Published by the American Academy of Religion March 2003 Vol. 18, No. 2 www.aarweb.org

Inside this issue Ford Awards Grant to AAR to Support 2002 Annual Meeting A Success 6 8,617 attendees in Toronto International Initiatives ...... 3

Letters to the Editor ...... 6-7 International scholars to participate in 2003 Annual Meeting Two takes on Toronto

Trends in the Field ...... 8 AAR Launches Religionsource...... 3 Degrees and employment Religionsource.org includes 5000 scholars 2002 Annual Business Meeting Minutes: ...... 8 Workshop for the Entrepreneurial Chair ...... 3 Reports and Results 1 Georgetown University hosts 2 /2 day summer workshop News Media ...... 8 40 journalists interview members Regional News ...... 4 Chairs Workshops ...... 8 30 Chairs attend faculty recruitment Regions hold their spring meetings workshop

EIS Center Report ...... 9 Western Culture and the Birth of Dissonance ....5 458 participants in Toronto Caught in the crossfire of the culture wars

Report from the Religion and Disabilities Task Force ...... 5 Access for all members FEATURES Oral History Project ...... 10 Passages ...... 12 Stories of our field and our Academy Life in Retirement In the Classroom ...... 12 Joining the Adjunct Ranks ...... 10 Teaching Religion Through Stimulation Inpermanence and vulnerability

In the Public Interest ...... 13 The Cardinal and The Boston Student Liason Group Reaches Out...... 11 Globe. Director’s report to the Board From the Student Desk ...... 13 Knowledge and Passion Fulbright Scholars ...... 11 Mutual international understanding achieved Religious Studies News, AAR Edition 2003 2003 Member Calendar AAR Staff Directory Dates are subject to change. Check www.aarweb.org for the latest information. Kyle Cole, Ph.D. May 1. Nominations (including self-nomina- October 1-31. AAR officer election Associate Director of Religionsource March tions) for committee appointments requested. period. Candidate profiles will be E-MAIL: [email protected] Religious Studies News—AAR Edition March issue TEL: 404-727-4725 For more information, see published in RSN. Journal of the American Academy of Religion, www.aarweb.org/membership/volunteering.asp. October 15. January 2004 RSN submission Shelly Combs March 2003 issue. For more information on Projects Assistant May 2. New England-Maritimes regional deadline. AAR publications, see E-MAIL: [email protected] meeting, Andover, MA. October 21. EIS pre-registration closes. TEL: 404-727-4707 www.aarweb.org/publications or go directly to the JAAR home page hosted by Oxford May 15. Annual Meeting registration & Barbara DeConcini, Ph.D. University Press, www3.oup.co.uk/jaarel/. housing opens for 2003 Annual Meeting. Executive Director and Treasurer November E-MAIL: [email protected] March 1. 2003 Annual Meeting proposals May 15. Registration for the Employment TEL: 404-727-3049 due to Program Unit Chairs. Information Services Center opens. November 1. Research grant awards announced. Joe DeRose March 1. Book award nominations due from May 30. Annual Meeting Additional Meeting Director of Membership and Technology Services publishers. For more information see requests due for priority consideration. November 20. Executive Committee E-MAIL: [email protected] meeting, Atlanta, GA. TEL: 404-727-7972 www.aarweb.org/awards/bookrules.asp. (For more Annual Meeting information, see Ina Ferrell March 1. Religion in the Schools Task Force www.aarweb.org/annualmeet/2003/default.asp) November 21. Fall Board of Directors meet- Accountant meeting, Atlanta, GA. ing, Atlanta, GA. E-MAIL: [email protected] March 13-14. Mid-Atlantic regional November 21. Chairs Workshop at the TEL: 404-727-2331 June meeting, New Brunswick, NJ. Annual Meeting, Atlanta. Free for depart- Carey J. Gifford, Ph.D. Journal of the American Academy of Religion ments enrolled in the Academic Relations Director of Academic Relations March 14-16. Southeast regional meeting, June 2003 issue. Program. For more information, see E-MAIL: [email protected] Chattanooga, TN. www.aarweb.org/department/acadrel.asp. TEL: 404-727-2270 June 15. Membership renewal deadline for March 15. Submissions for the May 2003 issue 2003 Annual Meeting participants. November 22-25. Annual Meeting, Atlanta, Myesha D. Hamm of Religious Studies News due. For more infor- Administrative Supervisor GA. Held concurrently with the Society of mation, see www.aarweb.org/publications/rsn. June 19-21. Chairs Workshop at Georgetown E-MAIL: [email protected] University, Washington, DC. Biblical Literature each November, comprising TEL: 404-727-3026 March 15-16. Southwest regional meeting, some 8,000 registrants, 200 publishers, and John Harrison Dallas, TX. 100 hiring departments. Director of Finance and Operations/ March 21-22. Eastern International Regional July Deputy Executive Director Meeting, Erie, PA. E-MAIL: [email protected] Annual Meeting Program goes online. December TEL: 404-727-7954 March 22. Committee Committee on July 1. New fiscal year begins. Steve Herrick Publications meeting, New York, NY. Journal of the American Academy of Religion July 15. Submission deadline for the October December 2003 issue. Director of External Relations March 23-24. Western regional meeting, E-MAIL: [email protected] issue of Religious Studies News—AAR Edition December 5. New program unit proposals due. TEL: 404-727-7948 Davis, CA. due. For more information, see December 12-13. Program Committee meet- Aislinn Jones March 29-30. Academic Relations Task Force www.aarweb.org/publications/rsn/default.asp. ing, Atlanta, GA. Annual Meeting Program Director meeting, Atlanta, GA. E-MAIL: [email protected] (For more information on regional meetings, December 15. Submissions for the March TEL: 404-727-8132 August see www.aarweb.org/regions/meetings.asp) 2004 issue of Religious Studies News due. For Allya Macdonald August 1. Research Grant Applications due. more information, see Administrative Assistant For more information, see www.aarweb.org/publications/rsn/default.asp. E-MAIL: [email protected] April www.aarweb.org/grants/default.asp. TEL: 404-727-7920 December 31. Membership renewal for 2004 due. Renew online at www.aarweb.org/dues/ Shannon Planck April 1. Notification of acceptance of Annual August 1. Regional development grant appli- Director of Development Meeting paper proposals by Program Unit cations due to regional secretaries. page01.asp. E-MAIL: [email protected] Chairs. August 1. Change of address due for priority TEL: 404-727-7928 April 4-5. Rocky Mountain-Great Plains receipt of the 2003 Annual Meeting Program And keep in mind Susan Snider regional meeting, Boulder, CO. Book. Administrative Assistant, Media Referral throughout the year… E-MAIL: [email protected] April 5-6. Midwest regional meeting, August 15. Membership renewal period for Regional organizations have various deadlines TEL: 404-727-4711 Chicago, IL. 2004 begins. throughout the fall for their Calls for Papers. April 11. Executive Committee meeting, See www.aarweb.org/regions/default.asp. Religious Studies News, AAR Edition is Atlanta, GA. published quarterly by the American Academy September In the Field. News of events and opportuni- of Religion in January, March, May, and April 12-13. Spring Board of Directors meet- ties for scholars of religion. In the Field is a Journal of the American Academy of Religion October. Letters to the editor and features ing, Atlanta, GA. members-only online publication produced examining professional issues in the field are September 2003 issue. For more information ten times a year on the first of the month. In welcome from all readers. Please send editorial April 25-27. Pacific Northwest Regional on AAR publications, see www.aarweb.org/ the Field accepts calls for papers, grant news, pieces in electronic uncompressed file format Meeting, Moscow, ID. publications/default.asp or go directly to the only (MS Word is preferred) to: conference announcements, and other oppor- JAAR home page hosted by Oxford University [email protected]. April 25-26. Upper Midwest regional tunities appropriate for scholars of religion of Press, www3.oup.co.uk/jaarel/. meeting, St. Paul, MN. no more than 100 words. Submit text elec- Subscriptions to individuals and institutions Annual Meeting Program Books mailed to are available. See www.aarweb.org/ (For more information on regional meetings, tronically by the 20th of the month for the publications/rsn for more information. see www.aarweb.org/regions/meetings.asp) members. following issue to [email protected]. Deadlines for submissions: Openings: Employment Opportunities for January: October 15 Scholars of Religion March: December 15 May October Openings editions are viewable from the first May: February 15 Religious Studies News—AAR Edition May issue. Religious Studies News—AAR Edition October: July 15 October issue through the last day of each month. Openings Spotlight on Teaching Spring 2003 issue. ads are to be submitted by the 20th of the pre- Advertising Spotlight on Teaching Fall 2003 issue For information on advertising, please see Annual Meeting registration materials mailed vious month. For more information, see www.aarweb.org/publications/rsn with RSN. www.aarweb.org/openings/submitad1.asp. Publisher: American Academy of Religion 825 Houston Mill Road, NE Suite 300 Atlanta, GA 30329 Religious Studies News, AAR Edition is the newspaper of record for the field especially Editor-in-Chief: designed to serve the professional needs of persons involved in teaching and scholarship Carey J. Gifford, Ph.D. in religion (broadly construed to include religious studies, theology, and sacred texts). Production Manager: Published quarterly by the American Academy of Religion, RSN is received by some Shelly Combs 10,000 scholars, departments enrolled in the Academic Relations Program, and by libraries at colleges and universities across North America and abroad. Religious Studies News, AAR Edition, communicates the impor- Layout: tant events of the field and related areas. It provides a forum for members and others to examine critical issues in education, peda- Jill Connolly, Decatur, GA gogy (especially through the bi-annual Spotlight on Teaching), research, publishing, and the public understanding of religion. It also © AAR, 2003 publishes news about the services and programs of the AAR and other organizations including employment services and registration POSTMASTER: information for the AAR Annual Meeting. Send address changes to Religious Studies News, AAR Edition, 825 Houston Mill Road, For writing and advertising guidelines, please see www.aarweb.org/publications/rsn.asp Suite 300, Atlanta, GA 30329. Periodicals postage paid at Atlanta, GA.

2 • March 2003 AAR RSN NEWS Ford Awards Grant to American Academy of Religion to Support International Initiatives

The project’s opening conference, Immediately following the conference, con- largely absent voices in global scholar and HE FORD FOUNDATION has “Contesting Religion and Religions ferees will participate in the AAR Annual public conversations about religion. The awarded the American Academy of Contested: The Study of Religion in a Meeting, Nov. 22-25, in Atlanta. Special project is, indeed, one fruition of long- Religion a grant in the amount of T Global Context,” will bring together sessions and a range of informal events at standing efforts by the AAR board and $361,000 to explore ways religion is stud- scholars, public figures and religious the meeting will further the conference committees. ied around the world and to stimulate spokespersons from throughout the world conversation. enhanced scholarly exchange among reli- for three days, Nov. 19-21, at the Emory “We are committed to foregrounding inter- gion scholars from around the world. University Conference Center Hotel. A dedicated issue of JAAR will publish national voices who are engaged in redefin- Some 75 scholars from Africa, South Asia, papers presented at the conference, and the ing and reconceptualizing religions and The award funds a project that includes a East and Southeast Asia, Latin America, grant will fund JAAR subscriptions for their roles today in ways that move the conference co-hosted by Emory University, the Middle East, Europe, and North libraries in regions of the world without scholarly and public discussion beyond the the international scholars’ participation in America will challenge one another access to the journal. Additionally, JAAR Western-oriented perspectives so dominant AAR’s 2003 Annual Meeting, a special edi- toward reframing the discourses about will increase the international participation in the past,” Davaney said. “Such broad- tion of the Journal of the American Academy religions. In the process, Western scholars of scholars on its editorial board to 30 per- based and international conversations and of Religion (JAAR), and a website and list- can open themselves to the critique of cent, with the grant subsidizing the travel debates are imperative if scholars, policy serv to continue the conversation. In addi- their counterparts from around the globe. of new international board members to the makers and the public are to have the grasp tion, the project will increase international annual editorial board meeting. of the situation required for decisions that membership on the JAAR editorial board “The conference is a signal event in the life confront the global community today.” by 30 percent and expand the internation- of the Academy, and yet just the beginning,” Through the work of the Committee on al distribution of JAAR. Barbara DeConcini, AAR Executive International Connections, the AAR has The idea for the project began in August Director, said. “Thanks to the Ford been focused for over ten years on further- 2001 at an expanded meeting of the JAAR “This project seeks to enlarge the conver- Foundation’s generosity, the face-to-face con- ing the international conversation about editors’ yearly planning retreat. The meet- sation about religions and their intercon- versation over several days among scholars religion. Over the same period, AAR has ing focused on enhancing the Journal’s nections with political, economic and cul- from around the world will jumpstart ongo- been dedicated to enhancing the public response to new currents in the study of tural realities on our current global scene,” ing critical reflection on an international understanding of religion. Both objectives religion around the world and to the said Sheila Davaney (Iliff School of scale about the place, function and role of are served by this project, through which Theology), who initiated and co-directs See FORD p.26 religion in diverse cultural contexts.” the Academy will foster the inclusion of the project.

AAR Launches Web Site for The Entrepreneurial Chair Journalists and for Scholars Serving as Their Sources

HIS FALL the AAR launched an The Religionsource database is not for the auxiliary website that provides jour- general public; admittance requires logging T nalists with quick access to scholars on to the web site as a journalist or as a who can serve as sources and provides schol- scholar in the database. Scholars are ars with guidance on responding to media. included in the database based on their Journalists can search the site’s database of academic publications — regardless of some 5,000 scholars and 1,400 areas of AAR membership. Not all scholars are expertise. Scholars can click the “Scholars included — just an ample, but not exces- Only” area to learn about how the media sive, number of scholars researching areas works and how to be an effective source. likely to be of public interest. AAR staff Religionsource (http://www.religionsource.org) have notified those in the database. is supported by a grant from The Pew Charitable Trusts. Designed to work well for journalists — who tend to search for information differ- In the first few months after the launch, ently than do scholars — the database more than 200 journalists have used the probably won’t serve scholars’ needs as well site. Users include journalists at daily as traditional scholarly tools like library newspapers, magazines, internet media, databases. To conserve network-server wire services and radio and TV stations. In resources so journalists get quick responses, addition to religion reporters, arts, courts, only scholars listed in the database are education, government, health and science authorized to use it. The “Scholars Only” reporters are using the site. area, however, is accessible to all. HE ACADEMIC RELATIONS THURSDAY, JUNE 19 Task Force will be conducting a Many reporters have expressed appreciation Susan Snider at [email protected] is the two and a half day Chairs 5:30 – 6:30 PM for the site. Susan Hogan Albach, a reporter AAR staff member who updates scholars’ T Workshop at the Georgetown Plenary Speaker: William S. Green for the Dallas Morning News, which fre- publication and contact information in the Conference Center, at Georgetown Dean of the College quently wins religion news writing awards, Religionsource database and responds to University in Washington D.C., this University of Rochester wrote in an e-mail, “Your database continues scholars’ questions about Religionsource. ❧ summer. to be a gold mine. In a short time, I’ve con- Topic: The Role of the Chair: tacted a zillion new sources. I love it when “The Entrepreneurial Chair: Building Building, Sustaining and they say, ‘I’ve never been called by a journal- and Managing Your Department in an Developing a Department ist before.’ Those are the ones just bursting Tips For Responding To Era of Shrinking Resources and to share a fresh viewpoint. Thank you so Journalists Increasing Demands,” will feature three 6:30 – 7:30 PM much for this resource.” News deadlines are tight, so respond plenary speakers and several breakout ses- Reception promptly. sions. The speakers will address issues Scholars also have praised the site. A concerning the role of the chair in build- FRIDAY, JUNE 20 sociologist in New Mexico, e-mailed to You needn’t be the foremost expert — just ing, sustaining and developing a depart- say, “It looks like it will be a nice tool for try to be helpful. ment, working with the dean, and creat- 9:00 – 10:00 AM journalists and a badly needed one to But if you really don’t know, feel free to say so. ing an enabling environment for excellent Plenary Speaker: shape public discourse on religion in bet- teaching and learning. Breakout sessions Jane Dammen McAuliffe, Dean ter-informed ways.” A religious studies Get journalist’s agreement in advance if will focus on faculty retention Georgetown College professor in New York wrote, “Please add something is not to be quoted. /tenure/promotion, mentoring junior fac- Georgetown University my home number to the database. I’ve Speak slowly, simply and succinctly. ulty, faculty evaluation, curriculum devel- Topic: Working with the Dean already been contacted by a religion editor opment, and funding research. The from Virginia. Thanks for this service.” In Avoid jargon, humor and speculation. workshop will begin on Thursday, June 10:00 – 10:15 AM all, more than 80 scholars, from across 19 at 5:30 PM and conclude on Saturday, Break North America, have e-mailed to thank These tips and more are elaborated at an auxiliary AAR web site http://www.religion June 21 at 6:00 PM. The daily program the AAR for creating Religionsource. See ENTREPRENEURIAL CHAIR, p.22 source.org. Click “Scholars Only” at top. consists of:

March 2003 AAR RSN • 3 Religious Studies News, AAR Edition REGIONAL NEWS B. Overlapping Claims of Authority Reception and Performance: “Meetings Through Music” 1. Omar Sultan Haque, Religious Authority and the Battle over ‘Pure Friday, April 4 Consciousness’: Contributions from the Brain Sciences Friday 8:00

2. James P. Hare, Harvard University, Registration and coffee Sustaining the Earth: Gender, University Memorial Center 235 Tradition, and Ecology in the Chipko Movement Friday 8:30-10

3. Randy Friedman, Brown University, Session 1. New Testament Theological Mid-Atlantic The Ethics of Refusal in the Israeli Explorations, Defense Forces This spring the Mid-Atlantic AAR and Thomas Phillips, Colorado Christian SBL will meet together, along with ASOR Papers Session II - University, Creation Themes in Acts and members in the area, for the 2003 region- Genesis al meeting, to be held Thursday and A. Isis the Lawgiver Friday, March 13-14th at the Hyatt Pamela Eisenbaum, Iliff Theological Regency Hotel in New Brunswick, New 1. Audrey Pitts, Harvard University, The Seminary, Father and Son: The Jersey. Anticipated are close to 100 pre- Spread of the Isis Cult in the Hellenistic Christology of Hebrews in Genealogical sentations over these two days, including and Roman World Perspective an AAR plenary talk by Catherine Keller, of Drew University, on the topic “Facing 2. Richard Horsley, University of Anne Davis, Trinity Southwest the Deep: Apocalyptic Afterthoughts on Massachusetts-Boston, Spiritual University, Pauline Hermeneutics I Creation.” The other plenary speakers for Transcendence in Isis-Devotion Galatians 3:6-9 SBL and ASOR, along with a list of the other individual speakers and titles, are 3. Grove Harris, Harvard University, A Session 2. The Ancient Near East: Textual available at www.geocities.com/mar-aar. Critical Feminist Analysis of the and Archeological Studies For more information, contact Dr. Frank Symbolization of Isis Connolly-Weinert, 2003 MAR-AAR Rami Arav, University of Nebraska, Be Meeting Coordinator, Dept. of B. Legal Suppression of Religiously Defined Pacific Northwest Holy for I am Holy - The Extended Theology/Religious Studies, St. John’s Roles Holiness Theory of Dietary Laws-the The Pacific Northwest Region of the University, Jamaica, NY 11439, USA; Archaeological Evidence AAR, SBL, and ASOR will hold its annu- [email protected]. 1. Elizabeth Penland, Yale University, al meeting at the University of Idaho in The Battle for the Martyr’s Body: Richard Hess, Denver Seminary, Taxe s Moscow, ID from Friday afternoon to Spiritual Authority versus Legal in the Ancient Near East and the Old Sunday noon, April 25-27, 2003. The Authority in Eusebius’s Martyrs of Testament World Presidential Plenary Address will be given Palestine on Friday evening by Professor Nicholas F. Dana M. Pike, Brigham Young Gier of the University of Idaho; he will 2. Eric D. Mortensen, Harvard University, Multi-Spectral Imaging and speak on the topic The Saints of University, Authority Vacuum: The the Lachish Ostraca Nonviolence: Christ, Buddha, Gandhi, King. Effect of the Repression of Oracles and Professor Jeffrey Kripal, Rice University, “Superstitious” Folk Divination Practices Session 3. Subjectivity will deliver an address on the in Tibet Ramakrishna movement at the region’s Mary Keller, Independent Scholar, annual and festive banquet on Saturday 3. Avi M. Spiegel, Harvard University Agency, Subjectivity and the Political Space evening. A workshop on archaeological and New York University, Women’s of Theology in a Post-Colonial World of concepts and processes for K-12 teachers Rights/Women’s Rites: Devadasis and Religious Bodies will also be offered by ASOR. Details the Rhetoric of Ritual Regulation in about travel and accommodations, as well South India Jason Flato, University of Denver/Iliff as the full program of the meeting, are Theological Seminary, Living available on the regional website: pnw- C. Authority and Its Contexts Dangerously: Deleusean Becoming and aarsbl.org. For further information, please Kierkegaardian Faith contact Prof. Mark Lloyd Taylor, Seattle 1. Ki Joo Choi, Boston College, A University, AAR regional secretary; Progressive Natural Law Theory? A Jon Hooten, University of Denver, [email protected]. Reformed Perspective Private Experience in Radical Historicism

2. Stephen Butler Murray, Union Session 4. Religion and Literature New England-Maritimes Theological Seminary and Skidmore College, Contextuality in the Political Terry Clark, Iliff Theological Seminary, New England-Maritimes Regional Theology of John Calvin Paradise Lost and the Rhetoric of Meeting Temptation Friday, May 2, 2003 3. John Ahn, Yale University, Economy Andover Newton Theological School, and Authority: When Authority Michael Sexson, University of Montana, Newton, MA Supercedes Law and Justice-A The Interim is Mine’: Sacred Action in Contemporary Korean American Hamlet and the Bhagavad Gita LAW, JUSTICE, AUTHORITY Christian Context Lynda Sexson, University of Montana, MORNING SESSIONS: LUNCH Nature Drowned Her Book: Nineteenth Century Natural History for Children Papers Session I - AFTERNOON PLENARY SESSION: Friday 10:15-11:45 A. Religious Understandings of Crime Changing Authority in the Roman Catholic Church: Vision and Reality Session 5. Early Christian Exegesis 1. Chaya Halberstam, Yale University, A Panel Discussion Judges Are Not Witnesses: The (panelists to be announced) Johann D. Kim, Sterling College, The Rabbinic Rejection of Crime Scene Sensus Literalis and the Sensus Spiritualis Investigation JOINT AAR-SBL RECEPTION Rocky Mountains-Great Plains in Origen’s Exegesis 2. Alexander L. Kern, Andover Newton Exact times of sessions will be announced Rocky Mountains-Great Plains Regional Robert E. Winn, Creighton University, Theological School, The Restorative later. Watch for e-mail updates. Meeting Biblical Interpretation and Ecclesiastical Justice Approach to Crime and Identity in the Sermons of Eusebius of Punishment in the United States: A For more information please contact Boulder, Colorado, April 4-5, 2003 Emesa Theological-Ethical Analysis and Barbara Darling-Smith, Program Co-Chair, Challenge to Communities of Faith Thursday, April 3 See ROCKY MTN p.16 Wheaton College Religion Department, Norton, MA 02766, USA; +1-508-286- 7:30-10:00 PM 3693; [email protected].

