Please note: the Call for Papers has been updated with information from the Method and Theory section.

 

AAR: Method and Theory in the Study of Religion

The Method & Theory section invites proposals for two open sessions—submissions must concern either (i) a methodological issue (i.e., problem or proposal) in the history of the field or in current scholarly work in the study of religion or (ii) examine a topic of theoretical interest, whether understanding theory as critique (as in literary theory or critical theory) or an explanatory framework aiming to identify religion’s causes or function. Book review panels (i.e., author meets critics), focusing on current works examining either (i) or (ii) above, are also possible. Questions and submissions can be sent to Russell T. McCutcheon, University of Alabama (russell.mccutcheon@ua.edu).

 

2018 Call for Papers

All proposal should be submitted through the online submission form.

Deadline for Submissions: October 15^th, 2017  

AAR: Bible and Modern Culture

Resisting Culture:  When Christianity and the dominant culture come into conflict.

• Papers are welcome which deal with ethics, beliefs, social norms (e.g. LGBT issues), science, etc., where culture is wrong or Christianity is wrong. (2) Open call. Papers on any topics related to Bible and modern culture are welcome.

Send questions to Brian Mooney, Brian.Mooney@jwu.edu

AAR: Black Cultures and the Study of Religion Section

In light of this year’s conference theme, “Discerning Truths,” The Black Cultures and the Study of Religion Section seeks papers that address “Black Religion, ‘the Law,” and ‘the truth.’” This call invites submissions that consider the ways in which black religious groups and traditions have come into confrontation with ‘the law,’ state and federal policies, the constitution as an authoritative power and with lawmakers as fair, honest and just administrators. Moreover, the call invites considerations of how black religious groups have discerned, negotiated, and attempted to speak “truths” to power in light of contestations with “the Law.” Submissions are encouraged to draw from historical and contemporary political events that appeal to theological, philosophical, ethical, economic, environmental, racial and gender-related problems, discourse, and claims to truth(s). Submissions might address contemporary phenomena such as various responses of black churches to instances of unregulated police violence, or, the ways the White House’s executive order to ban travel into the United States from seven Muslim countries has impacted black religious cultures. For instance, how has the ban affected African American Muslim communities, and what “truth(s)” have said Muslim communities appealed to and/or articulated in response? (The impact of the ban upon the black community was given some attention when Muhammad, Jr. and Khalilah Ali — son and ex-wife of Muhammad Ali — were detained at a Florida airport). Papers might also take a historical focus and consider Civil Rights legal battles, or, the manners authorities in the New World attempted to criminalize African spiritual practices with decisions like the New Orleans Municipal Council’s order that designated Congo Square in 1817 as the only legal space for African drumming and dancing. Or, from a more diasporic perspective, papers might address instances such as the post-rebellion climate after 1760 in Jamaica when acts were passed against the practice of Obeah rituals, which came to be perceived as a disruptive political force. In either of the cases above, papers might consider how African-derived religious “ways of knowing” or “truth(s)” informed responses to these encounters with “the Law.” Inquiries should be submitted to: timothy.rainey.ii@emory.edu; and  b.mccormack@louisville.edu.

AAR: Constructive Theologies

The Constructive Theologies section invites papers that explore the varieties of theological methods for ‘discerning truth(s).’ Some questions that papers for this session might address include, but are not limited to, the following: How do differing understandings of biblical authority affect the theological discernment? What is the role of tradition and/or ecclesial teaching authority in theological discernment? What is the role of social context and/or personal experience in theological discernment?  What other sources and/or norms play a role in theological discernment of truth(s)?

Constructive Theologies also invites proposals for the following co-sponsored sessions:

1. A joint session with Philosophy of Religion on J. Aaron Simmons and Bruce Ellis Benson’s The New Phenomenology: A Philosophical Introduction. Simmons will serve on the panel, which will consist of an author-meets-respondents conversation on issues such as the relationship between theology and philosophy of religion, points of overlap, common concerns, and differences between the two disciplines.
2. A joint session with History of Christianity on the role of discernment in the history of Christian theology and spirituality. Papers addressing contemplative methods (e.g., St. Ignatius of Loyola’s Spiritual Exercises) and/or their relationship to doctrine as seen in any area of Christian History are welcomed.

Questions may be directed to Elizabeth O’Donnell Gandolfo, Wake Forest University School of Divinity (gandoleo@wfu.edu) or Tracey M. Stout, Bluefield College (tstout@bluefield.edu). For the joint session with Philosophy of Religion, questions may also go to Stephen Dawson, Lynchburg College (dawson.s@lynchburg.edu) or Wesley Barker, Mercer Univeristy (barker_wn@mercer.edu).  For the joint session with History of Christianity, questions may also go to Thomas J. Whitley, Florida State University (tjw11c@my.fsu.edu) or Andrew Gardner, Florida State University (abg15@my.fsu.edu).

AAR: Ethics, Religion, and Society

Themes: Proposals on all topics will be considered, but the following topics are encouraged: (1) a joint session with Islam on Ethics, Islam & American Culture; (2) Ethics & Politics in America; (3) Panel for scholars to share current research. All submissions are encouraged to consider and pay close attention to issues pertaining to the balance between theory and applied ethics.  Submit proposals through the Google Docs paper submission form.  Direct any questions to Sally Holt, Belmont University (sally.holt@belmont.edu) and Michael Stoltzfus, Georgia Gwinnett College (mstoltzfus@ggc.edu).   In addition, for the joint session with Islam direct questions to Roshan Iqbal (roshan.iqbal.05@gmail.com).

