Chicago, a orientation, disability, religion, culture, term, so candidates run for election every motion was put forth by the Status of political convictions, socioeconomic sta- The elections period varies from year to I year. The current Vice President will be in LGBTIQ Persons in the Field Task Force, tus, age, health conditions, or marital, year, but is usually thirty days in length. In line to be confirmed President-Elect in and was supported by the Status of domestic, or parental status, or any other 2009, the elections will be held from 2010 and President in 2011 and will con- Women in the Profession Committee and applicable basis proscribed by law. All Monday, September 28 to Wednesday, tinue to serve on the Board of Directors as the Status of Racial and Ethnic Minorities activities taking place under the aegis of October 28. Immediate Past President in 2012, for a in the Professsion Committee, that AAR the AAR (including the Annual Meeting, total of four years of service. In addition to The day after the elections close (October adopt the following nondiscrimination regional meetings, and academy-sponsored serving on the Board of Directors, the Vice 29, 2009), the AAR Executive Office tallies statement: committees, publications, and sessions) are President serves on the Executive and the electronic and mailed ballots and bound by this antidiscrimination policy. The American Academy of Religion Program Committees. During his or her reports the results to the Executive respects the rights, dignity, and worth of The nondiscrimination statement was tenure, the Vice President will have the Director. all people. It unequivocally rejects all approved by the Board of Directors and opportunity to affect AAR policy in power- The Executive Director first contacts both forms of harassment and unethical dis- can now be found on the AAR website at ful ways; in particular, during the presi- the winning and losing candidates, and crimination, including discrimination and www.aarweb.org/About_AAR/Board_and_ dential year, the incumbent makes all then announces the election results to the harassment based on race, ancestry, place Governance/Resolutions. appointments of members to openings on Board via e-mail. of origin, color, ethnicity, citizenship, sex, committees. Once the candidates have been contacted Secretary — Serves a three-year term, so and the Board informed, the election candidates run for election every third year. results are posted on the website. A further The next election for Secretary will take announcement is printed in the January place in 2010. The Secretary is responsible issue of RSN and is mentioned at the Call for AAR Delegate to the for recording and verifying the official Annual Business Meeting at the Annual records of the Board of Directors, the Meeting. ACLS Executive Committee, the Program Committee, and the Annual Business Candidates take up their positions at the HE AAR EXECUTIVE Office invites Nominations for this position must be Meeting. end of the Annual Business Meeting. candidates to nominate themselves or made in writing, and must include: 1) A Student Director — Serves a two-year others for the position of Delegate to description of the nominee’s academic and T term, so candidates run for election every the American Council of Learned Societies professional interests; 2) A summary of the second year. The Student Director position (ACLS). The term of office for the nominee’s activity in the AAR; 3) A state- Call for Candidates for will be up for election in 2009 and again Delegate is January 1, 2010 to December ment describing the nominee’s interest or in 2011. The Student Director is a mem- Elected Positions 31, 2012. The Delegate performs the fol- promise for this assignment; and 4) A cur- ber of the Board of Directors, representing lowing functions: rent copy of the nominee’s curriculum vita. The Nominations Committee is pleased to the particular concerns and issues of AAR All nominees must be members in good announce that both the Vice President and • Represents the AAR as its delegate to the student members at large. In addition, the standing of the AAR. Nominations must Secretary positions are up for election in annual spring meeting of the ACLS (a Student Director works with the Graduate be received by May 1, 2009, and may be 2010 (the nominations deadline has collection of approximately seventy Student Committee. e-mailed, faxed, or posted to: already passed for 2009 elected positions). learned societies in the humanities fields); Jack Fitzmier To be considered for any elected position, Executive Director submit the following information: 1) A • Responds to occasional ACLS requests American Academy of Religion Elections Process brief biographical sketch of no more than for information about AAR programs; Suite 300 200 words; 2) A statement on your candi- Candidates can self-nominate or nominate • Writes an annual report to the AAR 825 Houston Mill Road NE dacy for the position, between 500–600 others by sending materials as described in Board of Directors; Atlanta, GA 30329 USA words (e.g., what objectives and goals you the Call directly to the Chair of the FAX: 404-727-7959 would bring to the position); and 3) A • Serves as a member of the AAR Board of Nominations Committee. The Chair col- [email protected] current curriculum vita. Directors; and lects the names of proposed candidates. Mark Juergensmeyer, President of the AAR, The Chair then meets with the rest of the Nominations must be received by January 1 • On an occasional basis, solicits names of will review candidate applications and make committee in late winter to discuss the of the election year and should be sent scholars of religion who could serve on a final selection in the summer of 2009. slate of candidates (both submitted by the directly to the Chair of the Nominations the selection committees for the ACLS The announcement of the final candidate general membership and by Nominations Committee, Rebecca Alpert at ralpert@ Fellowship Program. will be made soon thereafter. Committee members). temple.edu.

March 2009 RSN • 11 Religious Studies News 2009 Committee Roster

Board of Directors Finance Committee Publications Committee Dwight N. Hopkins, University of Chicago *Daisy L. Machado, Union Theological Officers David Thibodeau, Treasurer, Nashville, TN *Cheryl A. Kirk-Duggan, Chair, Shaw Seminary Donna Bowman, University of Central University *Kathryn Reklis, Union Theological Mark Juergensmeyer, President, University Arkansas Kimberly Rae Connor, University of San Seminary of California, Santa Barbara *John J. O’Keefe, Creighton University Francisco; Academy *Angels Sims, Saint Paul School of Theology Ann Taves, President-Elect, University of John R. Fitzmier, Staff Liaison, American Susan E. Henking, Hobart and William *Dennis W.Wiley,Covenant Baptist Church California, Santa Barbara Academy of Religion Smith Colleges; Teaching Religious Studies *Kwok Pui Lan, Vice President, Episcopal Jacob Kinnard, Iliff School of Theology; Centennial Advisory Committee Divinity School Graduate Student Committee Religion, Culture, and History *Peter J. Paris, Chair, Princeton Michel Desjardins, Secretary, Wilfrid Laurier Kevin Madigan, Harvard University; Whitney Bauman, Chair, Florida Theological Seminary University Religion in Translation International University *Rita Nakashima Brock, Faith Voices for David Thibodeau, Treasurer, Nashville, TN Charles Mathewes, University of Virginia; Annie Blakeney-Glazer, Millsaps College the Common Good/The New Press JAAR Editor Janet Gunn, University of Ottawa *Rebecca S. Chopp, Colgate University Members Anne E. Monius, Harvard University; Cameron Jorgenson, Campbell University *Miguel A. De La Torre, Iliff School of Religion in Translation *Rebecca Alpert, Temple University Nichole Phillips, Vanderbilt University Theology Theodore Vial, Iliff School of Theology; Donna Bowman, University of Central *Almeda Wright, Emory University *Stacey M. Floyd-Thomas, Vanderbilt Reflection and Theory in the Study of Arkansas Margaret P.Jenkins, Staff Liaison, American University Religion *Miguel A. De La Torre, Iliff School of Academy of Religion *Warren Frisina, Hofstra University Carey J. Gifford, Staff Liaison, American Theology *Amir Hussain, Loyola Marymount Academy of Religion *Christopher Denny, St. John’s University, International Connections University Queens, NY Committee Regions Committee *Pamela Klassen, University of Toronto W. Clark Gilpin, University of Chicago *Davina C. Lopez, Eckerd College Tat-siong Benny Liew, Chair, Pacific School Fred Glennon, Le Moyne College Brian K. Pennington, Maryville College *Linda A. Moody, Mount St. Mary’s of Religion *Susan E. Hill, University of Northern *Susan E. Hill, University of Northern Iowa College Edward Phillip Antonio, Iliff School of Iowa Douglas R. McGaughey, Willamette *Mark Silk, Trinity College Theology *Cheryl A. Kirk-Duggan, Shaw University University *Joseph Winters, Princeton University Teresia Mbari Hinga, Santa Clara University Scott T. Kline, University of Waterloo Deborah Minor, Staff Liaison, American *Glenn E. Yocum, Whittier College Xiaofei Kang, Carnegie Mellon University *Tat-siong Benny Liew, Pacific School of Academy of Religion Margaret P.Jenkins, Staff Liaison, American *Gilya Gerda Schmidt, University of Religion Academy of Religion Tennessee, Knoxville Susan M. Maloney, University of Redlands Status of Racial and Ethnic *Manuel Vasquez, University of Florida Charles Mathewes, University of Virginia Governance Task Force Kyle Cole, Staff Liaison, American Academy Minorities in the Profession Douglas R. McGaughey, Willamette of Religion Committee Jeffrey L. Stout, Cochair, Princeton University University Miguel A. De La Torre, Chair, Iliff School of Emilie M. Townes, Cochair, Yale University *Rebecca Sachs Norris, Merrimack Nominations Committee Theology Rebecca Alpert, Temple University College Akintunde Ebunolu Akinade, Georgetown David Kyuman Kim, Connecticut College John J. O’Keefe, Creighton University Rebecca Alpert, Chair, Temple University University Robin W.Lovin, Southern Methodist Brian K. Pennington, Maryville College Linell E. Cady, Arizona State University Melanie L. Harris, Texas Christian University University Nichole Phillips, Vanderbilt University *Luis Leon, University of Denver Grace Ji-Sun Kim, Moravian Theological Jacqueline Pastis, La Salle University Sarah M. Pike, California State University, Stacy Patty, Lubbock Christian University Seminary Nelly Van Doorn-Harder, Valparaiso Chico * Emilie M. Townes, Yale University *James Logan, Earlham College University *Tina Pippin, Agnes Scott College Jonathan L. Walton, University of *Nargis Virani, The New School John R. Fitzmier, Staff Liaison, American *Judith Plaskow, Manhattan College California, Riverside Steve Herrick, Staff Liaison, American Academy of Religion Sarah McFarland Taylor, Northwestern John R. Fitzmier, Staff Liaison, American Academy of Religion University Academy of Religion Job Placement Task Force Emilie M. Townes, Yale University Status of Women in the Profession Program Committee Timothy M. Renick, Chair, Georgia State Committee University Standing Committees John R. Fitzmier, Chair, American Academy Judith Plaskow, Chair, Manhattan College Alice Hunt, Chicago Theological Seminary of Religion Academic Relations Committee Stacey M. Floyd-Thomas, Vanderbilt Davina C. Lopez, Eckerd College Michel Desjardins, Wilfrid Laurier University Albert G. Miller, Oberlin College Fred Glennon, Chair, Le Moyne College University *Yudit K. Greenberg, Rollins College Wayne Proudfoot, Columbia University Edwin David Aponte, Lancaster Theological Mark Juergensmeyer, University of M. Gail Hamner, Syracuse University Carey J. Gifford, Staff Liaison, American Seminary California, Santa Barbara *Anne Joh, Phillips Theological Seminary Academy of Religion Chester Gillis, Georgetown University *Kwok Pui Lan, Episcopal Divinity Nadia M. Lahutsky, Texas Christian L. DeAne Lagerquist, St. Olaf College School University Religion and the Arts Jury Rosetta E. Ross, Howard University Ellen Ott Marshall, Claremont School of *Andrea Smith, University of Michigan, Steve Young, McHenry County College Theology S. Brent Plate, Chair, Hamilton College Ann Arbor Kyle Cole, Staff Liaison, American Academy Charles Mathewes, University of Virginia Sally M. Promey, Yale University Aislinn Jones, Staff Liaison, American of Religion Evelyn L. Parker, Southern Methodist Norman Girardot, Lehigh University Academy of Religion University Diane Apostolos-Cappadona, Georgetown Executive Committee Michelene Pesantubbee, University of Iowa Teaching and Learning Committee University Ann Taves, University of California, Santa Stephanie Gray, Staff Liaison, American Mark Juergensmeyer, Chair, University of Barbara Tina Pippin, Chair, Agnes Scott College Academy of Religion California, Santa Barbara Carolyn Medine, University of Georgia *Donna Bowman, University of Central Public Understanding of Religion Paul Myhre, Wabash Center Religion in the Schools Task Force Arkansas Andrew Sung Park, United Theological Michel Desjardins, Wilfrid Laurier Committee Diane L. Moore, Chair, Harvard University Seminary University Sarah M. Pike, Chair, California State *Mark A. Chancey, Southern Methodist David C. Ratke, Lenoir-Rhyne University *Fred Glennon, Le Moyne College University, Chico University Jessica B. Davenport, Staff Liaison and *Kwok Pui Lan, Episcopal Divinity Shaun Allen Casey, Wesley Theological Betty A. DeBerg, University of Northern Iowa Virtual Teaching and Learning Center School Seminary David Haberman, Indiana University, Editor, American Academy of Religion *Brian K. Pennington, Maryville College Diane Connolly, Religion Newswriters Bloomington Sarah M. Pike, California State University, Association Bruce B. Lawrence, Duke University Chico *Jonathan Herman, Georgia State Ad Hoc Committees, Stephanie McAllister, Brookline High School Ann Taves, University of California, Santa University Task Forces, and Juries Steve Herrick, Staff Liaison, American Barbara Lawrence Mamiya, Vassar College Academy of Religion Emilie M. Townes, Yale University Colleen McDannell, University of Utah Career Services Advisory John R. Fitzmier, Staff Liaison, American Steve Herrick, Staff Liaison, American Committee Academy of Religion Academy of Religion Jessica B. Davenport, Chair, American Academy of Religion *Elizabeth Margaret Bounds, Emory University

12 • March 2009 RSN NEWS

Status of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered, Intersex, and Queer Persons in the Profession Task Force Melissa M. Wilcox, Chair, Whitman College Jennifer Harvey, Drake University Mark D. Jordan, Harvard University Laurel C. Schneider, Chicago Theological Seminary Stephanie Gray, Staff Liaison, American Academy of Religion Rebecca Alpert Julius Bailey Elizabeth Margaret Bounds Donna Bowman Rita Nakashima Brock John D. Caputo Sustainability Task Force Sarah McFarland Taylor, Chair, Northwestern University Roger S. Gottlieb, Worcester Polytechnic Institute Laurel D. Kearns, Drew University Isabel Mukonyora, Western Kentucky University John J. O’Keefe, Creighton University Barbara A. B. Patterson, Emory University Kyle Cole, Staff Liaison, American Academy of Religion Mark A. Chancey Rebecca S. Chopp Paul B. Courtright Miguel A. De La Torre Christopher Denny Stacey M. Floyd-Thomas Theological Education Steering Committee John Thatamanil, Chair, Vanderbilt University Daniel O. Aleshire, Association of Theological Schools David H. Kelsey, Yale University *Emmanuel Lartey, Emory University Paul Lim, Vanderbilt University Anant Rambachan, St. Olaf College *Stephen G. Ray, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Warren Frisina Fred Glennon Yudit K. Greenberg Jennifer A. Herdt Jonathan Herman Susan E. Hill Seminary *Claire Wolfteich, Boston University Carey J. Gifford, Staff Liaison, American Academy of Religion Best First Book in the History of Religions Jury Pamela Klassen, Chair, University of Toronto Paula K. R. Arai, Louisiana State University Amir Hussain Anne Joh Cheryl A. Kirk-Duggan Kwok Pui Lan Emmanuel Lartey Tat-siong Benny Liew Ebrahim E. I. Moosa, Duke University Louis A. Ruprecht, Georgia State University Jessica B. Davenport, Staff Liaison, American Academy of Religion Book Awards, Awards for Excellence Juries *Glen Stassen, Coordinator of Juries, Fuller Theological Seminary TBD, Staff Liaison, American Academy of Religion Davina C. Lopez Daisy L. Machado Linda A. Moody Rebecca Sachs Norris John J. OʼKeefe Peter J. Paris ANALYTICAL–DESCRIPTIVE STUDIES Steven P.Hopkins, Swarthmore College *Laurie Louise Patton, Emory University *Ludger Viefhues, Yale University

CONSTRUCTIVE–REFLECTIVE STUDIES *John D. Caputo, Syracuse University Francis X. Clooney, Harvard University *Jennifer A. Herdt, University of Notre Dame Laurie Louise Patton Brian K. Pennington Tina Pippin Judith Plaskow Stephen G. Ray Kathryn Reklis HISTORICAL STUDIES *Paul B. Courtright, Emory University David Frankfurter, University of New Hampshire *Judith Weisenfeld, Princeton University

TEXTUAL STUDIES *Barbara A. Holdrege, University of California, Santa Barbara

*Andrew Rippin, University of Victoria Andrew Rippin Kathleen M. Sands Gilya Gerda Schmidt Mark Silk Angela Sims Andrea Smith *Vincent L. Wimbush, Claremont Graduate University Research Grant Jury *Julius Bailey, University of Redlands James L. Ford, Wake Forest University Amir Hussain, Loyola Marymount University *Kathleen M. Sands, University of Hawai’i, Manoa

John R. Fitzmier, Staff Liaison, American Academy Glen Stassen Emilie M. Townes Manuel Vasquez Ludger Viefhues Nargis Virani Judith Weisenfeld of Religion

* indicates newly appointed or elected

Dennis W. Wiley Vincent L. Wimbush Claire Wolfteich Almeda Wright Glenn E. Yocum

March 2009 RSN • 13 Religious Studies News

Border Crossing: Collaborative Theological Reflection for Ministry at the University of Chicago Divinity School

Daniel Sack, Project Administrator, [email protected]