4 • March 2003 AAR RSN NEWS Western Culture and the Birth of Dissonance A View from the University Bryan R. Warnick, University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign YMCA Lecture Series

HE TOPIC OF THIS LECTURE November 28, 2000, Education Building, ing a lot about the topic. I suppose this My education began in the suburban series is “redefining global issues: University of Illinois should come as no surprise; entering a schools of Salt Lake City where I was T views from here and there.” Before I graduate program in education would part of a largely homogeneous group of begin, you should know that I stand here I have recently enrolled in graduate school seem to promote such reflection. I turn students — we were white, middle-class, today not as an expert or authority on the studying philosophy of education here at on my computer, and begin to write an and many of us were the great - grand- topic of the global issues we are currently the University of Illinois. In a survey course essay. children of the sturdy Mormon pioneers confronting and I will not relay to you the of the educational history of the United who had entered the valley more than a findings of any scholarly research. Rather, I States, we students are given the option to June 15, 2001, The Chronicle of hundred years before. My liberal educa- will only speak to you from the perspective write about our personal educational histo- Higher Education tion — that is, my exploration of the of a student, and from my experience as a ry. Suggested topics include, for many of “big questions” relating to the nature of student. You should know that I do not those in the class, the special problems they I see, with a feeling of pride mixed with the world, human relationships, and my claim that my experience is universally have faced as women or minority students. apprehension, that the little essay which place in any web of meaning — began shared among all students, even for those For white males, it is suggested that the I wrote the fall before, appears on page in the history classes of my junior and who have a similar background. I am only senior years of high school. My class- one student in a sea of students, a sea of dif- mates and I considered the teacher of ferent feelings and experiences. these courses an eccentric — she was My Liberal education has turned a romance with obviously brilliant and something of a I do hope, though, that my voice, however leftist. She offered extra credit for read- singular and small, will add a bit to the Western Culture into an illicit love affair. I sigh with ing from a list of the now beleaguered understanding of what it means to be stu- Shakespeare’s Juliet, “Prodigious birth of love it is to me / “Great Books” and for writing reports dent these days, a student standing at the “ on what we found there. Since I needed door of the new globalized world, a student That I must love a loathed enemy.”... I see the pompous extra credit, I became exposed to some feeling like a refugee from the culture war. classics like Thomas More’s Utopia and I present to you what it means for me to be arrogance and blind ethnocentricity. Yet I am fascinated Voltaire’s Candide. My interest in the a young citizen and a young scholar in foundations of Western Thought grew. today’s world. I will look at our topic of by what many consider the root of the problem: the culture’s global issues from the perspective of educa- desire, an almost erotic longing, for the universal, the My teacher seemed to love the canon of tion; in particular, I wish to speak to the Western Culture, yet, ironic as it may be education question of self- and cultural crit- timeless, the true, the excellent and superior. to some people, she also introduced me icism. While I do not claim, again, to be an to what I later came to know as Critical expert in this pressing issue, I do hope that Theory. Although I didn’t know why at my voice, my experience, will add some- most interesting thing to write about would B5 on the Chronicle review. The essay first, she refused to turn on the class TV thing, as much as a single voice should add. be how we have come to recognize what is reads as follows: to allow us to receive our daily dose of a Let me speak, then, and begin my story, a called our “position of privilege.” ” corporate sponsored and commercial story with something of a fugue-like struc- My Liberal education has turned a filled news program, Channel One, and ture, with common themes arising over and This assignment to write a personal educa- romance with Western Culture into an she delved into the traditional history over again. I will take you back to last fall. tional history proves easy for me: even before illicit love affair. I sigh with curriculum with an eye for inequality the assignment was given, I had been think- Shakespeare’s Juliet, “Prodigious birth and exclusion. I became quite con- of love it is to me / That I must love a scious of who I was: a non-Jewish, non- loathed enemy.” I have come to recog- Catholic, non-gay, middle class, white nize and to be appalled by the crimes male from Northern European ancestry and disease that have sometimes come and a largely rural heritage. As I stud- Religion and Disabilities with Western Culture; I see the ied, familiar institutions, like back-alley pompous arrogance and blind ethnocen- exhibitionists, suddenly began to reveal tricity. Yet I am fascinated by what their dark sides. I pondered the possi- Task Force many consider the root of the problem: bility that religion (a big part of my life) the culture’s desire, an almost erotic was an opiate for the masses, that patri- longing, for the universal, the timeless, otism was merely a tool in the hands of Kerry H. Wynn the true, the excellent and superior. I the economic elite, and that the world Chair, Religion and Disabilities Task Force share that longing. The story of my lib- held packs of wolves concealed under eral education exposes, then, the forma- tion of an odd dissonance: it is unnerv- HE RELIGION and Disabilities bility resources at Annual Meeting sites. ing to be so critical of one’s love. See WARNICK p.24 Task Force began its work in 2002 The staff of AAR worked to make such T by working with the AAR staff in information more available through the surveying members regarding disability AAR website and at the 2002 Annual access concerns in relation to both the Meeting. The Task Force will continue Annual Meeting and the work of the to work with the AAR staff to make this AAR in general. Members of the Task information more accessible during the Force and the AAR staff also did some 2003 Annual Meeting. Finally, concern Actions Passed by the Board benchmarking with other higher educa- was also raised regarding the future role tion and scholarly associations. Members of disability studies within the AAR and During its fall 2002 meeting in bers are comprised of professional raised concerns regarding distance, trans- religion scholarship as part of our com- Toronto, the AAR Board of Directors scholars, teachers, and students. The portation, and general facilities access at mitment to addressing the concerns of passed several actions. It voted to International Society for Chinese our annual meetings. While acknowl- marginalized groups. While it is hoped make disability access a formal part of Philosophy (ISCP) was also granted edging that convention sites are deter- that the establishment of the Religion the review process when determining Related Scholarly Organization Status mined several years in advance, the Task and Disability Studies Group for the sites for the AAR Annual Meetings. by the Board. Founded in 1975, the Force has recommended that disability years 2003-2007 will address this con- All future meeting sites will be evaluat- ISCP aims to advance the field of access be made a formal part of the cern, the Task Force will look for ways ed accordingly. The Board also voted Chinese Philosophy by supporting and review process for determining future that it can support the academic role of to recognize the Evangelical sponsoring meetings, workshops, sites for AAR Annual Meetings. disability within religious studies as well. Philosophical Society (EPS) as a research projects, and travel to and Members also expressed concern over the The Task Force hopes to address issues of Related Scholarly Organization. The from national and international con- accessibility of presentations made dur- disability etiquette, disabilities in the EPS was founded in 1974 with the ferences related to the field. The ISCP ing AAR sessions. The Task Force devel- teaching environment, and to promote purpose of advancing scholarly discus- also supports and edits the interna- oped a set of guidelines for program greater awareness and access to informa- sion in the fields of apologetics, ethics, tional Journal of Chinese Philosophy, accessibility. These were presented to the tion on disabilities and accessibility dur- theology, and religion. It publishes a which is devoted to the scholarly and program unit chairs at their annual ing 2003. The Task Force will continue journal, Philosophia Christi, holds con- creative study of Chinese philosophy breakfast in Toronto and are available on to seek input on disability issues from ferences and meetings, and encourages and thought. ❧ the AAR website. Another concern of the AAR membership. You may contact research in the field. Its 1,160 mem- members was availability of information the Task Force chair, Kerry Wynn, at regarding accommodations already pro- [email protected]. ❧ vided by AAR and medical and accessi-

March 2003 AAR RSN • 5 Religious Studies News, AAR Edition 2002 Annual Meeting A Success

Online registrations continued to rise: 52% Program publications scored well, especially Over 860 members responded to the post- of all registrations were made online, a 10% the Program Book: 89% reported the Annual Meeting survey. Not every increase over the 42% in 2001. Online Program Book as useful in their planning respondent answered each question, so the housing requests also saw an increase. The for the meeting, and 85% were satisfied or values are taken from the number of HE RESULTS from the 2002 number of hotel rooms booked in Annual very satisfied with the format of the respondents who did. Since the survey Annual Meeting Survey are in: Meeting hotels was over 15,300. The high- Program Book. Those using the printed was a voluntary instrument open to T Toronto was a success. Members est number in one night was Saturday with abstracts were pleased although almost response from all members (vs. a random who answered the survey gave positive almost 4,000 rooms booked. 30% of those responding did not use them. sampling), it is not statistically valid in the marks on everything from shuttles to strict sense. However, when filtered for audiovisual equipment. For a full listing The 2002 Annual Meeting in Toronto Even though the meeting was very large, those who self-reported not attending, it of the survey results visit www.aarweb.org/ garnered an overwhelmingly positive rat- opportunity to network with colleagues provides a response rate of about 16% — annualmeet/2002/survey/results.asp. ing from the respondents to the survey. was judged high: 47% were very satisfied in all likelihood a fair indicator of The Annual Meeting was rated by 88% of with this opportunity and 39% were satis- opinion. More survey results are included Toronto played host to the second largest the respondents as being either satisfactory fied — an approval rating of 86%. Also, in the pie charts below. Annual Meeting ever, with a final registra- or very satisfactory in general. of those participating in EIS, about 80% tion count of 8,617 attendees. It fell into were satisfied or very satisfied. The Executive Office staff would like to second place behind the 1999 Boston The new registration and housing compa- thank every member who participated in Annual Meeting numbers by only 87 ny, Conferon, was also given a vote of con- The data collected indicated favorable the survey. The post-Annual Meeting sur- registrants. This is quite an increase in fidence with 92% of respondents stating opinions about the meeting, however a vey continues to be an important part of attendance over last year’s Annual Meeting they had a good experience with the pre- review of the comments did indicate a the Annual Meeting process. It is a attendance of 7,776 in Denver. The registration process. Other logistical mat- salient area of dissatisfaction. Most fre- benchmark for the AAR’s Program Toronto location of the meeting increased ters such as the shuttles, hotel facilities, quent were negative comments about the Committee, Executive Office staff, and the number of Canadian attendees. Once and the signage outside rooms scored high “footprint” of the meeting (i.e., the num- Board of Directors to measure the satisfac- again, Canadians (913) made up the marks as satisfactory or very satisfactory: ber, size, and dispersion of the meeting tion of members with the Annual largest number of attendees after the U.S. 78%, 94%, and 92% respectively (adjusted venues within the city). Related to this Meeting. We value this opportunity to The United Kingdom, Germany, and to exclude those not using the service). were negative comments regarding diffi- hear your comments and suggestions on Israel were also well represented. The exhibit facilities and the accessibility culty in getting around in a timely man- how we can continue to meet your needs of food in the area was also a hit with 85% ner, especially for the disabled. as a member and to offer an excellent and 76% approval ratings, respectively. Annual Meeting experience. ❧

Letters to the Editor

When the Fish Pretend to be Ichthyologists: Judaism at the AAR Jacob Neusner

Jacob Neusner is Research Professor of “We invite proposals focusing on the section is competing with the AJS and politics and ethnic culture of the Jews, Religion and Theology at Bard College, following topics: Judaism and the is not working with a conventional those communities are, if marginal, at Annandale-on-Hudson NY, and a past visual arts; canonicity; the future of definition of Judaism, as a religion in least, pertinent. They add up to no president of the American Academy of Jewish ethnics*; teaching/learning the context of the AAR. less interesting, but no more interest- Religion and past chair of the Section Judaism in non-western environ- ing, a Jewry than the Jewish commu- on the History of Judaism. ments; bodies and ceremonies. To show the difference, let me first nity of Antwerp or Lyons or Additionally, we are hoping to co- cite the language of the Study of Islam Stockholm — that is to say, there is a sponsor a panel with the Lesbian- EWISH STUDIES” section’s call for papers: there there, but not much there there Feminist Issues and Religion Group encompasses a multi-disci- when it comes to Judaic learning, on the topic of lesbian and feminist plinary range of Jewish top- “The section encourages paper pro- practice, and consciousness. “J engagement in peace movements in ics broadly classified as ethnic: any- posals in all areas of Islamic studies, the Middle East, Europe, or North thing having to do with any Jew or but successful proposals will reflect To the religion, Judaism, not a single America, and invite proposals on this group of Jews however defined. The theoretical and methodological important book of Judaic theology, theme. Also, we are hoping to Association of Jewish Studies covers sophistication as well as innovative law, or ethics in the Spanish or cosponsor a panel with the Religion everything Jewish in an ethnic jam- examination of Islamic societies and Portuguese languages has made a con- in Latin American and the Caribbean boree. The American Academy of texts.” The areas of special interest tribution out of the Latin American Group and invite proposals on the Religion, with its focus on the pure are: “reading Islamic texts; Quran venue since 1492. And apart from a theme of Jews and Judaism in Latin and academic study of religions and and exegesis; sufism; gender and sex- few synagogues, Judaism in the America and the Caribbean.” religion, never meant to compete, as uality; Islam in Asian, American, and Caribbean?! Surely they jest. to Judaism, with the Association of African societies…” It would be difficult to compose a Jewish Studies. The AAR studied But the AAR’s “study of Judaism” more modish exercise in sexual poli- Judaism as it studied any other reli- This call for papers attends to classical excludes the vivie coontemporary tics, ethnic studies, left-wing rituals of gious tradition. It left the study of the problems and contemporary inquiries. debates on Hebrew Bible, Talmud and assembly and celebration, than this Jews as an ethnic group, their history It encompasses a variety of disciplines Midrash, the Dead Sea library and the mishmash presents. The contrast with and culture and contemporary life, to and methods. But it does not intro- Judaic system(s) conveyed in the the study of Islam tells the tale. Islam the AJS. duce issues of contemporary, secular scrolls, burgeoning piyyut-studies, is studied in its classic literature and public policy, and it does not confuse archaeology, art, and Judaic religion, its contemporary religious, including But now the AAR when it comes to Arabs and Islam, or the Middle Maimonides, Zohar and Qabbalah, political and cultural, manifestation. Judaism competes with the AJS. Its Eastern Studies Association with the Hasidism, modern Judaism, Judaism Judaism is studied for what it has to Study of Judaism section proposes to AAR. It provides a place for every- and the social order, Reform Judaism, say about Lesbian-Feminist issues, and ethnicize, genderize, post-modernize, thing that belongs and for nothing New Age Judaism, Renewal Judaism, the meeting is a place for “peace politicize, de-religion-ize, and other- that does not belong. Judaism and homosexuality, the repre- activists” to gather. wise de-academicize, the academic sentation of Judaism through ency- study of religion as represented by Now to the comparable call for papers clopaedias, the problem of translating And lest we miss the point, there is Judaism. That is not to say Judaism is for the Study of Judaism section. classical texts of Judaism, discussions the touch of cultural affirmative not studied as is any other religion What it signals is the confusion of the meaning of manuscript varia- action: special pleading for the among AAR members. It is only to between Jewish ethnicity and Judaic tions in ancient texts, Judaism and the Hispanic component of the scheduled point out that that does not take place religiosity, and between expressing the state of Israel, not to mention histori- castes of the academy. The program is in the AAR section on the study of preoccupations of stylish left-wing cal and constructive theology of constructed as though the Latin Judaism, which does not study culture and the academic study of a Judaism, not to mention the compari- American Jewish communities have Judaism as other religions are studied subject or a problem: son of Judaism and other religions. made important contributions to the at the AAR. The call for papers for life of Judaism, the religion. To the 2003 shows how the leadership of the See NEUSNER, next page

6 • March 2003 AAR RSN ANNUAL MEETING NEWS

Letters to the Editor (cont...)

NEUSNER, from previous page And all this why? To seek political study of Judaism is certainly not car- for the study of Judaism in one of its alliances with modish Lesbian-Feminist ried on as is scholarship on Islam or many acutely contemporary expres- In all of these subjects and fields, issues and Hispanics — not Sephardic Christianity or Buddhism or sions. Then the AAR Study of Judaism important work goes forward among studies but Hispanic ethnicity and Hinduism. Rather, when Judaism the section forms an interesting fact for AAR members. In every one of them, Jewish ethnicity — about which, religion is studied, it is as a mere detail examination in the academic study of books and articles appear recently and before fifteen minutes ago, Judaism of ethnic culture, with nothing much Judaism: the fish pretending to be regularly, and whole new fields of had nothing to say, and about which, to say to someone who is not Jewish ichthyologists. ❧ learning are taking shape within the in fifteen minutes from now, no one — let alone to anyone who is an aca- study of Judaism in Europe, North will have much to say. The study of demic scholar of religion with special- America, and the state of Israel. But Judaism section conceives scholarship ization in Judaism. the call for papers for 2003 does not as a problem of style and ends up hint at them. inventing an intellectual hoola-hoop. But then, all religions claim to be * Editor’s Note: unique, and the claim that Judaism is The call for papers leaves out nearly Don’t get me wrong. Scholarship on unique, that Jewish ethnicity attests to The Call for Papers reads “ethics”, the whole of the things that the study Judaism the religion thrives. But that is Jewish religion, and similar allegations not “ethnics.” of Judaism the religion actually studies. not in the AAR section. There the that circulate — these represent data

Visiting Rites Ron Grimes

Ron Grimes is the chair of the But it wasn’t only the booksellers whom to another, “Geez, I was witnessing fam- Just because you live south of the 49th Department of Religion and Culture at Wilfrid Laurier University Jesus should have tossed out of the tem- ily grief work — God bless America.” doesn’t mean you have a monopoly on ple. It was the scholars too. How many My view? Canadians should whisper the tragic and dramatic death. Such death times did we hosts have to hear on our comment directly into the ears of happens everywhere, every day, some- own home soil, “Our government....” American religious studies scholars; it’s times on an even larger scale. But else- EORGE BUSH is a and “This country needs...” when the the American in me that thinks that. where, they don’t get to demand so moron.” Lots of academ- obvious reference was to the United much air time. Nor do they get to ics attending the “G States of America? Where did these The subtext of some of the panels wreak such terrible consequences on American Academy of Religion meeting scholars think they were? Had seemed to be this declaration: 9/11 is those who don’t happen to feel like in Toronto were gleeful that an aide to Homeland Security staked out and OUR precious wound to lick and commiserating. the prime minister of Canada, had said claimed Toronto without our knowing? defend. We (WRIT LARGE) are the so out loud. The Globe and Mail head- ones to whom this happened. “It” (that You should know: After 9/11, we lines tooted the vocus flatus heard terrible event) could not possibly have north-of-the-border wept and ranted ‘round the world. happened to anyone else, especially any- and ritualized along with you. In our one else with a different take on our civil commemorations, we called ya’ll But we American academics are morons As an American, the tragic and terrible loss. neighbours (leave the “u,” thank you), too. Religious studies scholars will take Toronto AAR made me even family. In yours, you called us less delight in hearing that. sad and sorry and mad. As an American, the Toronto AAR “partners” and “friends of terrorists,” “ made me sad and sorry and mad. But as even though the pilots were trained in Bush is a moron because, like many But as a Canadian, I a Canadian, I was embarrassed, irritated your country, not ours. Americans, he is Americocentric. It’s at the self-preoccupied public spectacle. one thing to think from your country was embarrassed, irritat- As an American, damn right, we can At the Toronto AAR American religion or to think of your country first. ed at the self-preoccupied lick our wounds, even on Canadian scholars visiting Canada were devoid of Canadians do that the same as public spectacle. soil. But as a Canadian, for bloody sure, that ritual civility we call decorum. Americans do. Americocentrism is what you Americans can weep over here as Mom, god rest her soul, would have happens when south-of-the-border folk long as you don’t forget where in said, “When you visit someone else’s not only think from or of their country “North America” you are. In case you house, take off your cowboy boots.” first, but when they think only from And the AAR International Desk (a didn’t recognize it, you were, in fact, When you go fieldworking or visiting, and of their country. brilliant idea), did you see any over here, and over here isn’t over there. you become circumspect; you walk a lit- Americans lined up at it? ” tle more softly; you pay closer attention. At the Toronto AAR, Canadians That’s part of the pilgrimage fee. If you (politely and discreetly, for that is the Then there were the sessions replete study religion in the field and don’t Canadian way except when gas escapes with 9/11 incantations and funerary honor the indigenous etiquette, the unbidden), were remarking among meditations parading as scholarship. In You should know: natives will wish you’d stayed home and themselves, “Those book sellers won’t one, I kept thinking I was at a family After 9/11, we north-of- your field research project will crash. accept Canadian currency? That’s reunion the year after some patriarch’s against the law. You have to accept the funeral. Everybody was be-healed, recov- the-border wept and Don’t get me wrong. “We” Canadians currency of Canada when transacting ered, and sassy enough to be tearing “ranted and ritualized like “your” American money, even your business in Canada, don’t you? If our strips off some academic other, but bluster and bombast, but we don’t presses were down there, do you think those others, they were all family. The along with you. much like your bombs, your look-at-me they’d get away with demanding scene was a panel full of Americans grief work, or your refusal to accept our Canadian currency?” extending 9/11 into an academic grief cash (which, if you took time to notice, ritual. Afterwards, one Canuck whispers ” is a lot more colourful than yours.) ❧ Annual Meeting Management Team Response

While we cannot evaluate the valid- lished and accepted in both US and would have missed making sales for ment notes (in publication ity of Dr. Grimes’ comments about Canadian currencies. Although we fear of a little arithmetic to convert RC4032E) that "US money is usual- "American" and "Americocentric" could not stand over each exhibitor currency. ly accepted in Canada". In short, we attitudes, we can attest to the to force them to take Canadian dol- do not know if the exhibitor(s) who American Academy of Religion’s lars, we certainly required them to In all fairness, we should point out did not accept Canadian currency efforts as event organizers to be sen- pre-pay Canadian customs charges, that both the Canadian government intended to be politically arrogant, sitive to the special cross-border estimating their floor sales in and Tourism Toronto do go to but we can say with certainty that nature of the 2002 event. Every Canadian dollars. Not only would extremes to promote Toronto as a they have less pecuniary acumen on-site price for the meeting — it have been discourteous, as Dr. city which "blurs the border" (from than the Canadian government. ❧ both for the conference attendee Grimes mentions, we think it official Tourism Toronto fact sheet and for the exhibitor—was pub- absolutely foolish that any exhibitor 2002), and the Canadian govern-

March 2003 AAR RSN • 7 Religious Studies News, AAR Edition Trends in the Field

n 2002, the New York Times and the Other fields are faring better, however. studies/religious vocations,” there were gious studies received an average of Chronicle of Higher Education each pub- The Middle East Studies Association of 1,643 doctorates given in 2000: 336 to $54,866 from private institutions and I lished reports regarding trends in doc- North America has seen job advertise- women and 1,307 to men. 586 doctor- $60,797 from public institutions. The toral degree attainment and employment in ments rise, even though most of them are ates were awarded in the field of philoso- average salary of those teaching in private academic institutions. The Times provided for part-time instructors, lecturers, and phy and religion: 205 to women and 381 institutions in the fields of theological information on jobs in language and litera- adjuncts. The Association of Asian Studies to men. Professional degrees awarded in studies and religious vocations was ture, history, and Middle East and Asian has also reported an increase in job adver- theology totaled 6,129 in 2000: 1,792 to $52,812 (the salary of those teaching in studies. The Chronicle reported data of par- tisements, especially for Japanese and women and 4,337 to men. public institutions was not given). ticular interest to religion and theology. Chinese studies. Less than 5 percent of those awarded a The Chronicle of Higher Education’s col- The New York Times published in its The August 30, 2002 issue of the humanities doctorate planned to pursue umn, “Beyond the Ivory Tower: What you December 14, 2002 issue the results of a Chronicle of Higher Education reported data post-doctoral study, while nearly 64 per- should know about nonacademic careers study of job positions available during the regarding doctoral degrees in the humani- cent planned to pursue employment in an for Ph.D.’s,” posts interesting articles con- year. It reported that, according to the ties. 5,634 doctorates were awarded in educational institution. A small 6.4 per- cerning those seeking employment outside Modern Language Association of America, 2000. The median age of recipients was cent planned on pursuing employment in of the academy while continuing to look listings for academic jobs in languages and 34.8 years; the median number of years industry or business. As regards post-doc- for a tenure-track position. Articles from literature were off 20 percent from 2001. from bachelor’s degree to doctorate, 11.4; toral employment activity, nearly three the column can be viewed at http://chron- This is the first decline in seven years and and the median number of years registered quarters planned to teach, with 8.7 per- icle.com/jobs/archive/advice/beyond.htm. the largest decline in about a decade. The as a graduate student, 8.8. Over 84 per- cent planning on doing research and Especially noteworthy is Susan Basalla’s American Historical Association also had a cent of the doctorates were conferred on development. article at http://chronicle.com/jobs/2003/ six percent decline in overall job advertise- whites, with fewer than 5 percent con- 01/2003011301c.htm and Mary Morris ments from 2001. The number of adver- ferred on any other single racial and eth- The average 2001-2002 salary of those Heiberger and Julia Miller Vick’s article at tisements for tenure track positions fell by nic group. The percentage of men and teaching in private institutions in the http://chronicle.com/jobs/2001/12/ 13 percent. The AHA reported that there women was virtually equal. fields of philosophy and religion was 2001121401c.htm. . ❧ was still a shortage of candidates in spe- $54,111. Public institutions paid teachers cialized fields such as African-American Looking within the humanities recipients, in the same fields an average of $60,423. history and Chinese history. to what the Chronicle calls “theological Teachers in the field of religion and reli-

Chairs Workshops

HE NEXT SCHEDULED work- the speakers and this workshop to their 2002 Annual Business shop for chairs of departments will colleagues. Some of the comments Meeting Minutes T be at the Georgetown Conference given on the evaluation forms were: Center at Georgetown University, “This has been tremendously helpful. I Fairmont Royal York Hotel Washington, D.C. “The Entrepreneurial will be referring to your book often.” November 24, 2002 Chair: Building & Managing Your “Excellent, informative workshop. 7:30 AM Department in an Era of Shrinking Thank you!” The workshop was Resources and Increasing Demands,” will enhanced by the use of the speakers’ be held June 19-21, 2003. More informa- book, Recruiting Good College Faculty: 1. Call to Order: Vasudha Narayanan. with a database of over 5,000 religion tion regarding this informative and helpful Practical Advice for a Successful Search The president called the meeting to scholars, has been launched. The workshop will be sent to all members (Anker Publishing Company, 1996). order at 7:40 a.m. Academic Relations Program realized an soon. See page 3 for further information. 80% return for the undergraduate sur- At the 2003 Annual Meeting in Atlanta, 2. Approval of 2001 Business Meeting vey of the field. The graduate survey is In Toronto, over thirty department the Task Force will be conducting Minutes. A motion was made to underway. Later, the AAR will under- chairs attended the “Running a another Chairs Workshop, which will approve the Minutes and was unani- take a survey of terminal M.A. religion Successful Faculty Search in the be announced in the spring. mously approved. degree programs. The publications pro- Religious Studies Department” work- gram’s partnership with Oxford shop. The presentations by Lee These Chairs Workshops are developed 3. Memorial List. The president read the University Press has strengthened AAR’s McCann and Baron Perlman were given by the Academic Relations Task Force Memorial List of members who died in overall publications. The American very high marks, with virtually everyone and are a benefit of the Academic 2002, and a moment of silence was Lectures in the History of Religions indicating that they would recommend Relations Program. ❧ observed. (ALHR) has launched a 2003 lecture series. Willard Oxtoby will deliver the 4. President’s Report. President lectures on Islam in Historical Narayanan remarked that 2002 was a Interaction. The ALHR lecture series is News Media at the 2002 wonderfully productive year. She published by Columbia University thanked all the officers for their support Press. and hard work, as well as the members Annual Meeting for their comments and feedback over 6. 2002 Election Results. President the past year. Narayanan introduced Robert Orsi as EDIA INTEREST in the News Service, the Chronicle of Higher president, Jane McAuliffe as president- 2002 Annual Meeting was Education, U.S. News & World Report, 5. Executive Director and Treasurer’s elect, and Hans Hillerbrand as vice M exceptional, with more than Christian Century, Christianity Today and Report. Barbara DeConcini reported president. She thanked Barbara 40 journalists attending. Most were the Baltimore Sun. Many religious publi- on the high level of attendance at this DeConcini, the AAR staff, and the from Canada, with stories on the annual cations also sent journalists. Toronto meeting. This year, preregistra- Board for their support. Board member meeting published in the Toronto Star, tion surpassed last year’s total registra- Linda Barnes offered an appreciation of Toronto Globe & Mail and Ottawa Journalists typically view the meeting as tion. In response to concerns raised by President Narayanan, and Robert Orsi Citizen, and broadcast on CBC’s an opportunity to talk with a variety of members, she discussed the problem of remarked on his excitement for the Tapestry radio show. The BBC also sent scholars on various topics, rather than as accessibility for participants with dis- coming year. journalists to the meeting. an event to be reported. Stories from abilities, as well as the challenges of interviewing religion scholars will con- addressing the issue effectively, noting 7. New Business. There was no new busi- U.S. media included journalists from tinue to be published or broadcast dur- that the Board just passed a resolution ness. Minnesota Public Radio, Beliefnet.com, ing the next few months. ❧ of the Disabilities Task Force to make Religion & Ethics Newsweekly, Religion the Annual Meeting more accessible. Barbara DeConcini introduced AAR staff members who were present. The DeConcini reported on the AAR’s meeting was adjourned at 8:31 a.m. financial stability, even in the face of Executive Office Update market downturn. The AAR’s 8% loss Respectfully submitted, was significantly below the average mar- LLYA MACDONALD joined A jack-of-all-trades, she has worked as a ket loss. Myesha D. Hamm the AAR as Administrative gardener, cook and licensed Master for Susan Henking, A Assistant in January 2003. Barber. Because of her life-long interests She reported on major program Secretary Macdonald earned a Bachelor of Arts in in Buddhism and meditation, she is advances: The Religionsource website, Religion and Philosophy at the pleased to be able to support the AAR’s University of Georgia in 1993. Her efforts and to include herself as the background includes eight years of newest member of the administrative bookstore experience at Borders and the team. ❧ Emory University Bookstore in Atlanta.