AAR: History of Christianity

We invite proposals that relate the history of Christianity to the theme of the 2018 meeting, “Discerning Truths.” Proposals may deal with any period of history and may be conducted from any methodological or theoretical starting point; the theme “Discerning Truths” may be construed broadly. There will be three sessions. (1) Joint session with Constructive Christian Theologies on the role of discernment in the history of Christian theology and spirituality. Papers addressing contemplative methods (e.g., St. Ignatius of Loyola’s Spiritual Exercises) and/or their relationship to doctrine as seen in any area of Christian history are welcome. (2) Session on “Discerning Truths in/and the History of Christianity.” (3) Open call. Graduate students are encouraged to send proposals, provided that the proposal includes the name and contact information of a faculty member who agrees to mentor the student as needed. Send questions to Thomas J. Whitley, Florida State University (twhitley@fsu.edu) and Andrew Gardner, Florida State University (abg15@my.fsu.edu). For the joint session, questions may also go to Elizabeth O’Donnell Gandolfo, Wake Forest University School of Divinity (gandoleo@wfu.edu) or Tracey M. Stout, Bluefield College (tstout@bluefield.edu).

AAR: Islam

(1) There will be a joint session with Ethics, Religion, and American Society on Ethics, Islam & American Culture; (2) an open call for all proposals in Islamic studies is welcome. Questions can be directed to Roshan Iqbal (riqbal@agnesscott.edu)

AAR: Judaism

We invite proposals to any one of our four sessions in the following areas: (1) Second Temple Judaism: Open Call; (2) Rabbinic Judaism: Open Call; (3) Contemporary Judaism: Open Call. For these three sessions, we will consider proposals from a wide range of methodological approaches and points of interest but will give preference to essays engaging with the subject anti-Semitism/Judaeophobia. Essays may approach this topic by way of historical case studies, literary criticism, history of schoarlship, comparison, social theory, or any other appropriate avenues. (4) Joint-session: Second Temple Judaism and ASOR. Paper are invited addressing the theme: “The Influence of Romanization on Structures, Thought and Practice in Second Temple Judaism.”

Please direct any questions to Michael Fuller, mfuller@leeuniversity.edu or Giancarlo Angulo, gpa15@my.fsu.edu. Regarding the Joint-Session with ASOR, also include: Greg Linton, GLinton@johnsonu.edu.

AAR: Method and Theory in the Study of Religion

The Method & Theory section invites proposals for two open sessions—submissions must concern either (i) a methodological issue (i.e., problem or proposal) in the history of the field or in current scholarly work in the study of religion or (ii) examine a topic of theoretical interest, whether understanding theory as critique (as in literary theory or critical theory) or an explanatory framework aiming to identify religion’s causes or function. Book review panels (i.e., author meets critics), focusing on current works examining either (i) or (ii) above, are also possible. Questions and submissions can be sent to Russell T. McCutcheon, University of Alabama (russell.mccutcheon@ua.edu).

AAR: Philosophy of Religion

Themes: Proposals on all topics in Philosophy of Religion will be considered, but the following session themes are encouraged: (1) a session on the conference theme of “Discerning Truths”; (2) a session exploring the implications of contemporary theories of the body for philosophy of religion; and (3) a joint session with Constructive Theology on J. Aaron Simmons and Bruce Ellis Benson’s The New Phenomenology: A Philosophical Introduction. Simmons will serve on the panel, which will consist of an author-meets-respondents conversation on issues such as the relationship between theology and philosophy of religion, points of overlap, common concerns, and differences between the two disciplines. For all sessions, please direct questions to Stephen Dawson, Lynchburg College (dawson.s@lynchburg.edu) or Wesley N. Barker, Mercer University (barker_wn@mercer.edu).

For the joint session with Constructive Theologies, questions may also go to Elizabeth O’Donnell Gandolfo, Wake Forest University School of Divinity (gandoleo@wfu.edu) or Tracey M. Stout, Bluefield College (tstout@bluefield.edu).

AAR: Religion and Ecology

The Religion and Ecology section is excited to announce a call for presentations that address the broad theme of “Discerning Truths: from Knowledge to Action in the Age of the Anthropocene.”  All topics will be considered but those which address the following subjects will be given priority:

• Discerning Truths about Climate Change: Alternative Facts and Religious Knowledge;
• From Marginalization to Resistance: Blessed are the Ecojustice Activists;
• Belief, Truth and Action: Religion and the Formation of Eco-praxis;
• A joint session with Asian Religions on the Theory and Practice of Environmental Activism. We welcome papers addressing Asian religions and the environmental crisis.​ ​Topics may include, but are not limited to: Asian religious perspectives on climate truths and climate change; Asian religious environmental movements; environmental ethics in Asian religious contexts; Asian religions and the Anthropocene; and  Asian religions, economics, and ecology.

Submissions for the joint session should indicate joint session with Ecology and Asian Religions. Send questions to Jefferson Calico, University of the Cumberlands (Jefferson.calico@ucumberlands.edu)and Mark Wood, Virginia Commonwealth University (mdwood@vcu.edu).

AAR: Religion, Culture, and the Arts

All papers related to Religion, Culture, and the Arts will be considered. Special consideration will be given to papers or panels related to the following themes: (1) Religion and multi-level marketing/pyramid schemes; (2) Religion and the recent explosion of “true crime” media/fandom; (3) Religion and genealogy; (4) Co-sponsored with the Religions in America section, we issue a joint call for papers on Atlanta, Southern Religious Culture, and Arts; (5) Co-sponsored with the Secularism, Religious Freedom, and Global Politics section, we issue a joint call for proposals on secularism, popular culture, and media – this latter panel would focus on topics such as depictions of atheists in media, the relationship between news media and entertainment, debates about secularism in popular culture, and so on. For questions on the joint call, please contact Meredith Ross (mr09@my.fsu.edu) as well as Finbarr Curtis (fcurtis@georgiasouthern.edu) and Charles McCrary (charlesamccrary@gmail.com).