clearer sense of their vocation, benefitting the but they reflect varying commitments rather been taught by full time members of the fac- universities, seminaries, or churches that they than hostility to faith. Instead of secularizing, ulty, who may or may not have had ministry serve. They will also have a better under- the Divinity School’s experience reflects a less experience. standing of how their work intersects with dramatic aspect of modernity, specialization. With the support of the project, these classes that of other ministers and scholars, over- Unlike most seminaries and some university- are now taught by a three-member team. A coming the specialization and fragmentation related divinity schools, ministry and doctor- full time faculty member takes the lead and that marks American academic life. al students spend a lot of time together at the ultimate responsibility for the class. A doctor- The University of Chicago was founded in University of Chicago. Many classes attract al student brings insights from her or his aca- 1892, but like most colonial American col- both MDiv and PhD students. They read demic research; and an ethics student brings leges it had the education of a learned min- the same texts and pursue similar research. new insights to vital issues of pastoral care. istry among its original missions. In fact, the Students from all the degree programs attend For instance, while a student of religion and Divinity School predates the rest of the uni- Divinity School chapel services and the literature helps preaching students think versity, with roots in the Baptist Theological weekly community lunches. More informal- about performance, a clergy person offers Union which was founded in the middle of ly, they socialize together. wisdom from his or her years of parish expe- the nineteenth century. The university’s first rience as well as research and reflection. Nevertheless, like all graduate students, Daniel Sack is the administrator of the president, William Rainey Harper, and many Divinity School students are pursuing spe- This team teaching has benefited everyone Border Crossing Project at the University of of his colleagues were Baptist clergymen. Chicago Divinity School. A historian of cialized paths in pursuit of specialized voca- involved. The ministry students get a broad American religion, he has taught at Hope But unlike Harvard or Yale, the University of tions. Some are preparing to be clergy in tra- perspective on the arts of ministry and College and Columbia Theological Chicago was born in the heyday of the ditional congregations. Others want to be encouragement to reflect on their own voca- Seminary. He was associate director of the German university, a model enthusiastically teachers in a college or seminary. Still others tional paths and identities. Faculty members Material History of American Religion embraced by Harper and the others. From are seeking some kind of specialized ministry find their own teaching enriched by the par- Project. He is the author of Whitebread the beginning, the Divinity School’s main — chaplaincy or social service. Doctoral stu- ticipation of colleagues. Doctoral students get Protestants: Food and Religion in goal has been excellent scholarship in reli- dents prepare for their comprehensive exams good teaching experience and an opportunity American Culture (Palgrave, 2000) and gion, offering both doctorates and ministry and write their dissertations, while ministry to think about a possible vocation in theo- the forthcoming Moral Re-Armament degrees, and preparing graduates to teach in students do their field work and satisfy other logical education. Clergy members find their (Palgrave, 2009). colleges and seminaries as well as to serve requirements of their denominations. vocations enriched by a bracing teaching congregations. experience. There are advantages and disadvantages to Over the ensuing decades, these two voca- these intersecting and diverging vocational The project includes other new teaching EMINARIES HAVE many respon- tions and their associated degrees have coex- paths. The diversity enriches the Divinity models. A similar teaching team leads the sibilities, serving multiple audiences. isted in the Divinity School in varying pro- School community. Students bring multiple research seminar for third-year ministry stu- Most obviously, they prepare people S portions. Unlike some university divinity perspectives and a variety of experiences into dents preparing their senior theses, similarly for leadership in religious communities schools, early on the Chicago school also the classroom, both informing and challeng- broadening what happens in the classroom and other institutions. But they also help added teachers and students in history of reli- ing their classmates. A ministry student and in student independent research. An educate lay people, support faculty gions and other fields outside the classical brings insights from her Buddhism class to advanced graduate student teaches an elective research, create educational and liturgical theological disciplines. In the last decade, the her suburban congregation, while the doctor- course for ministry students on a class closely materials for congregations, and in some Divinity School has also offered classes for al student in Islam gets a new perspective related to her or his research, connecting new cases maintain denominational identity and students pursuing a BA in the university’s from a student preparing for the Episcopal research at the Divinity School with the orthodoxy. Those seminaries that offer doc- undergraduate college, the basis of a concen- priesthood. classroom. torates add the teaching of future teachers to tration in religion. their missions. While students benefit from each others’ per- The project’s theologians-in-residence pro- Students at most institutions in the spectives, however, they rarely get a chance to gram encourages ministry and doctoral stu- University divinity schools face even more Association of Theological Schools are share the passions that lie behind those per- dents to collaborate with a local congregation demands. Depending on their university, focused on one destination — the Master of spectives. Like all graduate students — like around an issue of common concern. some teach religious studies to undergradu- Divinity degree that will prepare them for all people involved with theological educa- Students apply as a team, using their differ- ates and graduate students, research world ordained ministry. The Divinity School’s tion — Divinity School students are busy. ent experiences and perspectives to address religions, prepare people for ministry, prepare more than 300 students and more than 30 They rarely get a chance to reflect on their the congregation’s needs. A ministry student people to teach, and reach out to the general faculty members, on the other hand, are pur- vocations with each other. Such reflection, and a doctoral student in the New public. suing a wide variety of personal and profes- when it does take place, happens within their Testament, for instance, led an adult educa- Inevitably the faculty and students in those sional goals — most likely there are more cohorts, with people in the same degree pro- tion class about the Eucharist. Another team, divinity schools become specialized, focusing goals than people. gram. A doctoral student may know what a composed of a ministry student and a doc- on particular parts of the school’s mission — ministry student thinks about Buddhism, toral student in religion and literature, organ- Some critics of American higher education some concentrate on preparation for min- but not why she cares and how it might ized an outreach to Catholic young adults would argue that these multiple goals at this istry, while others prepare for academic influence her vocation. focused on architecture, liturgy, and the arts. diverse institution indicate the secularization teaching careers in religious studies. The The congregations benefited from the stu- of the university — diminishing its original The Divinity School initiated the Border result is a rich and diverse institution, but a dents’ variety of experience, and the students Christian mission and embracing the values Crossing Project in fall 2007 to encourage sometimes fragmented academic community, investigated how their vocations diverged of the academy. In this view students and that sort of collaborative reflection on voca- with people pursuing different vocational and intersected. faculty disrespect the church and its ministry tion. Through a variety of programs, the and academic goals. by rejecting its universal truth. The Divinity project aims to create opportunities in the The Divinity School is encouraging others, The University of Chicago Divinity School is School has surrendered to the corroding school where students preparing for ministry both inside and outside the school, to reflect working to build connections between these acids of modernity. and students preparing for teaching careers on these questions. At a series of lunches, diverse and diverging vocational communi- can reflect on the commitments and curiosi- students have talked about their own voca- That’s not quite what has happened at the ties. The Border Crossing Project, a three- ties behind their vocations. While students tions and what they have learned from par- University of Chicago, however. There are year initiative supported by a grant from the pursue very diverse specialized goals, the ticipating in these classes. These lunches have many students in the Divinity School strong- Lilly Endowment, supports collaboration school believes that the two professions have drawn in other students as well as faculty ly committed to Christianity and to the between ministry students and doctoral stu- both commonalities and differences that, if members, broadening the reflection. church. Those students who would not call dents and encourages those students to investigated in an intentional and engaged Quarterly conferences for students, faculty, themselves Christian respect those who do. reflect on their often-complementary voca- way, could enhance vocational understanding and local clergy address broad issues of reli- Believing students are not besieged by skep- tions. The project has already had an impact and practice all around. gious practice and vocation. A session on tics, and secular students are not evangelized on both individuals and the school’s culture, advocacy in the pulpit and classroom, for by eager ministers-to-be. With strong pro- A significant project initiative broadens the encouraging students to connect theory and instance, got participants to consider how grams for the study of Judaism, Islam, staffing for a vital course sequence in the practice and creating discussions of vocation churches and universities are similar and dif- Hinduism, and other world religions, the Divinity School’s ministry program. All and pedagogy. ferent as places of theological and political Divinity School attracts students with a wide second-year Master of Divinity students take advocacy. An upcoming conference will draw School leaders anticipate that the project can variety of faith backgrounds. As in any edu- a three-course sequence in the arts of min- have benefits beyond the Divinity School. cational institution, there are substantial the- istry, with classes in preaching, worship, and Graduates will pursue their careers with a ological — or atheological — disagreements, pastoral care. Generally, these classes have See Border Crossing, p.16

14 • March 2009 RSN NEWS To Prevail in Jerusalem

Brian Britt, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, [email protected]

Bring me my Bow of burning gold; commercial districts, and separate (but Bring me my Arrows of desire . . . overlapping) systems of education, securi- ty, sanitation, and other services. The I will not cease from Mental Fight, vision of a united city is further undercut Nor Shall my sword sleep in my by the imbalance in distributing munici- pal resources. While about a third of the hand: city is Arab, the city government allocates Till we have built Jerusalem, between 8.5 and 11.75 percent of its In England’s green and pleasant budget to Arab East Jerusalem (Meir Land. Margalit, Discrimination in the Heart of the Holy City, Jerusalem: ICCP, 2006, 111). - William Blake, “Jerusalem” These facts are not hotly disputed, though many would say that Arabs prefer not to (Preface, Milton: A Poem, request or even receive support from the 1804) Israeli-run Jerusalem government. What makes the division of Jerusalem complete Brian Britt is Professor of Religious Studies are the many physical, overt, and informal in the Department of Interdisciplinary boundaries between neighborhoods. Studies at Virginia Polytechnic Institute I tell my students they can understand the and State University. His research on liter- Middle East better by studying the past ary and theoretical approaches to the Bible 150 years rather than the past 3,000. combines the analysis of biblical texts with Modern nationalism, colonialism, questions of contemporary culture. In addi- Orientalism, and the Holocaust go a long tion to articles in religious studies journals, his work includes Walter Benjamin and way to explaining current realities, but the Bible (Continuum, 1996; Edwin one must also grapple with how the past is Mellen Press, 2003), Rewriting Moses: used and, more indirectly, how ancient The Narrative Eclipse of the Text (T&T traditions live on. Striking this balance is Clark/Continuum, 2004), and the coedit- nearly impossible: well-regarded books by ed volume with Alexandra Cuffel, Karen Armstrong, Martin Gilbert, and Religion, Gender, and Culture in the Simon Goldhill on Jerusalem fail to pro- Pre-Modern World (Palgrave MacMillan vide critical perspective on competing Press, 2007). He is completing a study of desires for the city, defining religion and biblical curses and their modern legacy. He politics in narrow institutional terms received his PhD from the University of (Karen Armstrong, Jerusalem: One City, Chicago Divinity School. Three Faiths, New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1996; Simon Goldhill, Jerusalem: City of Longing, Cambridge: Harvard University HAT DOES THE future hold Press, 2008; Martin Gilbert, Jerusalem: for Jerusalem? The question is Rebirth of a City, New York: Viking, 1985, Was ancient as Jerusalem itself, and Jerusalem in the Twentieth Century, and fundamental to its traditions. Hope New York: John Wiley, 1996). But the On the horizon: A view of the security barrier/separation wall from West Jerusalem. In the and longing characterize biblical texts, pious traditions of the city are inseparable foreground: Graffiti, including the phrase “end the occupation.” messianic traditions, and religious prac- from economic and political systems, and tices concerning the city. Today, the they frequently change as residents of the coming, un-Jewish, un-Christian, and un- Of course, one can criticize Dayan’s posi- “arrows of desire” described by William city seek to make a living amid the ruins, Muslim one on earth. One factor behind tion from the standpoint of halakhic Blake (above) seem to fly at the city from political conflict, and sporadic tourism of the wall’s appeal, I believe, is blindness to Judaism, which one can find in Yeshayahu all directions. Idealized even by its inhabi- the holy city. “biblical” forms of modern identity for- Leibowitz, or from the standpoint of tants, Jerusalem embodies Western desires There can be no debating the extent to mation. Zionism itself, as in Gershom Scholem’s more than any other place. which geographic, religious, and ethnic writings (Gershom Scholem, On Jews and Hidden forms of biblical identity coexist With this desire come strong, dangerous walls define the Jerusalem landscape. Judaism in Crisis: Selected Essays, Ed. with openly biblical declarations, whether feelings. When you walk through the city, Standing near the walls of the Old City, Werner J. Dannhauser, New York, NY: by Christian Zionists in the United States it is easy to hear these feelings expressed the wall (or “fence”) separating “Jerusalem” Schocken, 1976 and Yeshayahu Leibowitz, or Jewish Zionists of many kinds. For by Palestinians, Israelis, and Western visi- from the “West Bank,” by some accounts Judaism, Human Values, and the Jewish Moshe Dayan (Living with the Bible, New tors. There is sentimentality, vengefulness, dividing one part of Jerusalem from anoth- State, ed. Eliezer Goldman, trans. Eliezar York: Bantam, 1978, viii. See also Nur lament, and much more. It is tempting to er, suggests a rich analogy between the past Goldman et al., Cambridge, MA: Harvard Masalha, The Bible and Zionism, London: indulge in these feelings, which sharpen and the present. Roughly equal in height University Press, 1992). Zed Books, 2007), the establishment of some perceptions only by dulling others. and function, the two walls are neverthe- Israel and the capture of Jerusalem repre- By themselves, such sectarian forms of It is tempting to exaggerate the danger less opposites of each other: one belongs to sented a fundamental reversal between biblical identity could not thrive without and the deprivations of the city, but one the “religious” past, the other to the “secu- imagination and reality: “secular” values, most prominent of which need not go far beyond Jerusalem to find lar” present. In this sense, the two walls are “freedom” and “democracy.” Only by worse economic and political conditions. represent the antinomy of tradition and My parents who came from another coun- conforming these “secular” categories to The biblical imperative to remember modernity, the dynamic of persistence and try sought to make the Israel of their imagi- the discourse of “us and them,” by draw- Jerusalem in Psalm 137, like so many lit- change in Western monotheism. nation, drawn from descriptions in the ing new lines of righteous group identity, erary expressions (including Blake’s), is an Bible, their physical homeland. In some- To ponder the two walls is not to relish a can more explicitly “religious” identities imperative to cling with passion, but this what the reverse way, I sought to give my postmodern irony, even though the juxta- gain a foothold. Yet the biblical traditions passion takes many forms from which pol- real and tangible homeland the added position has received shockingly little invoked today bear scarce resemblance to itics and religion are inseparable. Most dimension of historical depth, to bring to notice. Nor is it to denounce all walls and their ancient or medieval forms. Biblical discussions of Jerusalem suffer from a life the strata of the past which now lay barriers as such, even though there is good distinctions between “us” and “them” dualistic view of the world as one part beneath the desolate ruins and archaeologi- reason to doubt the lasting value of walls arose long before the invention of bureau- “religious” and one part “secular.” cal mounds — the Israel of our patriarchs, as a technology for keeping populations cratic methods of ghettoization, concen- our judges, our kings, our prophets. and territories distinct in an age of global- tration camps, and atomic bombs. These Boundaries, Walls, ization and the Internet. Walls, after all, Dayan is just one example of a widespread technologies enable the most destructive and Identities are expensive, both in economic and cul- phenomenon of biblical justification for and efficient means of enforcing identity tural terms; the new barrier wall is only Zionism, a phenomenon that crosses differences ever known. In a religious Jerusalem is really two cities today, con- part of an elaborate system of checkpoints boundaries of most kinds of Zionism and landscape where “bad faith” characterizes trary to much political rhetoric. Though running through Israel and the West Christianity alike, including David Ben- so many uses of religious tradition, bibli- signs mark the anniversary of the “reunifi- Bank. An extension of the “us and them” Gurion, Tzvi Kook, and Hal Lindsey (See cal hermeneutics by itself stands little cation” of the city in 1967 at the Jaffa thinking often emphasized in monotheis- Masalha, The Bible and Zionism, Zed See Jerusalem, p.16 Gate and elsewhere, the city has two main tic traditions, these walls and boundaries Books, 2007, and Gabriel Piterberg, The bus terminals, two public markets, distinct threaten to make the city the most unwel- Returns of Zionism, London: Verso, 2008). March 2009 RSN • 15 Religious Studies News

THE AAR THANKS THE FOLLOWING OUTGOING Jerusalem, from p.15 But the patent falseness of such a frontier narrative, along with its astronomical COMMITTEE,TASK FORCE, AND JURY MEMBERS chance of reducing religious and political expense, contributes to the burden of violence. What is needed instead is a Israeli legitimacy. Israelis, as guardians of Ann Marie B. Bahr, South Dakota State University (Religion in the Schools) robust suspicion of the map that divides the frontier, pay a disproportionately high Linda L. Barnes, Boston University (New England–Maritimes Regionally Elected life between “secular” and “religious” price in psychological terms as well. As domains. Director) many recent expressions of popular cine- Catherine Brekus, University of Chicago (Book Awards) ma and culture show (including Amos The Hot Potato of Jonathan E. Brockopp, Pennsylvania State University (International Connections) Kollek’s 2007 Restless and Yoav Shamir’s Sovereignty 2008 Flipping Out), the work of occupa- David Carrasco, Harvard University (Book Awards) tion dehumanizes all sides. Francis X. Clooney, Harvard University (Publications) Without appeals to sentimentality or tragedy, we can say the Israelis are “stuck” Bush Doctrine: Malcolm David Eckel, Boston University (Book Awards) with the burden of legitimacy, or at least Kathleen M. Erndl, Florida State University (Research Grants) the upper hand in the claim to legitimate Freedom to Prevail sovereignty in Jerusalem. Of course, con- Eugene V. Gallagher, Connecticut College (Finance and Teaching and Learning) The last three American presidents have trol of the city forms a crucial part of charted a series of steadily worsening Norman J. Girardot, Lehigh University (Book Awards) nationalist discourse — the “reunification” interventions in Israel and Palestine, yet of the city in 1967 is memorialized every- Larry Golemon, Alban Institute (Theological Education) all three have highlighted Jerusalem as the where next to signs celebrating the sixtieth focus of their desires for political and reli- Hans J. Hillerbrand, Duke University (Nominations) anniversary of the founding of Israel. The gious peacemaking. President Bush’s trend throughout the city is to build up Amy M. Hollywood, Harvard University (Book Awards) remarks during his May visit promulgated Jewish areas: luxury hotels and housing in his long-standing doctrine of promoting Alice Hunt, Chicago Theological Seminary (Executive and Status of Women in Mamilla, outposts in East Jerusalem, freedom and democracy in the Middle the Profession) Silwan, and the Old City, and the hilly East. Though couched in these universal neighborhoods springing up in the out- Richard M. Jaffe, Duke University (International Connections) terms, the speech nevertheless followed a skirts to house new immigrants and the Tazim Kassam, Syracuse University (Teaching and Learning) familiar “us and them” rhetoric of right- fast-growing ultra-Orthodox (haredi) pop- eous conflict, one that cemented the blend Zayn Kassam, Pomona College (Status of Racial and Ethnic Minorities) ulation. of religion and politics at the heart of Patricia O’Connell Killen, Pacific Lutheran University (Research Grants) How are the Israelis “stuck”? Imagine American policy: being responsible for the preservation and Carol Newsome, Emory University (Book Awards) Ultimately, to prevail in this struggle, we maintenance of the Egyptian pyramids, must offer an alternative to the ideology Jacqueline Pastis, La Salle University (Mid–Atlantic Regionally Elected Director the Taj Mahal, or even Thomas Jefferson’s of the extremists by extending our vision and Regions) Monticello. In terms of religious demogra- of justice and tolerance and freedom and phy and scale, the burden of Jerusalem Karen Pechilis, Drew University (Status of Women in the Profession) hope. These values are the self-evident exceeds any of these single monuments. right of all people, of all religions, in all Anthony B. Pinn, Rice University (Executive and Status of Racial and Ethnic But the crisis is already measurable: secu- the world because they are a gift from the Minorities in the Profession) lar Israelis are leaving Jerusalem, the local Almighty God. Securing these rights is economy is stagnant, and 78 percent of Chase Skorburg, Harvard University (Graduate Student) also the surest way to secure peace. . . . Israelis either refuse or prefer not to live Societies where citizens can express their Glen Stassen, Fuller Theological Seminary (Theological Education) there (Greg Myre, “Israeli Riddle: Love conscience and worship their God will Jason Steuber, University of Florida (Career Services Advisory) Jerusalem, Hate Living There,” New York not export violence, they will be partners Times, May 13, 2007). Popular distaste for Jeffrey L. Stout, Princeton University (Executive, Nominations, and Program) in peace. . . . Above all, we must have Jerusalem reveals an Israeli contradiction faith in our values and ourselves and con- Kathleen T. Talvacchia, New York University (Theological Education) between desire and fulfillment, imagina- fidently pursue the expansion of liberty as tion and reality: Israeli “control” of Ronald F. Thiemann, Harvard University (Public Understanding of Religion) the path to a peaceful future (Online at Jerusalem not only fails to weaken www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/ Deanna A. Thompson, Hamline University (Executive, Job Placement, and Upper Palestinian claims, it has also failed to 2008/05/20080515-1.html ). Midwest Regionally Elected Director) translate into proportional Israeli growth. Emilie M. Townes, Yale University (Program) What is more, the current period of Bush’s well-known political and religious stalled negotiations and relative quiet clarity requires a sharp distinction between D. Mark Wilson, Pacific School of Religion (broken recently by attacks by Palestinians extremists (“they”) and “we” who love jus- Barbara Brown Zikmund, Wesley Theological Seminary (Theological Education) from villages near Jerusalem) only makes tice, tolerance, freedom, and hope. By this visible the great expense of maintaining logic, Jerusalem, the symbolic capital of tension between the multicultural myth the Judeo–Christian political-religious civ- and the adversarial reality. The recently ilization, demands a struggle in which civ- Border Crossing, from p. 14 The project will also have institutional bene- constructed separation or security wall can ilization will prevail over those extremists. on insights from both the church and the fits. The Divinity School will build connec- be seen from many places in the city, rip- Insofar as Israel accepts the burden of academy about the impact of globalization tions between students in its various degree pling across the landscape as a repudiation defending civilization in these terms, it and intercultural experiences on the church’s programs, improving its preparation for min- of the “reunification” discourse. must continue pouring resources into the international mission work. istry and for teaching careers. The project’s city, its security systems, and the settle- Unlike the insular United States, Israel is use of clergy and congregations in a variety of ments surrounding it, even while thou- The Border Crossing Project anticipates sig- considered the front line in the clash of teaching initiatives will also build its connec- sands of Israelis leave the city in search of nificant benefits from these various initiatives, civilizations. President Bush made this tions to faith communities and to neighbor- a different kind of life shaped by other for both individuals and institutions. The point with explicit gratitude in his May ing seminaries. Participating clergy will have kinds of desire. school hopes to create more substantial con- 2008 speech to the Israeli Knesset, reaf- the opportunity to refresh their theological nections between ministry students and doc- firming United States support for Israel as To “prevail in this struggle,” as Bush said educations by working with faculty and stu- toral students inside and outside the class- crucial to his goal of spreading liberty and in Jerusalem, is to compel the values of dents. room, places where they can reflect on their democracy in the region. But the perva- freedom and democracy on the people of commitments and vocations. The substantial Ultimately, school leaders hope that the sive culture of antiterror vigilance and the Middle East, by force if necessary. proportion of ministry students at the Border Crossing Project will benefit both the checkpoints has come to define Israel at One of Bush’s greatest successes has been Divinity School who go on to doctoral study church and the academy. These two callings no small cost to other potential invest- to link “religious” (“Judeo–Christian”) val- will be better prepared for such work, clearer — teaching and ministry — require practi- ments of resources. Without such a costly, ues with the “secular values” of democracy about why they are there and where their tioners who are deeply reflective about their melodramatic display of adversarial con- and freedom. He has filled a vacuum cre- careers might take them. Doctoral students vocations and commitments. Students and trasts, the very idea of a clash of civiliza- ated by the dualism of “secularity” and interested in a vocation in theological educa- congregation members need teachers and cler- tions would be impossible. Like all cultur- “religion” with a powerful union of the tion — and those who had not considered gy who are not only well-trained but also clear al borders and checkpoints, Israel has two. But the imperative to prevail is an the idea — will be better prepared intellectu- in their motives. Through these programs, come to define “civilization” itself. American luxury many Israelis and ally and personally for such a path. Divinity School students can enter into their American visitors stay in the Western part Palestinians may prefer to replace with the vocations with a better sense of who they are of the city and visit Arab shops (often in freedom to coexist. “Prevail” is also the There are also payoffs for Divinity School fac- and why they do what they do. tour groups accompanied by armed verb Bush used to describe the outcome of ulty. Professors with ministry backgrounds guards) only to see how “they” live. the war in Iraq in May 2003. Western will have opportunities to think about the Orientalist fantasies are performed and desires for Jerusalem, more forceful and intersections of their churchly and academic displayed in the tourist shops running ardent among Christians than Jews (if vocations. Those without church connections from the Jaffa Gate down along the Via only because world Christians outnumber can explore the world of faith communities in Dolorosa, and they reinscribe the Jews by at least 12:1), now contribute a collaborative way. Palestinians as exotic others doomed, like mightily to the failure to achieve political the American Indians, to a vanishing past. compromise. 16 • March 2009 RSN NEWS

