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American Academy of Religion

@aarweb.bsky.social
837 followers 15 following 329 posts

Our mission is to foster excellence in the academic study of religion and enhance the public understanding of religion.

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American Academy of Religion @aarweb.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Fill out your #AAR member profile by Monday, September 28, 6 PM ET, for a chance to win! On September 29, we'll be giving away $100 to 20 randomly selected members who have their profiles completed.
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Evan Berry @ecothought.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
The Energy, Extraction, and Religion Seminar invites scholars, advocates, and the public to a panel conversation about religion, energy, water, and extractive imaginaries. (Thanks to @aarweb.bsky.social and Christiana Zenner for organizing) aarweb.org/event/data-c...
aarweb.org
Data Centers, AI, and Extraction – AAR
Hosted by AAR's Energy, Extraction, and Religion Seminar The Energy, Extraction, and Religion Seminar (EER) invites scholars, advocates, and the public to a panel conversation about religion, energy, ...
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American Academy of Religion @aarweb.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
AAR Grant Deadline Extended to 9/23/2026 at 6:00pm. Check out AAR's open grants at aarweb.org/career-commu...
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American Academy of Religion @aarweb.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
AAR Grant Deadline Extended to 9/23/2026 at 6:00pm. Check out AAR's open grants at aarweb.org/career-commu...
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American Academy of Religion @aarweb.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Register now for "Education and the Carceral Experience: Teaching and Learning Religious Studies," a webinAAR featuring a panel of religious studies educators who have taught in several different prison-based teaching programs. Join us at 1:00 PM ET on September 30: aarweb.org/event/educat...
Promotional graphic for an AAR Fall Scholarship Series webinar titled "Education and the Carceral Experience: Teaching and Learning Religious Studies," set against a gradient background shifting from yellow-orange to green and blue with a background photo of a person in an orange jumpsuit. The webinar is hosted by AAR's Publicly Engaged Scholarship and the Study of Religion Seminar on September 30 at 1:00 PM ET, featuring speakers Jason Sexton, Leela Prasad, Sam Houston, and Victoria Machado.
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American Academy of Religion @aarweb.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Register now for "Ethnographic Best Practices," a webinAAR hosted by #AAR's Anthropology of Religion Unit that will convene four experienced ethnographers to discuss how ethnographic methods can be used productively to study religion. Join us at 1:30 PM ET on September 25: aarweb.org/event/ethnog...
Promotional graphic for an AAR Fall Scholarship Series webinar titled "Ethnographic Best Practices," hosted by AAR's Anthropology of Religion Unit on September 25 at 1:30 PM ET. Featured speakers include Eric Hoenes del Pinal, Brendan Jamal Thornton, Kristy Nabhan-Warren, and Lauren Leve.
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American Academy of Religion @aarweb.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
#AAR members have the chance to win $100 — simply by filling out their member profile! Find out more: aarweb.org/news/help-aa...
A promotional graphic for the American Academy of Religion with the heading "Fill in the Blank." A list reads: "WE ARE ethicists, WE ARE linguists, WE ARE ecologists, WE ARE economists, WE ARE [blank], WE ARE the AAR." A white text box notes that AAR has over 6,000 diverse members, less than 15% have filled out their research interests, and prompts members to update their profile by September 28 for a chance to win $100.
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American Academy of Religion @aarweb.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Submit nominations today by 6 PM ET!
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American Academy of Religion @aarweb.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Submit nominations today by 6 PM ET!
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American Academy of Religion @aarweb.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
The #AAR Lawrence H. Mamiya Excellence in Public Service Award goes to an AAR member whose extraordinary contributions to public service, advocacy, and community service have improved the world at large. Submit nominations by September 16, 2026, 6 PM ET: aarweb.org/award/the-aa...
A social media graphic for the American Academy of Religion (AAR) announcing the Lawrence H. Mamiya Excellence in Public Service Award.

Set against a teal background, the image features a black-and-white photo of Lawrence H. Mamiya wearing glasses, a suit, and a patterned tie. Above his photo, text asks: "Do you know someone who has demonstrated a commitment to research and activism that betters the world at large?"

It includes the AAR logo and states that the award is given to "those whose extraordinary contributions to public service, advocacy, and community service have improved the world at large." A white banner invites nominations, and a footer lists the deadline: September 16, 6 PM ET.
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American Academy of Religion @aarweb.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Submit nominations to the #AAR Martin E. Marty Award for the Public Understanding of Religion by September 16, 2026, 6 PM ET! This award is supported by the Martin Marty Center for the Public Understanding of Religion at the University of Chicago Divinity School: aarweb.org/award/martin...
A social media graphic for the American Academy of Religion (AAR) announcing the Martin E. Marty Award for the Public Understanding of Religion.