 

AAR: Religion in America

Papers in all areas of Religions in America will be considered, but special consideration will be given to the following themes: (1) Religion, space, place, and the city; (2) Religion and Politics; (3) Papers dealing specifically with the meeting’s 2018 theme “discerning truths” in the context of the Americas; (4) Co-sponsored with the Religion, Culture, and the Arts section, we issue a joint call for papers on Atlanta, Southern Religious Culture, and Arts.

For questions, please contact Andy McKee, am13ag@my.fsu.edu

AAR: Religions of Asia

(1) In conjunction with the 2018 theme, “Discerning Truths,” we solicit proposals on the issue of “revisionist historiographies” in Asian Religions. (2) “Teaching Religions of Asia in the American South: Strategies and Methodological Approaches.” (3) Joint session with Religion and Ecology: We welcome papers addressing Asian religions and the environment crisis. Topics may include, but are not limited to: Asian religious perspectives on climate truths and climate change; Asian religious environmental movements; environmental ethics in Asian religious contexts; Asian religions and the Anthropocene; and Asian religions, economics, and ecology.” (4) Open call.

If you have questions regarding the Religions of Asia section, please contact Rachel Pang, Davidson College (rhpang@davidson.edu) and Jay Valentine, Troy University (jvalentine@troy.edu). Please direct questions regarding Religion and Ecology to Jefferson Calico, University of the Cumberlands (jcalico70@gmail.com) and Mark Wood, Virginia Commonwealth University (mdwood@vcu.edu).

AAR: Secularism, Religious Freedom, and Global Politics

Proposals from any disciplinary or methodological perspective on topics related to secularism, religious freedom, and global politics are welcome. We are especially interested in proposals related to (1) the roles of religious freedom in international relations and foreign policy; (2) critical accounts of “freedom” in the production of “religious freedom;” and (3) comparative studies of secular governance; (4) Co-sponsored with the Religion, Culture, and the Arts section, we issue a joint call for proposals on secularism, popular culture, and media. This latter panel would focus on topics such as depictions of atheists in media, the relationship between news media and entertainment, debates about secularism in popular culture, and so on. For questions on the joint call, please contact Meredith Ross (mr09@my.fsu.edu) as well as this section’s chairs, Finbarr Curtis (fcurtis@georgiasouthern.edu) and Charles McCrary (charlesamccrary@gmail.com).

AAR: Teaching and Learning Religion

The Teaching and Learning Religion section critically examines pedagogical theory and practice. For the 2018 meeting, we are seeking the following: (1) for a joint session with New Testament, proposals that address strategies for introducing undergraduates to the scholarly study of sacred literature; 2) for a joint session with Women, Gender, and Religion, proposals on teaching gender-related concepts in a religion course; and 3) for an open session, proposals dealing with pedagogy, teaching, and the classroom. Questions may be directed to Jodie Lyon (lyon@uga.edu) and Carole Barnsley (cbarnsley@transy.edu).

AAR: Women, Gender, and Religion

The Women, Gender and Religion Section foregrounds issues of women’s studies, gender, and sexuality, whether in critical analysis of and dialogue with religious traditions or texts; in the promotion of the perspectives, insights, and experiences of marginalized persons; or in the ongoing effort to theorize difference so that lives and systems may be changed. Themes: (1) Embodiment; (2) Friendship and (3) a session on issues raised by teaching concepts and theories of gender is a religion course, co-sponsored with Teaching and Learning.

For questions contact Dr. Vicki Phillips, phillips_v@wvwc.edu.

ASOR: Archaeology and the Ancient World

ASOR: Archaeology and the Ancient World invites paper proposals for the following sessions: (1) Open session consisting of reports on ongoing excavations, archaeological theory and/or method, and other topics relating to material culture and archaeology; (2) Joint session with the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament group entitled “Uses and Abuses of Archaeology in the Study of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament,” which will focus on discussions that are methodological in nature and relevant to a particular interpretive issue (questions to David B. Schreiner, dbschreiner@gmail.com; Clinton Moyer, moyercj@wfu.edu; and Gregory Linton, glinton@johnsonu.edu; (3) Joint session with the Second Temple Judaism section entitled “The Influence of Romanization on Structures, Thought and Practice in Second Temple Judaism” (questions to Michael Fuller, mfuller@leeuniversity.edu; Giancarlo Angulo, gpa15@my.fsu.edu; and Gregory Linton, glinton@johnsonu.edu). Each year, the ASOR section honors the best paper by a graduate student with the Joseph Callaway Award, which includes a monetary gift.

SECSOR: Undergraduate Research

Students at institutions in the Southeast Region are invited to submit papers for the Undergraduate Sessions, sponsored by SECSOR. Open to all topics, the sessions will be composed of the papers considered the best submissions by an interdisciplinary committee. Students should submit completed papers that reflect original student research of an appropriate length for presentation (approximately 12 double-spaced pages). No paper over 15 double-spaced pages, regular size font, will be considered; one submission per student. On a cover page, please include contact information for the student and a faculty sponsor who has reviewed the submission. Proposals are to be submitted through the Google Docs link no later than December 15, 2017. The link is available at the “Proposal Submission Form” tab at the top of the SECSOR home page. Questions may be directed to the program chairs: for AAR, Dr. Joseph Winters (Joseph.Winters@duke.edu); for SBL, Dr. Phillip Michael Sherman, (Phillip.Sherman@maryvillecollege.edu). Note: Undergraduates may submit proposals to other sections as well.