The Case Study Initiative: Teaching Pluralism

Elinor J. Pierce, Pluralism Project at Harvard University

Elinor J. Pierce is the Driven by Faith or Customer “Driven by Faith” clearly presents a dilemma: in doing so, senior researcher for the it also provides a means to grapple with some of the Pluralism Project at Service? Muslim Taxi Drivers important issues our society faces in confronting the chal- Harvard University. She at the MSP Airport lenges of religious pluralism. As in all of the Pluralism coproduced (with Rachel Project’s cases, it grows out of a real controversy and may When Steve Wareham heard that there had been another Antell) the documentary be understood as emblematic of a larger issue. In this formal complaint about taxi service at the Minneapolis St. film Fremont, USA and instance, the question of how Wareham might respond to Paul International Airport (MSP), it came as no surprise. was a content advisor for the Airport Commission’s call to solve the problem of fare As Airport Director, Wareham had been working with the the film Acting on refusals — amidst competing interests — raises complex taxi advisory council for years to improve customer serv- Faith. Pierce was a issues about the limits of religious accommodation. researcher and section ice. Together, they enhanced the taxicab ordinance with editor for the CD-ROM input from drivers, owners, and taxi companies. Wareham The case study takes Steve Wareham as its central charac- On Common Ground was proud of the progress made on key service issues ter, outlining his perspective, professional path, and com- and coedited World through this collaborative process. But not every problem mitment to a collaborative process. It briefly mentions Religions in Boston had been solved: one issue, which threatened to derail the applicable ordinances and laws as a point of reference; it with Diana L. Eck. She completed her BA in anthropolo- larger process, had been tabled. also includes, as an attachment, the ruling, or fatwa, from gy and international studies, with a core in religious stud- a local Muslim organization on the issue. The case high- Beginning in 2002, airport staff became aware that some ies, from Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota lights other voices, including taxi drivers who believe this passengers who were carrying alcohol — often visible in (1988). She earned her Master of Theological Studies is an issue of religious accommodation and the passengers the plastic bags from duty-free shops — had been refused degree from the Harvard Divinity School (1996). who consider it an issue of customer service. The narrative taxi service. The drivers, many of whom were Muslims also describes the unique setting of the dispute: a from Somalia, explained that their faith did not permit Midwestern airport at which the majority of the drivers VER THE PAST fifteen years, the Pluralism them to consume or transport alcohol. Wareham and his are Somali Muslim refugees. Through thick description, Project has documented the changing religious colleagues at the Metropolitan Airports Commission students are better able to “inhabit” the case and take an landscape of America. We have studied the ways (MAC), the regional governing body for airports, found O imaginative leap into the controversy when asked, “If you in which these changes, largely stimulated by the “new the issue troubling. Such service refusals were prohibited were Steve Wareham, how would you respond?” Or, “If immigration” of the post-1965 period, have posed new by the taxicab ordinance: drivers who refused a fare for you were a taxi driver, what solution might you propose?” issues for virtually every public institution in the United any reason were sent to the end of the line, and had to States, including all of our educational institutions. wait two to four hours for another fare. Losing fares repre- sented a significant economic and practical hardship; for At the same time, there has also been increasing research the drivers, this was an issue of religious accommodation. in the field of education documenting the effectiveness of case studies in learning, either as a substitute for or an Yet, given the practical concerns that arose curbside, and Research has consistently enhancement of the primarily lecture-based courses that the number of passenger complaints, refusals had also are still the usual fare in many universities and theological emerged as a serious customer service issue. Passengers shown that active case-study schools. Indeed, research has consistently shown that being moved from one taxi to another disrupted the flow “learning is far more effective active case-study learning is far more effective in teaching of traffic, and posed a safety concern. Those who were critical thinking than lectures (See the many studies cited refused service were confused and frustrated, and often in teaching critical thinking by Derek C. Bok, Our Underachieving Colleges, Princeton: insulted: on one occasion, a traveler threw a bottle of wine than lectures. Princeton University Press, 2006, chapter 5). to the pavement in anger. The Pluralism Project has developed a case study initiative Since Wareham became Airport Director in 2004, he had to explore how the case method can be creatively applied worked closely with Landside, the department that han- to teaching and learning in the theological and religious dles parking and commercial vehicles, to resolve the issue. studies classroom. Our basic texts are the issues that arise Early on, he sought input from Somali community repre- in the contexts of our civil society, public life, and reli- sentatives and Muslim leaders. For a time, the taxi starter ” The written case provides a starting point for critical gious communities. Staff and graduate students are cur- — a dispatcher employed by the MAC — would provide thinking, investigation, and discussion. As students begin rently researching, writing, and refining case studies on bags to travelers in order to cover the wine or other visible to engage with the case, they explore some of the ques- topics ranging from inclusiveness in city-sponsored alcohol. It was a “don’t see, don’t look” policy. This tions that will arise for them in their professional lives as prayers to a controversy over bringing the kirpan to worked for a while, but soon the drivers began refusing educators or clergy, or in their public lives as citizens of a school. service to those carrying the distinctive bags. One cab complex and religiously diverse society. In the course of company, which had all Muslim drivers, suggested that Diana Eck now utilizes the case method at Harvard case discussion, students become active participants who the starter refer passengers with alcohol to a cab from University in the course “Religion in Multicultural are asked to analyze situations, identify boundary condi- another company. After a few days, the MAC was asked America: Case Studies in Religious Pluralism.” We have tions, formulate responses, evaluate performances, and to discontinue the practice: the loss of business proved begun to engage colleagues at other colleges and universi- construct creative responses to conflict. difficult for the drivers and owners alike. ties in the teaching of new case studies as we refine and The discussion itself is guided by a series of questions, expand this initiative. Our goal is to create a case collec- On March 29, 2006, Wareham received a message from which are often open-ended: “What, if anything, does tion to serve as a curricular resource for teachers in a wide Vicki Tigwell, the chair of the MAC. She forwarded the Wareham need to know about the religious needs of the range of educational settings. Funding from the Henry most recent customer complaint: drivers to make this decision?” In discussion, students Luce Foundation, the Ford Foundation, and the Center My wife and I needed a cab from MSP to Apple Valley. may also explore the larger consequences of decision- for the Study of World Religions (CSWR) at Harvard The starter directed us to a cab. After loading most of our making: “What are the risks of doing nothing?” followed Divinity School has been critical to this work. luggage, he (the driver), noticed I was carrying duty-free by “What are the risks of doing something?” Students In May 2008, the CSWR hosted a case discussion and liquor, and refused to transport us. The next three cabs also may be asked to vote: “How many of you are impressed workshop, led by Willis Emmons of Harvard Business refused. The starter came out and finally located a driver by the approach Wareham is taking?” As the conversation School’s Christensen Center for Teaching and Learning. who would take us. We were very unhappy about this progresses, students are asked, “Is this the real issue or are The focus of discussion was the Pluralism Project case, abysmal treatment by four cab drivers. . . . I request you there other issues?” And, “Is there a compromise here, or “Driven by Faith.” The first page of the case study follows. take action against the company and the driver, and draft a is there a null set of options?” policy to prevent this behavior in the future. “Driven by Faith” is in two parts: the “A” case brings the Tigwell’s message ended with a directive for Wareham: “I reader from the description of the dilemma to the point expect you to solve this.” of a proposed solution; the “B” case describes the out- comes and resolution of the dispute. For more informa- Excerpt from Elinor Pierce, “Driven by Faith or Customer tion about the case study initiative, please contact Elinor Service: Muslim Taxi Drivers at the MSP Airport,” Pluralism J. Pierce at [email protected]. Project Case Study, 2008.

March 2009 RSN • 17 Religious Studies News

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s PAYMENT DUE t METHOD OF PAYMENT Enter the appropriate amount and total below. All those Payment must be in full and in U.S. dollars from a U.S. or Canadian bank. with a non-U.S. mailing addresses should add $10.00. ‰ Check or Money Order (payable to American Academy of Religion) Calendar Year (Jan 1 – Dec 31) 20092009 only ‰ VISA, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express Membership Dues r $ Card Number______International Postage (add $10) $ Exp. Date (mm/yy) __ __/__ __ CID #*: ______Cardholder Name (Printed) ______Academy Fund Donation o $ Cardholder Signature______* Card Identification # required for all cards: 4 digits on front of AMEX; 3 digits on TOTAL DUE $ back of other cards. SC: PB08 18 • March 2009 RSN NEWS

BRIEFS JAAR Call for Papers NAPTS Call for Papers • The metaphysics of Paul Tillich and Albert Einstein — two forms of ecstatic naturalism? 2009 The Return of Religion after • Tillich and Evangelicalism in conversation — The North American Paul Tillich Society wel- the “emerging church” and a theology of culture. “Religion”: Consequences for Theology comes proposals on the following topics for • Responses to recent books on Tillich: presentations to its Annual Meeting in Andrew Finstuen’s Hearts of Darkness — on Montréal on November 6–7, 2009. Submit and Religious Studies original sin in the theology of Tillich, electronic proposals to David Nikkel by Niebuhr, and Billy Graham — or Ronald ALK ABOUT “the return of reli- return of religion after “religion” and its April 1, 2009, at [email protected]: Stone’s Moral Reflections on Foreign Policy in gion” continues to be omnipresent consequences for both theology and • Tillich and the “death of God” theology. a Religious War. Tin public conversation and within religious studies. a variety of academic fields. Along with • Tillich and the “new atheism.” Given • Responses to Tillich’s recently published first What is the meaning of the “return of this talk about religion’s return has Tillich’s endorsement of an element of athe- course (1920) on philosophy of religion. religion” for theology and religious come a new attention to theology. ism in any viable theology and his expres- studies more broadly? How might Indeed, the centrality of theology is evi- sion of appreciation for the challenges genealogical interrogations of the cate- Scholar of Islam Wins dent in the work of scholars who are hurled by some atheists, what might be gory “religion” by theologians and reli- not themselves theologians (the work of Tillich’s assessment of the so-called new Third Major Book Prize gious studies scholars reconfigure both Agamben, Badiou, and Zizek on politi- atheism? fields? How do we think these two Vanderbilt University Associate Professor Leor cal theology; Eric Santner’s notion of questions together? How will the grow- • Tillich after Mark C. Taylor’s After God. Halevi has received the 2008 Ralph Waldo “psychotheology”; the attention to the- ing prominence of religious voices in Proposals may relate to Taylor’s appropria- Emerson award for Muhammad’s Grave: Death ology in recent American political phi- the public sphere reshape our ideas tion of Tillich’s theology to represent a Rites and the Making of Islamic Society (Columbia losophy in William Connolly’s Why I about theological reflection and the (monistic) type of religion; comparison of University Press, 2007). The book received a Am Not a Secularist and Jeffrey Stout’s work of religious studies more broadly? their respective concepts of God or of the 2008 Award for Excellence in the Study of Democracy and Tradition). What obligations fall to theologians and divine; and/or comparisons of their respec- Religion from the American Academy of Religion However, public talk about the return religious studies scholars in an era in tive understandings of the relation between and a 2007 Albert Hourani Prize from the of religion is taking place at precisely which religion is an integral if contested religion and culture. Middle Eastern Studies Association. Halevi is cur- the same time as we see within the aca- aspect of public discourse? How do rently working on another book, Forbidden Good: • Tillich in comparison with Canadian demic study of religion a sharp both scholarly communities take up this Cross-Cultural Trade in the History of Islam. philosophers and theologians Douglas John genealogical critique of the category nexus of issues in a context marked by Hall, Gregory Baum, and/or Charles Taylor. “religion” from both theologians robust religious diversity? (Milbank) and scholars of religion Deadline for submission is Monday, (Asad, Balagangadhara, Dubuisson, June 1, 2009. King, and Masuzawa). The category is now under fire as essentialist, provin- Please submit papers to: cially Western, imbricated in colonial Journal of the American Academy of projects and the like. Religion What are we to make of this juxtaposi- Department of Religious Studies tion? How are we to think about the PO Box 400126 prominence of public discourse about University of Virginia WHEN “religion” precisely when the category is Charlottesville, VA 22904-4126 under fire within the academic study of Please direct queries to jaar@ religion? JAAR invites proposals for a virginia.edu. JOURNALISTS CALL special issue that critically examines the Get tips on responding Religion and Reasons: Justification, Click on “Scholars Only” at Argument, and Cultural Difference

www.religionsource.org RE RELIGIOUS reasons simi- (such as mysticism, shamanism, lar to or fundamentally differ- possession, and paranormal phe- Aent from scientific and scholar- nomena) in discovering and legiti- Find out ly reasons? The JAAR invites papers mating both knowledge and that explore the features of reason, jus- norms for practice; tification, and legitimation in religious • How journalists work and what • The persuasive dimensions of per- contexts. Religions provide many kinds formative practices, including they find most useful of reasons for belief and action. Much dance and theater; attention, for example, has been given • How to deal with broadcast media to the forms of reasoning embedded in • The philosophical grounds for cultural forms labeled as “magic” and argumentation, rhetoric, and “divination,” and similar issues arise for cross-cultural interpretation; and • How to get your points across and a host of other practices, including tex- • The complexities in accounts of tual exegesis. what to avoid Western, scientific, or scholarly Do particular examples of religious rea- reasoning that are contrasted with • How to take initiative with the media soning bring fundamental problems for religious reasoning. We particular- understanding across cultures or con- ly encourage papers that offer both • And more! ceptual schemes? How are reasons, specific case studies and theoretical whether religious or scientific, impli- reflection. cated in contestations for influence or Deadline for submission is Monday, power? Does consideration of religious August 3, 2009. reasoning challenge contemporary aca- demic understandings of what counts Please submit papers to: as reason or rationality? Journal of the American Academy of Topics may include but are not limited Religion to: Department of Religious Studies PO Box 400126 • The forms of reasoning embedded University of Virginia in interpretative activities such as Charlottesville, VA 22904-4126 divination, dream interpretation, Provided free by the American Academy of Religion and textual exegesis; Please direct queries to jaar@ virginia.edu. • The roles of extraordinary states

March 2009 RSN • 19 Religious Studies News

THE BOOK CORNER ELCOME to The Book Corner. In each March and October issue, we will feature books that have recently been published by Oxford University Press in the various AAR/OUP book series. The books featured in Wthis issue were published between July and December 2008. For more books published in the various series, visit www.aarweb.org/Publications/books.

Christopher M. Moreman, ed. Gregory J. Watkins, ed. Teaching Teaching Death and Dying. Oxford Religion and Film. Oxford University University Press, 2008. Press, 2008. The topic of death and dying confronts In a culture increasingly focused on us with profound questions about the visual media, students have learned not nature of human existence, God, and only to embrace multimedia presenta- the possibilities of an afterlife. Teaching tions in the classroom, but to expect it therefore represents special challenges. them. Such expectations are perhaps Courses on some aspect of death and equally prevalent in a field as dynamic dying, which first emerged in the and cross-disciplinary as religious stud- 1960s, can now be found at most insti- Edwin Chr. van Driel. Incarnation ies. The practice poses some difficult tutions of higher learning. But such Anyway: Arguments for Supra- educational issues, but the use of courses tend to stress the psychosocial lapsarian Christology. Oxford movies in academic coursework has far Deborah Beth Creamer. Disability aspects of grief and bereavement while University Press, 2008. outpaced the scholarship on teaching and Christian Theology: Embodied ignoring the religious elements inherent religion and film. What does it mean to This book raises in a new way a central Limits and Constructive Possibilities. in the subject. utilize film in religious studies, and question of Christology: What is the Oxford University Press, 2008. what are the best ways to do it? This is the first collection of scholarly divine motive for the incarnation? Attention to embodiment and the reli- essays to address the teaching of courses Throughout Christian history, a majority In this book, an interdisciplinary team gious significance of bodies is one of the on death and dying from a religious of Western theologians have agreed that of scholars thinks about the theoretical most significant shifts in recent theo- studies perspective. It brings together God’s decision to become incarnate in the and pedagogical concerns involved with logy. As of yet, however, little of this scholars with an interest in death stud- person of Jesus Christ was made necessary the intersection of film and religion in attention has been paid to disability as ies from across a broad and varied range by “the Fall” — if humans had not sinned, the classroom. They examine the use of an aspect of human embodiment. of disciplinary perspectives, including the incarnation would not have happened. film to teach specific religious tradi- Disability and Christian Theology seeks to religious studies, theology, philosophy, This position is knows as “intralapsarian.” tions, religious theories, and perspec- correct this oversight. The author psychology, social work, history, educa- A minority of theologians, however, tives on fundamental human values. reviews possibilities for theological tion, and medicine. including some major nineteenth and Some instructors already teach some engagement with disability, focusing on twentieth century theological figures, The book provides an overview of the versions of a film and religion course, three primary tasks: challenging existing championed a “supralapsarian” subject and considers what a course on and many have integrated film as an theological methods to engage with the Christology, arguing that God has always death and dying should accomplish; ancillary to achieving central course disabled body, analyzing possibilities for intended the incarnation, independent of examines practical applications of the goals. This collection of essays helps a disability liberation theology, and “the Fall.” study of death and dying; presents ideas them understand the field better and exploring new theological options based for the use of film and other media in Van Driel offers the first scholarly mono- draws the sharp distinction between on an understanding of the universality teaching a course; illustrates ways to graph to map and analyze the full range of merely “watching movies” in the class- of human limits. bring the students out of the classroom supralapsarian arguments. He gives a thick room and comprehending film in an Limits are an unavoidable aspect of being with different approaches to site visits; description of each argument and its theo- informed and critical way. human, a reality we often forget or deny. and covers beliefs in the afterlife and logical consequences, and evaluates the the- ISBN: 978-0-19-533598-9 Yet not only do all humans experience anomalous paranormal experiences ological gains and losses inherent in each limits, most of us experience limits in the relating to such beliefs. approach. He shows that each of the three form of disability at some point in our ways in which God is thought to relate to ISBN: 978-0-19-533522-4 lives. In this sense, disability is more all that is not God — in creation, in “normal” than its absence. If we take such redemption, and in eschatological consum- experiences seriously and refuse to reduce mation — can serve as the basis for a them to mere instances of suffering, the supralapsarian argument. Van Driel illus- author asserts, we discover insights that trates this thesis with detailed case studies are unavailable when we take a perfect or of the Christologies of Schleiermacher, generic body as the starting point for our Dorner, and Barth. He concludes that the theological reflections. most fruitful supralapsarian strategy is root- ed in the notion of eschatological consum- Out of the many possible applications mation, taking interpersonal interaction of these insights, this book focuses on with God to be the goal of incarnation. He two areas of particular interest: theolog- goes on to develop his own argument ical anthropology and metaphors for along these lines, concluding in an eschato- God. Creamer offers new images and logical vision in which God is visually, possibilities for theological construction audibly, and tangibly present in the that attend appropriately to diversity in midst of God’s people. human embodiment. ISBN: 978-0-19-536916-8 ISBN: 978-0-19-536915-1

Did you know that you have access to some of the most creative and innovative syllabi in the field? The Syllabus Project offers a wide range of course syllabi from scholars working within the academic study of religion. Find out more by visiting www.aarweb.org/Programs/Syllabus_Project.