Set against a teal background, the image poses the question: "Do you know someone who has made extraordinary contributions to the public understanding religion, through any medium (e.g., books, films, TV, public speaking, advisory, etc.)?"

It features logos for AAR and the Martin Marty Center, with text inviting nominations and stating the deadline of September 16, 6 PM ET. A footer notes that the award is supported by the Martin Marty Center for the Public Understanding of Religion at The University of Chicago Divinity School.
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American Academy of Religion @aarweb.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
#SBLAAR26 | Today, September 10, 2026, is the LAST DAY to register for the November #AnnualMeeting at a discounted rate! Register by 11:59 PM ET tonight to save: aarweb.org/event/novemb...
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American Academy of Religion @aarweb.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
#AAR Member Spotlight | Justin Marc Smith is co-chair of AAR's Critical Approaches to Hip-Hop and Religion Unit — his scholarship focuses on the New Testament and Gospel genre. Read his interview: aarweb.org/news/member-...
Photo of Justin Marc Smith, man with shaved head and brown, clean beard and moustache, wearing a tan blazer and white button-down shirt underneath;

Text on image: Member Spotlight

Q: What is your favorite AAR member benefit, and how has it helped your career?

A: Networking and mentoring. But more than that, it’s about building and cultivating relationships. Whether through working with my co-chair and steering committee, connecting with AAR colleagues like Amy Defibaugh and Tiauna Lewis, or maintaining ties with mentors and friends, AAR has helped me sustain meaningful connections across my academic journey.
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American Academy of Religion @aarweb.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Several of our #award and #grant programs are now open! AAR membership is required to apply or submit nominations. Please read the instructions for each program closely, as they differ in requirements. aarweb.org/events/calls...
headshots of various grant and award winners, from top left: 

Aik Sai Goh, Anthea Butler, Khadeeja Majoka, Randall Balmer, Kartik Maini, Amalia Mesa-Bains, Amy Allocco, Church of Stop Shopping, Emily O. Gravett
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American Academy of Religion @aarweb.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Planning to attend this year’s #AnnualMeeting in Denver, November 21-24? Hotels are filling fast and some of the closest ones to the conference center are already full! Secure your spot now before registration rates increase on September 11! aarweb.org/event/novemb...
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American Academy of Religion @aarweb.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Please note: the widespread Microsoft Outlook outage is affecting AAR staff emails. Expect delays in correspondence until the issue is resolved.
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American Academy of Religion @aarweb.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Planning to attend this year’s #AnnualMeeting in Denver, November 21-24? Hotels are filling fast and some of the closest ones to the conference center are already full! Secure your spot now before registration rates increase on September 11! aarweb.org/event/novemb...
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American Academy of Religion @aarweb.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Several of our #award and #grant programs are now open! AAR membership is required to apply or submit nominations. Please read the instructions for each program closely, as they differ in requirements. aarweb.org/events/calls...
headshots of various grant and award winners, from top left: 

Aik Sai Goh, Anthea Butler, Khadeeja Majoka, Randall Balmer, Kartik Maini, Amalia Mesa-Bains, Amy Allocco, Church of Stop Shopping, Emily O. Gravett
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American Academy of Religion @aarweb.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
#AAR Member Spotlight | Justin Marc Smith is co-chair of AAR's Critical Approaches to Hip-Hop and Religion Unit — his scholarship focuses on the New Testament and Gospel genre. Read his interview: aarweb.org/news/member-...
Photo of Justin Marc Smith, man with shaved head and brown, clean beard and moustache, wearing a tan blazer and white button-down shirt underneath;

Text on image: Member Spotlight

Q: What is your favorite AAR member benefit, and how has it helped your career?

A: Networking and mentoring. But more than that, it’s about building and cultivating relationships. Whether through working with my co-chair and steering committee, connecting with AAR colleagues like Amy Defibaugh and Tiauna Lewis, or maintaining ties with mentors and friends, AAR has helped me sustain meaningful connections across my academic journey.
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American Academy of Religion @aarweb.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
In a new feature from Religious Studies News, "Leadership Portraits," Patrick B. Reyes — who serves as contingent faculty director on the #AAR Board of Directors — reflects on academic labor, governance, and the future of the field: aarweb.org/news/leaders...
aarweb.org
Leadership Portraits: Patrick Reyes - AAR
Don’t Leave it to the Muppets Patrick B. Reyes — who serves as contingent faculty director on the AAR Board of Directors — reflects on academic labor, governance, and the future of the field I…
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American Academy of Religion @aarweb.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
#AAR Member Spotlight | Yonatan Y. Brafman, whose book "Critique of Halakhic Reason: Divine Commandments and Social Normativity" was published with AAR-OUP, is a leading scholar in Modern Judaism and Judaic Studies. Read his interview: aarweb.org/news/member-...
Photo of Yonatan Y. Brafman, photo of brunette man wearing a yarmulke, with a navy blazer and light blue button down. 