All undergraduate papers are automatically considered for the Undergraduate Paper Prize.

SBL: Hebrew Bible/Old Testament

The Hebrew Bible/Old Testament group invites proposals for two open sessions. All topics will be considered. In addition, the group seeks proposals for a third session, jointly held with the ASOR group, entitled “Uses and Abuses of Archaeology in the Study of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament.” This session seeks discussions that are methodological in nature and relevant to a particular interpretive issue. Finally, in its fourth session the group will feature a panel discussion of Brent Strawn’s The Old Testament is Dying (Baker, 2017). Panel participants will be invited, but all are encouraged to attend as a Q&A session will consider comments from the floor. Questions may be directed to Drs. David B. Schreiner (dbschreiner@gmail.com) and Clinton J. Moyer (moyercj@wfu.edu)

SBL: New Testament

The New Testament section for the 2018 SECSOR conference invites paper proposals for three sessions: (1) a session for papers dealing with the meeting’s global theme, “Discerning Truths,” (2) an open session for papers in any area of New Testament research, and (3) a joint session between the New Testament and Teaching and Learning Religion sections for papers that address strategies for introducing undergraduates to the scholarly study of sacred texts.  The New Testament section will devote a fourth session to an invited panel discussion of J. R. Daniel Kirk’s recent monograph, A Man Attested by God: The Human Jesus of the Synoptic Gospels (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2016).  For questions regarding the first two sessions, please contact the New Testament Section co-chairs:  Mark Proctor (mproctor@leeuniversity.edu) and Brent Driggers (Brent.Driggers@lr.edu).  For questions regarding the third joint session, please contact either the New Testament section co-chairs or the Teaching and Learning Religion section co-chairs: Jodie Lyon (lyon@uga.edu) and Carole Barnsley (cbarnsley@transy.edu).

Find the final, formatted program here.

Session Schedule formatted

SECSOR’S spring meeting in Raleigh, North Carolina, comes on the heels of the North Carolina General Assembly’s failure to rescind HB2 (the “Bathroom Bill”) and renewed calls for a boycott of North Carolina meeting and event venues due to the Legislature’s reaffirmation of discrimination. SECSOR is deeply concerned and distressed about the current law, which additionally prevents local principalities from passing their own anti-discrimination and worker justice provisions.

SECSOR finds itself in this bind because we typically make contractual arrangements with hotels two years in advance. When HB2 was approved by the North Carolina Legislature, SECSOR already had a contract with the hotel that included cancellation fees higher than the funds SECSOR had available.

In response to our concerns, irrespective of state law, Marriott has reiterated that all persons (regardless of race, religion, gender identity, or any other difference) will be treated in an affirming manner on their properties.

·In scheduling future conferences, the board will make every effort to take into account the political vicissitudes of serving in a region in which state governments may not share the commitments to human dignity and value that are a part of our ethos as an academic organization.

2017 Call for Papers

AAR: Bible and Modern Culture

The Bible and Modern Culture group invites proposals on any topic related to Bible and contemporary issues of interpretation and hermeneutics.  In addition, together with the Constructive Theologies section, we would like to invite papers on “Theological Visions of Hope amidst Modern Dystopias.” Submit proposals through the Google Docs paper submission form.

AAR: Black Cultures and the Study of Religion

The Black Cultures and the Study of Religion Group seeks papers that address “Black Religion and the Politics of Representation.” This call seeks papers that interrogate the various ways that black religion shapes and is shaped by the representational politics that attend to black cultural productions and public discourses involving “blackness.” Historically, the cultural politics that have shaped the representation of blackness have been rooted in a desire for the re-humanization of black bodies in the public imagination. Against racist portrayals of dark-skinned others, black religious agents have participated in resisting such “negative” representations with “positive” ones.  Yet, what is the relationship between “religion” and the public representation of “blackness” in this historical moment– especially given recent critiques of “respectability politics” and increased attention to the intersectionality of race, class, gender, sexuality, age, etc., and even articulations of “post-blackness”? Papers might address the relationship between black religion and racial representation in the realms of news, film, music, fashion, television, social media, etc. (historical or contemporary). Keeping in mind, however, the double signification of “representation,” attention to the cultural representation of blackness in the public sphere and policy debates is also very much encouraged. In terms of the latter, papers might consider the ways that competing notions of racial representation have contributed to the perceived rift between religious leaders and contemporary forms of activism, such as Black Lives Matters– i.e. who represents “black interests”– religious leaders, politicians, activists, elders, black youth, etc.? Likewise, papers might consider the ways that certain modes of black religious discourse and practice encourage more complex cultural representations and representational politics than others. Submit proposals through the Google Docs paper submission form.

AAR: Constructive Theologies

In keeping with the conference theme “Utopia and Dystopia,” the Constructive Theologies section invites proposals for presentations on the theme of eschatology, broadly construed. Topics for consideration might include the relationship between future-oriented and realized eschatology; visualizations of the Kingdom/Kin-dom of God; eschatology and ecology; eschatology and embodiment; etc. Constructive Theologies also invites proposals for three co-sponsored sessions: (1) “The Reformation, 500 Years Later” with History of Christianity; (2) “Theological Visions of Hope amidst Modern Dystopias” with Bible and Modern Culture; and (3) “Womanist Practical Theology” with Women, Gender and Religion. For the co-sponsored session on Womanist Practical Theology, we especially seek papers that explore how womanist theological approaches interrogate, disrupt, and enrich theological scholarship, pedagogy, or activism. Contact Steven R. Harmon, Gardner-Webb University School of Divinity (sharmon@gardner-webb.edu) and Elizabeth O’Donnell Gandolfo, Wake Forest University School of Divinity (gandoleo@wfu.edu) with any questions. Submit proposals through the Google Docs paper submission form.

