Rethinking American Religions: Failing to Explain America or Continually (Re)Shaping It?

Posted on by Richard Newton

This week we feature the work of Andie Alexander, a Religious Studies graduate student at University of Colorado-Boulder. She challenges us to probe narrations of the history of “American Religions.” With cutting insights into the scholarly literature, Alexander surveys scholarly claims on the past to question the politics of sophisticated selective memories. This post has been … Continue reading Rethinking American Religions: Failing to Explain America or Continually (Re)Shaping It?

Religious Studies LLC and The Question of Canon

Posted on by Richard Newton

 Have you ever asked yourself what you need to read to join an academic conversation? The American Academy of Religion has compiled a recommended reading list. The suggestions come from chairs of the guild's program units (i.e. sub-fields). They have recommended two to five books which they consider influential, pivotal, seminal, or otherwise important publications in … Continue reading Religious Studies LLC and The Question of Canon

REL 101 (WCH): Signifying Religion: An African American Worldview

Posted on by Richard Newton

What if the study of religion started with the African American experience? Instead of privileging a specific tradition, this course examines the history of a people who came to a new world compelled to quickly learn the significance of "religion" itself. We will follow along by plumbing the depths of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, listening to … Continue reading REL 101 (WCH): Signifying Religion: An African American Worldview

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