Text: Member Spotlight

Q: What is one piece of advice you’d give to a first-time Annual Meeting attendee?

A: If you hear a talk that interests you, go strike up a conversation with the presenter, even and perhaps especially if they are more advanced in their career than you. I met two incredible scholars, mentors, and now friends—Randi Rashkover and Martin Kavka—at AAR meetings. In my experience at the Annual Meeting, established colleagues take a genuine interest in the work of emerging scholars and strive to help them.
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American Academy of Religion @aarweb.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
AAR Year-Round Programming | Join us for a webinAAR on Thursday, August 13 at 1 PM ET that will explore innovative solutions for interviewing religious populations —many of them with very low prevalence rates: aarweb.org/event/pollin...
aarweb.org
Polling Religious Groups in the U.S.: Methodological Challenges and Solutions Using AmeriSpeak – AAR
Hosted by National Opinion Research Center (NORC) Polling religious groups within the U.S. presents unique methodological challenges. Traditional approaches often require costly screening of the…
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American Academy of Religion @aarweb.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
The Annual Meeting Travel Grant program awards 15 grants on a competitive basis to members who participate in the November Annual Meeting. Congratulations to our 2026 Annual Meeting Travel Grant winners! aarweb.org/news/announc...
2026 Recipients
Donagh Coleman, University of California Berkeley

Rachaell Diaz, University of Florida

Anahita Hoose, International School for Jain Studies

Rushnae Kabir

Rev. Kendrick Kemp, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary

Younghwa Kim

Jessica Knippel, Claremont Graduate School

Donghyung Lee, Yale University

Samira Musleh, Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS)

Vaidehi Paneri, Syracuse University

Anthony Scott, University of Tokyo

Mark Inigo Tallara, University of the Philippines Diliman

Darig Thokmay, University of Cambridge

Pablo Vazquez, Graduate Theological Union

Aixin Yi, Boston University
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American Academy of Religion @aarweb.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
Funded by the generosity of Diane Apostolos-Cappadona, the Religion and the Arts Travel Grant is awarded to a graduate student studying religion and the arts who is without institutional support to attend the November Annual Meeting. Congratulations, Abigail Schweizer! aarweb.org/news/announc...
visual graphic with text:
2026 Religion and the Arts Travel Grant winner

Funded through the generosity of Diane Apostolos-Cappadona and awarded annually to a graduate student studying religion and the arts who is without institutional support to attend the November Annual Meeting.

headshot of woman in black polo shirt, shoulder-length curly auburn hair

Abigail Schweizer, 
Yale Divinity School
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American Academy of Religion @aarweb.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
The Online June Sessions are over, but you can still register from now until July 25 for access to recordings of over 60 sessions, featuring leading scholars presenting on the topics and issues shaping the field. $25/student members $50/members $60/nonmembers Get access: aarweb.org/event/annual...
graphic in AAR color palette featuring same text as caption, plus price tiers, and statement beneath the pricing:

"Are you a student who’s not an AAR member yet? Become one today for the price of nonmember registration and you’ll get the discounted rate — plus a year’s worth of other invaluable resources."
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American Academy of Religion @aarweb.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
This year, thanks to the generosity of several donations made to the Judith Plaskow Travel Grant Fund, we were able to award *two* grants to scholars scheduled to present at the November Annual Meeting. Congratulations Shehnaz Haqqani and Amy Allan! aarweb.org/news/announc...
Visual asset with text "2026 Judith Plaskow Travel Grant Winners" and "Awarded to a student or independent scholar who is scheduled to present a paper centrally informed by and/or contributing to the feminist approaches to the study of religion at the November Annual Meeting. 