AAR: Ethics, Religion, and Society

Themes: Proposals on all topics will be considered, but the following topics are encouraged: (1) ethics, spiritual practice, and wellbeing; (2) ethics, religion, and climate change; (3) sexual ethics, especially LGBT aesthetics and ethics; (4) political ethics with focus on the presidential election. All submissions are encouraged to consider and pay close attention to issues pertaining to the balance between theory and applied ethics.  Submit proposals to Sally Holt, Belmont University (sally.holt@belmont.edu) and Michael Stoltzfus, Georgia Gwinnett College (mstoltzfus@ggc.edu). Please also submit proposals through the Google Docs paper submission form.

AAR: History of Christianity

We invite proposals that relate the history of Christianity to the theme of the 2017 meeting, “Utopia and Dystopia.” Proposals may deal with any period of history and may be conducted from any methodological or theoretical starting point; the theme “Utopia and Dystopia” may be construed broadly. There will be four sessions. (1) Joint session with Constructive Christian Theologies entitled “The Reformation, 500 Years Later.” (2) Session on “Utopia and Dystopia in the History of Christianity.”(3) Open call. Graduate students are encouraged to send proposals, provided that the proposal includes the name and contact information of a faculty member who agrees to mentor the student as needed. Send questions to Thomas J. Whitley, Florida State University (tjw11c@my.fsu.edu) and Andrew Gardner, Florida State University (abg15@my.fsu.edu). Submit proposals through the Google Docs paper submission form.

AAR: Islam

The theme for this year’s meeting is Utopia and Dystopia; all proposals in Islamic studies on this topic are welcome and the following especially invited: (1) “Critical Review of The Study Qur’an;” we invite discussions on: scholarly critiques and reviews; its contribution to the field and its limitations; questions about the ideology and agendas of its compliers; benefits and limitations of its pluralistic approach; linguistic and terminological analysis; comparison to similar works of translation; and its uses in the classroom and academia. (2) The Teaching and Learning Religion section in cooperation with the Islam section seeks papers on the theme of “Teaching Islam Both as Scholars of Islam and Scholars of Other Religious Traditions.” We are looking for papers that address these questions: What are the particular challenges you face as a specialist or a non-specialist in Islam? What unique perspective can you bring to the study of Islam? How do your particular strengths and weaknesses as a specialist or non-specialist shape your teaching practices?

Submit proposals through the Google Docs paper submission form. Question can be directed to Dr. Jodie Lyon (lyon@uga.edu), Dr. Derrick Lemons (dlemons@uga.edu), Dr. Eleanor Finnegan (edfinnegan@ua.edu) or Dr. Roshan Iqbal (roshan.iqbal.05@gmail.com) for the combined session, and to Dr. Eleanor Finnegan (edfinnegan@ua.edu) and Dr. Roshan Iqbal (roshan.iqbal.05@gmail.com) for the Islam session.

AAR: Judaism

Proposals are sought on the following themes: 1) As a joint session between New Testament, Judaism, and ASOR, we invite papers that address issues within these areas that intersect with one another, as reflected in history, texts, archaeology, or historical ethnography in the Second Temple through the Mishnaic periods. Papers focused on utopian and dystopian elements are especially welcome for the joint session. For questions regarding the joint session, contact the New Testament Section Chairs: Kathy Barrett Dawson (kathy@kathybarrettdawson.org) or Mark Proctor (mproctor@leeuniversity.edu) the Judaism Chairs: Sam Kessler (samuel.j.kessler@gmail.com) or Michael Fuller (mfuller@leeuniversity.edu); or the ASOR Chair: Tom McCollough (tom.mccollough@centre.edu). 2) A session on Yaakov Ariel’s An Unusual Relationship: Evangelical Christians and Jews, or on Jewish/Jewish-Christian messianism in the modern period generally. 3) An open call for papers on topics related to Judaism past or present. Submit all paper proposals by email to Michael Fuller, Lee University, MFULLER@LEEUNIVERSITY.EDU, and Samuel Kessler, SAMUEL.J.KESSLER@GMAIL.COM. Please also submit proposals through the Google Docs paper submission form.

AAR: Method and Theory in the Study of Religion

The Method and Theory in Religion Section seeks papers related to the following topics: 1) Method and Theories related to Dystopias and Utopias. What causes people to believe in utopian/dystopian visions? How do people construct visions of the future and to what purpose? Papers should engage a particular theoretical apparatus (psychological, sociological, biological, literary, etc.) in their analysis. 2) The 2016 Election and Religion: An Analysis. How important was religion in the election of 2016? We seek papers that address an analysis of the different candidates’ use or avoidance of religion and what role religion or religious themes played in the election and the electorate. 3) Analyzing Contemporary Evangelicalism. Evangelicalism has been portrayed as on the ropes. Membership is declining, the Donald Trump phenomena seemed to belie the unity of the movement, and millennials are increasingly abandoning Evangelicalism. We seek papers that analyze what is happening in Evangelicalism from a theoretical standpoint. Why and to what degree is Evangelicalism in trouble? What sort of reconfigurations or alternatives will result? Submit proposals through the Google Docs paper submission form.