8 • March 2003 AAR RSN ANNUAL MEETING NEWS Employment Information Services 2002 Report

ACH YEAR at the Annual Meeting, the greatly appreciated, and EIS Center staff are Each year, statistics are kept on the use of Employment Information Services (EIS) hoping to find more ways to make the mes- the EIS Center. These statistics are useful ECenter offers registered job candidates sage retrieval process more convenient in in the evaluation of employment trends in and employers the opportunity to ease the the future. the field. ❧ communication process and to conduct interviews on-site. The EIS Center features According to 2002 EIS Center Survey job postings, candidate credentials for review, results, most registrants were happy with Candidates 2000 2001 2002 Employers 2000 2001 2002 a message center, and an interview facility. the Center. A common suggestion was that The EIS Center enjoyed another great year at candidate and employer lounges be placed Total 485 398 370 Total 85 96 88 the 2002 Annual Meeting, with 458 total in separate spaces. Also, many candidates Pre-Registered 371 297 289 Pre-Registered 70 69 registered participants. requested that the EIS Center offer more opportunities for candidates to learn from On-Site 114 101 81 On-Site 26 19 New this year, candidates were able to call predecessors. Finally, almost all participants Female 167 137 127 Positions Available 118 103 110 in by telephone to inquire whether or not a cited difficulties with the 2002 location. message had been left for them. Candidate Steps are being taken to address these sug- Male 318 261 243 Ratios of Positions feedback indicates that this service was gestions at future meetings. to Candidates 1:4.1 1:3.86 1:3.36 Employment Trends Employment Opportunities Specialization Ratio of Advertised Positions to Candidates’ Breakdowns 1996-2002 Self-selected Classification Choices

1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 Job Listings Arts, Literature & Religion 9:12 10:7 7:9 7:8 5:25 2:41 4:45 Arts, Literature & Religion 9 10 7 7 5 2 4 Religions of Africa & Oceania 4: 4 5: 3 5: 3 6: 4 2:5 1:6 4:0 Religions of Africa & Oceania 4 5 5 6 2 1 4 East Asian Religions 21:28 20:20 10:15 18:20 19:24 14:25 12:28 East Asian Religions 21 20 10 18 19 14 12 Early Christian Literature/ Early Christian Literature/ New Testament 27:95 25:96 24:75 22:68 20:90 25:99 20:67 New Testament 27 25 24 22 20 25 20 Ethics 16:65 11:63 5:40 20:39 11:76 11:75 10:65 Ethics 16 11 5 20 11 11 10 Hebrew Bible/Old Testament 27:88 20:58 14:76 15:67 18:71 21:70 15:58 Hebrew Bible/Old Testament 27 20 14 15 18 21 15 History of Christianity/ History of Christianity/ Church History 20:61 17:72 9:50 20:61 13:89 13:87 17:73 Church History 20 17 9 20 13 13 17 Islamic Studies 12:8 15:17 4:12 11:16 10:14 9:19 14:11 Islamic Studies 12 15 4 11 10 9 14 Judaic Studies 16 15 4 11 10 7 9 Judaic Studies 16:19 15:19 4:15 11:16 10:27 7:29 9:21 Practical Theology 8 2 1 12 5 5 9 Practical Theology 8:10 2:10 1:4 12:10 5:24 5:29 9:29 Racial/Ethnic Studies Racial/Ethnic Studies in Religion 6 8 0 8 11 4 4 in Religion 6:3 8:4 0:3 8:5 11:35 4:28 4:18 Religions of North America Religions of North America (Religions of North and South America 1996-1999) 13 10 4 18 5 8 10 (Religions of North and Religions of South America South America 1996-1999) 13:20 10:22 4:16 18:31 5:24 8:34 10:30 and the Caribbean N/A N/A N/A N/A 3 0 4 Religions of South America South Asian Religions 21 14 4 15 3 8 11 and the Caribbean N/A N/A N/A N/A 3:1 0:3 4:3 Social Scientific South Asian Religions 21:39 14:48 4:44 15:50 3:32 8:35 11:38 Study of Religion 6 3 0 8 17 4 4 Social Scientific Study Theology & Philosophy of Religion 27 27 5 26 19 28 26 of Religion 6:14 3:16 0:13 8:15 17:39 4:38 4:42 Women’s Studies in Religion 9 9 1 7 2 2 6 Theology & Philosophy Other 22 15 5 19 11 8 21 of Religion 27:123 27:119 5:97 26:86 19:137 28:144 26:142 TOTAL 264 226 102* 243 184 170 200 Women’s Studies in Religion 9:7 9:6 1:4 7:5 2:52 2:53 6:42

*Single positions may be listed under multiple position classifications, with the exception of 1998. Other 22:6 15:5 5:12 19:18 11:59 8:62 21:59

Candidates Arts, Literature & Religion 12 7 9 8 25 41 45 Religions of Africa & Oceania 4 3 3 4 5 6 0 East Asian Religions 28 20 15 20 24 25 28 Early Christian Literature/ New Testament 95 96 75 68 90 99 67 Ethics 65 63 40 39 76 75 65 Do you have Hebrew Bible/Old Testament 88 58 76 67 71 70 58 History of Christianity/ something to say? Church History 61 72 50 61 89 87 73 Islamic Studies 8 17 12 16 14 19 11 RSN welcomes essays by members, particularly those Judaic Studies 19 19 15 16 27 29 21 reflecting on professional practices and institutional Practical Theology 10 10 4 10 24 29 29 locations, or on the place of the study of religion in the Racial/Ethnic Studies in Religion 3 4 3 5 35 28 18 academy. Religions of North America (Religions of North and We also welcome suggestions for any of the regular South America 1996-1999) 20 22 16 31 24 34 30 features and letters to the editor. Please see page two Religions of South America and the Caribbean N/A N/A N/A N/A 1 3 3 for submission information. Articles or essays about South Asian Religions 39 48 44 50 32 35 38 teaching should be directed to Tazim Kassam, Editor of Social Scientific Study of Religion 14 16 13 15 39 38 42 Spotlight on Teaching, Syracuse University. Theology & Philosophy E-mail:[email protected] of Religion 123 119 97 86 137 144 142 Women’s Studies in Religion 7 6 4 5 52 53 42 Other 6 5 12 18 59 62 59 TOTAL 602 585 488 519 824* 877* 771*

*In 2000-2002 candidates could choose up to 3 job classifications. Therefore, any one candidate may be represented up to 3 times in this data. In the future, to provide more useful information, data will be given using only primary classifications. March 2003 AAR RSN • 9 Religious Studies News, AAR Edition Joining the Adjunct Ranks

Mark Lloyd Taylor School of Theology and Ministry, Seattle University

N THE MID-1990s, a dozen or so school of theology). Most of these courses More significant than too much work for nancy, sabbatical leaves, course releases years after completing a Ph.D. and represented new preparations for me too little compensation were my chronic connected with research. Not surprisingly, Iembarking upon a career as a teacher (sometimes three or four a year); and yet I feelings of impermanence and vulnerabili- the momentum of my own scholarly agen- and scholar of religion, I unexpectedly was able to teach just five of them more ty. I moved in and out of three offices in da slowed and its trajectory flattened out found myself wearing a new title: than once. In other words, I developed five years, sharing space with another dramatically. Several partially completed “adjunct.” The word – from Latin, adjun- book manuscripts were postponed indefi- gere – suggests that I was joined to a faculty nitely; I feel fortunate just to have ham- in an auxiliary or subordinate role. mered four articles through to publication Although I was to learn, later, that I had In five years as an adjunct, I taught in my years as an adjunct. While each of been valued more highly and treated more my directors, department chairs, and humanely than many others in similar forty sections of seventeen different courses in deans was enormously solicitous and sup- positions, my adjunct experience was five units within the university portive – three of them worked creatively indeed often one of feeling tenuously “ to carve out a permanent, tenure-track joined or attached to an institution. appointment for me – I never felt free to say “no” to any of their requests, however As an adjunct, I felt underpaid and over- twelve brand new courses only to deliver adjunct and juggling preparation time, daunting or disheartening, for at all costs I worked. In contrast to the salary struc- them a single time, with no opportunity to appointments with students, even a joint wanted to prove myself worthy of a better tures of the regular appointments I had build upon hard-won familiarity (or at voice mail protocol. ” Although I ended up position. held in the past, and now hold again, as an least acquaintance) with the material or to with “full-time” work four of those years, adjunct I was paid a fixed amount per learn from my successes and failures. This I never knew from one academic year to Of course, many of the religious traditions course taught; as a result, my annual course load stretched me well beyond my the next what my course load would be, we study maintain that the impermanence income diminished by almost half. Twice primary expertise in theology and modern or even if I would be employed at the of all things and our peculiar vulnerabili- I was forced to take part-time jobs beyond religious thought – into biblical studies, university. One year, my contract had to ties as human beings can themselves serve the academy simply to pay the bills. At social ethics, even world religions and film be amended three times as additional as great teachers. I must acknowledge that the same time, my teaching load was heav- studies. I suppose I should have felt courses became available. Twice I was I am a better teacher, scholar, and person ier, as well as more diffuse and changeable, encouraged that my personal inclinations asked to teach a new course the next quar- because of those years as an adjunct: grati- than those of my colleagues on regular and graduate studies equipped me to man- ter with only a month of lead-time. I tude for the gifts of the ordinary, collabo- appointments. In five years as an adjunct, age such a broad range of courses. My lacked control over my professional des- rative impulses, generosity toward others, I taught forty sections of seventeen different typical feeling, however, was one of desper- tiny, for opportunities to teach – to earn and compassion for the marginalized have courses in five units within the university ate self re-invention and re-education with money to live, but also to practice the all grown in me. (from a joint humanities program with each new academic quarter and course. craft I love – opened up because of factors See TAYLOR p.22 several area high schools to a graduate in other people’s lives: tragic death, preg-

Oral History Project

1966-68 1969-78 1979-80 1981-82 1983-94 1994-present

In the period 1909 to 1937, the associa- session, Harry Buck and Robert V. Smith • Annual Meeting Program Books, LAIMING our origins in the tion held its annual meetings at Union were honored with special founders especially from the 1940s-1960s Association of Biblical Instructors in Seminary at the same time SBL met. We awards. Past presidents Christine American Colleges (later, the C have fairly good evidence that from 1938 Downing, Charles Long, and Robert • Any newsletters published by AAR or National Association of Biblical through 1963, NABI met each year at Neville shared stories from their leadership various program units Instructors), we will celebrate our centen- Union, with the exception of 1957, when days. Downing was the first woman elect- nial in 2009. The time seems ripe for us NABI went to Southern Baptist Seminary ed president (1974); Long, the first • Names and contact information for to tell one another the stories of our field in Louisville, KY. African American (1973). Neville (1992) retired members with stories to tell and our Academy and to collect these sto- led a major transition in the AAR’s ries as important documents for future The logos here reflect our various expres- administrative structure and spearheaded • Your own recollections and researchers. sions of identity. The 1969-1978 logo the development of an AAR strategic plan. reminiscences. was designed by Raymond A. Ballinger The Association of Biblical Instructors in and the current logo by Jack White. The We have collected recorded reflections If you’re of retirement age and plan to American Colleges was founded in 1909. current design aims to signal that religion from about a dozen AAR leaders. attend your regional meeting in the In 1922, the name of the association was is both ancient (quill pen effect) and con- Highlights of recorded interviews with our spring, please be in touch with us changed to the National Association of temporary. If you know the story of any founding fathers and mothers will be ([email protected]) to be interviewed for the Biblical Instructors (NABI) a phonetic of the others, we are eager to hear from available in future issues of RSN and Oral History Project. We are also looking match to the Hebrew word for prophet. you at [email protected]. online. for volunteers to serve as scholarly advisors At the 1963 annual meeting, NABI mem- to the project. If you are interested, con- bers voted to change the association’s At the 2002 Annual Meeting, we initiated Please consider contributing to the Oral tact Barbara DeConcini at name to the American Academy of a special series on our history with The History Project by checking your attic, [email protected]. ❧ Religion. Professional as Personal: Telling the History of storage files, and memory banks for the the AAR and the Study of Religion in North following: America from Personal Experience. At the

10 • March 2003 AAR RSN NEWS

Fulbright Scholars Student Liaison Group Study Indicates Program Has Powerful Reaches Out

Impact on Scholars, Their Families and In 1997, the Academy instituted a Student Seminary; Purdue University; Rice Advisory Liaison Group (SLG). This group University; Stanford University; the Colleagues at Home and Abroad advises the Student Member of the AAR Toronto School of Theology; the Board of Directors. One student from each University of North Carolina, Chapel major PhD-granting institution in North Hill; and the University of Wisconsin, America represents his or her school in Madison. As a result of normal turnover, LEADING INDEPENDENT • Scholars build knowledge and long-term SLG. The job of these Student Liaisons is we also welcomed new liaisons from research institute recently released relationships with host institutions and for- threefold: (1) they serve as a resource for Baylor University; Chicago Theological the results of a two-year outcome eign colleagues: 80% said they imparted students who need information about the A Seminary; Emory University; Indiana assessment of the U.S. Scholar component new knowledge about their field, 75% AAR and its mission; (2) they tell the University; Loyola University; McGill of the Fulbright Educational Exchange have continued to collaborate with col- student director about the needs of students University; Union-PSCE; the University Program, the U.S. government’s flagship leagues since their grant’s completion and from their schools; and (3) they participate of Iowa; and the University of Toronto. international educational exchange pro- 70% have been visited in the U.S. by in efforts to expand student involvement in gram. The study found strong evidence that host country colleagues or friends. the AAR. Please see the SLG Job [During the Fall, the AAR sought applica- the program is achieving its mandate of pro- Description and SLG Calendar at tions for the editor of “From the Student moting mutual understanding and coopera- • Scholars make U.S. campuses and commu- http://www.aarweb.org/students/ for more detailed information. Desk,” the student column which appears tion between the U.S. and other nations, nities more international: 73% have incor- in RSN.] We received six applications for and that it has had a diverse and often pow- porated aspects of their Fulbright experi- The current student director is Richard the position, which was eventually given erful impact, not only on Fulbright Scholars ence into courses and teaching methods. Amesbury ([email protected]) to Wil Brant of Chicago Theological themselves, but also on their colleagues, stu- of Claremont Graduate University. His Seminary. Wil received a BA from the dents, friends and families. • Scholars are enriched and inspired by term began at the Annual Meeting in College of Charleston and an MDiv from Fulbright experiences: Large majorities November, 2001 and expires at the Chicago Theological Seminary, where he The study found two key themes: the reported that their overseas experience led Annual Meeting in November, 2003. A is currently a PhD candidate in Theology, capacity of the Fulbright experience to to professional expertise they otherwise voting member of the Board, he facilitates conversation among students and between Ethics, and Human Sciences. Wil served increase Americans’ knowledge of and would not have developed, enhanced students and the various committees and in the SLG from 1996-1998. He also is engagement with the world, and the their credentials and contributed to groups in the AAR and presides over the Coordinator of Academic Publications at power of personal relationships to greater insight into their field. Student Liaison Group. If your school is a CTS, serving as managing editor for increase mutual understanding. PhD-granting institution and you do not Exploration Press and The Chicago The study was based on a stratified random see it represented on the SLG list, please Theological Seminary Register: A Professional Virtually all Scholars reported that their sample of 1,004 U.S. Fulbright Scholar contact Richard via e-mail. If you are Journal for Ministers. [Wil will be] ...our Fulbright experiences gave them a deeper alumni from the past 23 years. Eighty per- interested in becoming a student liaison, be student editor through May 2004. He can understanding of their host country and cent of the Scholar alumni - 801 people - sure to read the job description at be contacted at: [email protected]. heightened their awareness of social and cul- completed a questionnaire about the impact http://www.aarweb.org/ students/ tural diversity. They also cited ways in the Fulbright program has had on individu- slgjobdescrip.asp. Two student columns have appeared since which ongoing personal contacts stemming als and institutions both in the U.S. and in The following is an excerpt from Richard’s April. The May 2002 issue of RSN fea- from living and working in a community the Scholars’ host countries. Fall 2002 report to the Board of Directors. tured a column by Julie J. Kilmer, outgo- put a face on U.S. policies and culture and ing student liaison at Chicago Theological increased mutual understanding. Without The U.S. Fulbright Scholar Program, one of Seminary, entitled “Super Heroes and exception, they agreed that their Fulbright several under the Fulbright umbrella, pro- Heroines: Professors as Role Models in experiences were valuable. This level of vides grants for American college and uni- EMBERSHIP in the Student Academia.” Julie’s article highlights the approbation is extremely rare in program versity faculty, professionals and independ- Liaison Group is continuing to importance of faculty mentoring in stu- evaluation research. ent scholars to lecture and conduct research grow. The SLG is now composed M dents’ professional development. For the in a wide variety of academic disciplines in of student representatives from 48 PhD- October 2002 issue, Todd Farley of Fuller Other key findings included the following: 140 countries. The U.S. Fulbright Scholar granting institutions in the United States, Theological Seminary authored a column Program is administered by the Council for Canada, and the United Kingdom. entitled “Mere Mime” reflecting on the rela- • Scholars’ grant activities are diverse: Beyond International Exchange of Scholars (CIES) tion between the performing arts and theol- the basic lecturing or research focus of through a cooperative agreement with the Over the course of the past year we have ogy, and the role of artists in the academy. their grants, Scholars wrote or edited arti- U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of been pleased to welcome liaisons from cles or books, advised students, provided Educational and Cultural Affairs. The goal eight previously unrepresented schools: technical advice and organized or partici- of the Fulbright Program is “to increase Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary; See STUDENT LIASON p.23 pated in conferences or events. mutual understanding between the people New Orleans Baptist Theological of the United States and the people of other • Grantees are active in their neighborhoods countries.” An Executive Summary of the and communities: 98% interacted with peo- study can be found at: ple from their host country by engaging in www.cies.org/ExecutiveReport.pdf. ❧ some form of media, community or social activity. What publication is the best way of reaching 9,000 members of the largest scholarly organization in the world dedicated to the study of religion? In Memoriam What publication is received by over 200 institutional subscribers? William L. Hendricks What publication’s readers have reported that 3 out of 4 read the issue regularly? Carol J. Phipps What publication has added six new regular features like Member-at- ILLIAM L. HENDRICKS years) led groups of graduate students in large and Research Briefing? (1929 - 2002) was a man of Religion to minister in New York City W God with a personal faith so and Washington, D.C. using various transparent it could be published as A artistic expressions. Often known as a Religious Studies News, AAR Edition Theology for Children. His life and “man without peers,” Hendricks was work were ‘ever cutting edge reflected in peer and friend to scholars in Religion The newspaper of record in the field of religion his promotion and development of an around the world. As a man of letters, early Ph.D. program in “Theology and practical faith, and good humor, For advertising rates and more information, see Aesthetics” which he subsequently Hendricks saw himself as a life-long stu- www.aarweb.org/publications/rsn directed graduating scholars who could dent and even once hosted an at-home integrate both study and practice of the- workshop on 3-ball and scarf juggling. ology, Bible, and the visual and perform- Hendricks is and will be missed for his ing arts. A man who believed that faith towering and tenacious quest for truth had feet, Hendricks annually (for many and beauty. ❧

March 2003 AAR RSN • 11 Religious Studies News, AAR Edition Editor’s Note: “Passages” is a new column that will appear from time to time in Religious Studies News, AAR Edition. The column will profile the work of Academy members who have retired from full-time teaching. Our first member to be profiled is James B. Wiggins, Remington Professor Passages of Religion emeritus, Syracuse University. Life in Retirement