Headshots for Shehnaz Haqqani and Amy Allan, both dark-haired women wearing glasses.
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American Academy of Religion @aarweb.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
A heartfelt thank-you to our 2026 Online June Sessions sponsors for their generous support of this year’s event. Your partnership helps make meaningful conversations, learning opportunities, and community connections possible. We are grateful for your support and commitment to our work. #AARONLINE26
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American Academy of Religion @aarweb.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Today is the last day of #AARONLINE26, but you can still register until July 25 for access to recordings of over 60 sessions, featuring leading scholars presenting on the topics and issues shaping the field. $25/student members $50/members $60/nonmembers Get access: aarweb.org/event/annual...
graphic in AAR color palette featuring same text as caption, plus price tiers, and statement beneath the pricing:

"Not an AAR member? The cost of registration is still less than the price of two IMAX 70 mm tickets. (And we don't run out of supply.)
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American Academy of Religion @aarweb.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
The Louisville Institute is now accepting applications for grants (up to $55K) and fellowships (up to $150,000) supporting work at the intersection of church and academy. Grants: louisville-institute.org/programs-gra... Fellowships: louisville-institute.org/programs-gra...
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American Academy of Religion @aarweb.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Baylor University is a proud sponsor of #AARONLINE26. Use code 17AAR26 for 30% off your purchase at BaylorPress.com
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American Academy of Religion @aarweb.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
AAR's Annual Business Meeting will take place tonight, June 23, 7 PM ET, during #AAROLINE26. Register now to attend virtually and participate in discussions around proposed changes to the AAR bylaws and a proposed resolution in solidarity with Gaza: aarweb.org/event/online...
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American Academy of Religion @aarweb.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
#AARONLINE26 | Join us today, June 23, at 1 PM ET to celebrate the 2026 Religion and the Arts Award winner, the Church of Stop Shopping. Find out more about the session: aarweb.org/event/online...
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American Academy of Religion @aarweb.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
When you register for #AARONLINE26, you get access to all session recordings for 30 days following the conference. Register now and don't miss your chance to watch the innovative, timely, and necessary scholarly conversations we'll be hosting June 23-25 on-demand: aarweb.org/event/annual...
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American Academy of Religion @aarweb.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
Did you know the program for #AARONLINE26 is out? We'll have nearly 60 sessions, presidential plenaries, workshops, committee events, and more! Register now to attend the sessions live or watch the recordings later! aarweb.org/event/annual...
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American Academy of Religion @aarweb.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
AAR's Annual Business Meeting will take place during #AAROLINE26. Register now to attend virtually and participate in discussions around proposed changes to the AAR bylaws and a proposed resolution in solidarity with Gaza:
aarweb.org
(Online June Sessions) Annual Business Meeting – AAR
Claudia Schippert, American Academy of Religion, presiding Amy Defibaugh, American Academy of Religion, presiding Join the President of AAR, Laurel Schneider, and other members of the AAR for the…
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American Academy of Religion @aarweb.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
This session is happening tomorrow at 1 PM ET! #AARONLINE26
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American Academy of Religion @aarweb.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
Happening today at 5 PM ET!
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American Academy of Religion @aarweb.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
#AARONLINE26 | This FREE session (TODAY, JUNE 22 at 3 PM ET) is hosted by AAR's Status of Racial and Ethnic Minoritized People in the Professions Committee. Register now (June Meeting registration is not required): aarweb.org/event/free-p...
aarweb.org
(Free Pre-Conference Session) Gathering Voices Amid a Dismantling of Higher Education – AAR
Hosted by the Status of Racial and Ethnic Minoritized People in the Professions Committee The Status of Racial and Ethnic Minoritized People in the Professions Committee recommends policies and good p...
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American Academy of Religion @aarweb.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
#AARONLINE26 | This FREE workshop (TODAY, JUNE 22 at 11 AM ET) will present and invite discussion of a draft proposal toward new “AAR Guidelines on Faculty Employment Practices in the Study of Religion.” Register now (June Meeting registration is not required): aarweb.org/event/free-p...
aarweb.org
(Free Pre-Conference Workshop) Towards New “Guidelines on Faculty Employment Practices In Religious Studies – AAR
Hosted by the Academic Labor and Contingent Faculty Committee This workshop will present and invite discussion of a draft proposal toward new “AAR Guidelines on Faculty Employment Practices in the Stu...
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American Academy of Religion @aarweb.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
Our new/prospective member orientation is happening right now on zoom! It's free to register: aarweb.org/event/free-p...
aarweb.org
(Free Pre-Conference Session) New Member Orientation – AAR