20 • March 2009 RSN NEWS The Place of Personal Faith Editor’s Note: in the Classroom This article was provided by and reprinted with the permission of the author and of The Chronicle for Higher Education at www.chronicle.com. John D. Barbour, St. Olaf College

An older colleague who teaches philosoph- especially one associated with a religious Three generalizations about speaking of John D. Barbour is a professor of religion ical ethics told me: “I used to be vigilant tradition, can offer more genuine intellec- faith seem to apply. First, the most signifi- at St. Olaf College and author of The about never revealing my own position on tual freedom than some public institutions cant references to one’s own views usually Value of Solitude: The Ethics and any issue. I was worried about suppressing do. A colleague in economics tells me that come at unpredictable moments in the Spirituality of Aloneness in a student’s viewpoint. Now I realize that he no longer has to avoid discussions of course of teaching, rather than as the kind Autobiography (University of Virginia students are tougher than we give them religious values when they arise naturally of ritualized confessions of so-called social Press, 2004). credit for. We professors overestimate our in his field, the way he did when he location that many academics now do as a impact on our students. They encounter taught at a major state university. set piece. Second, an instructor’s reference many teachers and will find their own to her own views should never be an end Of course, an atheist, Jew, evangelical ANY RELIGIOUS studies pro- way.” in itself but be pedagogically valuable — Christian, or Muslim, for example, might fessors consider personal refer- to explain the subject matter, and to show Students need something to respond to. feel stifled by the majority of liberal ences to one’s own faith to be students that self-critical awareness of M They deserve teachers who know where Protestants and Catholics at my institu- out of place in an academic context. Even one’s own views can influence one’s inter- they stand and who can articulate and tion. Professors of religious studies face professors of biblical studies and theology pretations. And third, many students are criticize their own views. I think I’m just different challenges at different colleges, at the church-related liberal arts college enormously relieved to learn that the getting to the point where I can do that and in teaching various subjects. At some where I teach are cautious about revealing instructor, too, has doubts, uncertainties, comfortably, at least on certain occasions. religious institutions, religion professors their religious convictions. We want stu- or views that are at odds with other mem- are supposed to defend the denomination- dents to learn to think critically. bers of his religious tradition. al creed and must be very tactful when Nevertheless, I think we scholars of reli- they express any doubts or dissents they As I think back to moments when I’ve gion are so worried about looking like Although students have. And a friend who teaches the Bible explained my own religious beliefs in class, Sunday-school teachers or evangelists that in a conservative part of the country says: I realize that I was also expressing another we do not explain our own religious con- don’t care for “I won’t open the door to the proselytizers kind of “faith seeking understanding”: my victions when it would be appropriate to self-indulgence, and those who can only accept one reli- version of faith in the values underlying do so. “ proselytizing, or bias gious position as valid. I need a high wall the academic enterprise. I was giving testi- As I’ve gotten older (I am now 56), I’ve between academic study and pious testi- mony about the significance of the subject become more comfortable about revealing in the classroom, mony.” matter and the humanities. I asserted the my views, which I used to conceal as values of encountering ancient traditions they welcome At every institution, the power imbalance much as possible. Although students don’t and difficult texts, of self-criticism, and of candid statements about in the classroom tempts students to try to care for self-indulgence, proselytizing, or giving reasons for what one believes. please teachers by agreeing with their posi- bias in the classroom, they welcome can- what a professor thinks, tions. And although I am willing to take Most of all, I tried to get my students to did statements about what a professor including what he the risks involved in speaking about what see why a book or an idea mattered, why thinks, including what he believes about I believe and why, for other professors — it might speak to them as it spoke to me. I some matter of faith, if the comments believes about some the untenured, those who are fervent find myself, pretty far down the road of compare his position with other possibili- matter of faith, skeptics or believers, and members of con- my career, more often explaining, thinking ties and invite discussion and contrasting troversial religious groups — the risks are out loud about, and seeking further views. if the comments compare far greater. understanding of what I’ve been doing as It can be appropriate for a professor to his position with other a teacher all these years. speak of faith in that way, just as it can be possibilities and invite appropriate for a political scientist to explain her political opinions, an art histo- discussion and rian to justify his assessments of works of contrasting views. art, or a scientist to espouse a particular energy or environmental policy. In most fields, teachers must learn to balance criti- Sometimes I offer my own interpretation cal distance and passionate engagement of a scriptural passage and explain how it with their subject matter. influences my version of Christian faith. In a theology course, I observed that,” for To be sure, the study of religion is differ- me, the resurrection is meaningful not as a ent from other academic fields. At public statement about what happened to Jesus’s universities, professors must honor the body, but as a symbol of the disciples’ In the separation of church and state. Students renewed commitment to his message. I are to be taught about religion, not indoc- also explained why most Christians would trinated in a specific faith. And at public Next Issue of criticize that view. In a class on religious and private institutions alike, practitioners autobiography, I commented that of religious studies have been anxious to Kathleen Norris’s Dakota appeals to me prove that they can be as tough-minded Spotlight on Theological because its “spiritual geography” makes me and academically rigorous as their col- think about what spaces are sacred for me, leagues in any other discipline. That often and because it shows why a Benedictine means trying to be as detached, scientific, Education: monastery’s ritual and communal life can impersonal, or value-neutral as possible. appeal to a Protestant. Scholarly detachment is crucial, whether As I try to get students to appreciate a lit- one is explicating Aquinas or studying erary text, I might explain how it says or Theological Illiteracy Islam’s impact on the gender roles of shows something about what is holy — Indonesian villagers. In stark contrast with for the author but potentially also for me, and Its Effect on the much of their previous experience, stu- and for students. Our responses to a dents should be exposed in a college class- vision of ultimate reality require not sim- room to the idea that religious assertions Enterprise of ply detached observation but appreciation have intellectual content, which can be and critical evaluation, which necessarily discussed rationally. But analysis and engage one’s own values. Theological Education assessment should not mean that refer- ences to one’s own views (which may, of How and when one refers to one’s values course, be a lack of religious belief) are or beliefs depends a lot on institutional somehow illegitimate. Something impor- context and culture. I feel fortunate to tant is lost when a teacher is not able — teach at a college that allows and encour- because of external or internal constraints ages the process of “faith seeking under- — to articulate a personal response to the standing,” in Anselm’s words, without religious issues at stake. imposing any litmus test of orthodoxy or common belief. A liberal arts college,

March 2009 RSN • 21 Religious Studies News

Summer Seminars on Theologies Dean of the School of Theology Azusa Pacific University invites applications and nominations of Religious Pluralism for the position of dean and professor of the School of Theology. The dean reports directly to the provost and serves and Comparative as the chief administrator of the school through providing academic and administrative leadership. The School of Theology: Theology is divided into the Undergraduate Division and the C.P. Haggard Graduate School of Theology. The C.P. Haggard Cohort Two Graduate School of Theology’s programs are accredited by the Association of Theological Schools. The School of Theology enrolls 320 graduate students, 228 undergraduate The American Academy of Religion students, and engages APU’s 4,000 undergraduate students, is pleased to announce the formation of all of whom are required to take 18 units of courses within Cohort Two of our Luce Summer Seminars the school. The dean is responsible for improvingand promotingthe HESE WEEK-LONG SEMINARS will provide quality and effectiveness of the school’s instructional, training to theological education faculty who often research, and service programs, community engagement, T prepare students for future religious leadership and and resource development. The dean also works closely with ministry. The Theological Education Steering Committee invites applications from theological educators interested in the university president in holdingin trust the theological pursuing questions about the meaning of religious diversity. and biblical direction of the university, providingboth The seminars will help address the question of religious proactive and responsive leadership for evangelical, faith- diversity as a properly theological question: What is the informed learning. meaning of my neighbor’s faith for mine? While we expect that the bulk of applicants will come from seminaries and Azusa Pacific University is a private Christian university, divinity schools, we also welcome theological educators who teach in theology and religious studies departments. accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, that offers liberal arts and professional programs of The seminars, composed of twenty-five participants and higher education. As an evangelical Christian institution,APU eight instructors, are designed for those relatively new to affirms the supremacy of Christ in all areas of life and the theologies of religious pluralism and comparative theol- ogy, allowing them to learn from expert scholars and expects its employees to model Christian values in their advance their understanding. The result of the summer professional and nonprofessional activities. seminars will be to increase the number of theological edu- cators who can teach in the areas of theologies of religious Position is subject to final funding. pluralism and comparative theology in a variety of institu- tions in which theological education takes place. All accept- For a complete job description, see ed applicants will be awarded a cash stipend of $1,000, plus the grant will cover their expenses incurred during their www.apu.edu/provost/employment/positions/. participation in the seminars. Applicant should send a letter of inquiry, vitae, an APU faculty application Cohort Two will meet June 13–20, 2010, at Union (found at www.apu.edu/provost/employment/apply/), Theological Seminary, New York City, then on October 29, 2010, at the Annual Meeting, Atlanta, and, finally May a short essay explainingtheir philosophy of Christian 29–June 5, 2011, at the University of Chicago Divinity higher education, specifically that of theological higher School, Chicago. education and how the School of Theology serves the local The application deadline for Cohort Two is January 15, church, and references to: 2010. All accepted applicants will be notified by mid- February 2010. Michael Whyte, Ph.D. Office of the Provost Further information on the seminars can be found at www.aarweb.org/Programs/Summer_Seminars or by contacting Azusa Pacific University the Project Director, John J. Thatamanil, Vanderbilt PO Box 7000 Divinity School, [email protected]. Azusa, California 91702-7000

Azusa Pacific University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, disability, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

22 • March 2009 RSN FEATURES

In the Public Interest Barack Obama’s Endorsement of Faith-based Initiatives: Bringing Religion to the Public Square in the Context of the Separation of Church and State

Andrew Flescher, California State University, Chico

gion’s transformative effects. Liberals are right- Critics of the proposal, nevertheless, abound. the funding for them will remain contingent Andrew Flescher (PhD, Brown University) ly worried about the coercive effects of theo- First, there are staunch separationists who upon the manifest demonstration of their suc- is an Associate Professor in the Department cratic demagoguery from those who resort to remain worried about the state’s (albeit unin- cess. In other words, checks will be put in of Religious Studies at California State the rhetoric of fear in order to promote a divi- tentional) endorsement of the majority reli- place to ensure that the church is working in University, Chico, where for five years he sive Christianity. But for every demagogue gion. These also include those who care a great service of the state, and not in service of itself. also served as the director for the Center for that Jefferson’s “wall of separation” helps to deal about religion. When we allow a “gap in The proposal put forward under the Council Applied and Professional Ethics. He special- marginalize, there is a spiritual leader preoccu- the hedge” of separation between the church for Faith-based and Neighborhood izes in the field of contemporary religious pied with procuring the conditions for social and the world, Roger Williams once said, Partnerships thus shows respect for the thought, with particular interest in ethics, justice, like California’s Rick Warren, whose God’s garden doth become a “wilderness.” descriptive truism that in some corners of soci- comparative religion, and the theory and momentum would be thwarted by the com- Defenders of separation of church and state ety religion remains the impetus through philosophy of religion. He is the author of plete privatization of religion. rightly worry that supporting religion in any which social reform can realistically occur Heroes, Saints, and Ordinary Morality federal capacity is a slippery slope: it will be while preventing the disrespect of any of its Obama typically cites some well-known statis- (Georgetown University Press, 2003); The hard to prevent governmental backing of participants or recipients. tics when he speaks of faith: 95 percent of Altruistic Species: An Interdisciplinary faith-based initiatives from playing to the Americans believe in God, more than 67 per- Such a response, will, of course, not assuage Approach to Human Altruism advantage of the majority religion. They argue cent belong to a church, 37 percent call them- conservative supporters of faith-based initia- (Templeton Foundation Press, 2007); and that if the state ever formally gets involved selves Christians, and throughout our society tives, who applaud Obama’s expansion of the the forthcoming Four Models of Moral with religion then the bright lines that have religion is on the balance not confined to Bush agenda but vehemently object to the Evil (Georgetown University Press). preserved the disestablishment clause will places of worship. These numbers feed into a idea of government oversight of how these ear- become irretrievably muddied. Moreover, the thesis that faith-based initiatives, whether they marked resources will be allocated. For them, nonreligious critic will additionally be alarmed BAMA’S announcement this past have yet been shown to be more effective, are as the saying goes, “the good damns the per- that the money going towards faith-based ini- June that he would expand the likely to be so because they induce participa- fect.” The prohibition against discrimination tiatives could be more efficiently applied to scope and commitment of tion in a way their alternatives do not. In the alone has many sectarian organizations up in O programs more narrowly focused on the criti- George W. Bush’s policy of steering federal case of Christians, the motivation is to follow arms. When Obama was asked by Rick cal services faith-based initiatives promise to social service dollars to religious groups the example set by Jesus to love thy neighbor, Warren if those organizing faith-based initia- render. While religious organizations may help has been greeted with mixed feelings by the grounds for which disappear for many tives under his administration would be needy students in underfunded school systems traditional supporters and detractors of without the religious imperative. But follow- allowed to favor “like-minded” people in the or come to the aid of impoverished impreg- faith-based initiatives. Moreover, it has ing Jesus’s example does not mean narrowing hiring process and Obama answered “no,” nated teens, and so on, they will not do so to renewed debates over the appropriateness of one’s circle of concern to include only commentators from the Christian Right the exclusion of the furtherance of their own the foray of religion into the public square in a Christians. In a speech this past June to the pounced. Just earlier in the month of August, ambitions. And precisely this difference will secular society. Is the governmental support of East Side Community Ministry in Zanesville, Obama had stated that in his view some pas- unduly cost the taxpayers money. religious organizations, even organizations that Ohio, Obama named some faith-based initia- sages from the Bible ought not to be given serve the public good, legitimate in a democ- tives the success of which could be neither constitutional authority, such as those from racy such as ours, which is committed to denied nor attributable to something other Leviticus that countenance slavery or con- upholding the disestablishment clause of the than the faith of its participants. Ready4Work, demn eating shellfish. Tothis, James Dobson, First Amendment? Conversely, does it make a program to keep ex-offenders from returning Is Obama’s plan to support chairman of the Focus on the Family, replied pragmatic sense to restrict the means by which to crime; Catholic Charities, a service that faith-based initiatives a that Obama had grossly distorted the Bible, a leaders of faith organizations are allowed to feeds and shelters homeless veterans; and the tenable one, in spirit with distortion consistent with what Dobson called implement their programs as they see fit? This many religious coalitions committed to “ Obama’s “fruitcake” interpretation of the is all to ask: is Obama’s plan to support faith- rebuilding New Orleans after Katrina — all of the First Amendment, and Constitution. Conservative critics have con- based initiatives a tenable one, in spirit with which I won’t take the time to name here — cerns that faith claims cannot be compart- the First Amendment, and still able to deliver these, he impressed, were examples of projects still able to deliver the mentalized or expected to conform to secular the pragmatic benefits it is intended to deliver? undertaken by men and women of faith for pragmatic benefits it is norms when the two come into conflict, lest What are some of the likely objections of the the sake of people “of all faiths or no faith at intended to deliver? they lose their ability to motivate good works. Right and of the Left to the Obama compro- all.” That something is “faith”-based, then, Since they believe works are always justified by mise, and is Obama in a position to answer pertains to the identity of the organization faith, it is counterproductive to divorce the them? doing the work, not its beneficiaries. Obama two. For them, altruism and benediction go takes issue with those who advocate what is In his proposed Council for Faith-based and hand in hand. The beneficiaries of their brand Obama, in contrast to many of our nation’s sometimes referred to as “compassionate con- Neighborhood Partnerships, Obama outlines of Christian charity are at once the recipients historic liberals, affirms that religion ought to servatism,” the doctrine developed by a funda- a few guiding principles that he thinks will of material and spiritual generosity. be counted among the essential societal goods. mentalist strategist and adviser to the presi- address those worried about the disestablish-” In a keynote address Obama delivered in June While there is some truth to this descriptive dent, Marvin Olasky. Compassionate conser- ment clause. First, organizations receiving a 2006, he alarmed his largely liberal audience account of how charity comes to be within vatism insists on our originally sinful nature federal grant will not be allowed to use that when he stated that over the long run “we religious settings, it is also belied by the many and propensity for indolence. Its clarion call is grant money to proselytize to anyone that make a mistake when we fail to acknowledge faith-based organizations that do not object to for personal responsibility, an inner reforma- their initiatives target for help. This means the power of faith in people’s lives . . . and I the forthcoming restrictions imposed on them tion via the adoption of good Biblical virtue. that while participants in a particular faith- think it’s time that we join a serious debate by the state. A year ago, when the details of Obama rejects this ground for faith-based ini- based initiative may all be members of the about how to reconcile faith with our modern, Obama’s endorsement of faith-based initiatives tiatives, insisting whenever he brings up the same religion, none of them are allowed to pluralistic democracy.” In The Audacity of began to emerge, Christian Broadcasting topic that no particular interpretation of scrip- attempt to convert recipients of their aid to Hope, he admonishes Democrats who dismiss Network correspondent David Brody ture, or scripture itself for that matter, should their way of life. Second, any organization religion in the public square as irrational, informed CNN viewers that the response from be imposed upon any recipient of federally receiving a federal grant cannot discriminate fanatical, or premodern. Americans “want a the Christian communities he covered was supported programs. Federal dollars, while against anyone in their hiring practices. sense of purpose, a narrative arc to their lives, “relatively positive.” Obama has had produc- available for religious groups and institutions, Whether one is already a member of a partic- something that will relieve a chronic loneliness tive encounters with several prominent conser- would in an Obama administration be only ular religious community can have no bearing or lift them above the exhausting, relentless vative Christian leaders, such as Franklin earmarked for secular purposes. Works are in on whether one is hired to participate in that toll of daily life. They need an assurance that Graham. If Obama’s further regulations this respect elevated above faith. While to community’s federally funded faith-based ini- somebody out there cares about them, is lis- reduce the amount and influence of the pres- some on the Left, this outcome still gives reli- tiative. Discrimination is disallowed on the tening to them — that they are not just des- ence of a certain sort of faith-based contribu- gion undue prominence, for Obama it’s mere- basis of applicants’ personal views; e.g., if one tined to travel down a long highway toward tion, one that is prohibitively resistant to gov- ly a case of religion pulling its own weight. happens to be pro-choice or against the teach- nothingness.” Liberals who caricature religion ernment regulation, then I think this is a nec- Obama sees faith-based initiatives as an oppor- ing of creationism in the schools. Third, in the as antithetical to democracy squander precious essary and relatively small price to pay in order tunity for religion, whose mark on our society Obama plan, federal dollars that go directly to political capital, and they lend support to the to ensure that the governmental support of in any case cannot be denied, to genuinely live sectarian organizations can be used only for mainstream Right’s characterization of them as faith-based initiatives does not, in the final up to its potential to be a contributing force in secular programs. Finally, these programs will not responsive to the spiritual needs of every- analysis, threaten the disestablishment clause society rather than a draining one. be scrutinized by a federal oversight body, and day toiling Americans who benefit from reli- of the First Amendment.

