The Bible and Race in the USA: Dreaming of Ahistories

Morpheus from the Matrix, showing the red and blue pills.

In just a few short weeks, the American Academy of Religion (AAR) and the Society of Biblical Literature (SBL) will be holding their joint annual meeting. Recently, the AAR took up the tradition of bandying a theme; "Revolutionary Love." Elsewhere I've offered remarks on the issues it raises for the type of work that I … Continue reading The Bible and Race in the USA: Dreaming of Ahistories

Whither the Study of Religion and Culture?

By definition, students are committed to forming an awareness of these constructions. Do they have to abandon using the term? No. But they should think carefully about what they intend by doing so, especially when trying to convey their observations, questions, and arguments to others.

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

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

 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