Hosted by the American Academy of Religion Join AAR leadership to learn about the American Academy of Religion, member benefits, program offerings, and how to get involved. Claudia Schippert, American...
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American Academy of Religion @aarweb.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
#AARONLINE26 | Join APRIL’s (@april.cc.commons.bsky.social) roundtable “Representing Religion in Museums," where curators & religion scholars will explore representation, repatriation, and display. Wed 1-2:30 PM (AO24-201) bit.ly/3QdvS7C #Museums #Religion #Aprilthecommons
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American Academy of Religion @aarweb.bsky.social · 13/06/2026
On June 22, 5 PM ET, join scholars of religion, practitioners and clergy, and activists on the ground to explore the religious response to the surge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement from and beyond Minneapolis. #AARONLINE26 registration is NOT required: aarweb.org/event/free-p...
aarweb.org
(Free Pre-Conference Session) Religion Mobilized Against ICE, CPB and DHS: From and Beyond Minneapolis – AAR
Hosted by the Committee on the Public Understanding of Religion Join scholars of religion, practitioners and clergy, and activists on the ground to explore the religious response to the surge of…
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American Academy of Religion @aarweb.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
Join us at #AARONLINE26 to celebrate the 2026 Religion and the Arts Award winner, the Church of Stop Shopping: aarweb.org/event/online... www.youtube.com/watch?v=MaSD...
youtube.com
Activists Stop A Deportation With Their Bikes
Podcast: The Earth Wants YOU! https://soundcloud.com/revbilly/bonus-episode-you-cant-deport-a-movement More info: www.revbilly.org Twitter: @RevBillyTalen Instagram:…
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American Academy of Religion @aarweb.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
AAR's Annual Business Meeting will take place during #AAROLINE26. Register now to attend virtually and participate in discussions around proposed changes to the AAR bylaws and a proposed resolution in solidarity with Gaza:
aarweb.org
(Online June Sessions) Annual Business Meeting – AAR
Claudia Schippert, American Academy of Religion, presiding Amy Defibaugh, American Academy of Religion, presiding Join the President of AAR, Laurel Schneider, and other members of the AAR for the…
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American Academy of Religion @aarweb.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
Did you know the program for #AARONLINE26 is out? We'll have nearly 60 sessions, presidential plenaries, workshops, committee events, and more! Register now to attend the sessions live or watch the recordings later! aarweb.org/event/annual...
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American Academy of Religion @aarweb.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
This session during #AARONLINE26 invites four graduate students to do something religious studies rarely makes institutional space for: speculate concretely about what the field could become. Register now to attend live (June 24, 7 PM ET) or watch the recording afterwards: aarweb.org/event/online...
aarweb.org
(Online June Sessions) Presidential Plenary: Graduate Students on the Futures Religious Studies Could Choose – AAR
Jacob Barrett, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, presiding This session (during the 2026 AAR Online June Sessions) invites four graduate students to do something religious studies rarely…
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American Academy of Religion @aarweb.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
When you register for #AARONLINE26, you get access to all session recordings for 30 days following the conference. Register now and don't miss your chance to watch the innovative, timely, and necessary scholarly conversations we'll be hosting June 23-25 on-demand: aarweb.org/event/annual...
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American Academy of Religion @aarweb.bsky.social · 06/06/2026
On April 22, 2026, the American Academy of Arts & Sciences announced 252 new members from all around academia, the arts, industry, journalism, and more. Congratulations to the five AAR members elected to the AAAS! aarweb.org/news/celebra...
aarweb.org
Celebrating the AAR Members Appointed to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences - AAR
On April 22, 2026, the American Academy of Arts & Sciences announced 252 new members from all around academia, the arts, industry, journalism, and more. "The Academy, chartered in 1780, was…
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American Academy of Religion @aarweb.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
Leadership Portraits is a monthly Religious Studies News (#RSN) series that introduces readers to some of the leaders within the American Academy of Religion. For our inaugural edition, meet Ann Gleig, Program Unit Director at the AAR! aarweb.org/news/leaders...
aarweb.org
Leadership Portraits: Ann Gleig - AAR
Ann Gleig is a professor of Religion and Cultural Studies at the University of Central Florida. Her research areas include Buddhism in America and New Religious Movements and her publications include…
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American Academy of Religion @aarweb.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
Join us during #AARONLINE26 for AAR President Laurel Schneider's plenary that will bring together college/university presidents and provosts to reflect on the future of our fields as the academy undergoes major shifts. Register now: aarweb.org/event/online...
aarweb.org
(Online June Sessions) Presidential Plenary: Conversation with College and University Presidents – AAR
Laurel Schneider, Boston University, presiding This session brings together scholars of religion who are college or university presidents and provosts to reflect on the future of our fields as the…
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