March 2009 RSN • 23 Religious Studies News Research Briefing Paging God: Religion in the Halls of Medicine Wendy Cadge, Brandeis University and Harvard University

the door and asks Karen to see a patient who Karen then visits a few more patients before Paging God: Religion in the Halls of Medicine. “just won’t die. . . . He wants to die, the fam- she is paged by Joanne, a social worker, who In addition to these stories, however, I want- ily is ready for him to die, everyone who asks for help in the viewing room. We ed to learn about the history and develop- needs to be in has been in but still he won’t descend to the basement of the hospital in ment of chaplaincy in American hospitals. let go.” the service elevator as Karen explains that the A grant from the American Academy of hospital has been working to create a space Karen says no problem, and after the meet- Religion allowed me to make two visits to where family members who could not be at ing ends we go speak with this patient’s fami- the archives of one of the largest professional the hospital when a loved one died can see ly. We then go, at their request, to pray with chaplaincy organizations, the Association of the person’s body before the funeral home the patient. Although he is unconscious, Professional Chaplains, outside of Chicago, picks it up. A case has come up this morning Karen introduces herself and speaks with Illinois. These archives include historical and Joanne wants Karen to help her train him briefly before saying a prayer: “I lay my materials about the history of the association two other social workers. hands on you in the name of God the Father as well as detailed information about which and his son Jesus.” Karen talks to God in the We meet them in the morgue where they hospitals employed chaplains, when, and prayer saying that “in God’s mansion there discuss logistics about the key to the viewing why. I combed through these materials, are many rooms and we know that you have room and how you sign out a body. They including association publications and mate- Wendy Cadge is a sociologist at Brandeis a room, God, with those who have come then retrieve the body of a woman who died rials from the American Protestant Hospital University and a Susan Young Murray before. God, we know you have things in that morning. Joanne goes upstairs to escort Association with which it was affiliated. I Fellow at the Radcliffe Institute for store that are greater than our imagination the family, and Karen shows the other two learned that questions about the training and Advanced Study at Harvard University and we ask you to prepare us for them.” She social workers — both of whom seem certification of chaplains have been addressed during the 2008–2009 year. Her first book concludes the prayer in the name of “God uncomfortable in the presence of a dead repeatedly by this organization, as have con- is titled Heartwood: The First Generation the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,” crosses body — how to move the gurney, take off cerns about how chaplains across different of Theravada Buddhism in America the patient on the forehead, and sits with the top sheet, and uncover the woman’s face. religious groups should be trained and who is (University of Chicago Press, 2005). Her him for a few minutes before leaving the After the body is prepared, Karen sits down responsible for their training. In addition to current book project, Paging God: room. in one of the two chairs in the small viewing visits I hope to make to the archives of the Religion in the Halls of Medicine, has room and tries to put the social workers at National Association of Catholic Chaplains been supported by grants from the ease. and the National Association of Jewish Louisville Institute, the Robert Wood Chaplains, these materials complement my Johnson Foundation Scholars in Health When the family members arrive, all of us, ethnographic observation and interviews, Policy Research Program, and the John The time I spent with save Karen, leave the room. Karen stays with and strengthen this book project. Templeton Foundation, through a grant to Karen, other chaplains, the family in the viewing room for about Princeton University for the Cognitive and and intensive care unit twenty minutes until they are finished, and I am grateful to Karen and her chaplain col- Textual Methods Project (Robert Wuthnow, “ Joanne escorts them back upstairs. Karen, the leagues across the country who spoke with PI). More information is at www.brandeis. staff at academic hospitals two social workers, and I return the body to me, the Association of Professional Chaplains edu/departments/sociology/cadge.html. the morgue. We remove the gloves worn for for allowing access to their materials, and the across the country helped transporting bodies and wash our hands. American Academy of Religion for this grant me see the formal and Karen announces it is time for lunch, and support. ARRIVE AT the hospital at 9:00 AM to informal ways religion leads me towards the cafeteria. meet Karen, a staff chaplain. Her day *** Istarted at 6:30 AM when she made and spirituality is rounds in the pre-op surgical unit, the present in hospitals. The time I spent with Karen, other chap- place where patients having same-day surger- lains, and intensive care unit staff at academ- ies wait for their operating rooms to be ready. ic hospitals across the country helped me see A few minutes after 9:00 AM, Karen and I are the formal and informal ways religion and sitting at a palliative care meeting. Just before spirituality is present in hospitals. These sto- the meeting starts, a nurse sticks her head in ” ries are central to the book I am writing,

ONOR GIFTS IN HONOR H 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 SOMEONE recognize 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. GIFTS IN MEMORY TO THE AAR 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 at 404–727–7928, make an online donation at www.aarweb.org/about_AAR/Support_AAR Academy of Religion in honor or in or mail a check to: memory of a friend or colleague through a American Academy of Religion 825 Houston Mill Road, Suite 300 gift tribute to the Academy Fund. Atlanta, GA 30329

24 • March 2009 RSN FEATURES

From the Student Desk Call for Submissions

Timbre, Tempo, and Time Signatures: From the Student Desk is currently seeking submissions for upcoming issues of RSN. Articles should address the challenges and perspectives A Jazz Musician’s Journey into Biblical unique to graduate student members of the AAR; a wide diversity of topics is encouraged. Issues of particular interest right now are the admissions Studies experiences of recent applicants to doctoral programs, and the effects of university budget cutbacks on graduate student life and job searches. Kirk D. Lyons Sr. Submissions should not exceed 800 words and should be emailed to [email protected].

to reach beyond the delimiting discursive forms we’ve inherited. Perhaps this chal- lenge is one that should be engaged by the generation of scholars I represent. The conundrum in this proposition is that although we are required to make original 2009–2010 From the contributions to our field, we often find Student Desk Editor little or no support for the development of (what is perceived by many as) obscure and uncomfortably imaginative concepts. AAR Student Director Nichole Phillips is Seminal elements of music have helped pleased to announce the appointment of me to make sense of the challenges and Carl S. Hughes, a third-year PhD student questions that minority scholars continue in Theological Studies in the Graduate to face in academia. The resistance to the Division of Religion of Emory University, cultivation of different voices is sympto- as the 2009–2010 From the Student matic of a lack of appreciation for the Desk editor. Kirk D. Lyons Sr. is a former jazz musi- inherent beauty of what musicians call cian and currently a PhD fellow in New timbre. Timbre is the characteristics or Testament and Early Christian Origins at color of any voice that distinguish it from Union Theological Seminary in New York other voices. The practice of systematically City. He can be contacted at klyons926@ controlling the spectrum of distinction aol.com. and difference in the academy and reli- gious communities has constrained the intellectual and spiritual formation of gen- URING A RECENT radio inter- erations of scholars and clergy. Deference 2008-2009 view addressing the lack of diversi- toward a homogeneous pedagogical prism Dty in divinity schools, I was con- stifles the emergence of a harmonically iri- RESEARCH GRANT WINNERS fronted with the question “Why are so descent academic environment. few minorities attending and teaching at COLLABORATIVE Although a degree of progress has been theological schools today, and what are the Whitney Bauman, Florida International University made, the regulation of the tempo at consequences of this chronic underrepre- AAR Inherited Land: The Changing Grounds of Religion which progress occurs remains a lingering sentation of minorities in higher religious and Ecology concern. While underrepresented people RESEARCH education?” As my title suggests, my Collaborators: Rick Bohannon, St. John’s University; long for an allegro tempo (swift, with Kevin O’Brien, Pacific Lutheran University tenure as a professional jazz musician GRANT cheerful expression), the reality of change before I began my PhD in biblical studies Gereon Kopf, Luther College is often closer to largo (slow and lethargic). PROGRAM has provided me with an aesthetic frame- Ethics of Memory and Politics and Commemoration: In music, a time signature is what quanti- work and an interpretative lens with The Case of the Nanjing Massacre fies and regulates the volume of informa- Collaborator: Yuki Miyamoto, DePaul University which to begin to respond to this daunt- tion allowed within each bar or section of DID YOU ing question. Winnifred Sullivan music. In an academic context, the time KNOW THAT Re-Describing the Sacred/Secular Divide: The Legal Story II Throughout their history, African- signatures of our era are often publishing you could receive Collaborator: Robert A. Yelle, University of Memphis American jazz musicians have endured venues, which serve as gate-keepers regu- up to $5,000 in extreme bias and scathing critiques from lating the inclusion of divergent voices INDIVIDUAL the larger white musical establishment, into an ongoing conversation. When the research assistance Thia Cooper, Gustavus Adolphus College which questioned their legitimacy. innovations of provocative individuals, from the AAR? Theologies of Immigration: Faith and Practice in Brazilian-American Community Nonetheless, they have withstood these ideas, and events are excluded, it robs us Since 1992, the criticisms — and emerged as pioneers of of the revolution of ideas that could con- Academy has Margaret Cormack, College of Charleston Saints in Icelandic Placenames and Folklore the first American “classical” music. The tribute to the development of a multidi- awarded over global renown of black jazz musicians mensional consciousness. Susan Ross, Loyola University Chicago became so great that they experienced a $540,000 to Exploring Global Feminist Theologies in a As a minority scholar confronted with the kind of cognitive dissonance when sub- members for Postcolonial Space: A Learning and Research reality of navigating intellectual terrain jected to continuing marginalization by individual and Immersion Project for Feminist Graduate Students that is inherently kinder and gentler to their white American counterparts. When and Post-Graduates from Africa to the U.S. that which is familiar, I’m reminded of an collaborative they were faced with the incapacity of the A. Whitney Sanford, University of Florida encouraging anecdote from the jazz com- research projects. idioms of the white musical tradition to Gandhi’s Environmental Legacy: Food Democracy munity. In the 1970s, when Miles Davis The application reflect the variances and nuances of their and Social Movements had transitioned from playing the brand own cultural narratives, jazz musicians deadline is of jazz that he had become renowned for, Caroline Schroeder, University of the Pacific developed a proclivity for using conven- August 1st of From Ascetic Ingenue to Jephthah’s Daughter: he began a concert by performing a new tional instruments in unconventional Children and the Representation of Children in style of music unfamiliar to the audience. each year. For ways. In the same way, minority biblical Early Christian Monasticism They responded by throwing debris onto application scholars have become adept at unconven- Laura Stivers, Pfeiffer University the stage. When he noticed his young per- information and tional applications of conventional meth- Making a Home for All in God’s Compassionate cussionist about to react to this hostility, ods of biblical interpretation. eligibility Community: A Feminist Liberation Assessment of he quietly walked over and whispered to requirements, see Christian Response to Homelessness and Housing Still, nondominant cultures continue to him, “Play through it.” By the end of the www.aarweb.org/ Liz Wilson, Miami University agitate and to ask whether their use of performance, the audience gave them a grants. Buddhist Gender Matters: The Sexed Lives of dominant idioms is sufficient for the ten-minute standing ovation. One cannot Celibate South Asian Buddhist Saints change and self-expression they seek. Just be certain if a parallel appreciation for the as critics of James Cone have chided him emergence of different voices will ever be for using European templates for black fully realized in the academy in our life- theology, Vincent Wimbush has chal- time. In the meantime, we will continue lenged African-American biblical scholars to “play through it.”

March 2009 RSN • 25 Religious Studies News

Record Attendance at Leadership Workshop

HE ACADEMIC Relations objective; and how the objective might Following a breakout session, panelists objective be assessed and how do you Committee addressed student learn- contribute to an assessment of their pro- discussed “How does this objective inter- assess it?” Dianne Oliver, University of Ting at its Leadership Workshop dur- gram’s effectiveness. act with the mission and culture of your Evansville, led the plenary and Timothy ing the Annual Meeting of the American institution?” The panelists represented a Renick, Georgia State University, respond- Krista Tippett opened the meeting in an Academy of Religion in Chicago. variety of institutions: Steve Young, ed. Evansville is one of the few religion interview format with Chester Gillis of McHenry County College; Elle LeVee, departments beginning to address student The daylong workshop, “Taking Georgetown University, who led the work- Spertus College; L. DeAne Lagerquist, St. assessment, but there is gathering interest Religion(s) Seriously: What Students Need shop. Tippett is the American Public Olaf College; and Edwin David Aponte, among other religion departments and to Know,” had a record registration of Media host of “Speaking of Faith” and Lancaster Theological Seminary. Parti- leaders. The Academic Relations sixty participants and speakers. Attendees author of the book of the same name. cipants were then divided into groups Committee believes assessment issues and explored the common goal of religion Attendees were given a free copy of her according to institutional type to discuss student learning will be explored in future courses: that all students learn to think book, which she signed at the end of the specific obstacles and solutions. workshops. seriously about the ways religion impacts workshop. public life and their role as citizens. “The Academic Relations Committee The Academic Relations Committee plans “We were very fortunate to have her par- strives to speak to the multitude of insti- the Leadership Workshops for the Annual Participants investigated what this goal ticipate in the workshop,” Kyle Cole, tutional contexts influencing the study of Meeting: Fred Glennon, chair; Chester entails and were then invited to consider AAR Director of Professional Programs, religion,” said Kyle Cole. Gillis; L. DeAne Lagerquist; Steve Young; how the curriculum they oversee addresses said. “The members appreciated her wit, Rosetta Ross; Edwin David Aponte; and (or could address) it; how the mission and candor, and knowledge.” The concluding plenary concentrated on a Kyle Cole, AAR staff liaison. culture of their institution shapes this principal question: “How should this

Prison Chaplaincy Directors Annual Meeting 2008 Photos Meet with AAR Members in Chicago

RISON CHAPLAINCY directors directors attended in order to better under- from ten states and the Federal stand various religious practices they PBureau of Prisons participated in a encounter. The scholars participating were two-day gathering during the 2008 AAR Helen Berger, Frederick Denny, Graham Annual Meeting in Chicago. Topics covered Harvey, Barbara McGraw, Gordon Melton, included Asatru, Buddhism, Daoism, House Vivian-Lee Nyitray, and Thomas Tweed. of Yahweh, Moorish Science Temple, AAR staff and Patrick McCollum, a prison Satanism, Shi’ism, Wicca, and recent chaplain and AAR member, co-organized United States court decisions regarding the gathering. AAR members mingling at Friday night’s welcome inmate practice of religion. The chaplaincy reception

With Gratitude! HE AAR congratulates the following institutions for their generous cosponsorship of South Asian scholars. Such support immeasurably strengthens the international T dimension of our Annual Meeting. Lafayette College Members gather at the AAR Member Services Desk Muhammad Khalid Masud, Council of Islamic Ideology to ask important questions Missouri State University Premakumara De Silva, University of Colombo

Media Attend Annual Meeting

EDIA INTEREST in the 2008 Catholic magazine, and PBS’s WGBH Annual Meeting in Chicago was Boston. Several foreign reporters — from A busy day in the Exhibit Hall Mhigh, with some forty-five journal- Finland, France, Germany, and Spain — in ists in attendance. Most journalists came to Chicago to cover the presidential election, interview scholars and pick up story ideas, also attended the Annual Meeting. while some came to cover the meeting itself. The AAR hosted its fifth annual reception The media outlets represented included for journalists after Sunday evening’s awards A&E/The History Channel, Beliefnet, ceremony. Three of the winners of the 2008 Boston Globe, Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago AAR Awards for Best In-Depth Reporting Tribune, Christian Century, Christian Science were in attendance and were honored for Monitor, Christianity Today, Ebru TV, their outstanding contributions to in-depth Minnesota Public Radio’s Speaking of Faith, religion newswriting during 2007. Ottawa Citizen, Publishers Weekly, Time, U.S.

AAR President Emilie M. Townes speaking at the Annual Meeting in Chicago, Illinois.

26 • March 2009 RSN 2008 ANNUAL MEETING NEWS

2008 AM Satisfaction and Registration Survey

LMOST 6,000 PEOPLE gathered Responses to the post-Annual Meeting The comments from survey respondents The Annual Meeting Satisfaction Survey is together in Chicago, Illinois, last survey reflect positive experiences by the were generally positive. The most frequent sent via E-mail to all Annual Meeting ANovember for the AAR’s first members in attendance. Survey results are complaint was about the dates of the attendees at the conclusion of each meet- independent Annual Meeting in decades. posted online at www.aarweb.org. meeting coinciding with Halloween and ing and is offered online at the AAR web- Total registration for the meeting was Election Day. When the AAR Meeting site. The number of responses this year An overwhelming 88 percent of survey 5,995. This number reflects a 4 percent staff realized that the election dates were was 1,437, which represents about 24 per- respondents thought the 2008 Annual increase from the AAR’s share of registra- an issue and that we could not hold ses- cent of attendees. Respondents did not Meeting was a satisfactory or very satisfac- tion at the 2007 joint AAR and SBL sions on Tuesday, November 4, we answer each question, so the values were tory experience. Satisfaction with this meeting in San Diego. However, it was brought it to the Board of Directors. We measured from the number of respondents year’s sessions was high; 90 percent of sur- still 6.5 percent less than attendance at the asked them to consider two models for the who did. The survey is voluntary and vey respondents said they were satisfied or record-breaking 2006 meeting in meeting: 1) A footprint shift, moving the open to all attendees. The executive office very satisfied with the quality. The oppor- Washington, D.C. Chicago’s accessible meeting to Friday–Monday, and 2) A staff would like to thank everyone who tunity to network with other colleagues Midwest location with its vibrant big city compression, scheduling all sessions from participated in the post-Annual Meeting also received high marks; 90 percent energy (not to mention the overlap with Saturday–Monday. The Board opted for survey. It continues to be valuable to the reported satisfaction. Respondents rated the victory celebration of Barack Obama) the compression model in order not to Annual Meeting process, for it provides the Chicago Annual Meeting location very made it a big draw for AAR members. further interfere with Halloween. The the AAR’s Program Committee, Board of favorably, giving positive feedback about 2009 Annual Meeting will be held a week Directors, and executive office staff with The 2008 Annual Meeting was the largest its hotel facilities (84 percent) and meet- later, November 7–10, and will not over- an important measure of member satisfac- in terms of programming. Over 600 AAR ing room space (72 percent). lap with Halloween. The second main tion. We value this opportunity to hear and Additional Meetings sessions occurred Once again, Annual Meeting registration complaint was the exhibit hall space and your comments and suggestions on how during the six-day time period from and housing was handled by Experient. hours. AAR’s exhibit hall in Montréal will we can continue to meet your needs and Thursday, October 30 to Tuesday, Satisfaction with the registration and be in a more amenable space in the Palais to offer an excellent meeting. November 4. AAR continued to expand housing process was very high; 92 percent des Congrès. We are working with its program and hosted 398 sessions, mak- of respondents rated the process positively. exhibitors to consider keeping the exhibit ing it the largest program ever. The peak hotel night was Saturday, hall open during nonsession hours to November 1, with over 2,500 hotel rooms improve traffic. in use. Overall more than 9,000 room nights were occupied during the meeting.

American Academy of Religion 2008 Annual Business Meeting Minutes

CHICAGO HILTON, MARQUETTE ROOM • CHICAGO, IL • SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2008 • 7:45–8:00 AM

1. CALL TO ORDER 5. REPORT OF THE STATE OF THE ➤ Reimagining governance struc- There have been some staff changes ACADEMY tures (preliminary report expect- in the Atlanta office: Stephen Eley President Emilie M. Townes called ed in the Spring); has replaced Joe DeRose as Director the meeting to order at 7:45 AM. Director Jack Fitzmier reiterated the of Technology; Aislinn Jones is AAR’s good health, measured against ➤ Celebrating our centennial, begin- 2. APPROVAL OF 2007 MINUTES about to step down as Director of several criteria: ning with the 2009 Montréal Meetings and Marketing to take up The minutes were unanimously meeting and ending a year later in • Membership numbers: 2007 was a a part-time position as the AAR’s approved (D. McGaughey/J. Atlanta (Centennial Committee is record year, with membership at Director of Marketing; and Robert O’Keefe). chaired by Peter Paris); the end of that calendar year stand- Puckett will become the Director of 3. MEMORIAL LIST ing at 11,470, and this year’s mem- ➤ Enhancing the public under- Meetings. bership approaching that number; standing of religion; President Townes read the predis- 6. 2008 ELECTION RESULTS tributed memorial list of members • Annual Meeting attendance (as of ➤ Experimenting with more forms Emilie Townes was pleased to who had passed away since this meeting): we are over 5,700 of technology for scholarly com- announce the election results: Mark November 1, 2007, and added two this year, making this the second- munication; and Juergensmeyer is the new President; more to that list. Those remembered largest registration number in the ➤ Enhancing the work of the Ann Taves is the new President- are: Catherine Bell, Wayne Booth, AAR’s history (after Washington in AAR’s ten regions. Elect; and Kwok Pui Lan is the new Chow May Ling, Robert Detweiler, 2006); Vice President, with these positions John Dillenberger, James V. Jack Fitzmier also updated members • The latest Auditors Report, which to take effect at the Chicago Annual Geisendorfer, Daniel Hardy, Alex on plans for concurrent Annual the Board recently accepted; and Meeting. Hivoltze-Jimenez, Lowell W. Meetings with the SBL. Doing so in Livezey, Lester McAllister, Joanne • A new Strategic Plan, adopted by 2009 and 2010 is not feasible, for 7. NEW BUSINESS McWilliam, Herbert E. Melendy, the AAR Board last spring, which financial and logistical reasons. The There was no new business. Selva J. Raj, Krister Stendahl, included eight major items: AAR is already planning to meet Rosemary Keller, and Lucinda concurrently with the SBL in 2011 8. ADJOURNMENT ➤ Increasing attention to member- Peach. in San Francisco, and every effort is ship development; The meeting adjourned at 7:59 AM, being made to continue to meet 4. PRESIDENT’S REPORT: and at 8:00 AM CST, Mark ➤ Adding innovative new compo- concurrently in subsequent years. Emilie M. Townes Juergensmeyer officially became the nents to the Annual Meeting; Doing so in 2012 and 2013 raises new AAR President. His first act was President Townes thanked members more complications since both soci- ➤ Building global connections and to offer a note of thanks to Emilie for their work on behalf of the acad- eties have signed contracts with positioning the AAR to be an Townes for her service to the AAR. emy and underlined the current hotels in different cities in 2012, international partner and vigor and good health of the AAR. and the SBL has a signed contract resource; for 2013. The AAR office is working Respectfully submitted, to resolve those difficulties and plan Michel Desjardins concurrent meetings for 2012 and 2013 if feasible.