RSN: Tell us about the types of activities Wiggins: Retirement has brought, his death at age 75, certainly well beyond under the auspices of this agency and that you have been involved in since you even though working, a greater degree of the time it would have been necessary for extend understanding and insight by and retired. discretion in making time commitments. him to continue. Again, though I have about some of the diverse faith communi- That is the single most enjoyable dimen- not consciously modeled myself after him, ties here. That will give concrete satisfac- Wiggins: When I retired in May 2001 sion of being “retired.” Betsy and I have I suspect that he left an imprint on me. tion to my continuing commitment to from the Department of Religion at enjoyed the last two AAR Annual teaching and learning. It is a great venue Syracuse University, I was uncertain Meetings with few formal duties and great RSN: What makes for a satisfactory with promising prospects. regarding what would come next. During opportunity to see many friends and relax retirement? Alternatively, what has given that following summer I entered into con- more than ever. We have visited two you the greatest satisfaction in your retire- RSN: What types of reading or research versation with the Executive Director of notable art galleries while in Denver and ment? are you doing in retirement? the InterReligious Council of Central Toronto and appreciated the culinary New York about a possible part-time posi- opportunities in both. We continue to Wiggins: I think my greatest satisfac- Wiggins: I continue to read very tion. It was an organization with which I travel to places, so far in the USA, but this tion in being realized in finding ways to widely in history, religious studies, novels, was fairly familiar from having served on spring we will have 10 days in Andalusia continue to learn and through that I poetry and current events. My research its Board of Directors for 4 years at that portions of Spain with an inter-religious believe I am making a contribution to this and writing is extending my interests in point. group of students and faculty from particular organization and through that the growing literature concerning inter- Syracuse University. Ireland and the to the larger community of central New religious engagement. My last book from On September 12, 2001 I took up the Greek Islands are high on our list of York. Last spring I was invited to host a several years ago was In Praise of Religious position of Director of Operations and intended destinations in the near future. weekly half hour TV show on our public Diversity (Routledge, 1996) and another Community Affairs. It was designed to station WCNY. I entitled it Religion is in an early state of preparation. call upon my experience as an administra- Matters. To date we have produced 19 tor, both as Chairperson of the Religion installments and have had over 40 guests RSN: Do you do any teaching? Department for 20 years and as AAR Leave room for serendipity from many different sectors of the com- Executive Director for 9 years. Experience munity. It is demanding and it is fun and Wiggins: I continue to participate in means, of course, not that one already has as you imagine and brings considerable satisfaction. an adult education program identified as done what is needed in new situations, plan your future. the Independent Degree Study Program in but rather that one will not be surprised “ Regarding the InterReligous Council, in Liberal Studies. It is an undergraduate when completely novel demands arise. my brief time in office we have almost program that brings students to campus completed a sizeable fund-raising campaign for a one-week residency during which In October 2002, my predecessor had RSN: Who have been your role models in a very short period of time. This enables there are intensive introductions to a vari- departed and I was named Executive during your retirement? us to move into more program-centered ety of subjects, after which students return Director of the IRC. Needless to say the ” activities now that we have some degree of home and complete the courses on a cor- pace quickened and I am beginning to get Wiggins: On the evidence to date, my financial stability. Calling upon some respondence basis. I am a member of the settled in the new work. doctoral father, John Dillenberger, is experience with the AAR and the core faculty for the program and I typical- someone whom I seem to be emulating at Department of Religion in which I learned ly teach a course in two of the three I have done some travelling and pursued least unconsciously. I mean that just as he some of the dos and don’ts of development semesters each year. the elusive game of golf with no less pas- continued to find himself taking on work has brought some satisfaction. sion than ever. responsibilities after his “retirement” from Further, as I indicated above I took my the GTU, so my “retirement” to date has The greatest satisfaction is, I anticipate, current position in anticipation of doing a RSN: Could you give us some examples meant anything but taking my ease in yet to come when we can launch some of See WIGGINS p.14 of your most enjoyable activities? Zion. My own father worked right up to the educational activities I am envisioning In the Classroom Teaching Religion through Simulation Samy Swayd, San Diego State University

a topic related to religious diversity. The about each simulation topic and to raise the position of coordinator to someone n my American Religious Diversity topics chosen had to be ones that could be difficult questions for those presenting. else in the group. Some divided that course last spring, I experimented with effectively simulated in the classroom. Thus, the participation of each student responsibility of coordination between simulation in the classroom in order to I Students were expected to read all the pro- was essential (and graded) at all times and several members. Because each simulation help students grasp the many dimensions posals, select and vote on the most inter- not only during one’s own simulation exercise required each student in the of different religious issues or events. I esting ones, and then participate in at least exercise group to commit a substantial amount of asked students to play the roles of com- one group’s simulation exercise. In coor- time to research and preparation, the most munity leaders, followers, or opponents, successful groups were those that did a and reenact past events or contemporary good job of dividing and sharing the work religious debates. The purpose of incor- load, and rehearsing their roles out of porating simulation exercises in the class- class. Each simulation exercise lasted room was to test whether or not it would Through the six simulation exercises, I am convinced about thirty to forty minutes. Over the improve the level of learning and/or that my students were able to gain a much better entire semester, these six simulation exer- increase participation and interaction cises took up only 8-10% of the classroom among students. The American Religious understanding of certain religious issues in a way time and, for the time spent, were enor- Diversity course is designed to acquaint “that regular discussions, videos, or lectures would mously useful in reinforcing key concepts students with the meaning of religious and theories that normally were only cov- diversity, the implications of religion and not have provided. ered in lecture. religious issues for society and politics, and the various American religious com- munities, including the major native reli- dination with their group members, stu- The six topics that received the most stu- Anne Hutchinson’s gions, immigrant religions, and religions dents divided the roles between them. dent votes were the trial of Anne “made in the USA.” I was very pleased to Trial After researching their simulation topics, Hutchinson,” the San Diego Mount observe that students in this class did One of the students was interested in they met with their group at least two or Soledad Cross Controversy, the National much better than those in my past classes choosing a topic that reflected the experi- three times outside of class for rehearsal. Day of Prayer, George Bush’s Faith Based in terms of attendance, participation, ence of women who had played major The last step of each exercise was to evalu- Aid Program, the use of Native American enthusiasm, and the average final grades. roles in religion and society. After we dis- ate the contribution of each member in names or figures as mascots for sports cussed some of the possibilities during the group and write a one-page assessment teams, and the 1999 Kansas City School office hours, the student chose to study of the usefulness of simulation as a learn- Vote (to remove evolution and the Big Simulation Rules and the trial of Anne Hutchinson (1591- ing method, reflecting on one’s own expe- Bang Theory from the Kansas State’s sci- 1643), a pioneer of women’s rights and Topics rience, in particular. For those who were ence curriculum). The original authors of gender relations. The “rules of the game” required each stu- in the audience at any given time, they these topics automatically became the dent to write a one-paragraph proposal on were required to read two to three articles coordinators of their groups, or delegated See SWAYD p.26

12 • March 2003 AAR RSN FEATURES In the Public Interest The Cardinal and The Boston Globe Michael Paulson, Religion Reporter, The Boston Globe

In The Public Interest asked Michael investigation that would ultimately spark Those columns piqued the interest of its relationship with Father Geoghan was Paulson for a journalist’s view of how The the crisis that ended his career in Boston. Martin Baron, who a few days later, on governed “by Canon Law and the teach- Boston Globe “broke” the story about the The investigation was sparked by a rou- July 31, was to start work as the new edi- ings of the Roman Catholic Church.” cover-up of sexual abuse by priests in the tine court filing that contained a startling tor of the Boston Globe. “Why did we need And, the church argued that publication Boston diocese. admission: Bernard Francis Law, the spiri- to settle for competing accounts of docu- of articles based on these documents tual leader of the fourth largest diocese in ments that were unavailable to us?’’ Baron would deny it the right to a fair trial — America, the man who was the pope’s hree days after Pope John Paul II closest ally in the U.S. and who every day accepted his resignation as archbish- instructed two million Massachusetts op of Boston, Cardinal Bernard F. T Catholics on sexual ethics and matters of The reaction was immediate. The Globe’s Law strode into a plain conference room morality, admitted that during his first in a church library just down the hill from reporters were flooded with e-mail, phone year as archbishop of Boston he had given his mansion, stood beneath a crucifix, Rev. John J. Geoghan a new assignment, calls and letters from readers, some wanting to and, before launching into a brief state- in Weston, Massachusetts, despite know- ment and then walking out of the room, “share their reactions, and some wanting to share ing that Geoghan had been accused of declared to the gathered news media “I molesting at least seven boys. their own stories of victimization. take this opportunity, too, to thank you for your courtesy during these years.” The Eileen McNamara, a Globe metro colum- remark was so unexpected that there was nist, was intrigued. “Will Cardinal some debate about what he actually said Bernard F. Law be allowed to continue to asked. “Why shouldn’t they be available to that the Globe only wanted the documents — the roar of rapid-fire camera shutters play duck and cover indefinitely?’’ she us? Shouldn’t we explore challenging the so that “it can continue to generate fur- made his words difficult to catch, and ” wrote. “Will no one require the head of confidentiality order that sealed all those ther articles and editorials which are some reporters were sure they had heard the Archdiocese of Boston to explain how documents?” The Globe called its lawyers, potentially prejudicial to the Defendants.” him say “thank you for your criticism.” it was that the pastors, bishops, archbish- who began researching the prospects for But in late November, after a three-month ops, and cardinal-archbishops who super- getting the documents unsealed. In court battle, Massachusetts Superior The cardinal’s relationship with the media, vised Geoghan never confronted, or even August, the Globe filed a motion in court Court Judge Constance Sweeney, a prod- over his 18 years as archbishop of Boston, suspected, his alleged exploitation of chil- arguing that an “intense and legitimate uct of Catholic schools, ruled in the had included periods of both courtesy and dren in five different parishes across 28 public interest” in the sexual abuse contro- Globe’s favor on every issue. She concluded criticism. Law was rarely satisfied with his years?” That column, on July 22, was fol- versy and Cardinal Law’s “indisputable that the paper should have had access to depiction in the press; in early 2001, he lowed by another the next week, in which status as a public figure” should be these documents in the first place, and even hired a new communications director she took on the confidentiality order pro- enough to grant the paper access to dis- that the paper had every right to ask for from a high-priced public relations firm to tecting certain documents in the case. covery documents. The Archdiocese them now. And she dismissed the First help win him better publicity. Access to “The danger is that if the church settles fought that motion as aggressively as it Amendment arguments made by the church officials was more tightly con- before trial — projected to be at least six had fought every lawsuit by a plaintiff church, saying that clerical status “does trolled than ever, but chancery officials months away — depositions of members alleging clergy sex abuse. The church not automatically free them from the legal were all smiles that April, when the of the church hierarchy, including Law argued not only that the newspaper was duties imposed on the rest of society or church succeeded in persuading a battery and his closest advisers, will never see the not entitled to the documents, but also necessarily immunize them from civil vio- of television cameras to cover the dedica- light of day. The result will be that men that the paper had no right to ask for lations of such duties.” The church tion of lights that would provide night- who could be responsible for the coverup them — that it had no standing in the appealed Sweeney’s ruling, but the Globe time illumination of Law’s principal of criminal conduct will never be brought case. The church also argued that giving church, the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. See PAULSON p.15 to account.’’ the Globe access would violate the church’s But, unbeknownst to the cardinal, by rights under the First Amendment, since mid-summer the Globe had launched an

regional-level events (possibly by adding passion was also evident, by the way, in regional student representatives), address- the audience members.) From the Student Desk ing the special concerns of international students about traveling outside the U.S. The discussion reminded me of a motto to annual meetings, and brainstorming from my first seminary: “Knowledge and Knowledge and Passion about a variety of teaching concerns, given vital piety.” I think serious scholarship, in the diverse settings in which we serve. fact, demands both elements: rigorous aca- Kimberly Bresler, Princeton Theological Seminary demic discipline-willingness to spend (and I had been led to believe that the AAR even enjoy) hours upon hours in study, Kimberly Bresler is a doctoral candidate at being a student: not the classes, but the annual meeting was a place of dull, dry, reflection, teaching, and writing, not to Princeton Theological Seminary in avid, informal discussions in the student “academic” lectures in which personal mention time in critical engagement with Princeton, New Jersey and can be reached at lounge continuing for hours, even days enthusiasm was inappropriate and unwel- others — as well as passionate personal [email protected]. after class. come. In fact, however, I found that commitment. I am encouraged that this almost all presenters conveyed a sense of personal commitment seems to have found My first AAR event was the Student deep, personal engagement with their sub- a welcome place within the AAR. Perhaps WAS ADVISED to attend the AAR Liaison Group (SLG) business meeting. I jects — a sense that these issues are not as I and other students begin to make the annual meeting — mainly, I think, to was pleasantly surprised by the obvious simply “academic” (in a pejorative sense), transition from student members to full- prepare for entering the job market. I I intelligence, scholarly dedication, and but meaningful and relevant for our larger fledged members of the AAR, we will par- was warned to expect “a zoo,” and I was (dare I say it?) passion in the room. shared world. For example, in one session ticipate more directly in this passionate not disappointed! I suppose the influx of Students were there from institutions all we discussed several interpretations of exchange of ideas by becoming presenters 8,000 people from all over the world over the United States, as well as from atonement in light of global headlines: as and responders ourselves — and by lead- inevitably causes mayhem. On Friday Canada and the United Kingdom, repre- an argument for taking evil seriously, an ing our students in this exchange. evening, after arriving in Toronto on a senting a variety of disciplines but com- excuse for projection and demonization, flight so turbulent that we were lifted off mitted to a common goal: advancing the and an occasion for exercising an ethic of Scholarly work can be long and lonely, our seats as if on a rollercoaster, I waited understanding of religion. Although the hospitality. The fundamental issue animat- and though it has its rewards, these tend nearly an hour with a few hundred other predictable topics of job prospects and ing the presenters at this session was the to be brief, quiet moments of insight and religion scholars in a long line at the air- interviewing arose, I also noticed that moral and pastoral effect of the Christian personal satisfaction, not communally port-outside, in sub-freezing weather — these students sought to further the SLG’s doctrine of atonement. They were worried shared celebrations. Gathering with other for the shuttle bus to our hotels down- mission in ways surpassing their personal about healing hurting lives, both individ- scholars of religion offers a chance for town. It was too cold to talk much out- concerns: ensuring child care for students, ual and corporate — they want to be part community festival, a time of shared affir- side, but once we boarded, a tangible buzz increasing awareness of the AAR and its of the solution, not the problem. The mation of our common life — a kind of arose as we started doing what we love benefits, enhancing the SLG’s capacity for respondent for this panel noted the pre- academic “family reunion” celebrating best-talking shop. The animated conversa- service by expanding the number of SLG senters’ sense of “moral urgency” and both knowledge and passion. ❧ tions reminded me of my favorite part of officers, better coordinating annual and “deep theological passion.” (This same

March 2003 AAR RSN • 13 Religious Studies News, AAR Edition

AAR would like to thank the following outgoing Program Unit Chairs whose terms ended in 2002.

Mario I. Aguilar, University of St. Nancy Howell, Saint Paul School of Andrews (Ritual Studies Group) Theology (Religion and Science Group)

Karen Trimble Alliaume, Lewis Thomas Hughson, Marquette University University (Feminist Theory and (Religious Freedom, Public Life, and the Religious Reflection Group) State Group)

Carol S. Anderson, Kalamazoo College Matthew Kapstein, Columbia University (Comparative Studies in Religion (Tibetan and Himalayan Religions Section) Group)

William M. Ashcraft, Truman State Cleo McNelly Kearns, Princeton University (New Religious Movements University (Theology and Continental Group) Philosophy Group)

Gustavo Benavides, Villanova University David Kyuman Kim, Brown University (Critical Theory and Discourses on (Asian North American Religion, Religion Group) Culture, and Society Group)

Margaret Lamberts Bendroth, Calvin Cheryl A. Kirk-Duggan, Graduate College (Evangelical Theology Group) Theological Union (Black Theology Group) Christine M. Bochen, Nazareth College of Rochester (Academic Teaching and Charles Mathewes, University of Virginia the Study of Religion Section) (Augustine and Augustinianisms Consultation) Jay Bregman, University of Maine, Orono (Platonism and Neoplatonism June McDaniel, College of Charleston Group) (Anthropology of Religion Consultation)

Pamela K. Brubaker, California Lutheran Franz Aubrey Metcalf, The Forge University (Ethics Section) Institute (Person, Culture, and Religion Group) Thomas A. Carlson, University of California, Santa Barbara (Platonism and Paul Morris, Victoria University WIGGINS, from p.12 tance with such a marvelous cohort of Neoplatonism Group) (Comparative Studies in Hinduisms and people and to enter into friendship Judaisms Group) significant amount of teaching in mul- with some of them-all of that con- Steven L. Chase, Dominican Center at tiple contexts. I reiterate: it is a most tributes to my being unable to imag- Marywood (Christian Spirituality Bradley Nassif, Rancho St. Margarita, promising venue for a “retired” profes- ine what I would have done different- Group) CA (Eastern Orthodox Studies Group) sor to continue to profess. ly. I have been extraordinarily fortu- nate. Mary C. Churchill, University of Barbara A.B. Patterson, Emory RSN: If you could design your per- Colorado, Boulder (Women and University (Academic Teaching and the fect retirement, what would it look RSN: What has been the most sig- Religion Section) Study of Religion Section) like? nificant change in your life since you retired? Maureen Connolly, Brock University David Perrin, St. Paul University Wiggins: On a cold, snowy after- (Religion and Disability Studies Group) (Mysticism Group) noon in upstate New York the Wiggins: I have more discre- response to this question is different tionary control of my time. My Tom Craig, International Kelley A. Raab, St. Lawrence University from what I might reply on a glorious health is better than it was at some Communicology Institute (Religion and (Person, Culture, and Religion Group) spring, summer or autumn day here. times during my pre-retirement life. Disability Studies Group) In a perfect world I would live some- I can do the work I am doing freely Peggy Schmeiser, University of Ottawa where else for a few weeks during (and I don’t mean voluntarily or with- Nancy Dallavalle, Fairfield University (Lesbian-Feminist Issues and Religion February, March and into April. But out compensation) rather than for any (Roman Catholic Studies Group) Group) that fantasy would preclude my work- other reason. My relationships with ing for and with the IRC and that family members and friends is even Jualynne E. Dodson, University of Winnifred Fallers Sullivan, University of opportunity far outweighs the attrac- more deeply meaningful. I live with Colorado, Boulder (Afro-American Chicago (Law, Religion, and Culture tion of a winter get away. So, I think an awareness of the passing of years, Religious History Group) Consultation) I am experiencing what is for me right but without great anxiety as the reality now a “perfect retirement.” of mortality is clearer. Georges Dreyfus, Williams College Sarah M. Taylor, Northwestern (Tibetan and Himalayan Religions University (Religion and Ecology Group) RSN: Knowing what you know now, RSN: If you could give advice to Group) what might you have done differently your younger colleagues who are still Sylvia I. Walsh, Stetson University during your academic career? teaching, what would it be? Georgia Frank, Colgate University (Kierkegaard, Religion, and Culture (History of Christianity Section) Group) Wiggins: Unlikely as it is to have Wiggins: Leave room for had the opportunity and the desire to serendipity as you imagine and plan Barbara E. Galli, McGill University Judith Weisenfeld, Vassar College (North work in the same university and your future. Life and opportunities (Study of Judaism Section) American Religions Section) department for 38 years and to have have a way of sneaking up on every- had the extraordinary and wonderful one. As the cliches would have it, life Fred Glennon, Le Moyne College (Ethics Kathleen O’Brien Wicker, Scripps array of colleagues during that span; is both a marathon, not a sprint, and Section) College (African Religions Group) to have been able to serve as chair for it is a journey, not a destination. 20 of those years; to have been able Thanks for providing me with the Barry A. Harvey, Baylor University Peter W. Williams, Miami University simultaneously to serve as AAR occasion for reflecting on these mat- (Bonhoeffer: Theology and Social (North American Religions Section) Executive Director for 9 years; to have ters. You have asked some provocative Analysis Group) had the educational opportunities questions. ❧ with great teachers that I was fortu- nate enough to experience; and to have been able to make the acquain-

14 • March 2003 AAR RSN FEATURES

PAULSON, from p.13 to children. The first Spotlight Team story lawsuit for allegedly abusing a female The story showed the power and was published on January 6, 2002, two patient. importance of a free press. The public won again, and in late January of 2002, weeks before the court documents were demanded that children be protected, the Geoghan documents were released. released, showing that for three decades The reaction was immediate. The Globe’s abusers punished, and negligent super- the church had essentially ignored a reporters were flooded with e-mail, phone visors held to account. The Well before the documents became public, mountain of evidence that Father calls and letters from readers, some want- Massachusetts Legislature, which had the Globe’s venerable investigative group, Geoghan, a supervisor of altar boys and ing to share their reactions, and some exempted clergy from laws requiring the Spotlight Team, had begun trying to friend to single mothers, was a serial wanting to share their own stories of vic- many who work with children to determine whether the Geoghan case was pedophile. He had admitted molesting timization. Over months of coverage, and report suspected child abuse, changed an anomaly or an alarm bell. The children, and the church knew that. Some despite a persistent lack of openness by the statute. Prosecutors, who had long reporters quickly began to uncover an of his victims had complained to church church officials, the paper, and many oth- turned a blind eye to abuse by clergy, astonishing truth: more than 100 Boston officials, and the church knew that. At ers around the country and the world, launched investigations and sum- priests had been accused of molesting least one pastor had complained, and the showed that around the nation and the moned grand juries. The church itself, minors in the second half of the 20th church knew and ignored that. The so- Globe, hundreds of priests had been after years of refusing to pass a national Century. And the church’s own docu- called treatment and evaluation of accused of molesting minors, and numer- child protection policy, wrote new ments, obtained by the paper through Geoghan was performed by two doctors, ous bishops had been aware of that abuse church law requiring the ouster from court filings, leaks, and ultimately court- one a family physician with no experience but failed to remove the offending priests ministry of abusive priests. And ordered disclosures, made it clear that in or expertise in pedophilia, and the other a from ministry. Cardinal Law, faced with an unprece- many of those cases, the church’s bishops psychiatrist who also had no expertise in dented rebellion by his own priests and had left abusive priests in jobs with access pedophilia and who himself had settled a laity, left Boston, saying, “it came to be

ever more clear to me that the most ✃ effective way that I might serve the church at this moment is to resign.”

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Please fill in the demographic information below (optional). This is for AAR internal use only. Gender: ❐ Male ❐ Female Current Institutional Affiliation:______Citizenship: ❐ US ❐ Canada ❐ Other (specify): ______Year of Birth:______Ethnic Background: ❐ Asian or Pacific Islander ❐ Black, Not Hispanic ❐ Native American or Native Alaskan ❐ Hispanic ❐ White, Not Hispanic ❐ Other: ______Return to: AMERICAN ACADEMY OF RELIGION 825 HOUSTON MILL ROAD, SUITE 300 • ATLANTA, GA 30329-4246 TELEPHONE 404-727-3049 • FAX 404-727-7959 • E-MAIL [email protected] RSN182 www.aarweb.org March 2003 AAR RSN • 15 Religious Studies News, AAR Edition