AAR: Philosophy of Religion

Themes: Proposals on all topics in Philosophy of Religion will be considered, but the following session themes are encouraged: (1) a session on the conference theme of “Utopia/Dystopia;” (2) an open call for presentations in any area of philosophy of religion; (3) a possible joint session with Method and Theory on Kevin Schilbrack’s Philosophy and the Study of Religion: A Manifesto, consisting of an author-meets-respondents conversation.* For all sessions, please direct questions to Nathan Eric Dickman (Young Harris College) at nedickman@yhc.edu or Stephen Dawson (Lynchburg College) at dawson.s@lynchburg.edu. *For the joint session on Schilbrack’s book, questions may also go to Laura Ammon (AmmonLL@appstate.edu) or Randall W. Reed (reedrw@appstate.edu). Submit proposals through the Google Docs paper submission form.

AAR: Religion and Ecology

Themes: All proposals that deal with the interface of religion and ecology/nature will considered but those addressing the 2017 theme of “Dystopia/Utopia” are encouraged: (1) explorations of Utopian and Dystopian themes in ecological discourse, aesthetics and practice; (2)  as our meeting location, Raleigh, NC, is located at the heart of the Food and Faith movement, we invite papers on the subject of Eating and the Intersections of Faith, Nature, Work and Community; (3) Ecological Martyrs (in honor of Berta Caceres, assassinated in Honduras in 2016); (4) Thinking about the End: Religion and Extinction. Send questions to Jefferson Calico, University of the Cumberlands (jefferson.calico@ucumberlands.edu). Submit proposals through the Google Docs paper submission form.

AAR: Religion, Culture, and the Arts

Themes: All papers related to Religion, Culture, and the Arts will be considered. Special consideration will be given to papers or panels related to the following themes: (1) Papers dealing with the meeting’s 2017 theme “Utopia and Dystopia” in science fiction books, films, and other media; (2) Religion and Young Adult and/or Children’s Literature; (3) Religion and Games/Gaming; (4) Open call. Please submit proposals to co-chair Meredith Ross (mr09@my.fsu.edu). (5) Co-sponsored with the Religions in America section, we issue a joint call for papers for an “author meets critic” roundtable on Dr. Jason Bivins’s Spirits Rejoice! Jazz and American Religion (Oxford, 2015). Proposals to this joint session should be submitted with copies to both Sections. Email proposals to this joint session to Meredith Ross (mr09@my.fsu.edu) with copy to Dr. Monica Reed (mcreed@lsu.edu) and Andy McKee (am13ag@my.fsu.edu). Please also submit proposals through the Google Docs paper submission form.

AAR: Religions in America

Themes: Papers in all areas of Religions in America will be considered, but special consideration will be given to the following themes: (1) Religion, Immigration, and Borders; (2) Religion in Politics; (3) Papers dealing specifically with the meeting’s 2017 theme “Utopia and Dystopia” in the Americas; and (4) Open Session: papers are invited on topics related to religion in an American context. Email proposals to the Religions in America Section to Dr. Monica Reed (monicaCreed@gmail.com) and Andy McKee (am13ag@my.fsu.edu). (5) Co-sponsored with the Religion, Culture, and the Arts section, we issue a joint call for papers for an “author meets critic” roundtable on Dr. Jason Bivins’s Spirits Rejoice! Jazz and American Religion (Oxford, 2015). Proposals to this joint session should be submitted with copies to both sections. Email proposals to this joint session to Dr. Monica Reed (monicaCreed@gmail.com) and Andy McKee (am13ag@my.fsu.edu) with copy to Meredith Ross (mr09@my.fsu.edu). Please also submit proposals through the Google Docs paper submission form.

 

AAR: Religions of Asia

Themes: (1) In conjunction with the 2017 theme “Utopia/Dystopia” we solicit proposals on the topic of utopia and dystopia in Asian religious texts, traditions, practices, rituals, and religious communities. (2) A joint session with Women, Gender and Religion on women and gender in Asian religions.* (3) Open call – we encourage proposals from any subject within Religions of Asia. For all sessions, please send proposals to Lisa Battaglia, Samford University (lbattagl@samford.edu) and Rachel Pang, Davidson College (rhpang@davidson.edu). Please also submit proposals through the Google Docs paper submission form. *For questions regarding the joint session with Women, Gender and Religion, please contact Laine Walters Young (laine.c.walters.young@vanderbilt.edu), Vicki Phillips (phillips_v@wvwc.edu) or Zannah Kimbrel (skimbrel@uncc.edu).

AAR: Secularism, Religious Freedom, and Global Politics

Proposals from any disciplinary or methodological perspective on topics related to secularism, religious freedom, and global politics are welcome. We are especially interested in proposals related to (1) the roles of religious freedom in international relations and foreign policy; (2) critical accounts of “freedom” or “religious” in the production of “religious freedom;” (3) conceptualizations and consequences of the public and private; (4) discourses of religious freedom in historical or contemporary debates about refugees. Submit proposals through the Google Docs paper submission form.

 

AAR: Teaching and Learning Religion

The Teaching and Learning Religion section critically examines pedagogical theory and practice. For the 2017 meeting, we invite paper proposals related to the following three themes: 1) For a session on “Teaching Struggling Students,” we invite papers that address the question: “What are the best practices for helping and empowering students who have a difficult time adjusting to higher education for social, cultural, economic, religious, academic, or other reasons?” Proposals should be submitted through the web link provided. If you have questions please contact Dr. Jodie Lyon (lyon@uga.edu) or Dr. Derrick Lemons (dlemons@uga.edu).  Chair: Dr. Derrick Lemons. 2) For a joint session with the Islam section, we seek paper proposals on the theme of “Teaching Islam both as Scholars of Islam and Scholars of Other Religious Traditions.” In this session, paper should explore the following questions: What are the particular challenges you face as a specialist or a non-specialist in Islam? What unique perspective can you bring to the study of Islam? How do your particular strengths and weaknesses as a specialist or non-specialist shape your teaching practices? Proposals should be submitted through the web link provided. Questions can be directed to Dr. Jodie Lyon (lyon@uga.edu), Dr. Derrick Lemons (dlemons@uga.edu), Dr. Eleanor Finnegan (edfinnegan@ua.edu), or Dr. Roshan Iqbal (roshan.iqbal.05@gmail.com). 3) For a third session, we offer an open call for papers. The Teaching and Learning Religion section invites proposals that join innovative teaching practice with the scholarship of teaching and learning. Demonstrations of new or original teaching strategies are welcomed as a part of presentations. Submit proposals through the Google Docs paper submission form. Please direct questions to either Dr. Jodie Lyon (lyon@uga.edu) or Dr. Derrick Lemons (dlemons@uga.edu). Chair: Dr. Jodie Lyon.