March 2009 RSN • 27 Religious Studies News

AAR would like to thank the Job Center 2008 Statistics following outgoing Program Unit Reveal Employment Trends in Chairs whose terms ended in 2008. the Field

Paula K. R. Arai, Louisiana State University (Japanese Religions Group) HE 2008 ANNUAL Meeting Job broadly. Take Christian Studies as an exam- Center, the first to be hosted inde- ple — one need not specialize in this area Kathleen Bishop, Drew University (Psychology, Culture, and Religion Group) Tpendently by the AAR, saw a total of to teach a course. Despite the fact that the Marcia Bunge, Valparaiso University (Childhood Studies and Religion Consultation) 568 candidates and 107 open positions. classification had a 1:1 primary ratio in Though there was an expected decrease in 2008, candidates who chose this classifica- Pamela Cooper-White, Columbia Theological Seminary candidate and employer registrations from tion did not have a 100 percent chance of (Psychology, Culture, and Religion Group) previous years given the independent meet- getting a job. ing and early meeting date, the AAR main- Lisa Dahill, Trinity Lutheran Seminary (Bonhoeffer: Theology and Social Analysis Group) Another example is Asian Religions. From tained 85 percent of the number of candi- looking at the number of times this classifi- Lois Farag, Luther Seminary (Coptic Christianity Consultation) dates registered for the center in 2007 and cation was chosen as primary in 2008, it 74 percent of the number of institutions Stacey M. Floyd-Thomas, Vanderbilt University (Black Theology Group) might seem that each candidate in that registered for the center in 2007. The ratio field had about a 71 percent chance of get- John R. Franke, Biblical Theological Seminary (Evangelical Theology Group) of registered positions to registered candi- ting a job. However, many candidates who dates was 1:5.3. All of these numbers indi- Philip K. Goff, Indiana University and Purdue University at Indianapolis chose Hinduism or Buddhism as their spe- cate that, as in previous years, the number (North American Religions Section) cialty have the ability to teach Asian reli- of candidates significantly exceeds the gions. So employers needing an Asian reli- Fran Grace, University of Redlands (Teaching Religion Section) number of positions available. gions teacher are not limited to only those John A. Grim, Yale University (Religion and Ecology Group) The Annual Meeting Job Center is candidates who consider it to be their spe- Wouter Hanegraaff, University of Amsterdam (Western Esotericism Group) designed to ease the communication cialty. process between candidates for academic Jonathan Herman, Georgia State University (Daoist Studies Group) This is where the “all” columns come into positions and employers seeking to fill play. These columns indicate the total Laura Hobgood-Oster, Southwestern University (Animals and Religion Consultation) available positions. The Job Center features number of times a classification was chosen an Annual Meeting edition of Job Postings, Arthur G. Holder, Graduate Theological Union (Christian Spirituality Group) as either primary or “additional.” These candidate credentials for review, a message columns often give better indications of the Martin Kavka, Florida State University (Study of Judaism Section) center, and an interview facility. ratio of positions to candidates within a Robert P. Kennedy, St. Francis Xavier University (Augustine and Augustinianisms Group) Each year, the AAR gathers data about job particular subfield. Take the example from positions and candidates registered for the above. Many of the candidates who chose Julie J. Kilmer, Olivet College (Lesbian-Feminist Issues and Religion Group) Center. Each position and candidate is Hinduism or Buddhism as their primary Kwok Pui Lan, Episcopal Divinity School (Theology and Religious Reflection Section) required to choose a primary classification classification likely chose Asian Religions as from a provided list. They may also select an additional choice. Therefore, the Sarah Heaner Lancaster, Methodist Theological School, Ohio (Wesleyan Studies Group) additional classifications (candidates are position-to-candidate ratio of 13:52 (or Lynne Faber Lorenzen, Augsburg College (Open and Relational Theologies Consultation) limited to a total of three). The “primary” 1:4) is a better indicator of how many candi- Kathryn McClymond, Georgia State University columns indicate the number of times each dates might have sought a particular position. classification was chosen as a primary (Comparative Studies in Hinduisms and Judaisms Group) Still, because of the different motivations choice (see chart on next page). June McDaniel, College of Charleston (Mysticism Group) guiding choices and because many of the When drawing conclusions from this data, classifications are interrelated, the candidate Barbara A. McGraw, Saint Mary’s College of California (Religion and Politics Section) it is important to think of the motivations to job ratios shown below cannot give a Lawrence Mamiya, Vassar College (Religion and Cities Consultation) that guide employers’ and candidates’ clear indication of a candidate’s chances of choices. Employers tend to choose more getting a job. Rather, they serve mainly to Vincent J. Miller, Georgetown University (Roman Catholic Studies Group) broad classifications that correspond to the identify trends in position openings and A. Charles Muller, University of Tokyo (Buddhist Philosophy Group) classes needing to be taught. They are likely candidate specializations. willing to consider candidates from an The AAR has been compiling registration James Nieman, Hartford Seminary (Practical Theology Group) array of specializations, as long as each per- data since 1990. This data is available upon son can teach general courses. In contrast, a Rebecca Sachs Norris, Merrimack College (Anthropology of Religion Group) request from Jessica Davenport at candidate’s primary choice is usually his or [email protected] Willemien Otten, University of Chicago (Platonism and Neoplatonism Group) her area of research; they can teach more Kim Paffenroth, Iona College (Augustine and Augustinianisms Group) Joe Pettit, Morgan State University (Religion, Public Policy, and Political Change Consultation) Job Center Registration 2006–2008 Michael Puett, Harvard University (Confucian Traditions Group) Joerg Rieger, Southern Methodist University (Theology and Religious Reflection Section) Employers 2008 2007 2006 Melissa Rogers, Wake Forest University Positions Registered 107 152 175 (Religion, Public Policy, and Political Change Consultation) Total Institutions Registered 98 132 140 Deepak Sarma, Case Western Reserve University (Comparative Theology Group) Preregistered 93 141 156 Registered Onsite 14 11 19 Elizabeth Say, California State University, Northridge Ratio of Positions to Candidates 1:5.3 1:4.4 1:4.27 (Lesbian-Feminist Issues and Religion Group) Kurtis Schaeffer, University of Virginia (Tibetan and Himalayan Religions Group) Candidates 2008 2007 2006 Gregory Shaw, Stonehill College (Platonism and Neoplatonism Group) Total Registered 568 669 747 Lisa L. Stenmark, San Jose State University (Science, Technology, and Religion Group) Preregistered 538 583 722 Daniel B. Stevenson, University of Kansas (Chinese Religions Group) Registered Onsite 30 86 25 Paul Waldau, Religion and Animals Institute (Animals and Religion Consultation) Female Participants 195 195 224 Male Participants 336 406 461 Kerry Wynn, Southeast Missouri State University (Religion and Disability Studies Group) Did Not Report Gender 37 68 62 Nelly Van Doorn-Harder, Valparaiso University (Study of Islam Section) Ratio of Female to Male 1:1.7 1:2.1 1:2.1 Kocku von Stuckrad, University of Amsterdam (Critical Theory and Discourses on Religion Group) See additional 2006–2008 registration data in the chart on next page. Robert A. Yelle, University of Memphis (Law, Religion, and Culture Group) Laurie Zoloth, Northwestern University (Women and Religion Section)

28 • March 2009 RSN 2008 ANNUAL MEETING NEWS

2008 2007 2006 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) 33210 44 3 7 2 6 111 Ancient Near Eastern Languages 0015 06 224 04 121 Archaeology — Ancient Near East 0014 01 312 03 19 Archaeology — Greco-Roman 0037 00 06 02 13 Arts, Literature, and Religion 3824 47 04 11 41 0913 47 Asian Religions (general or not listed separately) 10 13 14 52 6 19 9 37 9 20 8 34 Biblical Languages 0005 29 450 1 13 5 78 Buddhism 2822 44 2 17 22 35 6 16 21 33 Catholic Studies 18017 3 11 0 18 26 230 Catholic Theology (all areas) 10 16 27 48 7 21 18 41 9 14 18 46 Central and South American and Caribbean Religions 1518 07 01 03 03 Christian Ethics 6 13 34 64 9 18 39 74 11 18 38 80 Christian Studies 36323 2 12 4 21 37 131 Christian Theology (general or not listed separately) 6 12 31 83 5 11 22 79 7 15 35 106 Christian Theology: Practical/Praxis 1712 38 17 16 37 1912 27 Christian Theology: Systematic/Constructive 3 11 58 99 6 14 58 102 2965 113 Classics 1114 02 116 00 016 Comparative Religions 1 13 8 54 4 32 6 43 2 18 6 49 Critical Studies/Theory/Methods in Religion 1914 56 2 16 5 44 0 11 7 37 Early Christianity/Church History 1310 30 2 17 33 81 1 10 38 94 Early Judaism 0012 19 322 04 124 East Asian Religions (general or not listed separately) 2610 27 6 18 6 19 14 22 13 26 Editorial 0015 00 06 02 14 Epigraphy 0001 01 01 00 00 Gay/Lesbian Studies in Religion 0108 15 17 00 08 Hebrew Bible/Old Testament 1500 927 81 134 11 28 91 133 Hinduism 04819 2 13 7 18 19 719 History of Christianity/Church History 7 10 43 93 5 20 42 91 5 15 39 94 History of Religion (general) 2 10 5 30 3 19 5 25 4 16 4 34 Indigenous/Native/Traditional Religions 1447 010 38 12 47 Introduction to Religion 06122 1 16 1 16 0 12 0 14 Islam 17 22 37 50 17 32 23 37 14 29 26 42 Judaism 6910 21 8 17 12 22 9 16 7 20 Library 0000 00 01 01 02 Missiology 01111 00 0 7 0 1 310 New Religious Movements 04623 06 1 9 0 2 210 New Testament 12512 16 30 83 127 24 39 96 148 North American Religions 2447 59 4 14 28 51 2 12 29 43 Pastoral Care 1269 13 34 25 512 Philosophy of Religion 1321 71 1 10 22 62 2 10 22 72 Preaching/Ministry 02110 13 316 02 012 Rabbinic Judaism 0226 18 58 27 39 Racial/Ethnic Minority Studies in Religion 16326 0 16 4 23 1 11 3 21 Religion and Science 02429 06 420 N/A N/A N/A N/A Religion/Theology: Two or More Subfields 0215 53 28 16 48 3818 49 Religions of Africa/Oceania 0116 010 16 16 07 Religious Ethics 2311 42 1 14 10 41 3 13 9 34 Second Temple Judaism 0000 07 851 05 739 Septuagint 0000 00 24 01 12 Social Sciences and Religion (e.g., Religion and Society, Anthropology, Economics, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology) 0616 60 0 11 11 48 1 14 16 58 South Asian Religions (general or not listed separately) 2614 32 3 10 11 26 3 15 11 23 Women’s Studies in Religion 0 20 6 47 1 11 7 46 World Religions 5 13 4 49 4 26 2 37 4 22 4 57 Other 10 11 30 97 10 10 9 92 10 10 13 78 Not Reporting 0 N/A 0 N/A 0 N/A 0 N/A 0 N/A 32 N/A Total 114 285 568 1,642 150 627 669 1,903 174 543 747 2,057

March 2009 RSN • 29 2004 (5.10%) 2006 2005 (12.24%) (6.12%) 2003 (6.12%) 100 2002 (1.02%) 2001 (1.02%) 2007 (17.34%)

1982–1999 (14.89%) 80

2008 (32.65%) 2000 (3.10%) 2009 (1.02%) 60

40

Religious Studies News 20

$50,000–$59,999 (41.53%) 2007–2008 Employment Survey Highlights 0 $60,000–$69,999 $45,000–$49,999 (15.38%) (18.46%)

O GET A MORE2004 (5.10%) accurate picture of employment Figure 2: Data on Candidates Candidate Demographics $25,000–$29,999 trends in the field, the AAR and the SBL have who Received One or More Job Offers $70,000 or more (0.00%) Sixty-three percent of the candidates who registered$30,000–$34,999 for the 2006 2005 (12.24%) $20,000–$24,999 (6.15%) expanded our data collection efforts. Employment $35,000–$39,9 $19,999 or below (6.12%) (1.53%) T 2003 (6.12%) 2007 EIS Center were$40,000–$44,999 male; 36 percent were female. (1.53%) (1.53%) Information Services (EIS) created a web-based, anony- (3.07%) Regarding race/ethnicity,(10.46%) 86 percent of the registrants mous survey to track hirings by specialization and to col- 100 2002 (1.02%) reported their race/ethnicity as Caucasian or Euro- lect demographic information on2001 job candidates.(1.02%) 99 2007 (17.34%) American, 5 percent African-American or black, 5 percent In spring 2008, surveys were sent to all candidates who Asian or Pacific Islander, 2 percent multiracial, and 1 per- had registered for the1982–1999 joint AAR/SBL 2007 EIS Center in cent Latino/a or Hispanic. Two percent chose “other.” San Diego, California,(14.89%) and to all employers who had 80 None reported their race/ethnicity as American Indian or advertised a position in Openings in 2007. Presented here Alaskan native. In terms of citizenship, 91 percent were 2008 (32.65%) PhD are highlights of the data received. Complete results can be United States citizens, 5 percent(40.90%) were citizens of Canada, 2 found at www.aarweb.org/jump/jobcenter2000 (3.10%). This ongoing percent were noncitizen residents of the United States, and project will provide longitudinal2009 data. (1.02%) 1 percent reportedMA their citizenship as “other.” 60 (19.69%) ThD (1.51%)

Figure 5: AgeBA Distribution DMin (4.54%) Employer Data (30.30%) of Registered Candidates Don’t Know Out of 531 employer solicitations, 148 responses were (3.03%) AA (0.00%) received (28 percent response rate). Eighty percent of those 40 who responded filled the position which they had adver- tised in Openings. Of the 118 positions filled, 76 percent of the employers report interviewing the appointee at the 40–44 EIS Center. The majority of the positions filled were at the 35–39 (24.63%) (15.45%) assistant professor level (67 percent), followed by full pro- 20 45–49 fessor (13 percent), visiting professor (6 percent), associate (10.62%) $50,000–$59,999professor (4 percent), lecturer (4 percent), and instructor (41.53%) 30–34 (29.95%) (3 percent), with 3 percent of the positions ranked as 50–54 (6.28%) “other.” Sixty-two percent of the positions were tenure- 80.28% Doctoral degree by start of position Article 66.19% published/accepted for publication in peer-reviewed journal 19.71% Book or monograph published/accepted for publication 67.60% Presentation(s) at regional scholarly conference 85.91% Presentation(s) at national scholarly conference experience 98.59% Teaching Administrative 50.70% experience 30.98% Ministerial experience 50.70% First time using EIS 30.98% Second time using EIS 9.85% Third time using EIS 8.45% Used EIS more than three times track, 20 percent were nontenure-track, 13 percent were 0 55–59 (5.79%) 60+ (1. tenured, 4 percent$60,000–$69,999 were limited, and less than 1 percent Under 30 (5.31%) $45,000–$49,999 (15.38%) 93%) (18.46%) were joint appointment. None were reported as adjunct. Fifty-seven percent of the appointees were male; 43 per- cent were female. The racial/ethnic distribution of the Position Data appointees was as follows: 76 percent Caucasian$25,000–$29,999 or Euro- Of the 67 candidates who accepted an offer, 35 percent American, 6 percent Asian or $70,000Pacific or mIslander,ore (0.00%)6 percent will work in a private college/university, 29 percent will Job Search Experience African-American or black,$30,00 0–$2 34,999percent Latino/a or work in a church-related college, 26 percent will work in a $20,000–$24,999 (6.15%) $35,000–$39,9 $19,999 or below Eighty-seven percent of responding candidates reported Hispanic, 2 percent multiracial, and 8 percent reported public college/university, and 10 percent will work in a $40,000–$44,999 (1.53%) that interviewers did not exhibit unprofessional or inap- (1.53%) (1.53%) “other.” (3.07%) university-related divinity school. None reported working (10.46%) propriate behavior. Those that did encounter such behav- for a free-standing seminary. Seventy-two percent will ior reported offensive remarks and offensive actions. Figure 1: work as full time/tenure-track faculty,2004 (5.10%) 20 percent as full

99 Year of Appointee’s Degree time/nontenure-track2006 2005 (12.24%) faculty, 6 percent as part Seventy-six percent of candidates reported that interview- time/adjunct(6.12%) faculty, and 1 percent in2003 administration (6.12%) (e.g., ers did not ask questions or broach topics of an inappro- 100 dean, chair). One percent reported “other.”2002 None (1.02%) reported priate nature. Of those who did encounter such ques- 2004 (5.10%) 2001 (1.02%) 2007 (17.34%) 2006 2005 (12.24%) working as full time tenured faculty. tions/topics, the three most common were in regards to (6.12%) 2003 (6.12%) 1982–1999 religious beliefs, marital status, and partner’s career. Forty- Of100 the 67 candidates who accepted(14.89%) positions,2004 (5.10%) 59 percent 2002 (1.02%) 80 2006 2005 (12.24%) five percent reported that the interviewer directly asked an 2001 (1.02%) report being thrilled(6.12%) with the new position, 38 percent 2007 (17.34%) 2008 (32.65%) 2003 (6.12%) inappropriate question. Forty-one percent stated the inter- report feeling satisfied with the position,2000 and (3.10%) 3 percent 100 1982–1999 2002 (1.02%) viewer indirectly broached an inappropriate topic. Seventy- (14.89%) report feeling unsatisfied. None reported2009 feeling (1.02%)2001 deeply (1.02%) PhD 80 2007 (17.34%) four60 percent of the respondents answered the question unhappy about the position. (40.90%) 2008 (32.65%) 1982–1999 truthfully, while 13 percent changed the topic in order to 2000 (3.10%) (14.89%) avoid the80 question. Fifty-three percent are not sure 2009 (1.02%) Figure 3: MA 60 2008 (32.65%) whether40 their response was to their advantage or disadvan- (19.69%) Salary of Appointment2000 (3.10%) 2009 (1.02%) tage. Twenty-eight percent believe their answer was to their 60 ThD (1.51%) disadvantage and 19 percent believe it was to their 40 advantage.20 BA DMin (4.54%) (30.30%) $50,000–$59,999 (41.53%) 40 Candidate DataDon’t Know 20 (3.03%) 0 $60,000–$69,999 Out of 669 candidate$50,000–$59,999 solicitations, 209 AAresponses (0.00%) were $45,000–$49,999 (15.38%) received (31 percent response(41.53%) rate). When asked to indi- (18.46%) 20

cate employment status during the search, 47 percent 0 $50,000–$59,999 (41.53%) $25,000–$29,999 $60,000–$69,999 reported being a graduate student, 34 percent reported $70,000 or more (0.00%) $45,000–$49,999 (15.38%) part time/adjunct(18.46%) faculty, and 15 percent reported full $30,000–$34,999 $20,000–$24,999 (6.15%) 0 $35,000–$39,9 $19,999 or below