ROCKY MTN, from p.4 Ira Chernus, University of Colorado, Session 15. Hebrew Words and Texts Anime (Graduate paper award) Boulder, The Faith-Based Wars of George Gregory Robbins, University of Denver, W. Bush Selena Billington, Iliff Theological Saturday 12 noon Luncheon (reserva- Augustine and Genesis 1-3 Seminary, The Twelve Stones on the tions required) and Plenary Presentation: Session 11. Hinduism Breastpiece of Judgment: Ex. 28:17-20 Sam Gill, University of Colorado, Boulder, Session 6. Torah and Tabernacle and 39:10-13 Dancing and the Academic Study of Religion Loriliai Biernacki, University of Paul Flesher, University of Wyoming, Colorado, Boulder, Women in the Harris Lenowitz, University of Utah, Translations and Art in the Late-Antique Tantric Transgressive Sexual Rite, or How The Great Tetragrammaton Mystery Synagogue to Keep a Secret Donald Parry, Brigham Young Frederick Greenspahn, University of Rodney Taylor, University of Colorado, University, Pentateuchal Readings and Denver, Dancing with Torah Boulder, Krishnamurti and Meditation: 4QSam-a Elements of Apophatic Discourse Mark George, Iliff Theological Session 16. New Religious Movements Seminary, A Boat on the Sandy Seas: A Linda Eilene Sanchez, University of Spatial Consideration of Israel’s Tabernacle Denver/Iliff Theological Seminary, Monica Emerich, University of Transforming History: The Shakta Colorado, Boulder, Real World in Session 7. Combinative Practices Tradition in the Work of Two Virtual Time: The Role of the Land in Contemporary Women Artists from India Conceptualizations of “Celticity” by Jualynne E. Dodson, University of Contemporary Celtic Pagans on the Colorado, Boulder, Afrocuban Roots and Michael Baltutis, University of Iowa, Internet Humanitarian Programs: “What you get is The Indrajatra of Kathmandu: An Exercise beyond what you see!” in Ritual Framing Constance Wise, University of Denver/Iliff Theological Seminary, Janet Jacobs, University of Colorado, Session 12. Theological Exegesis Feminist Wiccan Ritual Magic as Effective Boulder, Syncretic Responses to Crypto- Cultural Practice Jewish Heritage in the Late Twentieth David L. Weddle, Colorado College, Century Orthodox, Tradition, and Exegesis: The Russell L. Hurt, University of Colorado, Controversy over “Open Theism” Boulder, The Role of Adaptation in Soka Southeastern Commission for David Boyd, University of Colorado, Gakkai International-USA Youth Division the Study of Religion Boulder, Did Jesus Part the Sea of Japan? James L. Wakefield, Salt Lake American Academy of Religion Theological Seminary, The Canon of Saturday 10:15-11:45 Society of Biblical Literature Session 8. Signification and Ritual Life: Jurgen Moltmann’s Theological American Schools of Oriental Research Exegesis of the Bible Session 17. Islam Joseph Pickle, Colorado College, Southeastern Regional Meeting 2003 Cumulative Traditions of Activity and Kirk Ott, University of Colorado, Liyakat Takim, University of Denver, March 14-16, 2003 Expression Boulder, The Negotiation of Biblical Challenging the Authority of Tradition Clarion Hotel Authority in Feminist Biblical Criticism and Texts: Ijtihad and Taqlid in Modern Chattanooga, TN Eric Berg, University of Kansas, Kant Times and Theology and Faith David P. Parris, Fuller Theological FRIDAY AFTERNOON, MARCH 14 Seminary, The Role of Classical Texts in Abbas Barzegar, University of Colorado, Jeffrey Scholes, University of the formation of an Interpretive Tradition Boulder, Islam in the Urban 2:00-8:00 PM Denver/Iliff Theological Seminary, Environment, Latino and African Professional Baseball and Fan Friday 3:45-5:00 PM Plenary presenta- American Experiencing Registration Disillusionment: A Religious Ritual tion: Richard Valantasis, Iliff Book Exhibits Analysis Theological Seminary, UMC 235 Bridget Blomfield, Claremont Graduate University, The Zar Ritual 4:00-5:30 PM Friday 12 noon Luncheon (reservations Friday 5:00-6:00 PM Reception, UMC required) and Plenary Speaker 235 Session 18. History of Biblical Southeastern Commission for the Study Interpretation of Religion Senior Regional Scholar: Donald A. April 5 Crosby, Colorado State University Dan W. Clanton, Jr., Iliff Theological AAR/SBL/ASOR/SE Joint Executive Saturday 7:15-8:30 Seminary, Pious and Sexy: Contrasting Committee The Relations of Transcendence and Views of Susanna in Renaissance Art Immanence in a Religion of Nature Breakfast Business Meeting FRIDAY EVENING, MARCH 14 John O’Keefe, President, Presiding Nicolae Roddy, Creighton University, Friday 1:30-3:30 Avoiding Herodias: The Bible in Eastern 6:00-8:00 PM Saturday 8:30-10 European Spells, Charms, and Incantations Session 9. Hebrew Bible: Eunuchs, AAR: African American Religion I and Prophets, and Monarchs Session 13. Early Christian Church: David Valeta, University of Denver/Iliff Religion in America I (joint session) Rhetoric, Dance, Literature Theological Seminary, Politics at the Kevin Moore, University of Denver/ King’s Table: Food and Diaspora Jews Theme: More than Slavery and Civil Iliff Theological Seminary, Hosea Brett Opalinski, University of Rights: Recognizing the African American Denver/Iliff Theological Seminary, Session 19. Religion and the Experience in American Religious History Janet S. Everhart, University of Denver, Chreia in the Sayings of the Desert Environment Courses Jezebel: Framed by Eunuchs? Fathers/Mothers Kathleen Flake, Vanderbilt University, T.W. Martin, University of Nebraska, Presiding Michael Selzer, Independent Scholar, Marda Kirn, University of Colorado, Ecological Semiotics of Destruction and Theomonarchism and the Pentateuch Boulder, “De-Dancing” the Early Church Restoration: Reading the Apocalypse of St. Panelists: c 30-600 John for Environmental Ethics Dennis C. Dickerson, Vanderbilt Frank Ritchel Ames, Colorado University Christian University, The Joy Lapp, University of Denver, “Bring Willem Zwart, University of Colorado, Nancy A. Hardesty, Clemson University Characterization of Jephthah and his Vow on the Instruments of Torture”: The Martyr Boulder, The Psychological and Spiritual Charles H. Lippy, University of in Judges 10:6-12:7 of Romance Roots of the Environmental Crisis Tennessee, Chattanooga Session 10. Religion in the U.S. Public Session 14. Native American Religions Michael Drummy, Prayer of the Earth: AAR: Arts, Literature and Religion I Square: Traditions and Transitions Meditative Practice and Environmental Theme: Biblical Themes in Nineteenth Mary Churchill, University of Stewardship Century Literature Lynn Ross-Bryant, University of Colorado, Boulder, Just like Corn, Beans, Carolyn Jones Medine, University of Colorado, Boulder, ‘American’ Identity: and Squash: Religious Studies, Theology Session 20. Religion and Film Georgia, Presiding Civil Religion in the National Parks and Indigenism in the Study of American J. H. Mazaheri, Auburn University Indian Women and Religion William Blizek, University of Nebraska, Work and Religion in Adam Bede Brandilyn Denison, University of The Face of God in Film Robert A. Bryant, Presbyterian College Colorado, Boulder, Commandment Michelene Pesantubbee, University of Biblical Patterns in Huckleberry Finn Wars: Public Discourse on the Decalogue Colorado, Boulder, Ritual and Identity: John Schultes, Iowa State, Popularizing and Sir Gibbe in Grand Junction, Colorado The Intersection between the Green Corn the Apocalypse: The End Times in Film Ceremony and Choctaw Women’s Roles SBL: Hebrew Scriptures/Old Testament I Jenna Gray-Hildenbrand, University of Jin Kyu Park, University of Colorado, Theme: The View after 9/11 Colorado, Boulder, The Politics of Louis Hieb, University of Washington, Boulder, “High School Girl Shinto Don Polaski, University of Virginia, ‘Under God’: An Examination of Newdow Sacred Clowns, Sacred Laughter Priestess Looking for the Messiah”: Cultural Presiding v. U.S. Congress Manifestation of Japanese Spirituality in

16 • March 2003 AAR RSN NEWS

Anathea Portier-Young, Duke University Speaker: Carey Gifford, Director of C. K. Robertson, Georgia College and AAR: Arts, Literature, and Religion III Wisdom, Piety, and Strength Academic Relations, American Academy State University Wayne Ballard, Carson-Newman of Religion The Twelve and The Seven: Insider Theme: On the Name: Identity in Arts, University Trading and Outsider Success in Acts 6-8 Literature, and Religion The Dialectic of War and Peace in the 8:00 AM-4:00 PM Sylvie Taconnet Raquel, New Orleans Carolyn Jones Medine, University of Psalms Registration Baptist Theological Seminary Georgia, Presiding J. Dewayne Howell, Campbellsville The Text of the Gospel of Matthew in Katherine Daly, University of Georgia University School of Theology 8:00 AM-6:00 PM the Writings of Origen The Process of Name in Frankenstein An Understanding of the Ger Book Exhibits and Montana 1948 Daniel Terry, Winston-Salem, NC AAR: Religion, Ethics, and Society I and Alice Mendoza, Wesleyan College With the Jawbone of a Donkey: Shame 9:00-10:45 AM Academic Study of Religion and The Ink of Diverse Gods: Religion in the and Violence Pedagogy I (joint session) Work of Amy Tan and Maxine Hong Vincent W. Wynne, Vanderbilt University AAR: African American Religion II and Theme: Teaching and Responding in a Kingston Kierkegaard, Religious Experience, and Religion in America II (joint session) Time of War Joshua Lawson, University of Georgia Violence Theme: Baptists Really Did That? A New Tina Pippin, Agnes Scott College, Sour Grapes and Soren’s Teeth: Look at Morgan Edward’s 1868 Customs Presiding Kierkegaard and the Binding of Isaac SBL: New Testament I of Primitive Churches Panelists: Revisited Eileen Campbell-Reed, Vanderbilt Michelle Tooley, Belmont College Theme: Studies in Matthew University, Presiding Shellini Harris, Guilford College SBL: New Testament III Richard B. Vinson, Baptist Theological Panelists: Sean Blevins, University of Tennessee, Theme: Women, Wisdom, and Folly Seminary at Richmond, Presiding Eileen Campbell-Reed, Vanderbilt Knoxville F. Scott Spencer, Baptist Theological Emily Cheney, University of Georgia University Respondent: Mark Hulsether, University Seminary at Richmond, Presiding Matthew’s Jesus, An Apocalyptic Loyd Allen, McAfee School of Theology of Tennessee, Knoxville Gail P. C. Streete, Rhodes College Emmanuel James P. Byrd, Jr., Vanderbilt University The Return of the Strange Woman: Yung Suk Kim, Vanderbilt University Bill J. Leonard, Wake Forest University AAR: Women and Religion I Mark 14:3-9 and Parallels Matthew’s Holy City (4:5 and 27:53) Theme: Diversity and Critical Appropriation Respondents: Elizabeth Struthers Mary Kay Dobrovolny, RSM, Vanderbilt SBL/ASOR: Archaeology and the of Texts Malbon, Virginia Polytechnic Institute University Ancient World I Sally Nicholson, Charlotte, NC, Presiding and State University A Matter of Justice: The Householder Theme: The Excavations at Banias Marian Osborne Berky, Vanderbilt Tina Pippin, Agnes Scott College and His Wages (Matthew 20:1-15) (Caesarea Phillipi) University Leroy Huizenga, Duke University Tom McCollough, Centre College, Ecofeminism, Cosmology, and the AAR: Philosophy of Religion and The Akedah as Allusive Apologetic at Presiding Hebrew Bible Theology II the Arrest of Jesus in the Gospel of Presentations: Monica A. Coleman, Claremont Graduate Theme: Issues in Science and Religion II Matthew Vassilios Tsafaris, Averett College School George W. Shields, Kentucky State John Laughlin, Averett College The Future of Religion and University, Presiding AAR: Philosophy of Religion and Theology: Black Women’s Science Myron Penner, Purdue University Theology I AAR: Arts, Literature and Religion II Fiction as Prophetic Literature The Resemblance Between Scientific Theme: Issues in Science and Religion I Theme: Hinduism and Arts, Literature, Melissa C. Stewart, Vanderbilt University Realism and Religious Realism George W. Shields, Kentucky State and Religion A Latina Feminist Appraisal of Gabriel Edward Schoen, Western Kentucky University, Presiding Carolyn Jones Medine, University of Garcarquez and David Tracy on University Emily Askew, Vanderbilt University Georgia, Presiding Syncretism and Suffering Clocks, God, and Scientific Realism On the Collusion of Theology and Craig Danielson, University of Virginia Walter Milner, Florida International Geography: God, Space, and 21st Scriptural Hermeneutics in the Vedic 11:00 AM-12:00 PM University Century Colonialism Tradition Fractal Theology: Mathematics, Jason Curry, Vanderbilt University James M. Hastings, Wake Forest Plenary Session Creation, Infinity, and Free Will Theology and Social Science at the University Kevin Schilbrack, Wesleyan College, Intersection: An Inquiry Concerning the The Verse is the River, and Hari is the Presiding AAR: Women and Religion II Validity of the Religious Association Ocean: Literature and Soteriology Ralph W. Hood, Jr., University of Theme: Classical Traditions and Feminist Scale Among Dadupanthi Renunciants in Tennessee, Chattanooga Appropriations Walter Milner, Florida International Seventeenth-Century India In the Shadow of the Serpent: The Deb Core, Eastern Kentucky University, University Sonam Kachru, University of Georgia Contemporary Handlers of Appalachia Presiding God is One: Mathematics, Kabbalah Memory and Violence “Before” the Sonya Jones and Zero Bhagavad Gita SATURDAY AFTERNOON, MARCH 15 The Career of Sally Kempton as Durgananda in Siddha Yoga Meditation 8:15-9:30 PM SBL: Hebrew Scriptures/Old Testament II 1:15-1:50 PM Lorine Getz, University of North Theme: Themes from the Hebrew Bible Carolina, Charlotte, and Beth A. AAR/SBL/ASOR: Plenary Session Don Polaski, University of Virginia, AAR/SBL/ASOR/SE (SECSOR): Joint Hallman, Healthy Alternatives, Inc. Presidential Addresses Presiding Business Meeting Old Religions as Resources for New Kevin Schilbrack, Wesleyan College, and David Moseman, Brewton-Parker College AAR/SE and SBL/SE Business Meetings Spiritual Energies and Ecologies John Laughlin, Averett College, Presiding A Reading of Habakkuk (immediately following) Jenna Poole Abel, Vanderbilt University All members of the societies are invited. 4:00-5:30 PM Announcements of Student Awards Sarai and the Palm Michael Graves, Hebrew Union College- 2:00-3:45 PM AAR: Academic Study of Religion and AAR: Herbert Burhenn, University of Jewish Institute of Religion Pedagogy II Tennessee, Chattanooga The Origins of the Ketiv-Qere Readings AAR: African American Religion III and Theme: Teaching Religion and Culture The Quest for Critical Judgment Religion in America III (joint session) Allison Bramblet, University of Georgia, AAR: History of Christianity I Presiding SBL: Jerry L. Sumney, Lexington Theme: The Transformation of Martyrdom Theme: American Religious Identity: Jennifer Manlowe, University of West Theological Seminary and the Body in the Fourth Century Competing Visions of the Church Georgia Paul Barks and Whines; You Call That D. Jonathan Grieser, Furman University, Lawrence Snyder, Western Kentucky Intimacy and Integrity Orientation: an Argument? Alternative Rationalities Presiding University, Presiding Teaching Philosophy, Religion, and in Paul Mike Beggs, Newberry College Sheila Laderberg, University of Virginia Culture Ante-ing Up: Martyrs as Political In Case of Rapture, This Model-T Will John Stark, Agnes Scott College 9:30-11:00 PM Chips in a Changing Game Be Abandoned: Early Pentecostalism as a One City, Many Gods: Practical and Conference Reception Bernadette McNary-Zak, Rhodes College Millenarian Movement Theoretical Considerations in Teaching Extending Piety: Expansive Imagery Steven P. Miller, Vanderbilt University “Religion in Atlanta” SATURDAY MORNING, MARCH 15 in the Life of Macrina Dilemmas of Post-American Faith: The Kenneth Honerkamp, University of D. Gregory Sapp, Mercer University Young Evangelicals, American Political Georgia 7:30-8:45 AM Mind over Matter: Augustine’s Culture, and Evangelical Social The Realm of the Exemplar in Islam: AAR/SBL: Women’s Caucus Religious Struggle of the Will over the Body Activism The Madrasa, Mosque and Saint’s Tomb Studies Breakfast Kaye Nickell, Vanderbilt University Lorine M. Getz, University of North SBL: New Testament II Sole (Soul) Competence and Crawford AAR: African-American Religion IV Carolina, Charlotte, and Linda Bennett- Theme: Studies in Luke-Acts and Early Howell Toy: Biblical Authority and Theme: Bible, Identity, and Spirituality in Elder, Valdosta State University, Christianity Southern Baptists in the Nineteenth the African-American Experience Presiding Andrew H. Wakefield, Campbell Century Sandy Dwayne Martin, University of University Divinity School, Presiding Respondent: Richard C. Goode, David Georgia, Presiding Business Meeting James A. Metzger, Vanderbilt University Lipscomb University Yolanda Pierce, University of Kentucky The Paideia in Luke 18:15-17 as When the Book Speaks: Slavery and Department Chairs’ Breakfast Models of Tenacity and Dependence Biblical Literacy Herbert Burhenn, University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, Presiding

March 2003 AAR RSN • 17 Religious Studies News, AAR Edition

Sylvester Johnson, Florida A&M 8:30-10:15 AM Inculturation or Accommodation?: 37403, USA; +1-423-425-4635; University Catholic Schools and Desegregation as a [email protected]. Tribalism and Religious Identity in the AAR: African American Religion V and Test Case for Catholic School Teaching Work of Richard Wright Religion in America III (joint session) Hotel reservations may be placed by call- J. Ridgeway Addison, Catholic University Theme: American Material Christianity Clarence Hardy, Rollins College ing +1-423-756-5150. The conference of America/Georgetown University James B. Byrd, Jr., Vanderbilt University, “We Grappled for the Mysteries”: Black room rate is $75 per night plus tax. The Confluence of Peace and Presiding God-Talk and Urban Spiritualities in Reservations placed after March 1 will be Nonviolence in the Mystical Theology of Thomas S. Bremer, Rhodes College 1920’s America accepted on a space available basis. Howard Thurman Preserving a Precious Heritage Douglas Thompson, Mercer University Jason A. Danner, University of Georgia Camp Hanover: Desegregation and the AAR/SBL: American Biblical We Are Like Coffee Grounds and God’s Limits of White Christian Leadership Hermeneutics I Love is Hot Water: Coffee as a Spiritual Respondent: Lewis V. Baldwin, Vanderbilt Theme: Noah’s Curse by Stephen Haynes Agent in Alcoholics Anonymous University Brian Britt, Virginia Polytechnic Kevin Lewis, University of South Carolina Institute and State University, Presiding The Weightless Magic of Amazing Grace AAR/SBL: American Biblical Panelists: Respondent: Daniel Sack, the Material Hermeneutics II and Philosophy of Stephen Haynes, Rhodes College History of American Religion Project and Religion III (joint session) Carter Turner, University of Denver Program Officer, Associated Colleges of Theme: Theological and Philosophical Bertram Wyatt-Brown, University of the Midwest Hermeneutics Florida Brian Britt, Virginia Tech, and George W. William Pinar, Louisiana State University AAR: History of Christianity II Shields, Kentucky State University, Theme: Defining and Challenging Gender Presiding SBL/ASOR: Archaeology and the Roles Robison B. James, Baptist Theological Ancient World II D. Jonathan Grieser, Furman University, Seminary at Richmond Theme: Archaeology and the Galilee Presiding Reconciling Hermeneutics Right and Southwest Commission on John Laughlin, Averett College, Presiding Sarah Jane Smith Left in American Christianity by Religious Studies Vassilios Tsafaris, Averett College Balaam’s She-Ass Speaks: Madame Dissolving the “Conspiracy” between Southwest Regional Meeting Program The Archaeological Excavations at Kursi Jeanne Guyon and her Justifications Newtonian and Book-of-Acts Ontologies AAR/SBL/ASSR/ASOR James F. Strange, University of South Alana Cain Scott, Morehead State Robert Ensign, Morris Brown College March 15-16, 2003 Florida University Torah as Teacher: Grice’s Cooperative Harvey Hotel-DFW Airport Archaeology and the Galilee Strength of the Spirit: Nonconformist Principle and Biblical Interpretation Irving, Texas Presidential Address: Women in Late Stuart England Douglas Kennard, Bryan College Milton Moreland, Huntingdon College Suzanne R. Thurman, University of Biblical Authority in the Contemporary 2002-2003 Sponsoring Institutions Archaeology and the Bible: Prospects for Alabama, Huntsville Hermeneutical Scene Abilene Christian University Peace When “Life is Cheap”: American Austin College Women Missionary Doctors, Native SBL/ASOR: Archaeology and the Austin Graduate School of Theology SBL: Hebrew Scriptures/Old Testament Midwives, and the Medico- Hebrew Bible Baylor University III and New Testament IV (joint session) Christianization of Childbirth Theme: Archaeology and Gender: Carol Centenary College of Louisiana Theme: Phyllis Trible’s God and the Rhetoric Meyers and the Archaeology of Ancient Concordia University at Austin of Sexuality AAR: History of Religions I Israel Dallas Baptist University Panelists: Theme: The Southern Media and the James F. Strange, University of South Dallas Theological Seminary B. Diane Wudel, Wake Forest University Margins of Christianity Florida, Presiding East Texas Baptist University (others to be named) Brian K. Pennington, Maryville College, Carol Meyers, Duke University Friends University Presiding Households and Holiness: Women, Houston Baptist University AAR: Philosophy of Religion and Panelists: Religion, and Culture in Ancient Israel Houston Graduate School of Theology Theology IV William Harman, University of Tennessee, Howard Payne University Theme: Current Issues in Philosophical and Chattanooga AAR: History of Judaism I Lubbock Christian University Systematic Theology Ralph Hood, University of Tennessee, Theme: Different Voices in Judaism through McMurry University George W. Shields, Kentucky State Chattanooga the Ages Oklahoma Baptist University University, Presiding Linda Bennett Elder, Valdosta State Oral Roberts University Nathan Jennings, University of Virginia SBL: New Testament V University, Presiding Ouachita Baptist University Divine Yearning and Divine Theme: Pauline Studies Linda Bennett Elder, Valdosta State Phillips Theological Seminary Impassibility in Pseudo-Dionysius’ Emily Cheney, University of Georgia, University Rice University Divine Names Presiding The Voice of Sophia in Seila’s Lament: Southern Arkansas University Minhyo Hwang, Union Theological Andrew H. Wakefield, Campbell Ps. Ph. 40 Southern Methodist University Seminary of Virginia University Divinity School Meredith Burke Hammons, Vanderbilt Southern Nazarene University Paul Tillich’s Ontological Explication of It’s All God’s Fault: The Scandal of University Southwest Missouri State University the Fall Romans 9:3-10:4 Hephzibah, Warrior Princess: The Southwestern Adventist University Mark Medley, Campbellsville University Kathy C. Williams, Vanderbilt University Mother of the Messiah in Jewish Texts Southwestern University An Evangelical Theology for a Exposing the Seven Sons of Sceva: The David Dault, Vanderbilt University St. Edwards University Postmodern Age: The Recent Theological Naked Truth of Acts 19:11-20 Rosenzweig and Derrida at Yom Kippur St. Mary’s University Project of Stanley J. Grenz Dustin W. Ellington, Duke University Gilya G. Schmidt, University of Texas Woman’s University James McLachlan, Western Carolina Participation in Christ and Cross- Tennessee, Knoxville Texas Christian University University Shaped Vocations: Interpreting 4:6-17 in Images from “the House of the Living” Trinity University Whoring, Polygamy, or Friendship?: Paul’s Argument of 1 Corinthians 1-4 in Contemporary Southern Germany University of Dallas Cobb and Griffin on Other Religions Zion Zohar, Florida International University of Kansas AAR: Religion, Ethics, and Society II University University of Mary Hardin-Baylor AAR: Women and Religion III Theme: Violence and Nonviolence The Academic Value of Teaching Jewish University of North Texas Theme: Women and Creativity Laura Stivers, Pfeiffer College, Presiding Sephardic Studies in an American University of the Incarnate Word Sonya Jones, Presiding Darla Schumm, Hollins University University Wayland Baptist University Sharon Chace, Meridan, CT Violent Moralizing: Christian Williams Baptist College Protestant Pulse: Turnings of One Missionary Responses to Prostitution in AAR: History of Religions II Xavier University of Louisiana Woman’s Heart Thailand Theme: Dharma in the South Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary Sally Nicholson, Charlotte, NC Joseph B. Fanning, Vanderbilt University Brian K. Pennington, Maryville College, Brite Divinity School, Texas Christian Women and Handicrafts September 11th as Social Drama: What’s Presiding University Jo Williams, Hilton Head Island, SC Rotten in the Global Village? Showing and discussion of the film Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Spiritual Findings Timothy Renick, Georgia State University “Dharma in the South,” a look at Southwest Business Meeting Preemptive Justice?: Unrealized Threats Tibetan Buddhist centers in the George W. Truett Theological Seminary, and the Grounds of War Southeast, presented by the filmmaker Baylor University SUNDAY MORNING, MARCH 16 Chris Silver, University of Tennessee, Logsdon School of Theology, Hardin- 10:30 AM-12:15 PM Chattanooga Simmons University 7:00-8:15 AM Respondent: Leigh Miller, Emory New Orleans Baptist Theological AAR: African American Religion VI and University Seminary Section Chairs’ Breakfast Religion in America IV (joint session) Perkins School of Theology, Southern Corrie Norman, Converse College, and Theme: American Race and Religion: Adjournment Methodist University Joel B. Green, Asbury Theological Questions of Institutional and Theological Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Presiding De-/Segregation Complete program information and regis- Seminary Andrew Manis, Macon State University, tration forms are available on the SEC- University of St. Thomas School of 8:00-11:00 AM Presiding SOR web site at www.utc.edu/~secsor or Theology at St. Mary’s Seminary Margaret E. Taylor-Ulizio, Marquette and from the Executive Director, Herbert Wimberly School of Religion, Oklahoma Registration Our Lady of Holy Cross College, New Burhenn, College of Arts and Sciences, City University Book Exhibits Orleans University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, TN