AAR: Women, Gender, and Religion

Women, Gender and Religion seeks proposals for a session that constructively engage with relationality: new takes on intimate relationships, relational forms (particularly new, or evolving ones like polyamory, same-sex marriage, cohabitation as mainstream, self-love, etc.), law and religion’s joint influence on relationships, ecclesiastical relationality; and relationships in ministry. For questions, contact the co-chairs, Vicki Phillips, phillips_v@wvwc.edu, and Laine C. Walters-Young, laine.c.walters.young@vanderbilt.edu. For all sessions, submit proposals through the Google Docs paper submission form.

Joint session: The Women, Gender, and Religion group, in collaboration with the Constructive Theologies group, welcomes papers on the broad theme of womanist practical theology. We especially seek papers that explore how womanist theological approaches interrogate, disrupt, and enrich theological scholarship, pedagogy, or activism. Direct questions for this joint session to WGR co-chairs Vicki Phillips, phillips_v@wvwc.edu, and Laine C. Walters-Young, laine.c.walters.young@vanderbilt.edu, or to the co-chairs for the Constructive Theologies group, Elizabeth Gandolfo, gandolfo@wfu.edu and  Steve Harmon, sharmon@gardner-webb.edu.

Joint Session: Women, Gender, and Religion and Asian Religions invite proposals on women and gender in Asian religions. Direct questions for this joint session to WGR co-chairs Vicki Phillips, phillips_v@wvwc.edu, and Laine C. Walters-Young, laine.c.walters.young@vanderbilt.edu, or to the co-chairs for Asian Religions, Rachel H. Pang, rhpang@davidson.edu, and Lisa J. Battaglia, lbattagl@samford.edu.

ASOR: Archaeology and the Ancient World

1)         Open session – We encourage submissions that report on ongoing excavations, on archaeological theory and/or method, and other topics relating to material culture and archaeology.

2)         Joint Session with SBL/New Testament and AAR/Judaism on utopia and dystopia in literature and material culture. As a joint session with New Testament, Judaism, and ASOR, we invite papers that address issues within these areas that intersect with one another, as reflected in history, texts, archaeology, or historical ethnography in the Second Temple through the Mishnaic periods. Papers focused on utopian and dystopian elements are especially welcome for the joint session. For questions regarding the joint session, contact the New Testament Section Chairs: Kathy Barrett Dawson (kathy@kathybarrettdawson.org) or Mark Proctor (mproctor@leeuniversity.edu ); the Judaism Chairs: Sam Kessler (samuel.j.kessler@gmail.com) or Michael Fuller (mfuller@leeuniversity.edu); or the ASOR Chair: Tom McCollough (tom.mccollough@centre.edu).

3)         Teaching in the Field: Best Practices in Field Schools – We are interested in papers from those who both lead and have been participants in archaeological field schools.

For all sessions, submit proposals through the Google Docs paper submission form.

 

 

SECSOR: Undergraduate Research

Students at institutions in the Southeast Region are invited to submit papers for the Undergraduate Sessions, sponsored by SECSOR. Open to all topics, the sessions will be composed of the papers considered the best submissions by an interdisciplinary committee. Students should submit completed papers that reflect original student research of an appropriate length for presentation (approximately 12 double-spaced pages). No paper over 15 double-spaced pages, regular size font, will be considered; one submission per student. On a cover page, please include contact information for the student and a faculty sponsor who has reviewed the submission. Proposals are to be submitted through the Google Docs link no later than December 15, 2016. The link is available at the “Proposal Submission Form” tab at the top of the SECSOR home page. Questions may be directed to the program chairs: for AAR, Dr. Diana Walsh Pasulka (pasulkad@uncw.edu); for SBL, Dr. Doug Hume (doug.hume@pfeiffer.edu). Note: Undergraduates may submit proposals to other sections as well.

All undergraduate papers are automatically considered for the Undergraduate Paper Prize.

 

SBL: Hebrew Bible/Old Testament

The Old Testament / Hebrew Bible section invites proposals for two open sessions (one on Friday evening, and one on Saturday morning), particularly regarding this year’s theme.  In addition, we request proposals related to the reception history of biblical texts to be presented at the third session (on Saturday afternoon).  Send your submissions to the section co-chairs, Jim West (jwest@highland.net) and David Schreiner (dbschreiner@gmail.com). Please also submit proposals through the Google Docs paper submission form.

We would also be grateful to anyone who would like to volunteer to chair a session.  Email the co-chairs if you are interested in doing so.