$60,000–$69,999(1.53%) time/nontenure-track faculty (candidates could select more $40,000–$44,999$45,000–$49,999 (1.53%) (1.53%) (3.07%) (15.38%) 40–44 $25,000–$29,999 (10.46%)(18.46%) than one response). Seventy-one percent held$70,000 o r amore PhD(0.00%) or 35–39 (24.63%)planned to(15.45%) have completed theirs by August$30,000–$34,999 2008, while $20,000–$24,999 (6.15%) $35,000–$39,9 $19,999 or below 99 $25,000–$29,999 (1.53%) 15 percent would$40,000–$44,999 be ABD going into fall 2008. $70,000 or more (0.00%) (1.53%) (3.07%) (1.53%) (10.46%) $30,000–$34,999 45–49 $20,000–$24,999 (6.15%) $35,000–$39,9 $19,999 or below

Job Offers (10.62%) $40,000–$44,999 (1.53%) (1.53%) (3.07%) (1.53%) 99 (10.46%) Of the 209 candidates who responded, 34 percent received Figure 4:

30–34 (29.95%)one or more job offers. Of those, 64 percent received one Highest Degree POfferedhD 99 at New Institution offer, 19 percent received two offers,50–54 13 percent received (40.90%) (6.28%) three offers, and 4 percent received more than three offers. MA (19.69%) 55–59 (5.79%) PhD Of those candidates who did not receive or accept a new ThD (1.51%) 60+ (1. (40.90%) position, 68 Undpercenter 30 (5.31%) planned to continue in the same BA DMin (4.54%) MA (30.30%) PhD employment(19.69%) status, the93%) top four of which were: part (40.90%) Don’t Know time/adjunct faculty (42 percent), graduate ThDstudent (1.51%) (41 (3.03%) MA AA (0.00%) percent), full time/nontenure-trackBA faculty (12DMin (4.54%)percent), (19.69%) nonacademic employment(30.30%) (11 percent), and other reli- Don’t ThD (1.51%) Know gious related employment (11 percent) (3.[candidates03%) could BA DMin (4.54%) select more than one response]. Twenty-one percentAA (0.00%) did (30.30%) 40–44 Don’t Know not know at the time of the survey what they would do 35–39 (24.63%) (15.45%) (3.03%) the following academic year. AA (0.00%) 45–49 (10.62%) 40–44 35–39 (24.63%) (15.45%) 30 • March 2009 RSN 30–34 (29.95%) 50–54 40–44 45–49 (6.28%) (10.62%) 35–39 (24.63%) (15.45%) 55–59 (5.79%) 60+ (1. 45–49 30–34 (29.95%) Under 30 (5.31%) 50–54 (10.62%) (6.28%) 93%)

55–59 (5.79%) 30–34 (29.95%) 50–54 60+ (1.93%) Under 30 (5.31%) (6.28%)

55–59 (5.79%)

60+ (1. Under 30 (5.31%)

93%) 2008 A NNUAL R EPORT A Message from the President

IVEN the The February Executive Committee meet- I represented the AAR as a plenary speak- Chicago, Illinois. The strong program and important ing was productive as we welcomed Ann er for the Southwest Commission for incredible planning brought nearly 6,000 Gtask Taves as the newly elected vice president. Religious Studies in Dallas, Texas, in participants to Chicago, making it the sec- forces begun by There are two important areas we covered March. During July 13–20, I represented ond largest AAR meeting in history. I am Jeffrey Stout, I in the meeting. First, we had a good discus- the AAR at an international conference grateful to Nikky Finney, Charles Long, chose to concen- sion of the long-range planning process. A and workshop hosted by Shanghai and Nolan Williams for accepting my trate the staff and key thing we noted was that when we University. The conference, “Globalization, invitation to present at our plenaries. member resources looked at the Centennial Strategic Plan’s Values, and Pluralism,” featured papers by Their extrordinary talent and unique into the work vision and mission statements and the Chinese and international scholars. A views enhanced the meeting for everyone being done by our eight-point goals and objectives, we needed workshop composed of teaching sessions who attended their addresses. current committees and task force struc- to amplify the mission statement. We were for graduate students from Shanghai As has been the case with every president ture. The three newest task forces — clear that we were not trying to re-do the University and other universities followed before me, my role and responsibility has Sustainability (chaired by Sarah strategic plan, but think of how we could the conference. Jack Fitzmier and I led the been made easier to fulfill by an incredibly McFarland Taylor), Job Placement use the mission statement as a foundation final session for the workshop. Jack pre- talented and professional staff in the AAR (chaired by Tim Renick), and Governance for a clear map from which to develop a sented an overview of theological educa- office. I close by noting the many ways (co-chaired by Jeffrey L. Stout and Emilie long-range plan. This engendered good tion and I held a condensed discussion of that the staff and those who serve on the M. Townes) — have begun their work. conversation on the Sunday morning of the stereotypes in the United States and board and our various committees and The Sustainability and Job Placement task board meeting as we began to look ahead to explored some of the ways in which this task forces give their time and energy to forces are making good progress. The AAR programs and structures. Second, the translates in the Chinese context. The stu- AAR to help build a stronger and more Governance task force has proceeded with Executive Committee brought a recommen- dents engaged us with thoughtful and vibrant professional society. more deliberate speed and has now dation to the board that AAR hold concur- probing questions. It is my hope that we secured the services of Bill Ryan as a con- rent, but independent, meetings with the will continue to build bridges internation- Many and deep thanks to you all. sultant. Ryan is a research fellow with the Society of Biblical Literature and other ally with other professional societies. Hauser Center for Non-Profit interested professional societies at the earli- Many thanks to AAR member, Organizations in the Kennedy School of est feasible time. The Board approved this Changgang Guo, for organizing this Government at Harvard University. A recommendation and gave Jack Fitzmier, informative conference. meeting with Ryan took place in the fall AAR’s Executive Director, and the staff the My final role as President of the AAR as the task force moved ahead with its authority to begin negotiations with SBL included the pleasure of presiding over the Emilie M. Townes charge. and other interested professional societies. first independent annual meeting in President

A Message from the Executive Director About Us Dear AAR Colleagues and Friends: development; enhancement of the Annual Meeting; a new stress on our international and global context; a renewal of our governance 2008 was an exciting year for the American 2008 Board of Directors structures; new efforts to foster the public understanding of religion; a Academy of Religion. Membership in the new vision of the use of technology in scholarly communication; Academy remained strong, at well over renewed attention to our ten regions; and a Centennial Celebration Officers 11,000. Our 2008 Annual Meeting in effort that will be kicked off at the 2009 Annual Meeting in Montreal Chicago set an attendance record; nearly Emilie M. Townes, President, Yale University and will conclude at the 2010 Annual Meeting in Atlanta. All of 6,000 AAR members attended the meet- Mark Juergensmeyer, President-Elect, University of these targets are all rooted in our Academy’s work over the last ing. The Board launched several new initia- California, Santa Barbara decades, and all of them carry enormous potential for our Academy. tives (a Sustainability Task Force, a At the spring 2009 meeting of our Board we will present implemen- Ann Taves, Vice President, University of California, Governance Task Force, and a Job tation plans, timetables, and a system for documenting our progress. Santa Barbara Placement Task Force). Working together, the Executive Staff and the These efforts represent a sea change in the way our Academy does Board updated and revised our Strategic Plan. And we formed a Michel Desjardins, Secretary, Wilfrid Laurier University business. If all goes well — as I think it will — we will move into the Centennial Advisory Committee, chaired by former AAR President David Thibodeau, Treasurer, Nashville, TN future with institutional creativity and confidence. Peter Paris. This group will help finalize a number of initiatives and programs that we will begin in 2009, which marks the Centennial of Third, a brief word about the upcoming Centennial Celebration, the Members our Academy. 2008 was also a record year for specially funded AAR public aspects of which we will launch this Spring. In Montreal we programs. With support of the Teagle Foundation we completed a will showcase several items, including an expanded plenary speaker Linda L. Barnes, Boston University study of the Religion Undergraduate Major, and with help of the and panel program, an event at which we honor our Academy’s past Donna Bowman, University of Central Arkansas Luce Foundation we launched our Summer Seminars on Theologies leadership, a publication outlining the history of the AAR, the Francis X. Clooney, Harvard University of Religious Pluralism and Comparative Theology for theological fac- announcement of several new awards and prizes, and the unveiling of Christopher Denny, Saint John’s University ulty. It was a productive year indeed! a new look for our publications and logo. Between Montréal and Atlanta, we are planning some new fundraising initiatives, a special Eugene V. Gallagher, Connecticut College Here at the start of 2009, allow me to say a brief word about three edition of the Journal of the American Academy of Religion that will important elements of our life as a scholarly and professional society. W. Clark Gilpin, University of Chicago trace changes in the study of religion over the last several decades, and The first has to do with a topic that is on virtually everyone’s mind Fred Glennon, Le Moyne College a way to expand the Atlanta Annual Meeting program that will bring — finances, funding, and institutional stability. Our Academy is not new attention to the study of science and religion. Hans J. Hillerbrand, Duke University immune from the financial challenges that have rocked universities, colleges, seminaries, and scholarly societies all over the globe. At the The growth of our guild over the last few years has been remarkable, Alice Hunt, Chicago Theological Seminary close of calendar year 2007, the AAR’s net assets totaled nearly ten and our Academy has kept pace with this growth. Underlying all of Richard M. Jaffe, Duke University million dollars. At the close of calendar year 2008, that number had these changes has been a growing realization — among scholars and Scott T. Kline, University of Waterloo shrunk to something less than eight million dollars. Not surprisingly, the public at large — of the importance of religion and the impor- this decline occurred because the value of our long term investments tance of the study of religion. As we enter our second century of “fos- Susan M. Maloney, University of Redlands decreased. In the midst of this sobering development, however, other tering excellence in the study of religion” our future looks bright. I Charles Mathewes, University of Virginia indicators are more positive. Membership and Annual Meeting atten- look forward to sharing it with you. Douglas R. McGaughey, Willamette University dance, the two “drivers” of the AAR’s annual budget, remain very Sincerely strong. And internally, we are taking actions to protect our assets and John J. O’Keefe, Creighton University demonstrate prudence in our spending. The Finance Committee Brian K. Pennington, Maryville College plans on expanding its ranks to include expertise in the investing side Nichole Phillips, Vanderbilt University of things; the staff is revising expense budgets; and for the time being, we are not planning to fill staff lines that have fallen vacant. In all, the Sarah M. Pike, California State University, Chico AAR remains challenged, but thanks to years of careful fiscal manage- Anthony B. Pinn, Rice University ment, we are financially stable. Jeffrey L. Stout, Princeton University Jack Fitzmier The second area of interest has to do with our Strategic Planning Executive Director Sarah McFarland Taylor, Northwestern University efforts. Our Staff and Board have identified eight areas in which we Deanna A. Thompson, Hamline University hope to grow the AAR over the next thirty-six months: membership March 2009 RSN • 31 Religious Studies News Financials

AMERICAN ACADEMY OF RELIGION AMERICAN ACADEMY OF RELIGION STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES AND NET ASSETS STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION FOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2008 AND 2007 JUNE 30, 2008 AND 2007

Unrestricted Temporarily Permanently Total Total 2008 2007 Restricted Restricted 2008 2007 REVENUES ASSETS AND GAINS Cash and cash equivalents $426,160 $613,526 Membership dues $772,897 $ $ $772,897 $768,348 Marketable securities 6,568,793 7,187,244 Grants 2,500 413,249 415,749 125,000 Accounts and grants receivable, net 425,680 40,322 Annual meeting 1,209,315 1,209,315 1,229,630 Career services 184,357 184,357 163,965 Prepaid expenses 116,584 79,971 Label sales 53,676 53,676 62,385 Furniture and equipment, net 82,295 73,587 Advertising and Share of Luce Center assets, net 2,137,932 2,234,746 publications 18,613 18,613 32,724 Royalties 23,412 5,146 28,558 25,884 Total assets $9,757,444 $10,229,396 Publications 34,882 34,882 51,726 Contributions and LIABILITIES gifts in kind 45,250 4,503 49,753 104,569 Luce Center rental Accounts payable and accrued expenses $319,853 $253,991 income 107,792 107,792 107,503 Accrued vacation 53,660 52,301 Interest and dividends 154,967 65,947 220,914 229,121 Deferred revenue - memberships 352,310 345,834 Miscellaneous 3,535 3,535 Net assets released Deferred revenue - annual meeting 576,595 520,354 from restrictions 167,878 (167,878) Total liabilities 1,302,418 1,172,480 Total revenues and gains 2,779,074 320,967 0 3,100,041 2,900,855 NET ASSETS

EXPENSES Unrestricted 6,003,304 6,713,733 Research and Temporarily restricted 1,351,722 1,243,183 publications 166,169 166,169 148,476 Permanently restricted 1,100,000 1,100,000 Member services 621,270 621,270 453,023 Total net assets 8,455,026 9,056,916 Professional development services 238,246 238,246 262,882 Total liabilities and net assets $9,757,444 $10,229,396 External relations 276,548 276,548 300,065 Annual meeting 1,095,469 1,095,469 1,068,005 Luce Center Sources of Revenue expenses 116,450 116,450 99,059

Interest Income General and Luce Center Interest Income7% Lucerental Center income 7% administration 337,473 337,473 347,255 rental income3% 3% Fundraising 112,355 112,355 96,536 Membership dues Contributions Membership25% dues Total expenses 2,963,980 0 0 2,963,980 2,775,301 Contributionsand Grants 25% and Grants15% Change in net 15% Employment Publications/Advertising 3% assets before Employment information Publications/Advertising 3% informationservices Label sales 2% Label sales 2% investment services6% 6% Annual Meeting 39% gains, (losses), and Annual Meeting 39% depreciation (184,906) 320,967 136,061 125,554 Depreciation (77,527) (77,527) (75,633) Investment gains (losses) (447,996) (212,428) (660,424) 789,040 Distribution of Expenses Change in net assets (710,429) 108,539 (601,890) 838,961 Research and Fundraising ResearchPublications and Net assets Fundraising4% Publications6% General and 4% 6% Beginning of GeneralAdministration and Administration11% the year 6,713,733 1,243,183 1,100,000 9,056,916 8,217,955 11% Luce Center Member services Luce Center Net assets Expenses Member services21% Expenses4% 21% End of the year $6,003,304 $1,351,722 $1,100,000 $8,455,026 $9,056,916 4% Professional development Professionalse developmentrvices services8% 8% Annual Meeting 37% Annual Meeting 37%

External relations External relations9% 9%

32 • March 2009 RSN

12,000 12,000

10,000 10,000

8,000 8,000

6,000 6,000

4,000 4,000

2,000 2,000

0 0 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Retired 458 448 445 501 551 548 536 556 563 637 565 Retired 458 448 445 501 551 548 536 556 563 637 565 Student 2721 2975 2772 2581 2786 2917 2852 3142 3710 3759 3708 Student 2721 2975 2772 2581 2786 2917 2852 3142 3710 3759 3708 Regular 5522 5766 5583 5838 6046 6414 6483 6642 6950 7079 6969 Regular 5522 5766 5583 5838 6046 6414 6483 6642 6950 7079 6969 Interest Income Luce Center 7% rental income 3%

Membership dues Contributions 25% and Grants 15%

Employment Publications/Advertising 3% information services Label sales 2% 6% Annual Meeting 39%

Research and Fundraising Publications 4% 6% General and Administration 11%

Luce Center Member services Expenses 21% 4%

Professional development services 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 8% Annual Meeting 37%

External relations Membership Trends,9% 1998–2008

12,000 EMBERSHIP remained above the 11,000 mark in 2008, although this reflects a 2 percent decrease from the previous Mcalendar year. When looked at over a ten-year period, membership has grown a robust 29 percent. The percentage of our 10,000 student members continues to make up about 33 percent of our membership; regular members make up approximately 62 percent of our membership; retired members comprise the remainder. 8,000

6,000

4,000

2,000

0 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Retired 458 448 445 501 551 548 536 556 563 637 565 Student 2721 2975 2772 2581 2786 2917 2852 3142 3710 3759 3708 Regular 5522 5766 5583 5838 6046 6414 6483 6642 6950 7079 6969

2008 Annual Meeting

HE AAR ANNUAL Meeting brings New Program Units Annual Meeting This reduction in size was due to the inde- together scholars, students, religious Statistics pendent meetings of the AAR and SBL; some Tleaders, authors, publishers, and any- AAR’s Program Committee approved the publishers reduced their booth size, while one with an interest in the disciplined following new program units for the 2008 We are pleased to report that our first inde- those with exclusively biblical titles participat- study of religion. The AAR Annual Annual Meeting: pendent Annual Meeting in decades in ed only in the SBL meeting. Meeting is large both in size and complex- Chicago, Illinois, was a resounding success! Cognitive Science of Religion The Annual Meeting attracted attendees from ity, from the number of registrants, ses- Total registration for the meeting was 5,995. Consultation around the world; 49 nationalities were repre- sions, and exhibitors to the number of This number reflects a 4 percent increase sented. Canadians made up the largest inter- special workshops and conferences of Comparative Philosophy and Religion from the AAR’s share of registration at the national group with 245 attendees, followed related scholarly organizations. It is the Seminar 2007 joint AAR/SBL meeting in San Diego. by the United Kingdom (139), Germany largest scholarly conference on religion Chicago’s accessible Midwest location with its Liberation Theologies Consultation (36), Japan (29), the Netherlands (29), and, for the four days of the conference, vibrant big city energy (not to mention the Belgium (19), Denmark (13), India (12), and the largest exhibition of publications Martin Luther and Global Lutheran overlap with the victory celebration of U.S. Norway (12). Illinois was the best-represented focused on the study of religion. Traditions Presidential candidate Barack Obama) made state in 2008 with 721 attendees, followed it a big draw for AAR members. The Annual Meeting program is largely Music and Religion Consultation closely by California (549), New York (436), member-driven, being developed by a pro- The 2008 Annual Meeting was the largest in Massachusetts (310), Pennsylvania (272), and Religion and Humanism Consultation gram structure comprising sixteen sec- terms of programming. Over 600 AAR and Ohio (218). AAR’s 2008 international focus tions, seventy-one groups, four seminars, Religion Education in Public Schools: Additional Meetings sessions occurred during was on South Asia, and the Annual Meeting and forty consultations for a total of 131 International Perspectives Consultation the six-day time period from Thursday, hosted seventeen attendees from India, program units. Plenary lectures, arts series, October 30 to Tuesday, November 4. AAR Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, includ- Religion in Southeast Asia Consultation tours, business meetings, professional continued to expand its program and hosted ing seven AAR travel subsidy recipients. development sessions, and a whole range Religion in the American West Seminar 398 sessions, an increase of 4 percent from of special events for various constituencies 2007. The exhibit hall was approximately 60 Religion, Food, and Eating Seminar enhance the program. Thirty scholarly percent of the size of the 2007 joint meeting organizations have formal ties with the Sex, Gender, and Sexuality in Premodern in San Diego. There were 199 booths in the Academy, and some 145 other organiza- Christianity Consultation hall, representing 131 companies. tions and departments hold their meetings Sikh Studies Consultation at the AAR Annual Meeting. Category 2008 2007 Theology and the Political Consultation 2008 Sessions by Program Unit Type: Annual Meeting Total Registrants 5,995 10,210* (5,222 AAR) Transformative Scholarship and Pedagogy Sections: 97 AAR Total Registrants 5,460 4,687 Consultation Groups: 204 AAR Member 3,367 2,817 Consultations: 59 Transhumanism and Religion Special Topics Forums: 26 Consultation AAR Student 1,681 1,430 Wildcards: 12 AAR Retired 198 195 AAR Spouse 214 245 Other Registrants (nonmembers, press, exhibitors) 537 1,070* AAR number of sessions 398 383 Additional Meetings 231 335* Exhibitor companies 131 150* Exhibitor booths 199 326* * These numbers reflect the total at the 2007 meeting, which was held concurrently with SBL.