18 • March 2003 AAR RSN NEWS

IMPORTANT GENERAL 7:00-9:00 PM 11:30 AM 1:30 PM INFORMATION Linda Kraeger, Grayson College M. Alejandro Chaoul, Rice University Saturday Morning, March 15 John Wesley’s Challenge to Calvinists Tibetan Yoga from the Ancient Bon Place: Tradition and Some Applications as The Harvey Hotel-DFW Airport ANNUAL MEETING OF BOARD OF SBL: HEBREW BIBLE Complementary Treatment with Cancer Highway 114 at Esters Boulevard DIRECTORS SOUTHWEST COM- Presider: Matthias Henze, Rice University Patients 4545 John Carpenter Freeway MISSION ON RELIGIOUS STUDIES 10:30 AM 1:55 PM Irving, Texas 75063, USA 8:15 - 10:15 AM Richard J. Bautch, St. Edward’s University Jinfen Yan, Austin College +1-972-929-4500 Reading the Hebrew Bible Intertextually: Something or Nothing: Zhu Xi’s (Fax) +1-972-929-0733 SOUTHWEST REGION NATIONAL The Variety of Approaches Philosophy on Mind and Chan ASSOCIATION OF BAPTIST 11:00 AM Meditation Date: Saturday-Sunday, March 15-16, PROFESSORS OF RELIGION David T. Stewart, Southwestern University 2:20 PM 2003 8:30-10:30 AM Is Leviticus 19 an Inner-Biblical Susan Diggle, University of New Mexico Saturday, March 15 Exegesis of Exodus 20? Remembering Nalanda: Journeys of Message from President Stephen B. Reid: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM 11:30 AM Quest and Conquest to an Indian The SWCRS Board and I ask that you be REGISTRATION & BOOK EXHIBIT Victor H. Matthews, Southwest Missouri Monastic University aware that our meeting rooms are no State University 2:45 PM longer complimentary. It is important Saturday Morning, March 15 Encounters in Significant Space: Boaz Andrew Fort, Texas Christian University that you stay in the Harvey Hotel-DFW 10:30 AM-Noon and Ruth Introducing Vijnanabhikshu: A Airport. If members do not rent 100 AAR: JOINT SESSION-ARTS, Vedantic Samkhya-yogin sleeping rooms, our meeting room rental LITERATURE & RELIGION AND SBL: NEW TESTAMENT 3:10 PM charges will be prorated from $400 to PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION AND Theme: Paul Business Meeting $1500. THEOLOGY Presider: Pamela Kinlaw, McMurry Theme: Film and the Theological University AAR: ETHICS, SOCIETY & Housing Reservation: Reservations must Imagination 10:30 AM CULTURAL ANALYSIS be made by February 17, 2003 (a mail-in Presider: Rachel Wagner, Southwestern Jay Smith, Dallas Theological Seminary Theme: Theological Ethics hotel registration form can be found at University The Roots of a Libertine Slogan in Presider: Ron Smith, Hardin-Simmons the back of the meeting program). If you 10:30 AM 1Corinthians 6:18 University make reservations by phone, tell them that Andrew Hass, University of Houston 11:00 AM 1:30 PM you are with the Southwest Commission The Late Kubrick: Blindness and Insight Wendell Willis, Abilene Christian Philip LeMasters, McMurry University on Religious Studies. Guest room rates 11:00 AM University Theosis in Orthodox Christian are $79.00 a night for single or double John S. Vassar, Louisiana State University The Christian Outlook in Paul Biomedical Ethics occupancy. Triple or quadruple occupan- From Author to Auteur: The Gospel of 11:30 AM 2:00 PM cy rooms are available at $79.00. Luke and Martin Scorsese Anni Judkins, Baylor University Brett Dewey, Baylor University 11:30 AM The Law of Holiness in 1 Corinthians? Uprooting Embodied Heresy: John Transportation and Facilities: The Donna Bowman, University of Arkansas Yoder’s Ecumenical Thought and the Harvey Hotel-DFW Airport provides The Sacred Game: Representing ASSR Ethics of Church Unity complimentary, round-the-clock DFW ‘Religious’ Experience in the Baseball Theme: Sociological Theory and 2:30 PM Airport pickup. Once you have claimed Film Measurement of Religious Phenomena Jack Sibley, Texas Woman’s University your luggage, go to a courtesy phone, dial Presider: Jeter Basden, Baylor University Dostoyevsky’s ‘Alyosha’: The Artful the number for the Harvey Hotel-DFW, AAR: ASIAN & COMPARATIVE 10:30 AM Soul as the Secular Saint Irving, and arrangements will be made for STUDIES IN RELIGION Donnie Featherston, University of North 3:00 PM your trip to the hotel. Two restaurants, a Theme: Faith Communities’ Responses to Texas Business Meeting lobby bar, and room service are available. September 11 Between Costs and Benefits: A Benton’s Restaurant offers American Grille Presider: Andrew Fort, Texas Christian Reductive Theory of Religion AAR: HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY cuisine with prices ranging from $6.25 to University 11:15 AM Theme: African-American Christianity and $12.95 (lunch). Scoops Diner features 10:30 AM Lora D. Theisss-White, University of Race Relations burgers or salads all under $9.95. A Shannon DeMose, Brite Divinity School Missouri Presider: Mark Gstohl, Xavier University health facility, roof-top indoor/outdoor Development of Metroplex Interfaith Exploring Religious Bias in the DIT: A of Louisiana pool and jacuzzi are located on the fif- Dialogue in the Wake of September 11 Comparative Analysis Using Three 1:30 PM teenth floor. 11:00 AM Churches C. Jarrett Gray, Jr., Saint Paul School of Muhsin Shaheed, Dallas/Fort Worth Theology Meeting Pre-registration and Schedule: Airport Saturday Afternoon, March 15 J. W. E. Bowen and the Role and PRE-REGISTER before March 1, 2003 African American Muslim Leaders’ 1:30-3:30 PM Prospects of the African-American and SAVE $10 and avoid the on-site reg- Response to September 11 Community istration lines. Complete the meeting reg- 11:30 AM AAR: ARTS, LITERATURE 2:00 PM istration form at the back of the program Yushau Sodiq, Texas Christian University & RELIGION Karen Kossie-Chernyshev, Texas Southern (or you may register on-line at Immigrant Muslims’ Responses to Theme: Religion and Literature in a Global University http://www.baylor.edu/~Religion/SWCRS) September 11 Context Mapping the Missionary Impulse of and return it with the appropriate registra- Presider: Andrew Hass, University of Early African American Pentecostals in tion fee. Your registration includes an AAR: ETHICS, SOCIETY, AND Houston the Southwest: The Texas Case expanded reception at which awards will CULTURAL ANALYSIS 1:30 PM 2:30 PM be presented. Saturday evening sessions Theme: Issues in Social Ethics Darren J. N. Middleton, Texas Christian Kris Pratt, Baylor University will follow the reception at 6:30 pm, leav- Presider: Steve Oldham, University of University Incarnational Brotherhood: Clarence ing the late evening open for dinner gath- Mary Hardin-Baylor Jesus of Nazareth in Ghana’s Deep Jordan and Racial Equality erings. Please note that the meeting 10:30 AM Forest: Reflections on Afua Kuma’s 3:00 PM begins at 10:30 am on Saturday morning. David Halleen, Southern Methodist Intercultural Christopoetics Business Meeting University 2:00 PM ADDITIONAL EVENTS What’s so Special about the Discourse of Rachel Wagner, Southwestern University AAR: PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION Martin Luther King, Jr.? Mahound, the Imam, and the & THEOLOGY DEVELOPING YOUR TEACHING 11:00 AM Butterfly-Witch: Spiritual Journeys as Theme: Cutting-Edge Issues in Theology PORTFOLIO Tara Pratt, Baylor University Social Critique in Salman Rushdie’s Presider: John Starkey, Oklahoma City Vocation and Motherhood: Helping Satanic Verses University A Workshop for Teachers of Bible, Mothers Feel at Home in the Church 2:30 PM 1:30 PM Religion, Philosophy, and Theology in the 11:30 AM Whitney S. Bodman, Austin Presbyterian Dan Stiver, Hardin-Simmons University Southwest Region Jeff Tillman, Wayland Baptist University Theological Seminary The Strange Postmodernism of John Sponsored by the AAR and the SBL Evolutionary Ethics and Christian Non- Iblis and Adam: Sibling Rivalry in the Milbank March 14-15 (Friday afternoon-Saturday reciprocal Altruism Qur’an 2:00 PM morning) 3:00 PM Warren McWilliams, Oklahoma Baptist Application: Send name, school, and AAR: HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY Business meeting University position title (or estimated date of com- Theme: The Wesleys Will My Dog Be in Heaven? Two pletion of doctoral degree) to: Cynthia L. Presider: Carol Crawford Holcomb, AAR: ASIAN & COMPARATIVE Christian Advocates of Animal Rigby, Austin Presbyterian Theological University of Mary Hardin-Baylor STUDIES IN RELIGION Immortality Seminary, 100 E. 27th ST, Austin, TX 10:30 AM Theme: Medicine, Mind, Meditation and 2:30 PM 78795, USA; or e-mail at crigby@austin- Art Torpy, Baylor University Monasticism in the Yogic Search for Truth Rebecca Huskey, University of Iowa seminary.edu. Samuel Wesley: The Grandfather of the Presider: C. Mackenzie Brown, Trinity Discourse, Not Dogma: Paul Ricoeur’s Methodist Church University Philosophy of Mission Friday Evening, March 14 11:00 AM 3:00 PM Brian Brewer, Drew University Cole Starr, Lon Morris College SOUTHWEST REGION, NATIONAL Evangelical Anglicanism: John Wesley’s Gibson’s Paralogical Theism: Radical ASSOCIATION OF BAPTIST PROFES- Dialectical Theology of Baptism Orthodox Meets M-Theory SORS OF RELIGION

March 2003 AAR RSN • 19 Religious Studies News, AAR Edition

SBL: HEBREW BIBLE Joseph Washington’s Interpretation of SBL: NEW TESTAMENT II 7:30 PM Theme: Wisdom and Apocalyptic Literature American Negro Churches Theme: The World of Early Christians Timothy Hessel-Robinson, Graduate Presider: Mark W. Hamilton, Abilene Presider: Joseph Tyson, Southern Theological Union Christian University Saturday Afternoon, March 15 Methodist University The Song of Songs in Seventeenth 1:30 PM 4:00 PM Century Protestant Spirituality Mark Yelderman, Dallas Theological BREAK-3:30-4:00 PM Beth Sheppard, Southwestern College Seminary Complimentary coffee and tea The World Could Not Contain the AAR: PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION Not So Great Expectations: Qoheleth’s Books: The Johannine Corpus and the AND THEOLOGY Perspective of Temporal Life Saturday Afternoon, March 15 Ancient Library Theme: Covenant and Scriptural 2:00 PM 4:00 - 5:30 PM 4:30 PM Hermeneutics in Modern Jewish Mark Sneed, Lubbock Christian David Capes, Houston Baptist University Philosophy and Theology University AAR: JOINT SESSION - HISTORY OF The Lord’s Table: Divine or Human Presider: Laura Hobgood-Oster, Carpe Diem and God-Fearing as CHRISTIANITY AND ETHICS, Remembrance? Southwestern University “Hedging One’s Bets” in Qohelet SOCIETY, AND CULTURAL ANALYSIS 5:00 PM Panelists: 2:30 PM Theme: Panel Discussion in Honor of Bill Shiell, Baylor University Gregory Kaplan, Rice University Kelley Coblentz Bautch, St. Edward’s Ronald Flowers “Motioning for Silence”? Gestures in the Martin Yaffe, University of North Texas at University Presider: Nadia Lahutsky, Texas Christian Ancient World and the Book of Acts Denton 1 Enoch on Law: Concern or University Alan Udoff, St. Francis University Ambivalence? 4:00 PM ASOR II Respondent: 3:00 PM Steve Green, Willamette University Presider: Jesse Long, Lubbock Christian Joshua Parens, University of Dallas Robert Erlewine, Rice University 4:30 PM University The Interplay of Agency and Derek David, Baylor University 4:00 PM AAR: THETA ALPHA KAPPA Predestination in the Damascus 5:00 PM Thomas Briscoe, Baylor University SESSION Document from Qumran Ronald Flowers, Texas Christian Albright’s Concept of ‘Biblical Presider: Nadia Lahutsky, Texas Christian University Archaeology’ Revisited University SBL: NEW TESTAMENT 4:30 PM 6:30 PM Theme: Rhetoric and the New Testament AAR: ARTS, LITERATURE & Steven Ortiz, New Orleans Baptist Austin Lingerfelt, Texas Christian Presider: Mikeal Parsons, Baylor RELIGION Theological Seminary University University Theme: Wise Voices: Addressing Peace and Enthnoarchaeological Research and the Christ and Culture: Literature as a 1:30 PM Justice Through Art and Literature Development of Philistine Pottery Resource for African Studies Todd Penner, Austin College Presider: S. Brent Plate, Texas Christian 5:00 PM 6:50 PM Progymnasmatically Reconfiguring the University Joe Seger, Mississippi State University Sr. Anne Frances Le, University of St. Rhetorical Study of Acts Barbara Paleczny, Trinity University A Head’s Up on Tell Halif Thomas 2:05 PM Ann Semel, St. Mary’s University The Spirituality of Self-Abandonment Sharyn Dowd, Baylor University ASSR 7:10 PM Chreia Studies in the Gospel of Mark: AAR: PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION Theme: Islam; The Calling of Baptist Kenneth L. Herfurth, McMurray Retrospect and Prospect AND THEOLOGY Pastors University 2:40 PM Theme: Baptist Approaches to Original Sin Presider: Richard Ambler, Southern Theosis Abraham Smith, Perkins School of and the Question of Infant Salvation Arkansas University 7:30 PM Theology, Southern Methodist Presider: John Vassar, Louisiana State 4:00 PM Thomas R. Grimstad, McMurray University University Thomas Watts, University of Texas at University Finding Another Route to Luke’s Panelists: Arlington An Evaluation of H. Tristam Rhetoric Mark Gstohl, Xavier University of Islam, Social Needs, and the Voluntary Engelhardt’s View of Christian Bioethics 3:15 PM Louisiana Sector: Zakat and Beyond 7:50 General Discussion Danny Nance, Xavier University of 4:30 PM Megan Hornbeek, Oklahoma City Louisiana Jeter Basden, Baylor University University ASOR I Earl Waggoner, Golden Gate Baptist Vocational Calling: A Case Study of Theophany and Women’s Experience Presider: Stephen Von Wyrick, University Theological Seminary Texas Baptist Pastors 8:10 of Mary Hardin-Baylor Respondent: 5:00 PM John Thompson, Ouachita Baptist 1:30 PM Kevin Hall, Oklahoma Baptist University Business Meeting University Prescott H. Williams, Jr., Austin The Colossian Hymn Presbyterian Theological Seminary, retired SBL: HEBREW BIBLE Saturday Evening, March 15 8:30 A Reexamination of the Fortress Temple Theme: Job RECEPTION Emily Gray, Ouachita Baptist University and the Israelite 8th century House at Presider: Kelley Coblentz Bautch, St. 5:30-6:30 PM The Resurrection Hope in Paul Shechem Edward’s University All registrants will receive a coupon for 8:50 2:00 PM 4:00 PM the reception. Julie Bradley, Ouachita Baptist University Miriam Davis, Delta State University Randall O’Brien, Baylor University Complimentary food and beverage will be A Pauline Understanding of the The Early Career of Kathleen Kenyon, World, Winds, and Whirlwinds: The served. Atonement of Jesus 1925-1935 Voice of God Meets ‘The Vice of God’ Announcement of 2003 Awards 2:30 PM 4:30 PM Presider: Stephen Stell, Austin College Saturday Evening, March 15 LaMoine F. DeVries, Southwest Missouri Mark Hamilton, Abilene Christian President, Southwest Commission on 8:00 -9:30 PM State University University Religious Studies Additional Event The Mouse from Ai Job 31 and the Collapse of Traditional 3:00 PM Authority: A Weberian Approach Saturday Evening, March 15 INSTITUTE FOR BIBLICAL Joel Burnett, Baylor University 5:00 PM 6:30-8:30 PM RESEARCH Onomastic Evidence for Deities of Iron- Rebecca Raphael, Southwest Texas State 8:00 PM Age Transjordan University SBL: JOINT SESSION-NEW Introduction The Arrows of Shaddai: A Disabled TESTAMENT/HEBREW BIBLE 8:30 PM ASSR Reading of Job Presider: David Gunn, Texas Christian Beverly Burrow, Dallas Texas Theme: Philosophical Interpretations of University Inspired by the Scriptures: Paul’s Dreams Justified by Faith SBL: NEW TESTAMENT I 6:30 PM Antecedents for Autobiographical Presider: Jon Loessin, Wharton County Theme: Gospels Stephen Chapman, Duke University Writing Junior College Presider: Dennis Horton, Howard Payne Canon and Criticism 9:00 PM 1:30 PM University Claudia Camp, Texas Christian University J. Daniel Hays, Ouachita Baptist Joe E. Barnhart, University of North Texas 4:00 PM Response University Dreams and the Early Evolution of Drew Smith, Ouachita Baptist University Denis Farkasfalvy, Cistercian Abbey, Our Responsible Scholarship in Light of Pop Religion “This is my beloved Son; listen to him”: Lady of Dallas Eschatology 2:00 PM Theology and Christology in the Gospel Response Open discussion Linda Kraeger, Grayson College of Mark The Psychology of Justification by Faith 4:30 PM AAR: HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY Sunday Morning, March 16 2:30 PM Michael Martin, Baylor University Theme: Spirituality and Mysticism Mark Gstohl, Xavier University of Betrothal in the Cana-to-Cana Presider: Daniel Holcomb, New Orleans 7:30-8:30 AM Louisiana Narrative: A Key to the Integrity and Baptist Theological Seminary Business Meetings When Common Sense is Not so Ecclesiology of the Fourth Gospel 6:30 PM Common Anymore: How Changes in 5:00 PM C. J. T. Talar, UST School of Theology 7:30-8:30 PM Philosophy Impacted Southern Baptist Derek Dodson, Baylor University The Historian and the Mystic: The ASOR Business Meeting Interpretations of Original Sin No Exorcisms in the Gospel of John? Revisionist Vision of Henri Bremond 3:00 PM John 12:31 as THE Johannine Exorcism 7:00 PM 7:45-8:30 PM Terence D. Keel, Xavier University of Timothy A. Mahoney, University of Texas SBL Business Meeting Louisiana at Arlington Contemporary Problems and Interpreting the Mysticism of St. John of 8:00-8:30 PM Expressions: A Theological Reflection on the Cross AAR Business Meeting

20 • March 2003 AAR RSN NEWS

8:00-8:30 PM Victor Matthews, Southwest Missouri “God Never Begrutches His People activities in the field of religious studies in ASSR Business Meeting State Anything They Desire”: Jonathan the Southwest. The Commission now Response Edwards and the Generosity of God serves as the umbrella organization for the Sunday Morning, March 16 9:45 PM 11:30 AM regional American Academy of Religion, 8:00 AM-12:30 PM Nancy Reed, Texas Tech University Phillip Luke Sinitiere, University of Society of Biblical Literature, Association BOOK EXHIBIT Losers Never Prosper in Greco-Roman Houston for the Scientific Study of Religion, and Sports The Dismissal of Jonathan Edwards: American Schools of Oriental Research. Sunday Morning, March 16 10:15 PM Reflections on “A Farewell Sermon” 8:30-10:30 AM Stephen Von Wyrick, University of Mary 12:00 PM The SWCRS is sponsored by regional Hardin-Baylor Galen Johnson, John Brown University institutions whose faculty are eligible to AAR: PLENARY SESSION - Cambyses and the Temples Doomed The Book of Revelation as the Code of apply for the Junior Scholar Grant of REFLECTIONS ON THE TEACHING Christian History in Jonathan Edwards’ $2000 and to be nominated for the John OF RELIGION Sunday Morning, March 10 A History of the Work of Redemption G. Gammie Distinguished Scholar Award Theme: On Being a Good Teacher AND a 10:30-11:00 AM of $2000. Good Writer-Practical Advice from Those BREAK AAR: PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION Who Care About Both Complimentary coffee and tea AND THEOLOGY 2002-03 MEMBERS OF THE SWCRS Presider: Cynthia L. Rigby, Austin Theme: Epistemological Issues in Philosophy BOARD OF DIRECTORS Presbyterian Theological Seminary CAUCUS ON WOMEN’S STUDIES of Religion Panelists:Karen Baker-Fletcher, Southern 10:30 -11:00 AM Presider: Dan Stiver, Hardin-Simmons Directors Ex Officio Methodist University Participants are encouraged to be ready to University President Michael Jinkins, Austin Presbyterian talk about a book or a film that has been 11:00 AM Stephen Stell Theological Seminary important to them in the last year. Paul Sands, Baylor University Religion and Philosophy Todd Penner, Austin College John Henry Newman on Religious Austin College Sunday Morning, March 15 Certitude Vice-President SBL: HEBREW BIBLE 10:00 AM 11:20 AM Francisco Garcia-Treto Theme: The Book of Isaiah David Grant, Texas Christian University Department of Religion Presider: Robert Erlewine, Rice AAR: ARTS, LITERATURE, & Human Believing Trinity University University RELIGION 11:40 AM Secretary-Treasurer 8:30 PM Theme: Christ and the Inspiration of Poets Frederick Aquino, Abilene Christian W.H. Bellinger, Jr. Chuck Pitts, Houston Graduate School of Presider: Darren J. N. Middleton, Texas University Department of Religion Theology Christian University Respondent Baylor University The Theology and Practice of Worship As 11:00 AM a Unifying Theme in the Book of Isaiah Dannah Edwards, University of Dallas SBL: HEBREW BIBLE Directors Selected by 9:00 PM “Gods float in the azure air”: Ezra Presider: Mark Sneed, Lubbock Christian Society of Biblical Literature Steve Brailsford, New Orleans Baptist Pound’s Polytheistic Corrective to the University Theological Seminary Judeo-Christian Tradition 11:00 AM President A Linguistic Analysis of Isaiah 11:30 AM Joel S. Burnett, Baylor University David M. Gunn 9:30 PM Theresa Kenney, University of Dallas The Elohistic Psalter Revisited Texas Christian University Presidential Address The Infant Christ as Inspiration to the 11:30 AM Secretary-Treasurer David Gunn, Texas Christian University Anglo-Saxons Kevin Hall, Oklahoma Baptist University President-Elect “Lawless Riot and Intestine Division”: 12:00 PM Poetics Justice: Can a Preposition Make Joseph B. Tyson Judges 19-21 and Civil War in England Susan E. Hanssen, University of Dallas Hannah a Priest? Emeritus-SMU and North America, 1628-1786 Christian Inspiration and Tradition in 12:00 PM Vice-President G. K. Chesterton’s Literary Art Susan Pigott, Hardin Simmons University James M. Kennedy SBL: NEW TESTAMENT David, the Dancing Girls and Michal’s Baylor University Theme: Resurrection/ Afterlife AAR: ASIAN & COMPARATIVE Disgust: A pas de trois in the Dance of Secretary-Treasurer Presider: William Walker, Trinity STUDIES IN RELIGION Davidic Kingship James W. Thompson University Theme: Tradition and Modernity: Conflict, Abilene Christian University 8:30 PM Accommodation, or Synthesis? SBL: NEW TESTAMENT Immediate Past President Mark Proctor, LeTourneau University, Presider: Yushau Sodiq, Texas Christian Theme: Responses to Robert A. J. Gagnon’s Charles H. Talbert Houston University The Bible and Homosexual Practice Baylor University “After Three Days” in Mark: The 11:00 AM Presider: James Thompson, Abilene Trivialization and Subordination of David H. Vila, John Brown University Christian University Directors Selected by American Academy Jesus’ Resurrection from the Dead in the Teaching Islam Post-9/11: An 11:00 AM of Religion Second Gospel Evangelical Perspective David Balch, Brite Divinity School, Texas 9:00 PM 11:30 AM Christian University President Jamie Clark-Soles, Perkins School of Michael M. Homan, Xavier University of 11:30 AM Cynthia Rigby Theology, Southern Methodist Louisiana Charles Talbert, Baylor University Austin Presbyterian Theol. Sem. University Islam and Alcohol 12:00 PM President-Elect Death and Afterlife in the Fourth 12:00 PM Discussion Claire Sahlin Gospel C. Mackenzie Brown, Trinity University Texas Women’s University 9:30 PM Pedagogical and Methodological Issues in Sunday Afternoon, March 15 Vice-President Carey Newman, Baylor University Developing a Religion Course on 12:30 PM Darren J.N. Middleton Resurrection as Re-Embodiment: A Islamic, Hindu, and Traditional Texas Christian University Critical Review of N. T. Wright’s Chinese Sciences PLANNING SESSION FOR 2004 Secretary-Treasurer Resurrection of the Son of God MEETING Stacy Patty 10:00 PM AAR: ETHICS, SOCIETY, AND Lubbock Christian University Jeff Peterson, Austin Graduate School of CULTURAL ANALYSIS SWCRS OFFICERS Immediate Past President Theology Theme: Religion and Society AAR/SBL/ASSR/ASOR OFFICERS Andy Fort The Extent of Early Christian Diversity: Presider: Tracey Mark Stout, Baylor AND NEWLY ELECTED PROGRAM Texas Christian University The Place of Resurrection Faith University CHAIRS 11:00 AM Directors Selected by Association for the ASOR III Linda Kraeger, Grayson College Presider: 2003-04 President, SWCRS Scientific Study of Religion Presider: LaMoine De Vries, Southwest Culture Wars in Puritan New England: President Missouri State University Church-State Controversy MEMORIAL REPORT Richard Ambler 8:30 PM 11:30 AM Southern Arkansas University Jesse Long and Mark Sneed, Lubbock Daniel Payne, Baylor University The Southwest Commission on Religious Secretary-Treasurer Christian University Christ or Antichrist? The Political Studies would like to pay tribute at our Mary Ann Clark ‘Yahweh Has Called These Three Kings Economy of Fr. Sergius Bulgakov meeting in March 2003 to those members Rice University Together’? A Socio-Literary Reading of 2 12:00 AM of our participating societies who have Kings 3 Doug Soderstrom, Wharton County recently died. If you know of recently Directors Selected by American Schools 9:00 PM Junior College deceased members, please notify W. H. of Oriental Research James C. Moyer and Mary Chiles, The Crisis and the Challenge of the Bellinger, Jr. at Baylor University, President Southwest Missouri State University Christian Faith Department of Religion, P.O. Box 97284, Jesse C. Long Victor Matthews, The Social World of Waco, TX 76798-7284, USA. Lubbock Christian Un. the Hebrew Prophets, Hendrickson AAR: HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY Vice President (2001) and J. Gordon McConville, Theme: Jonathan Edwards SOUTHWEST COMMISSION ON Stephen Von Wyrick Exploring the Old Testament, Volume 4, Presider: Phillip Luke Sinitiere, RELIGIOUS STUDIES Un. of Mary Hardin-Baylor A Guide to the Prophets, Inter Varsity University of Houston Secretary Press (2002), a Review and Comparison 11:00 AM The Southwest Commission on Religious Steve Ortiz Glenn R. Kreider, Dallas Theological Studies was organized in 1975 to encour- New Orleans Baptist Theo. Seminary Seminary age, support, and coordinate scholarly

March 2003 AAR RSN • 21 Religious Studies News, AAR Edition

Directors Selected by the SWCRS Board ENTREPRENEURIAL CHAIR, from p.3 SATURDAY, JUNE 21 • Curriculum Development or of Directors Funding Research Claudia Camp (2001-03), Texas Christian 10:15 – 11:45 AM 9:00 – 10:00 AM University Breakout Sessions Plenary Speaker: Raymond B. 3:00 – 3:30 PM Philip LeMaster (2001-04), McMurry • Faculty Retention/ Williams, Founding Director, Break University Tenure/Promotion Wabash Center for Teaching and Elias Bongmba (2002-05), Rice University • Mentoring Junior Faculty Learning in Theology and Religion 3:30 – 4:30 PM • Faculty Evaluation Wrap Up: Questions and Answers • Curriculum Development or Topic: Creating an Enabling Funding Research Environment for Excellent Teaching and Learning 5:00 – 6:00 PM 11:45 AM – 1:30 AM Reception Lunch 10:00 – 10:15 AM Break There will be plenty of informal oppor- 1:30 – 3:00 PM tunities for gathering the collective wis- Breakout Sessions 10:15 – 11:45 AM dom of the group. The venue for the Breakout Sessions workshop, Georgetown University, is • Faculty Retention/ • Faculty Retention/ nestled amid imposing neo-gothic archi- Tenure/Promotion Tenure/Promotion tecture and quaint cobblestone streets. • Mentoring Junior Faculty • Mentoring Junior Faculty The Conference Center is situated on the • Faculty Evaluation • Faculty Evaluation 104 acre campus. Nearby are • Curriculum Development or • Curriculum Development or Georgetown Park, the Washington Funding Research Funding Research National Airport, the Smithsonian muse- ums, and all of the sights, sounds, enter- 3:00 – 3:30 PM 11:45 AM – 1:30 PM tainment, and monuments of the nation’s Break Lunch capital.