SBL: New Testament

The New Testament section for the 2017 SECSOR conference invites paper proposals for the following sessions: (1) Papers engaging narrative strategies in the New Testament writings; (2) Papers that deal with reactions to persecution as demonstrated in the texts of the New Testament; (3) An open call for papers in any area of New Testament studies; and (4) A joint session between New Testament, Judaism, and ASOR inviting papers that address issues within these areas that intersect with one another, as reflected in history, texts, archaeology, or historical ethnography in the Second Temple and Mishnaic periods. In keeping with the conference theme, Utopia and Dystopia, papers focused on utopian and dystopian elements are especially welcome for the joint session. For questions regarding the New Testament sessions, contact the New Testament Section Chairs: Kathy Barrett Dawson (kathy@kathybarrettdawson.org) or Mark Proctor (mproctor@leeuniversity.edu). For questions regarding the joint session, contact the New Testament Section Chairs; the Judaism Chairs: Sam Kessler (samuel.j.kessler@gmail.com) or Michael Fuller (mfuller@leeuniversity.edu); or the ASOR Chair: Tom McCollough (tom.mccollough@centre.edu). Submit proposals through the Google Docs paper submission form.

 

The 2017 SECSOR Annual Meeting will be held March 3-5, 2017, in Raleigh, North Carolina, at the Raleigh Marriott Crabtree Valley.  The room rate will be $119.00 nightly. More details, including conference and hotel registration, will be available in the fall.

SECSOR is glad to acknowledge the support of the American Academy of Religion and the Society of Biblical Literature. In addition, these institutions currently support the work of SECSOR:

Berea College    •    Campbell University    •    Candler School of Theology

Duke Divinity School   •   Lee University    •    Lenoir-Rhyne University

Louisiana State University    •    Millsaps College    •    Pfeiffer University

Presbyterian College    •    Transylvania University    •    University of Alabama

University of North Carolina at Asheville    •    University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Virginia Tech    •    West Virginia Wesleyan College    •    Wingate University

Winthrop University

Our institutional supporters renew their commitment annually, and we welcome new institutional supporters throughout the year. If your institution would like to support the work of SECSOR, please follow the links below:

SECSOR institutional contribution form

W9 SECSOR (if your institution requires it)

We were so glad to have 245 of you at the 2016 SECSOR Annual Meeting, held March 4-6 in Atlanta, Georgia, at the Marriott Perimeter Center.
Our 20 sections convened a total of 50 sessions.
The theme for the meeting was “Interpretation in Context.” Thank you to our plenary speaker, Dr. Timothy K. Beal, from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. His address was titled “Thief in the Night of the Living Dead: Revelation, Apocalypticism, and the Emergence of Evangelical Horror Culture.”
We also heard presentations from the regional presidents of AAR and SBL. The SBL regional president, Dr. Margaret Aymer of Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, delivered an address titled “Outrageous, Audacious, Courageous, Willful: Reading the Enslaved Girl of Acts 12.” The AAR regional president, Dr. Anne Blue Wills of Davidson College, presented “Unofficially Official: Telling Clergy-Wives’ Stories – the Case of Ruth Bell Graham.”
The AAR graduate student award was won by Won Chul Shin of Emory University. His paper was “Sing Broken Hallelujah: A Critical Analysis on Incarcerated Women’s Moral Injury and the Role of the Religious Practice of Singing in the Healing of Moral Injury.” The SBL graduate student award was won by Carson Bay of Florida State University for the paper “Austin on Paul: Reading ἀνάθεμα ἔστω in Galatians 1:8–9 with Speech-Act Theory.” The undergraduate prize was won by Elizabeth Hardt of Transylvania University. Her paper was “‘ISIS Brides’: Western Neo-Orientalist Narratives of Female Terrorism.”
The 2017 Annual Meeting will be held on March 3-5 at the Raleigh Marriott Crabtree Valley Hotel, 4500 Marriott Drive, Raleigh, NC, 27612. The theme will be “Utopia/Dystopia.”

Sections:
AAR Black Cultures in the Study of Religion
AAR Constructive Theologies
AAR Ethics, Religion & Society
AAR History of Christianity
AAR Islam
AAR Judaism
AAR Method & Theory in the Study of Religion
AAR Philosophy of Religion
AAR Religion & Ecology
AAR Religion & Law
AAR Religion, Culture & the Arts
AAR Religions in America
AAR Religions of Asia
AAR Teaching & Learning Religion
AAR Women, Gender & Religion
ASOR Archeology & the Ancient World
SECSOR Undergraduate Research
SBL Bible & Modern Culture
SBL Hebrew Bible/Old Testament
SBL New Testament

Here is the meeting program as printed for our meeting. Any corrections to this program will be announced at the meeting. Choose Word document or Adobe Acrobat format.

Registration is now open for the 2016 Annual Meeting, from Friday, March 4 through Sunday, March 6. Please follow this link to register before the deadline of Sunday, February 21. All participants and attendees at the meeting need to register. Preregistration rates are $60 for SECSOR members (members of AAR, SBL, and/or ASOR) and $30 for student members. The visitors/non-members registration fee is $70. Preregistration is encouraged; onsite registration is by CASH OR CHECK only, and the fees are $70 for members or visitors, and $35 for students or spouses/partners.

The Women’s Caucus Breakfast (Saturday morning) and the Underrepresented Minorities Luncheon (Saturday noon) are offered FREE of charge; if you qualify, please preregister and indicate your intention to attend!

The meeting will be held at the Atlanta Marriott Perimeter Center, 246 Perimeter Center Parkway NE, Atlanta, GA, 30346. The standard room rate is $99.00 per night, plus applicable taxes (12%). You will need to mention the Southeastern Commission for the Study of Religion to get this special rate. Please make your reservations as soon as possible, but no later than Friday, February 12, directly with Marriott reservations at 1 (800) 228-9290 or (770) 394-6500.

Help is needed staffing the registration table during the SECSOR meeting. If you are a student planning to attend the meeting and would like to receive a waiver of the registration fee in exchange for work at the registration table, contact the Executive Director, Sandra Hack Polaski, at ED@relse.org.