Reflections on the ISS- Scriptures at Their Root

Posted on by Richard Newton

The Institute for Signifying Scriptures is an independent research organization focused on investigating the dynamics associated with "scriptures." The conversation takes serious the category's development and deployment in Western cultural politics, working to surface the very assumptions that it belays. Founded by Vincent L. Wimbush, the collaborative enterprise  has as its mission the "excavation of … Continue reading Reflections on the ISS- Scriptures at Their Root

Wabash Center for Teaching & Learning in Religion & Theology

Posted on by Richard Newton

The Wabash Center is a premier space for professional development for educators in Religious Studies and Theology. Through workshops, consultations, a journal, and a number of social media projects, the center has played a substantial  part in the development of best practices and best practitioners. At the 2015 Reception for New Teachers, I was invited … Continue reading Wabash Center for Teaching & Learning in Religion & Theology

Watching The Central Park Five @Etowncollege

Posted on by Richard Newton

In 1989, five black and Latino teenagers were arrested and charged with brutally attacking and raping a white female jogger in Central Park. News media swarmed the case, calling them a "wolfpack."  The five would spend years in prison for a crime they didn’t commit before the truth about what really happened became clear. With THE CENTRAL PARK FIVE, this story … Continue reading Watching The Central Park Five @Etowncollege

Identity Cards & Identity Cost–Is it worth it?

Posted on by Richard Newton

Last June was a pretty raucous time for me. I was finishing up my dissertation on the politics of scriptures. I was packing boxes to move from LA to PA. And I was doing a lot of dreaming, not just about what was coming next, but also about what I would be leaving behind. It … Continue reading Identity Cards & Identity Cost–Is it worth it?

Lessons Learned While Blogging the Future

Posted on by Richard Newton

The Back to the Future trilogy is part of my personal canon. I mean who doesn’t love hover boards and Huey Lewis & the News? But for all of its whimsy, it makes a profound statement about human fathoming. The films are a meditation on the paradox that, although “the grass is always greener on … Continue reading Lessons Learned While Blogging the Future