3:30 – 4:30 PM 1:30 – 3:00 PM Registration information can be found Wrap Up: Questions and Breakout Sessions at http://www.aarweb.org/department/ Answers • Faculty Retention/ workshops/2003Georgetown/default.asp. ❧ Tenure/Promotion 5:00 – 6:00 PM • Mentoring Junior Faculty Reception • Faculty Evaluation

Upper Midwest Upper Midwest Region of the AAR and SBL: Annual Meeting

The Upper Midwest Region of the TAYLOR, from p.10 themselves as “migrant workers” or as important as they may be) to empirically American Academy of Religion and the laboring in academic “sweatshops,” leads based judgments about the current situa- Society of Biblical Literature will hold its In the middle of my adjunct years, me, on behalf of the Executive Office and tion and future trends. The American annual meeting at Luther Seminary, Saint strangely enough, I was elected secretary Board of Directors, to urge the AAR to Association of University Professors, the Paul, Minnesota, on 25-26 April, 2003. of the Pacific Northwest region of the join in a more intentional conversation American Historical Association, and the The region consists of scholars, faculty, AAR and thereby took a seat on the AAR’s about adjunct faculty and teaching and Modern Language Association have and religious professionals who reside in Board of Directors. Not once in either scholarship in religious studies. Initial already published considerable data; the Manitoba, Northwest Territories, my Academy-wide or regional roles was I steps toward this conversation include AAR’s own recent census of undergradu- Nunavut, Saskatchewan, Iowa, Minnesota, made to feel like a second-class citizen – these reflections of mine, as well as the ate departments of religion should be North Dakota, South Dakota, or my colleagues welcomed me and put me planning of a Special Topics Forum for a mined for relevant information about Wisconsin. At its 2003 meeting, the to work immediately. However, I did future Annual Meeting. Helpful adjuncts in our discipline. 3) region welcomes colleagues from the notice that the unselfconscious patterns of resources and willing partners already Dissemination of survival strategies and American Schools of Oriental Research. speech, thought, and action within the exist, for instance: the National Coalition possible ameliorative actions for current organization often presume that the “nor- of Independent Scholars with its varied adjuncts, including creative contracting The meeting begins with the American mative” AAR member is a tenured, or activities; a series of articles and colloquia options and efforts to secure collective Academy of Religion address at 1:00 PM tenure-track, professor within an institu- on the part of The Chronicle of Higher bargaining rights for adjunct faculty. 4) on Friday. The featured speaker is Elaine tion that prizes research above all else. Education; Forum, a newsletter of the Frank dialogue about the realities of the Pagels (tentative). The Society of Biblical Through my service on the Board of Non-Tenure-Track Special Interest Group academic workplace with those most like- Literature address is at 6:30 PM on Friday Directors, I have gained a broader per- included within each issue of The Journal ly to become adjuncts in the future: stu- with Michael V. Fox. He will speak on spective on the ranks of adjunct faculty of the Conference on College Composition dents currently in graduate studies. 5) “Concepts of Wisdom in Israelite Wisdom within religious studies. For three years at and Communication; the Fall 2002 issue of Positive and negative pedagogical implica- Literature.” Both speakers will be part of the Annual Meeting, I helped host recep- Peer Review, a publication of the tions of the increasing reliance on adjunct panel discussion on Saturday morning. tions for religion scholars in part-time, Association of American Colleges and faculty in undergraduate general educa- administrative, and non-academic posts. Universities. I recently attended a trou- tion courses in religious studies. 6) Scholars and students will present a full As a result of talking to people at these bling yet illuminating meeting sponsored Structural and ethical issues involved in complement of papers on a range of reli- functions, I learned that there is no one by the Coalition on the Academic the use and abuse of adjuncts, with spe- gious and Biblical topics. A panel will single “adjunct” experience or scenario. I Workforce – a group created in 1997 by a cial attention to the full range of legiti- address teaching Islam in the post-9/11 met adjuncts who had no desire for full- number of learned societies in this coun- mate, but often divergent, interests repre- world from non-Muslim and Muslim per- time positions, who were perfectly happy try (including the AAR) to study and act sented, such as the needs of graduate stu- spectives. Teaching workshops on feminist teaching a course or two a year so that upon changing trends in faculty staffing. dents to gain teaching experience, of jun- pedagogy and service learning complete they might pursue other professional, The Wabash Center has offered some of ior faculty for time and support as they the schedule. This year the region will artistic, and personal commitments. But I its resources if fitting initiatives can be do the research required for tenure, of again participate in the Regional Scholar also heard stories that made my time as an dreamed and developed. chairs and deans to live within budgetary Program of the Society of Biblical adjunct seem positively privileged: people constraints, of all concerned for just and Literature. teaching in three or four different institu- It seems to me that this conversation humane working conditions, especially tions simultaneously, driving great dis- within the AAR ought to engage the fol- the most vulnerable. Full information on the meeting and regis- tances between these schools, being paid lowing specific topics, at least. 1) tration will be available in early February $1,500 or less per course without health Examination and clarification of our lan- I welcome responses, suggestions, and pro- and published on the region’s web site at benefits, office space, photocopier privi- guage: what do we mean by “adjunct?” posals from the readers of RSN-AAR http://umw-aarsbl.org. ❧ leges, telephone or e-mail services. part-time or full-time? graduate assistants Edition via e-mail: [email protected]. ❧ included? would the term “contingent The plight of such “road scholars” or faculty” serve more adequately? 2) “freeway flyers,” who often describe Transition from anecdotal discussions (as

22 • March 2003 AAR RSN FEATURES

STUDENT LIASON, from p.11 their activity this past year was self-initiat- • Creation and/or management of stu- ed; however, liaisons report that the sup- dent listservs In addition, student liaisons contributed port of department chairs and administra- three original articles to the “Student tors is also critical. •“Dry-run” colloquia in which stu- Members” section of the AAR website. dents can practice presenting papers David Watson of Southern Methodist The following activities and events were University authored a helpful and humor- cited by liaisons at a number of different • Professional development and career- ous piece entitled “Making the Most of institutions: planning workshops and “brown-bag” the Annual Meeting or How to Get Free or pizza luncheons Soda,” and Julie J. Kilmer contributed a • Regular e-mail announcements for “how-to” essay entitled “I’m Presenting graduate students regarding the bene- • Mock job interviews this Year at the AAR! Or How to Present a fits and costs of AAR membership, Professional Paper at the American upcoming conferences and deadlines, • Distributing newsletters or writing Academy of Religion Annual Meeting.” job opportunities announced in articles about the annual meeting for Sigridur Gudmarsdottir of Drew Openings, etc. student newsletters University wrote a third article tailored specifically for international students. • Introductions to the AAR (frequently [Finally,] in response to a request from the Sigridur, who describes herself as “50 per- held at the beginning of each semes- executive office, the SLG solicited sugges- cent of the Icelandic PhD students in ter) tions from students for topics for profes- America and 100 percent of the Icelandic sional development workshops to take female PhD students in theology in the • Parties for new students place at future annual meetings. The sug- world,” reflects on the importance of find- gestions were compiled and voted upon by ing a niche in American academic life. • Assistance on an individual basis to the SLG in September, and the five topics [All pieces are available at http://www.aar- students that received the most votes were submit- web.org/ students/] ted to the executive office for implementa- • Coordination of transportation and tion. These topics are: (1) pedagogical Student liaison annual reports were sub- housing for AAR meetings styles, (2) interview dos and don’ts, (3) mitted to the Student Director in writing a syllabus, (4) how to get pub- October. These reports demonstrate that • Publicizing of opportunities for travel lished, and (5) evaluating students. ❧ liaisons continue to perform a tremendous funding service both to fellow students and to the academy as a whole. As usual, much of

First Name Last Name Region Institution E-Mail Brett Dewey Southwest Baylor University [email protected] Martyn A. Oliver New England-Maritimes Boston University [email protected] Michael Slater New England-Maritimes Brown University [email protected] Daniel Reuben WesternCalifornia Institute of Integral Studies [email protected] C.C. Pecknold Cambridge University [email protected] Laura L. M. Crawford Midwest Chicago Theological Seminary [email protected] Janice Bakke Western Claremont Graduate University [email protected] Sigridur Gudmarsdottir Mid-Atlantic Drew University [email protected] Andrew William Getz Eastern International Duquesne University [email protected] Melissa Johnston Barrett Southeast Emory University [email protected] Kelly Baker Southeast Florida State University [email protected] Leah Gunning Midwest Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary [email protected] J. Todd Billings New England-Maritimes Harvard Divinity School [email protected] Constance Wise Rocky Mountain-Great Plains Iliff School of Theology, University of Denver [email protected]

IN THIS ISSUE Jennifer Hart Midwest Indiana University [email protected] Teach Fall 2001 ing Religion and Theology in Published by the American Academy of Religion Great B ritain Denise Starkey Midwest Loyola University Chicago [email protected] Vol. 16, No.3 Introduction ...... 2 Hugh Pyper Issues in Teaching System Theology Today .atic ...... 3 D Anita L. Bradshaw Upper Midwest Luther Seminary [email protected] avid Ferguson Teaching Teaching South Religions . . . . . A. sian...... 3 Chakravarth i Ram-Prasad Religion Religious Studies and the Nathan RB Loewen Eastern International McGill University [email protected] Internet ...... 4 Gary Bunt Teach ing about religion in & schools ...... 5 Denise C the Theology ush Kimberly Bresler Mid-Atlantic Princeton Theological Seminary [email protected] Teachin g biblical studies . . .7 in Bill C Great Britain ampbell Hugh Pyper, guest editor of Spotlight on Teaching, is Senior Lecturer in Biblical Studies at the University of Lori Meeks Mid-Atlantic Princeton University [email protected] Leeds and Associate Director for Theology and Religious Studies. HE UNITED KINGDOM has a long record of high-quality teaching in theology and religious studies, The AA with highly respected institutions, and world-class teachers and scholars. It is also home to rich resources R Com Teaching and mittee on T in its libraries, its heritage, and in the increasing cultural diversity of the country. Until now, because there Learnin (Thomas Peterson, A g University, C lfred Myron Penner Midwest Purdue University [email protected] Spotlight on Thair), sponsors is n o single re app eaching olo prese ears tw . It gy and r ntative b ice each spo eligious stu ody for t Religious Studies N year in nds to th dies th he- matio e AAR, fin at corre subjects o Edition ews, AA n and tra ding - r facin as a special p R bee ckin this info Researc g part section focusing n time-c g down r- h proje icular p ullout sea onsum contacts h use o cts into roblems rching t ing. It h as f Web m topics . and learn on teaching site hroug as invo pro aterial in such a AAR/S Julie Kutac Southwest Rice University [email protected] ing around a s of B h the in lved blems o teach s the BL Ann p ritish un dividual w stu f particu ing, th and L ual Me articular them related b iversitie eb dent gr lar disa e earning eting. T odies. s, c olle d oups, an dvanta been Comm he Teac or setting. e, concern ges, and eal with d creativ ged very su ittee of th hing , a increas e ways of e pportive e AAR This e re spon ing stud to xchange , and th has dition o sored by ent num are very e possib Rich intro f Spotligh shortly to the PR bers, promisi ilities ard A. F duces a n t on T launc S-LTSN T ng. ruend othe ew pro eaching forum fo h a jou . We a his editio University of H r things ject tha r pub rnal to p re b n falls in acc , offers a o t, amon The a lication rovide y a varie to six Editor. artford ess to th ne-sto g im of th of such a ty of p section Greg Watkins Western Stanford University [email protected] re e whole p site abou e PRS materia LTSN a eople in s, written ligious s field o for t a cha -LTSN l. nd its w volved tudies i f theolo an nge of c is to brin windo ork. T with th particula n Brita gy and d writin ulture so g w into t ogether, t e Laurie L rly con in. The p acc g about tea that ta religio he teach hey give . Patton commu cerned to roject i epted a chin lking us stud ing of th a E nicatio foster th s a part o g becom to ex ies in B eology mory U teachin n of effe e s the dis f the life es as plain so ritain to and niversity g and le ctive pra cussion of aca feat me of th day. We Associate Editor admin arning ctice in delighte of rese demics ures of th e chara hope istered . The n d to off arch. W sy e educ cteristic Relig by the P ew site is Studies N er reade e are stems in ational tra ious St hiloso ews a rs of Relig fo Britain dition H Lea udies S phical an about th n invitat ious od for th in a way s and Christa Shusko Eastern International Syracuse University [email protected] ugh Pyper, rning a ubject C d e PR ion to le ough that m N nd Teac entre o beco S-LTSN arn m countr t for th ay give University of L etwork hing Su f the me invo ’s w ork ore ies — w ose in o , or PRS pport of p lved in th , and to inspira hether a ther G eeds, British in -LTSN ooling e excitin tion or as a s a sour uest Editor stitutio . Links to gie resourc g possib cau ce of and relig ns teac all th s intern es and te ilities tionary ta ious st hing th e ationally aching We le. league udies, a eology . strate- begin w s teachin nd to B S the ith a ge availa g in a p ritish co ome is PRS-LT neral de ble at http articula l- sues are s by SN an scriptio The ://www r field, a situatio pecific to Hugh P d its pu n of site also .prs-ltsn re n, of co the B o yper, th rposes w Harold Chad Hillier Eastern International Toronto School of Theology [email protected] web offers d .leeds.ac.u proble urse, bu ritish f the Ce e Asso ritten cia -based p iscussio k. ms of te t the ba fo ntre with te Dire con ublicatio n group creativ aching stu sic r theo specia ctor ference ns, an s, ely in th dents logy and l respo fo s. It offe d news o and a ese sub to thin also Sen religio nsibility r sharin rs a ne f ssessing jects, an k ior Lec us stud le g best p w possib cros teachin d of fin at the U turer in ies. He is arning, n ractice a ility s nation g materi ding niversity Biblica ot jus nd teac pro al boun als to u move o of L l Studie between t within hing blems e daries. C se, n to D eeds. W s Britain Britain te xist, for in ommo teac enise C e then world. I and th , but rms with stanc n hing relig ush’s d n the fo e rest o th the pro e, in co Bri ion at iscussio to intr llowin f the e chan per use ming to tain, wh school le n of Donna DeSarro-Raynal Southeast Union-PSCE [email protected] oduce th g pages, w ging ed of the In diffe ich has vel in u so sugge is projec e hop students a cationa ternet, rences fro me im st some t to y e t the sc l experie U m th portan mig topics th ou and t sion bet hool le nce of nited St e situa t ht cover. is new o ween te vel, and ro ates. G tion in t dialog the ne achers’ in the ten le of th ary Bun he ue ed to en depen - e Intern t addre T Broa sure pr dence a studies e et in B sses the he web site dening t oper sta nd ducatio ritish re o is th all. T he dialo ndards. three p n. This ligious f the L e most he PR gue can ersona is follo TSN, b accessib fro S-LTSN only h religio l views o wed by deal of o ut behin le part m stron has alre elp us us stu n teac ther a d it is a f g links w ady be Brit dies and hing Dyron Daughrity University of Calgary [email protected] shops fo ctivity. L great or Teach ith th nefited ain. Th theolo r tea TSN o ing Th e Waba R e first is gy in m chers in ffers w at Wab eology a sh Cente am-Prasa by Dr C odern volved in ork- ash Colle nd Relig r L d of th hakra partic Indian ge, Cr ion ba ancaste e Univ vati ular a. The tw awfordsv sed r, th e se ersity o in a S o bod ille, Ferguss cond b f pecial S ies are c on of th y Profess ession a o-opera Edinbu e Unive or Dav t this ye ting rgh, an rsity of id ar’s Camp d the th bell, As ird by B PRS- sociate D ill LTSn in irector Wendy Wiseman Western University of California, Santa Barbara [email protected] Lampe of the ter.

Fall 20 01 AAR Michael Jon Kessler Midwest University of Chicago [email protected] RSN • 1 Forrest Clingerman Midwest University of Iowa [email protected] Paul Thomas Southwest University of Missouri, Kansas City [email protected] Amy Lorion Southeast University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill [email protected] In the next Paul Martens Midwest University of Notre Dame [email protected] Shannon Hatley New England-Maritimes University of Pennsylvania [email protected] Spotlight on J. Douglas Harrison Western University of Southern California [email protected] Sarah King Eastern International University of Toronto [email protected] Teaching Catherine A. Griffith Southeast University of Virginia [email protected] Vincent William Wynne Southeast Vanderbilt University [email protected] Teaching About Material Culture and For the most up-to-date list, please see http://www.aarweb.org/students/slglist.asp. Religious Studies

