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American Academy of Religion
@aarweb.bsky.social
830 followers 15 following 330 posts
Our mission is to foster excellence in the academic study of religion and enhance the public understanding of religion.
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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.
September 17, 2026 at 8:00 PM
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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.
September 17, 2026 at 6:00 PM
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#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.
September 17, 2026 at 4:00 PM
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Submit nominations today by 6 PM ET!
aarweb.bsky.social American Academy of Religion @aarweb.bsky.social · 6d
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.
September 16, 2026 at 2:27 PM
aarweb.bsky.social
Submit nominations today by 6 PM ET!
aarweb.bsky.social American Academy of Religion @aarweb.bsky.social · 6d
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.
September 16, 2026 at 2:27 PM
aarweb.bsky.social
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.
September 11, 2026 at 6:00 PM
aarweb.bsky.social
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.
September 11, 2026 at 4:27 PM
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#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...
September 10, 2026 at 2:04 PM
Reposted by American Academy of Religion
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#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.
August 11, 2026 at 6:01 PM
Reposted by American Academy of Religion
aarweb.bsky.social
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
August 18, 2026 at 4:54 PM
Reposted by American Academy of Religion
aarweb.bsky.social
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...
August 18, 2026 at 6:00 PM
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Please note: the widespread Microsoft Outlook outage is affecting AAR staff emails. Expect delays in correspondence until the issue is resolved.
August 31, 2026 at 7:43 PM
aarweb.bsky.social
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...
August 18, 2026 at 6:00 PM
aarweb.bsky.social
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
August 18, 2026 at 4:54 PM
aarweb.bsky.social
#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.
August 11, 2026 at 6:01 PM
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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...
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…
aarweb.org
August 6, 2026 at 8:01 PM
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#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.
August 5, 2026 at 6:00 PM
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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...
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…
aarweb.org
August 5, 2026 at 4:00 PM
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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
July 14, 2026 at 6:00 PM
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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
July 14, 2026 at 4:00 PM
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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."
July 14, 2026 at 3:23 PM
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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.
July 10, 2026 at 6:10 PM
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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
June 25, 2026 at 9:05 PM
aarweb.bsky.social
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.)
June 25, 2026 at 4:48 PM
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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...
June 25, 2026 at 4:08 PM