March 2009 RSN • 33 Religious Studies News

Centennial Strategic Plan

N 2003, THE AAR’s “Centennial ments and strategic objectives. These The AAR is committed to promoting • Reimagine our governance structures to Strategic Plan, 2004–2009” set out our spring from our original “Centennial equity, responsibility, and democratic better suit our current situation, and in Imission statement, identified a series of Strategic Plan, 2004–2009,” and were accountability within the academic study this seek an ideal balance among com- goals for our organization (e.g., to pro- approved by our Board as the “Updated of religion and in the work of the AAR peting values. mote research and scholarship in the field, Strategic Plan” in April 2008. itself. • Celebrate the AAR’s 100th anniversary to facilitate members’ professional devel- with a fundraising campaign and special opment, to contribute to the public Our Statement of Our Near-term programming and events. understanding of religion, to encourage diversity within the Academy), and listed Purpose and Values Objectives • Enhance the public understanding of a set of strategic objectives to which we (to be accomplished in religion with new programming. The purpose of the American Academy of were committed (e.g., attract new mem- Religion derives from two principal goals: eighteen to thirty-six months) • Experiment with and deploy new tech- bers, clarify the identity of the AAR vis-à- • Facilitate membership development by nologies in scholarly communication. vis other scholarly societies in religion, 1)To promote understanding of and criti- increasing membership, members’ satis- hold stand-alone Annual Meetings, cal reflection on religious traditions, • Enhance the work of the AAR’s ten faction, and member participation. enhance the international dimension of issues, questions, values, texts, practices, regions. the AAR, and prepare for our Centennial and institutions. To this end, we foster • Enhance our Annual Meeting with a The AAR has a bright future. As we plan Celebration). communication and exchange among successful meeting in Chicago that will our Centennial Celebration, look for more teachers and scholars and the public set the stage for the Centennial kickoff Recently the AAR staff, working with news about progress on our Updated understanding of religion. in Montréal; to use our “stand alone” AAR members, the Executive Committee, Strategic Plan. status to develop the AAR’s unique and the Board, have sharpened the mis- 2)To serve the professional interests of program. sion statement, prioritized goals, reiterated AAR members as students, teachers, objectives, and put in place concrete and scholars. • Foster international exchanges by build- implementation plans that can be meas- ing global connections and by position- ured and assessed. We want to remind all ing the AAR to be a resource to our of our members of our central commit- international partners.

Contributors

The AAR would like to thank our members for their generous support to the Academy Fund. This list reflects contributions received between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2008.

Gifts of $1,000 and above Robert D. Baird Scott T. Kline Richard S. Sarason Martha and Jack Fitzmier Mary F. Bednarowski Robert Kossler Elizabeth A. Say Susan Power Bratton Hans J. Hillerbrand Whitney S. Bodman Kwok Pui Lan Susan L. Schwartz Mark Juergensmeyer Barbara Boyd Sang Hyun Lee Vanina G. Sechi The AAR is proud to recognize Bernadette Brooten John K. Leonard Mary Ann Stenger Robert A. Bruttell John W. Littlewood Jacqueline I. Stone the following contributions Gifts from $500 to $999 John E. Burkhart Michael Lodahl Britt-Mari Sykes received in memory of and in Eugene V. Gallagher Hugh Burtner Lynne Faber Lorenzen Ines M. Talamantez honor of friends and colleagues Charles L. Lloyd Jr. William J. Cassidy, III. David W. Lotz Rose M. Tekel Michael B. Lukens Francis X. Clooney, S.J. Francis Madsen Jr. John Thatamanil Martin Marty John B. Cobb Jr. Craig C. Malbon Jesse Terry Todd Rachel Fell McDermott G. Byrns Coleman Lawrence Mamiya Charles I. Wallace Jr. IN MEMORY OF Douglas R. McGaughey Kimberly Rae Connor Mary McGee Michael J. Walsh Jonathan Z. Smith Paula M. Cooey Michael M. Mendiola Paul B. Whittemore Robert Detweiler Emilie M. Townes Allison P. Coudert Alan G. Meyers James B. Wiggins John P. Crossley Jr. Jack Miles Glenn E. Yocum William G. Doty Wade Dazey Deborah Minor Yohan Yoo James B. Wiggins Gifts from $250 to $499 Adarsh Deepak Robert N. Minor William G. Doty Christopher Denny Ebrahim E. I. Moosa Lonnie Kliever Gifts from $25 to $99 Jualynne E. Dodson Chris Downing Lewis S. Mudge James B. Wiggins Diana L. Eck Bruce Duncan Paul Mundschenk Anonymous Warren G. Frisina Malcolm David Eckel Leslie A. Muray Qasim Abdul-Tawwab William C. Placher Tazim Kassam Ina Ferrell Vasudha Narayanan Paul J. Achtemeier Julianna Lipschutz Martha L. Finch Robert C. Neville Elizabeth J. Adams-Eilers Michael Lodahl Eugene Y. Lowe Jr. Andrew O. Fort Jim O’Connor E. Obiri Addo Charles Mathewes Edmund T. Gilday Hester E. Oberman Ross Aden E. Ann Matter P. Roger Gillette Peter Ochs Catherine L. Albanese IN HONOR OF David L. Miller Fred Glennon Carl Olson Laura Amazzone Dennis A. Norlin Michele Hagans Jacqueline Pastis Grete Anderson Leander Keck Peter J. Paris Marcia Hermansen Stacy L. Patty Helen A. Archibald Timothy M. Renick Victor Sogen Hori Kusumita P. Pedersen Luthfi Assyaukanie Sr. G. Byrns Coleman Jeffrey L. Stout Joseph C. Hough Jr. Karl E. Peters Jennifer Baldwin Deanna A. Thompson Robert Hughes III Rebecca Todd Peters Linda L. Barnes Stacy L. Patty Edgar A. Towne Thomas Hughson Sibyl and Nicholas Stephen C. Berkwitz Amir Hussain Piediscalzi Brock Bingaman Andrew O. Fort Mary Jo Iozzio Anthony B. Pinn Bonnie Birk Gifts from $100 to $249 Richard M. Jaffe Bill Pitts Kathleen Bishop Emilie M. Townes Anonymous Margaret Jenkins Sally M. Promey Brian Black Warren R. Copeland Susan Abraham W. Stacy Johnson Fred N. Reiner Beth Blissman Wendi Adamek Pamela Jones Cornish R. Rogers David S. Blix Ernest Z. Adelman Serene Jones Marian Ronan William L. Blizek Rebecca Alpert Diane Jonte-Pace Louis A. Ruprecht Jr. Tom W. Boyd Loye Ashton Chang Han Kim Judy Saltzman Jean-Pierre Brach Ann Marie B. Bahr Ursula King Kathleen M. Sands Donald Brash

34 • March 2009 RSN 2008 ANNUAL REPORT

Kathlyn A. Breazeale William P. George Kathryn A. Lyndes Norbert Schedler Grace G. Burford Charles Randall Paul Celia Brickman Alice Gibson Emily Lyon A. Gregory Schneider Helene Businger-Chassot Ronald E. Peters Kent Brintnall Randall Gibson Susan M. Maloney David Schultenover, S.J. Jennifer Callaghan Ezra Plank Laura E. Brock Cheryl Townsend Gilkes Ruth Mantin William Schweiker Lisa M. Cataldo Arlette Poland Rita Nakashima Brock Chester Gillis Joan M. Martin William L. Secrest Gail Chin Marc Pugliese Leila Leah Bronner Rosemary D. Gooden Nancy M. Martin Jan Shipps Louise Connelly James Quinn Ken Brooker Langston Scott Goolsby Eunice T. McGarrahan Neelima Shukla-Bhatt Mathieu E. Courville Katja Rakow Gennifer Brooks Rebecca Kneale Gould Barbara A. McGraw Susan Simonaitis Arni Svanur Danielsson Cassandra Ransome Frank Burch Brown Clifford Green Mark A. McIntosh Angela Sims Kerry Danner-McDonald Emily Reimer-Barry Julianne Buenting R. Marie Griffith Alexander C. McKay Horace E. Six-Means Brian McGrath Davis Eric Repphun Bui Hum John A. Grim Jerry D. Meyer C. Peter Slater Nathan Eric Dickman Mac Linscott Ricketts Raymond F. Bulman Natalie Gummer Catherine R. Michaud, C.S.J. Notger Slenczka Sandra Lee Dixon Don E. Saliers Sharon Peebles Burch Jane Davis Haight Robert Mickey H. D. Uriel Smith Robert E. Doud Kerry San Chirico Brigid Burke Delroy Hall Gordon S. Mikoski Michael Smith Patrick Durantou Jr. Leopoldo Sanchez Ellen Cahn W. David Hall Kenneth H. Miller Yushau Sodiq Andrew Mark Eason Heiko Schulz Juan E. Campo Steen Halling Bonnie Miller-McLemore Eric Stenclik Patrick Emmett Richard Schumacher Katie G. Cannon Kenneth Hamilton Mozella G. Mitchell Daniel B. Stevenson Karen Erlenbusch Shawn Schuyler Rhoda A. Carpenter Juliane Hammer Paul Mitchell David T. Stewart Stephen Fantl Aditi Sengupta Mark A. Chancey Roy Hammerling Yuki Miyamoto Bev Stratton Bruce L. Fields Eric Shaw Alejandro Chaoul Melanie L. Harris Paul D. Molnar David Stubbs Gavin Flood Sarah Shea James M. Childs Beverly W. Harrison Anne Moore Mary Sturm Frances X. Flynn Julia Sheetz-Willard Dolores L. Christie William David Hart Mary Elizabeth Moore Paul L. Swanson James D. Foster Kim Shively David Clairmont Arne Hassing Nelson Moore Willow Teegarden Nathan French Roja Singh Malcolm Clark Joel Hecker Raymond T. Moreland Jr. Gregory Thomas Guillermo Garcia Eliza Slavet Shannon Clarkson Philip Hefner Karl F. Morrison Curtis L. Thompson Cheryl Gaver Charlene M. Spretnak David L. Coleman Gyongyi Hegedus Vijaya Nagarajan Gene R. Thursby Abilio Jose Gaz Sr. Laura S. Sugg Paul Collins Joan M. Henriksen Hellyer Ronald Y. Nakasone David Tidwell James V. Geisendorfer Storm Swain Frank Connolly-Weinert Phyllis Herman Kathleen S. Nash Margaret Toscano Yvonne Gilmore Elaine Sykes Warren R. Copeland R. J. Himes-Madero Rowshan Nemazee Mark G. Toulouse Larry Golemon Tapovanaye Sutadhara Ahmad Corbitt Teresia Mbari Hinga Scott Nesbitt Tsikhistavi Nana June-Ann Greeley Kate Temoney Nancy H. Corcoran, C.S.J. Naoko Frances Hioki Gordon D. Newby Mary Evelyn Tucker Sarah Houston Green Jean Terepka Donald A. Crosby Peter C. Hodgson Greer Anne Wenh-In Ng Edward Ulrich William Greenway Jr. Carol Thirumaran John W. Crossin Cynthia Hoehler-Fatton Nkulu-Nsengha Mutombo Ellen Umansky Richard Greer Bob Todd Helen Crovetto Barbara A. Holdrege Kyriell M. Noon Peter Uzochukwu Mary Grey Anthony Towey Susan D’Amato Jess Hollenback Jerry Nwonye Benjamin Valentin Emmanouela Grypeou T. Adam Van Wart David Damrel Betty Holley June Elizabeth O’Connor Anne Vallely Christine E. Gudorf Karla Van Zee E. Randolph Daniel Susan T. Hollis David Odell-Scott Harold Van Broekhoven William G. Hansen Norvene Vest Dena S. Davis Clarke Hudson David Ogungbile Nelly Van Doorn-Harder G. Simon Harak, S.J. Alana Vincent Devin DeWeese Rebecca K. Huskey Hilmi Okur Manuel Vasquez Stephen F. Healey Donald Vincent Gary Delaney Deangelis Arno M. Hutchinson Jr. Linda E. Olds Hendrik Vroom Eric W. Hendry Sabine Wagner Joy Del Orbe Jennifer G. Jesse Thomas Oord C. Howard Wallace Greta G. F. Huis Eric Waite Corinne Dempsey Roger A. Johnson Scott Pacey Michael Walsh Massimo Introvigne Charles D. Walters Kenneth M. Diable Charles B. Jones Parimal G. Patil Diana Walsh-Pasulka Peter Ivaska Yunus Wesley Dennis C. Dickerson Sr. Clara Joseph Ann M. Pederson Wang Hsuan-Li Ann Johnston Jane Williams-Hogan George F. Dole Jennifer Kang Brian K. Pennington Watanabe Manabu Demetria Jones Charles A. Wilson Calenthia S. Dowdy Stephen Kaplan David B. Perrin George Weckman Enrico Joseph James Andrew Wilson Joseph D. Driskill Harold Kasimow Michelene Pesantubbee Traci C. West Laurel D. Kearns Renate Wind Donald Drummond Sr. Mary Keller Ted Peters Preston N. Williams Maggie Keelan Susie Wright Enoch Eric Dubuis David H. Kelsey Regina Pfeiffer Carol S. Wimmer Catherine Keller Z. (Zhaohua) Yang Erika W. Dyson Maureen Dallison Kemeza Nichole Phillips Alex Wright Heerak Christian Kim Rebecca B. Young Sheila Elliott Patricia O’Connell Killen Tina Pippin Albert K. Wuaku Getachew Kiros Sakena Young-Scaggs James L. Empereur Mari Kim Andrew P. Porter Tyanna Yonkers Day Sandra L. Kistler-Connolly Jickhong Yun Marv Erisman Charles A. Kimball Patrick Pranke Katherine K. Young Linda Land-Closson Dirk von der Horst R. Daren Erisman Richard King Jeffrey C. Pugh Elga Zachau Terri Laws Carl D. Evans Andrew Kinsey Frederick Quinn Wojciech Zalewski Charles Lindholm Eileen M. Fagan Alston S. Kirk Jill Raitt Ludmila Zamah Beverly Lucas Margaret Farley David E. Klemm Michael Raposa Homayra Ziad Diane Maloney The AAR would Wendy Felese Keith Knapp Darby Kathleen Ray Heather R. Martin like to gratefully Charles Ferguson III Henry F. Knight Stephen G. Ray Jr. Lovelle Maxwell Jr. acknowledge the Paul Joseph Fitzgerald, S.J. Paul V. Kollman Arisika Razak Gifts up to $25 Crystal Elaine McCormick following Aileen Fitzke Dietrich Korsch Martha J. Reineke Robert Adams Sr. John E. McKenna Helen Flaherty-Hammond Michihiko Kuyama Yuan Ren Ridgeway Addison Steven Meigs organizations that Stacey M. Floyd-Thomas Donald G. LaSalle Jr. Jean Richard Maria Antonaccio Cristina Melchior support member Jim Fodor Sarah Heaner Lancaster Cynthia Rigby Suzanne Armstrong Morton J. Merowitz contributions with Peter Foley Gunvor Lande Philip Boo Riley Brooks Barber Michael George Michael matching gifts Peter Francis Carmen Lansdowne Carol Rizzolo Wendell W. Barnes III Amy S. Miller Edith Franke Emmanuel Lartey Samuel K. Roberts Daniel Bernard Merrill P. Miller Aetna Foundation Gretchen Freese Christa Lasher Lynn Ross-Bryant Moses Biney Brian Mooney Hal W. French Fola Taiyewo Lateju Martin Rumscheidt Christine M. Bochen Kenneth Morgan Carnegie Corporation Jerry A. Frumento Margaret Leask Aage Rydstrom-Poulsen Pamela L. Bozeman Christopher Morrison Goldman, Sachs & Co. Mary McClintock Fulkerson Elizabeth Lemons Noel A. Salmond Tim Brauhn Lucinda Mosher Elizabeth Gardner Lois Gehr Livezey Jonathan D. Sarna Anne Clarke Brown Mary Kaye Nealen Holly Gayley Reid Locklin Sasaki Kei Lisa Marie Brown Celestine Okonkwo Richard Gelwick J. Rebecca Lyman Michael Saso David A. Buehler Paul J. Oxley

We strive for accuracy in our records. Please notify the AAR of any incorrect listings. Visit www.aarweb.org/donate to make a secure online donation.

March 2009 RSN • 35 Unity Institute Presents ... Lyceum 2009 September 30—October 3 at Unity Village “Science and Religion: An Evolving Dialogue” The Lyceum at Unity Village is an annual educational symposium open to teachers, writers, and students of spiritual and theological studies. Guest speakers, visiting scholars, Unity Institute faculty, and selected students will present scholarly papers and participate in panel discussions on groundbreaking, provocative topics in religious studies. This year’s Lyceum is the second annual symposium sponsored by Unity Institute. Major PresentationsPresentations ... “The FutureFuture of Space Flight” with Dr.Dr. Edgar Mitchell TheThe s sixthixth m manaann t too w walkalk o onn t thehe m moon,oon, D Dr.r. M Mitchell’sitchell’s e extraordinaryxtraordinary c careerareer p personifiesersonifies hhuhumankind’sumankind’s e eternalternal t thrusthrust t too w wideniden i itsts h horizonsorizons a ass w wellell a ass i itsts i innernnnner s soul.oul. H Hee hhasas d devotedevoted t thehe l lastast 3 355 y yearsears t too s studyingtudying hhu humanumaann c consciousnessonsciousness aan andnd p psychicsychic a andnd pparanormalaranormal p phenomenahenomena i inn t thehe s searchearch ffo foror a c commonommon g groundround b betweenetween s sciencecience aan andnd spirit. In 1972 he founded the Institute of Noetic Sciences to sponsor rresearchesearch into the nnatureature o off c consciousnessonsciousness a ass i itt r relateselates t too c cosmologyosmologgyy aan andnd c causality.ausalityy.. H Hee i iss a r recipientecipient o off t thehe PPresidentialresidential M Medaledal o off F Freedomreedom aan and,nd, i inn 2 2005,005, w wasas a n nomineeominee ffo foror t thehe N Nobelobel P Peaceeace P Prize.rize. His books include Psychic Exploration and The WWayay of the ExplorExplorerer. “What Is the NatureNature of a Healthy Dialogue Between Science and Religion?” and “The Dangers and Opportunities of Bringing Science Into Faith” with DrDr.. MarMargaretgaret Wheatley DDr.r. WWh Wheatleyheatley w writes,rites, t teaches,eaches, a andnd s speakspeaks aab aboutbout h howow w wee m mightight o organizerrgganize a andnd aaccomplishccomplish o ourur w workork i inn c chaotichaotic t times.imes. S Shehe i iss c cofounderoffoounder a andnd p presidentresident e emeritamerita o off TThehe B Berkanaerkana I Institute,nstitute, a c charitableharitaabble g globallobal ffo foundationoundation t thathat w worksorks i inn p partnershipartnership w withith a r richich d diversityiversity o off p peopleeople a aroundround t thehe w worldorld w whoho s strengthentrengthen t theirheir c communitiesommunities b byy wworkingorking w withith t thehe w wisdomisdom a andnd w wealthealth a alreadylreaddyy p presentresent i inn t theirheir p people,eople, t traditions,raditions, a andnd envirenvironment.onment. Her books include Leadership and the New Science and FFindinginding O Ourur WWay:ay: Leadership for an Uncertain TTimeime.

“What“What if ExtraterrExtraterrestrialsestrials Really Do Exist? TTowardsowards a Cosmic FaithFaith”” with DrDr.. RicharRichardd Randolph AAnn a associatessociate p professorroffeessor a andnd c chairhair o off t thehe b bioethicsioethics d departmentepartment a att t thehe K Kansasansas C Cityity UUniversityniversity o off M Medicineedicine a andnd B Biosciences’iosciences’ C Collegeollege o off B Biosciences,iosciences, D Dr.r. R Randolphaanndolph i iss t thehe fifirstrst a academicallycademically t trainedrained e ethicistthicist t too a addressddress e ethicalthical i issuesssues r relatedelated t too s spacepace e exploration.xploration. HHee h hasas s sharedhared h hisis kkn knowledgenowledge o off e ethicalthical i issuesssues a aroundround t thehe w worldorld a andnd regularlyl l engages hhisis s studentstudents i inn d discussionsiscussions o onn e ethics.thics. D Dr.r. RRa Randolphandolph i iss a r recipientecipient o of a John Templeton Foundation teaching awarawardd for course work in science and rreligioneligion.

Registration $299* (includes all sessions, evening events, and welcome packet with LLyceumyceum 2009 t-shirt) (Accommodations priced separately) *Pluspr processingocessing fee Register by August 31 and SAVESAVE $50$50!! www.unity.org/education/lyceum.htmlwwwwww.unity.unity.unity.org/education/lyceum.html.org/education/lyceum.html

For moremore details, e-mail LyceumLyceum 2009 coordinatorcoordinator VictoriaVictoria CromwellCromwell at 1901 NW Blue Parkway [email protected]@[email protected]@unityonline.orgg, or call 816-251-3535, Ext. 2065. Unity Village,Village, MO 64065-0001

36 • March 2009 RSN