Vivian-Lee Nyitray, Guest Editor

March 2003 AAR RSN • 23 Religious Studies News, AAR Edition

WARNICK, from p.5 cussion — the ones sensitive to difference. Asian American Educational Experience: A to begin.” Although my correspondent I could detect when other white males Sourcebook for Teachers and Students. NY: struggles to begin, eventually, he does the softness of a sheep’s clothing. My (obviously not as sophisticated as I) were Routledge, 1995, p. 6) begin, and does not stop for several pages. critical mind was awakened from its dog- saying things that would provoke indigna- The letter becomes a lengthy diatribe matic slumbers and began to achieve a tion. I learned which causes I was now to I feel as though I have also been molded against the inconsistencies of “leftist” pro- new awareness. support and which ones I was now to into somebody’s ideal of moral civilization. fessors, the crimes of other cultures and ridicule. I learned not to speak of reli- I have also been subtlety urged to relin- societies, a defense of those who he feels I graduated from high school and entered gion, it was inappropriate. I learned reli- quish certain aspects of my language, cul- are left out of the Left’s moral gaze, and a the University of Utah in the fall of 1993. gion had no place in the modern universi- ture, and religion. One must concede, of reminder of the good things that have As a freshman I enrolled in Lib Ed. 101, a ty. I learned that I was expected to be course, that there are important differences come with Western culture. He concludes course called the “The Intellectual skeptical. between the experiences of these minority by saying that “despite appearances, I am Tradition of the West,” and we began groups and my own: they were “civilized” a leftist. The difference between me and reading Homer’s Odyssey. It was then I I learned that the grand systems of philoso- mostly involuntarily, and I mostly volun- the other Leftists is whereas they are mere- was introduced to the Greek concept of phy I had loved were considered by many tarily; they were forced to learn a new lan- ly critical, I am self-critical as well. (That arete. As I understood it then, arete was to be a preposterous mistake. Such systems guage, and I was only urged to refine my is, I am willing to criticize myself and any the excellence or virtue of a thing. My were built on foundations that were illu- speech; they were made to give up their movement I am part of.) I advise you to professor, one of the best I would have, sionary. We don’t know anything about the culture, and I was made to be suspicious of be self-critical as well. It is the only way informed the class that for the Greeks the physical world or the existence and experi- mine. But although distinct in degree, the to avoid self-deception. Sincerely yours, question of human arete, or human excel- ence of other minds. Even my knowledge civilizing of the modern university is a Mr. John Pepple, from Gambier Ohio”. lence, was the question — it pressed of my own mental experiences is subject to similar kind of thing. From the universi- them, intrigued them, and disturbed them correction. Language is a game. Words do ty’s viewpoint, I am a better person now. I June 25, 2001, 9:20 PM more than any other. My mind reverber- not represent things “out there”: it is naive feel suspicious of my culture. And ated with questions, and I began to share to think so. There is nothing but the text. although I “realize my position of privi- I call home for my weekly telephone con- the Greek obsession: “What does it mean Meaning is constrained by circumstance lege” no one should forget that to be a versation. Most of my family and friends to be an excellent human being?”, “What and is inherently unstable. The self is also learner — of any group — is to be subject have already read the essay, which I had characteristics does such a person pos- unstable, and therefore, unknowable. The to the civilizing currents of the prevailing somewhat reluctantly distributed to them. sess?”, “Am I an excellent person?” Being author is dead. culture. It is to be subject to the reigning I am worried about what some at home plagued by these questions, I was begin- moral and intellectual ideals, whether that might think, and my worries are not ning to fall in love with the idea of the And ethics? The absolute “Thou Shalt be a particular brand of Christianity mixed unfounded. “It was so negative” a voice examined life. Nots” were summarily dismissed. with the customs of Northern Europe, or from home says. “Some of us think Prohibitions on sex are hypocritical and instead a secular ethic comprised of toler- you’ve gone off to graduate school, and The class continued with the Pre- damaging, according to Mead. Moral ance and skepticism. Through education, gone off the deep end.” I stammer a bit. Socratics, Plato, Aristotle, Epicurus, absolutes are simply impossible, their I have been distanced from home. I have, There is a silence on the other end. I tell Marcus Aurelius, and Sophocles; each, in genealogy reveals only the will-to-power, in a sense, a different language, attitude, the voice that just because I wrote some- and interest. And I can’t seem to turn off thing I was taught or told as a student, this damn critical mind set. As I eat doesn’t mean I necessarily agree with it. I Thanksgiving dinner, I wonder how I try to talk about irony, about reading for As I reflect now on my attempt to live the examined enjoy such a happy feast on what some what’s hidden between the lines. It does- consider a day of mourning? I visit his- n’t go so well. More silence. I can’t find a life, I sometimes wonder whether I would have toric sites and am impressed more with way to say things so that I will be under- been happier if I had not started down this path. what isn’t written on the plaque. I decon- stood. I try to convince the voice from “Perhaps it is the examined life, I sometimes feel, that struct movies, billboards, and my dear old home that this doesn’t mean I’ve been grandmother (what would my feminist brainwashed, after all, in spite of my is not for a man worth living. friends think of her embrace of traditional doubts, I’m still in love with Western cul- femininity?). While I realize the necessity ture, and with the idea of the true and of action, I have lost the ability to act con- universal. I try to convince this voice that fidently, whether it be in intellectual, polit- in some ways I was being critical of what ical, or social domains. The internalized I’ve experienced at the university. “Yes, it turn, presenting his views on the human according to Nietzsche. All is ideology, voices of the modern university ask me was critical,” the voice interrupts, “It was condition. Elaborate, daring, and, to my according to Marx. Metanarratives” are how I know whether what I am doing is so negative. “ I go silent. I then under- mind, beautiful systems of metaphysics, not only wrong, they are destructive; they right. As I reflect now on my attempt to stand that it wasn’t necessarily the specific ethics, politics, and aesthetics were pro- are stories created by the powerful (my live the examined life, I sometimes wonder content that was troubling to this voice posed and critiqued. I found I was falling group again) to constrain diverse ways of whether I would have been happier if I from home, it was the tone. I can’t deny in the love with the books comprising the thinking and solidify their superior posi- had not started down this path. Perhaps it that it was negative and that I have Western intellectual tradition. There tions. The timeless, the universal, and the is the examined life, I sometimes feel, that become critical, and, however important seemed to be a timelessness in their ques- true should become the historical, the par- is not for a man worth living. this may be, I hate that about me. tions and, I believed, a place for their ticular, and the relative. Deconstruction. attempted solutions. I judged there was Post-Structuralism. Post-Modernism. I am no closer to answering the “big ques- June 30th, 2001, about 10:30 AM indeed much to love in my cultural tradi- Post-Colonialism. The critique of founda- tions” than I was when I started my liberal tion. These writers seemed to be seeking tions proceeded to the steady drum beat. education — the gap has only seemed to I sit alone in the foyer of the Illini Union, the same thing I was, and together we widen every year. So what have I received waiting to be interviewed by a reporter were on a quest that spanned the cen- The arguments were strong in many ways from the university? I have received an from the Daily Illini who said she wanted turies. I wanted to concentrate on these and advanced by smart people. I tried not illicit love. The university taught me the to talk to me about the article. It’s sum- human concerns, so I chose my majors as to accept every theory uncritically. After all, love of Western culture at the same time mertime, and the place is mostly deserted. philosophy and psychology. how could one consistently urge incredulity that it has taught me to be wary of it. I I’m somewhat embarrassed by the atten- toward Metanarratives? Wasn’t that itself a do continue to read the classics, and I’m tion. I figure it must a slow news day at At the same time, the “critical mindset” metanarrative? But logic itself was also out - now trying to pick up Ancient Greek so I Daily Illini, if they want to talk to me. I initiated in high school continued to be too confining, too easily abused, too much can delve even deeper. But the enthusi- ask myself, for the hundredth time, about fed and nourished in college. Nearly the tool of dead-white-males. asm has greatly diminished, the assurance the meaning of what I wrote. In my most every class I took, freshman to senior year, of finding truth has dimmed to a flicker- cynical moments, I believe that the essay focused on how one group had oppressed Thus, my critical mind set was finely ing hope. I feel unsettled, with a disso- was really nothing more than what T.S. the world. But it wasn’t just any group, it tuned in my years as an undergraduate in nance in loving something that often has Eliot said about his epic poem the was my group. White males. White the modern secular university. The change been ugly, oppressive, and tyrannical. Wasteland, namely, that it is nothing more males usually possessing a belief in some it caused was exactly the transformation than a “grouse against life”; merely a piece ultimate something or other. Often, they the modern secular university hoped to If nothing else, my love has come to be of “rhythmical grumbling.” were religiously inclined (again, like me). produce. I possess more liberality, more able to reflect on her own disfigurement, I certainly couldn’t deny all the evidence: tolerance, and more skepticism. I have which is not a small achievement. And, At other times, I believe that my grum- the continual subjugation of women, the been civilized. Historians of education every so often, she whispers to me again bling is more substantive, if less rhythmi- Crusades, Indian boarding schools, the have documented many instances of civi- of arete. I love her still. cal. In some ways, the essay was a grum- Trail of Tears. I couldn’t deny that nearly lizing education. Native American chil- bling against the examined life: an ideal all the writers of my beloved canon were dren in boarding schools were forced to On that note, I finish my essay. that I had fallen in love with, yet an ideal men. The list of atrocities that were whis- give up their language, customs, religion. that had produced a love that had separat- pered in my ear grew every day. Every The New England Common School June 17, 2001, 4:10 PM I find a letter in ed. My mind goes back to something I field of endeavor was suspect: politics, sci- Movement (c1820-c1860) arose as an my mailbox, dated June 13, 2001 from had read a few years before in an educa- ence, literature, philosophy, art, business. effort to create unity in language, culture, Gambier Ohio tional autobiography by essayist Richard Every racial, ethnic, and religious group, it and customs among immigrants hailing Rodriguez in a book called The Hunger of seemed, had a case against my group. I from disparate nations and religious affilia- “Dear Mr. Warnick” the correspondent Memory. Rodriquez grumbles “A primary began to re-teach myself how to think, tions. Christian schools organized in late begins, “You need to be a lot more skepti- reason for my success in the classroom was how to write, how to talk, how to act. I 19th century San Francisco were aimed at cal of what you are learning in the mod- that I couldn’t forget that schooling was learned how to read texts to discover who encouraging Chinese immigrants to, in the ern university. I used to believe that changing me and separating me from the was excluded. In my writing, I tried to words of early educators, “Adopt our high- garbage, too, until I came to my senses. life I enjoyed before becoming a student. eliminate the generic “he.” I learned to er form of civilization and purer faith.” There are so many errors in what you make the proper comments in class dis- (“‘Yellow-Peril’ in the schools (I), in The were taught that it’s hard to know where

24 • March 2003 AAR RSN FEATURES

Not until my last months as a graduate whom we criticize, the critique is separated they so despise), it is time for him to get Sacramento City College so I can find his student, nearly thirty years old, was it pos- from us, distanced, and of little relevance. an education. Mr. Warnick should study email address. Luckily, I never could out sible for me to think about the reasons for But when we begin to see ourselves as pos- history. He will see that Western culture his contact information, and I never send my academic success. Only then. At the sibly erring as others have erred, as motivat- is no more ugly and oppressive than any the email. Thank goodness. Email has end of the my schooling, I needed to ed by similar concerns, hopes, and frustra- other human culture. Tribal warfare has enough flaming messages of anger, and I determine how far I had moved from my tions, only then does the critique become been part of African cultures of cen- don’t need to contribute to it. I’m still a past.” He continues, “education is a long, alive as self-critique. Only then can we turies...The Aztecs, Maya, and Incas all little shocked at the bitter and personal unglamourous, even demeaning process learn lessons which will translate into prac- practiced human sacrifice. ... The middle nature of his letter and the equally bitter — a nurturing never natural to the person tice. In my mind, it is vital that we look East has always been a hotbed of conquer- and personal nature of my response. But I one was before one entered a classroom.” sympathetically at the same time we look ing and conquered people: the Chaldeans, learn that that is how things are in the As I sit in Illini Union, I ponder the dis- critically. We need to connect with the the Assyrians, the Persians. The Greeks trenches of the culture war, emotions run tance between the life of the critical mind past, and not just criticize it. Or, more cor- and Romans came into the fray much high, personal attacks are common. and the life that I had once known, and I rectly, we need to connect with the past, so later on. Every culture contains aspects of resent, in some ways, how education has that we can criticize ourselves. A classroom both beauty and horror, and to play the Sep. 28, 2001 changed me. which critiques Western culture must be one at the expense of the other is wrong the same classroom which tries desperately and intellectually dishonest. Mr. Warnick A full-year into my graduate training, and I realize again that perhaps my biggest to understand it sympathetically. would do well to turn his pathological I seem to have less and less answers, and complaint against the criticisms of skepticism on the very ones who fostered more and more questions. I understand Western foundationalism which I found at The last complaint which I pondered, and it in him in the first place: the deconstruc- the critical function of the university, yet the university, was how it robbed me of this, I promise, is my final complaint, is tionists, the poststructuralists, the post- the nostalgia for lost surety and confidence self-confidence. As I recall the lines of the against a public school system that was moderns. Why is Mr. Warnick so con- comes in waves, in spite of my new theory essay where I expressed this complaint, I unable to acknowledge or recognize reli- vinced that the modern naysayers are cor- of action. You could say that I miss feeling realize that confidence to act, for me, was gion in any meaningful way. I review in rect in their rejection of everything, at home in my own actions. In the once based on a surety of belief. If I was my mind the reasons why church and state including his state of mind? Mr. Warnick Odyssey, Homer gives us an example of the sure I was right about something, I acted. are kept separate in public schools, and has unfortunately been blinded by the Nostoi, of the homecomings. Nostos But western culture and its foundations they are good reasons, reasons which must postmodern doctrines of the academy and means homecoming. Algeo means to feel was in my blood, and since its actions be respected. Accordingly, I remind myself has become incapable of distinguishing pain. Thus we get the nostalgia, the pain were suspect, so also were my actions. that I shouldn’t pretend to have any easy sense from nonsense.” Signed: Richard S. for the Nostoi, the pain for the homecom- The critique of white males had made me answers to the question of how religion Cervin, Associate Professor of English as a ings. What I feel is nostologia. Like suspicious of myself, as a white male. can play a greater role in the life of public Second Language, Sacramento City Odysseus on the shores of Calypso’s Island, Upon seeing the mistakes of the past, and schools. I do remember one model, College, Sacramento. I strain my eyes to see the smoke arising having them reinforced by constant con- though, which simply is not working, that from my beloved Ithaca. The critical eye demnations from the university, I had this is my alma matter, the University of July 30th, 2002 of the university blurs my vision. become more skeptical and critical. I Utah. The state of Utah is about 70% came to doubt whether intellectual hon- Mormon, and Salt Lake City, is about After I read Prof. Cervin’s response, I’m That day, though, I come a bit closer to esty was compatible with action at all, let 40%. According to the best estimates, the deeply hurt and embarrassed. This is the finding a way home, or at least of building a alone the activism which seemed so easy faculty of the University is less than 10% first and only public response to my essay. new home. The insight again comes for others in the university, yet which Mormon. Some departments, particularly, I feel misunderstood; like he read the through the pages of the Chronicle of seemed incongruous with the ever-gnaw- in the Humanities have not hired a essay he expected to read rather than the Higher Education. I read an editorial there, ing, inner uncertainty of intellectual hon- Mormon or, more importantly, anyone essay that I wrote. I feel like his attack an artist trying to understand and to deal esty. In the place of surety, in my mind, with Mormon interests for many years. was bitter and unnecessarily personal. I with the rubble of the World Trade Center. was something a of Socratic figure, smil- The English Department has not made begin to write him an email. I tell him ing and saying “How can you do any- such a hire, for example, in more than 20 that he misunderstood me on many In the din of postmodernism [says Laurie thing, when you don’t even know what years. A Mormon-Studies Program, while points, and that it was now my duty to set Fendrich of Hofstra University] we dis- you’re talking about.” I was there, wasn’t even being discussed. him straight. I say to him that my missed all voices celebrating Western Culture as reactionary and “logocentric”. If anyone, at this moment, happened to [And indeed,] many of those voices see me as I sat there in the Illini Union, revealed a profound bigotry, hatred, and they would have seen my frowning and On either extreme, there is no room for growth fear of other cultures and ways of life. unhappy posture, and would have no or improvement because, with self-denigration, one lacks But the self-castigation that has been on doubt quickly passed by to happier pas- since the Vietnam War has gotten to the tures. But as I sit complaining against the hope in the possibility of change; with self-satisfaction, one point where we have been throwing out examined life, I begin to realize why cer- “ lacks a sense of the desirability of change. almost everything that is Western except tain professors had such a profound effect the material goods. What now ought to on me. One professor in particular, Jack be clear as a bell is that it is precisely in Newell, professor of Higher Education at our freedom to criticize ourselves that we the University of Utah, helped me to According to my experience as a student “pathological skepticism” and my “intel- locate the values of Western Culture. recalibrate. With his help, I was able to there, most faculty don’t know, and don’t lectual traumatization” was only partially Self-criticism is our freedom, but it, too, entertain a new theory of action, which care to know, anything about Mormon caused by the post-modern or” post-struc- must be modified by restraint. could coexist, however uneasily, with a history, art, literature, or culture, and are turalist critics. In fact, I tell him, I’m still humble acknowledgment that one doesn’t content to retain cartoon-like images of not quite sure I know what “”logocen- This came like a revelation to my have all the answers. Prof. Newell’s ideas Mormon religious beliefs. While most tric”” means. My dissonance in many Aristotelean inclinations. For Aristotle, were not complex, nor profound, but only faculty forever remain in this state of neu- ways came from the Western Intellectual moral virtue is a habit of choosing the exactly what I needed to hear. The prin- tral ignorance, there are a few, I know, who tradition itself. Hadn’t you heard, I ask mean between extremes in regard to some ciple is summarized by his favorite idea: are openly hostile and constantly belittle Prof. Cervin, of Socrates, or Pyrrho, or action, desire, or emotion according to the “Maturity is reached when you can be the predominant culture of the state. This David Hume, or Nietszche? All promi- right reasoning of a wise person. fully committed to something, while still ignorance and sometimes hostility toward nent names within the Western Although it certainly shouldn’t have, it only being half-sure.” This is a notion of religion, however justified, sends many Intellectual tradition. All could be called came as something as a shock to me that commitment, but of tentative commit- messages, among them: religion, as you pathological skeptics. My dissonance also self-criticism, and with it, cultural criti- ment. Of acting while at the same time practice it, has no part in the intellectual came from history, I inform him, not cism, would also be something that fell admitting that one may be wrong. life of the broader national community. from the post-philosophies he despises. into this framework of virtue. What is the This is an extreme example, I think, but I History reveals the massacre of the Native mean with regard to action and emotion 10:40 AM would guess that it is replayed with differ- Americans simply for what it was — a of self-criticism? On one hand, there is ent religious groups at different schools moral tragedy of epic proportions. the vice of self-denigration and self-casti- As I sit alone in the Illini Union, my mind across the country. If so, then we have a Finally, I tell him his logic is flawed. I tell gation which obscures all that is of value, turns to what else I might have been trying huge group of people who may feel like him that the wars and moral diseases of and even the possibility of value, and to say in the essay. I decide that there is yet they have no stake in public schools or other cultures, which I was very aware of, hence, obscures the hope for change. On another criticism. The endless critique of public education, particularly in public did not in any way vindicate Western cul- the other extreme, there is the vice of self- Western culture, I decide, which is so valu- universities or the nation’s intellectual life. ture. I ask him if a person who commits satisfaction, which gives one a free license able in many ways, becomes tragic if it This seems like the pathway to an murder is somehow exonerated when to do whatever one wants, and sees no remains simply a critique of others and unhealthy democracy. somebody else also commits murder. I tell need to change. On either extreme, there does not connect with others, that is, if it him that my third grade teacher, Mrs. is no room for growth or improvement does not allow me to see myself in what I July 27, 2001, Chronicle of Higher Bullock, had taught me that two wrongs because, with self-denigration, one lacks am criticizing. It is tragic because such a Education don’t make a right, and that not only hope in the possibility of change; with self- critique of others is not a self-critique, and must he be incapable of comprehending satisfaction, one lacks a sense of the desir- ultimately, we want to critique others so To the Editor: the teachings of my third grade teacher, ability of change. In the mean lies virtue. that we can better critique ourselves and but that, while he was giving me history In the mean lies a productive self-criti- our culture. If I criticize other people with- “I was disturbed by Bryan Warnick’s essay. lessons (which I didn’t need), I should give cism. The virtue of self-criticism lies in out connecting with them, I see them as an Now that Mr. Warnick has been indoctri- him lessons in logic, which he did need. looking at ourselves both critically and other, as a not-me. As long as this gulf nated and intellectually traumatized by As I write I get madder and madder, my sympathetically, accepting what is of value remains between critiquer and critiqued, as the Western-bashing intelligentsia (who, heart pounding and my palms sweating. I See WARNICK, p.26 long as we are unable to see ourselves in ironically, are thriving in the very culture finish my email, and search for

March 2003 AAR RSN • 25 Religious Studies News, AAR Edition

WARNICK, from p.25 sometimes in Higher Education, we do SWAYD, from p.12 rience. One student noted that it was not reached the constructive part of this “an effective way to bring issues and and seeing potential and hope for improve- process. We teach students to destroy, In addition to reenacting the trial subjects to life, very enriching and ment. Through the restrained criticism we and not to build anything in its place. itself, this group filled in the details of enjoyable.” Individually, students con- give ourselves room and ways to grow and What I suggest then, is that the universi- Anne Hutchinson’s life and work by fided in me that simulation had made improve; through restrained self-satisfaction ty find ways not only to help the student including the role of a narrator as a them open their minds to new issues we recognize the good that we have and our to intelligently doubt, but also to intelli- storyteller. (Anne Hutchinson was and gain a better understanding of potential for doing better. Virtue is a habit gently believe, or at least, to intelligently born in England in 1591 as a daughter multiple views. They generally indi- of choosing this mean, as a person of practi- act while harboring doubts. Teach how of a clergyman, and in 1634 she emi- cated that the exercises had increased cal wisdom would choose. to affirm intelligently, and not merely to grated with her husband to the their tolerance and respect for perspec- deny categorically. Massachusetts bay Colony, where their tives that they had previously never Feb. 2, 2002, Look at watch former minister, John Cotton, had set- considered. In addition, many felt the (3) Remember to mentor. As Aristotle tled. Still influenced by her father’s exercises were helpful to them in that For what its worth, I would like to pull pointed out long ago, we learn virtue teaching, and despite her great respect they were forced to work cooperatively together the disparate threads of this autobi- by watching those who are virtuous, for Minister Cotton, she began hold- with a group of their peers and that ographical story, and state some issues that I and developing habits to do as they do. ing weekly meetings in her home and the general benefit of having to speak feel are important to education in the mid- Ethics is the study of how to live. We preaching to men and women about in front of the class was positive. One dle of the current culture war, and some learn how to live, in large part, by the latter’s necessary active role in the student explained that his simulation might say, at the beginning of the many observing the lives that are lived around church and the society as a whole. As exercise forced him to research the future culture wars to come. us. We look to others as examples and a result, Hutchinson became popular topic more in depth and be prepared role models of how to live. We exam- and had a following larger than the to answer any question like “a real (1) Find a place for religion. I think an ine what things these people do, what governor, John Winthrop, himself. In priest” would. effort needs to be made to help religious things these people profess to believe, 1637, the 47-year-old pregnant people feel that their beliefs, history, and and how these beliefs manifest them- Hutchinson was tried, charged with On the other hand, simulation was not culture have a place in a nation’s intellec- selves as these people engage in various heresy and sedition, and banished universally well liked by all students. tual life and in its educational systems. practices. In an age of skepticism, from the colony with some of her fol- Initially, students were reluctant about As it stands now, I feel there is a palpable mentorship becomes all the more lowers. She was later murdered with simulation, an activity that was not suspicion of the universities, among important. In the absence of founda- her family by unknown assailants in familiar to them and reflected 25% of many in the country. Many feel that tions which can be taught, we learn our 1643.) their final grade. But once they those at the university don’t care about ethics through observation. Seeing a observed the first (volunteering) group them or the things they care about. This life well-lived is an “argument” that The students who participated in this do their simulation exercise, many stu- divide is certainly not new, but neither is need never be spoken overtly, or simulation exercise did an excellent job dents enjoyed and embraced the activi- it healthy. It is possible I think, for uni- preached, but only pointed to, and thus of reenacting the controversy that ty enthusiastically. Some students versities to make room for religion, with- is a form of moral education best suited faced Anne Hutchinson and women in expressed concerns about the difficulty out comprising its open mind. The to a climate of skepticism. Puritan America and in general during of the group dynamic, the problem of recipe is simple: connect, just don’t cri- this period of American religious histo- evenly distributing the work load tique. Find things that are valuable Thus, my three suggestions: Make room for ry. The classroom was staged as a among group members, and the reluc- within religious traditions, there are religion, fill the void, remember to mentor. courtroom, and the roles of tance of having to present themselves always some, and bring them to the I have spoken from my experience, not as Hutchinson, Cotton, Winthrop, and a in front of their classmates. One stu- attention of students, and help them see an expert, but a student, one student in a church elder were played with gusto. dent thought that all the simulation the power of the idea or contribution. sea of students. Here I stand as a young Students in the audience were moved exercises should be done in succession scholar, trying to find connections between by the performance of this group and over a few class sessions instead of (2) Fill the void. The critical mind set of the the world of faith and a mainstream culture raised constructive questions about the spreading them throughout the semes- modern university, if students take it where that voice is unheard. So here I evolution of gender relations over the ter, every two or three weeks. These seriously, can be traumatic. In some way stand, a young citizen and scholar, trying to last 400 years. It was a revelation to impressions by students are worth con- its seems, students come to the university find people of practical wisdom to emulate many students to learn that some sidering and one may retool certain with a mind full of beliefs, and the uni- and emulating those who I think I have women like Hutchinson had advocated other ideas for future use of simulation versity sees its job as picking out those already found. Here I stand, a young schol- issues that they considered to be only in the classroom. In particular, I will beliefs one by one, subjecting them to ar and citizen, caught in a swirl of compet- part of 20th century phenomena. perhaps assist the students next time devastating critique, and then discarding ing emotions and advice, advice telling me by giving them a list of potential simu- them. This practice of emptying the what I don’t know and what I have yet to lation topics drawn from the readings mind of fixed beliefs through criticism is understand. Here I stand as a young schol- Simulation or from currently debated topics. valuable in some ways: only through it ar, wondering what connections exist Advantages (and can new knowledge or more nuanced between the life of mind and the life of Disadvantages) Finally, despite a few “kinks” in this beliefs be achieved. However, I fear that home. ❧ exercise, I am pleased with the overall Through the six simulation exercises, I enthusiasm of the students and their am convinced that my students were general ability to interpret and articulate able to gain a much better understand- difficult and nuanced questions relating FORD, from p.3 Disciplinary expertise included work in ing of certain religious issues in a way to religious diversity. My class was of African religions, Buddhism, Christianity, that regular discussions, videos, or lec- medium size, which is probably optimal developments in religions themselves. The Islam, Meso-American and indigenous reli- tures would not have provided. The for this type of exercise. In large classes, editors committed themselves to exploring gious traditions of Mexico and Central simulation exercises seemed to elicit the exercise might be done as “extra the feasibility of a conference on the study America, new Japanese religions, religions in deeper insights into diverse religious credit” for those students who are ambi- of religion in a global context and develop- the post-Soviet geo-political area and South views and forced students to enter the tious and interested. In smaller classes, ing strategies for making a place within the Asian religious traditions. The assembled reli- mind and circumstances of the persons perhaps one or two simulation topics AAR for the seismic shifts in the field on the gion scholars hailed from religion depart- whose roles they were playing. Hence, would be sufficient. I myself will most global scene. ments, as well as anthropology, architecture, simulation required them to be at the certainly continue thinking about how ethnography and history. The group also center of the issue, its time, and place. to perfect the method when teaching The Ford Foundation supported the first step included a scholar not affiliated with an insti- For example, playing the roles of Anne this topic. In my experience, any learn- through the funding of a planning conference tution. Hutchinson, her supporters, or her ing exercise that gets an overwhelming (May 2002). This planning grant signaled opponents created a different perspec- “thumps up” from the majority of Ford’s openness to proposal for a conference The meeting focused on current global reali- tive than reading an article, or even undergraduate students is worth pursu- to be held in the context of AAR’s commit- ties, the role of religion within these new glob- watching a documentary, about this ing as a teaching tool, and my test-run ment to institutionalize such an inclusive global al contexts, how scholarship both reflects and important individual and her trial in teaching religious diversity through the attentiveness for the long term. impacts them, and the importance of interna- the New England Puritan community. use of simulation seemed to be a “hit” tional conversations about these issues — thus (at least for this terrific group of stu- Ford representatives urged that international reflecting the AAR’s desire to contribute to At the end of the semester, I asked the dents). ❧ scholars and consultants be brought to the fostering exchange concerning these issues in students to write a one-page feedback planning meeting and play the significant both the scholarly arena and public forums. on what they had gotten out of the role in shaping the project, stressing the The project seeks to accomplish this through a simulation exercises. In their assess- Foundation’s interest in a diversity of voices range of initiatives that will inform long-term ments, students described simulation from geographical, religious, disciplinary, strategies and vehicles for contributing to the as a positive and very rewarding expe- racial, gender and institutional locations. understanding of religion and its role in our current global context. The planning group included scholars from Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Mexico, Russia and “This grant from Ford creates a unique Sri Lanka, as well as U.S. scholars whose coun- opportunity for thinking outside the box, for tries of origin include South Africa and Great crafting fresh research methods and frame- Britain. An Egyptian scholar was unable to works to advance our understanding of reli- attend at the last minute but remains involved gion in an inclusive global context,” noted in the process, as does a scholar of Islamic law. project co-director Gary Laderman (Emory Five of the attendees were women. University). ❧

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March 2003 AAR RSN • 27 28 • March 2003 AAR RSN