The American Academy of Religion (AAR)

The American Academy of Religion (AAR) is recognized as the world’s largest association of scholars dedicated to the study of religious studies and related subjects. Established as a nonprofit member association, its primary objective is to serve as a professional and scholarly society for individuals engaged in the academic exploration of religion. The AAR boasts a membership of approximately 10,000 members from around the world, with the majority residing in the United States and Canada. This diverse membership includes university and college professors, independent scholars, secondary school teachers, clergy, seminarians, students, and interested laypeople.

History

The American Academy of Religion (AAR) has a rich history that traces back to its foundation in 1909. Originally, it was established as the “Association of Biblical Instructors in American Colleges and Secondary Schools.” In 1933, the name was modified to the “National Association of Biblical Instructors (NABI).” It wasn’t until 1963 that the organization adopted its current name, “The American Academy of Religion,” to better represent its expanded and inclusive mission of promoting the academic study of all religions.

Over the years, the AAR has evolved and expanded its scope to mirror the contemporary values and interests of its membership. This includes responding to feminist scholarship, emphasizing the study of religions beyond Christianity, distinguishing between theology and religious reflection within the academic study of religion as a cultural, historical, and political phenomenon, and engaging with the public’s understanding of religion. The AAR’s inclusive and comprehensive approach has made it a prominent figure in the field of Religious Studies in the United States.

Prominent scholars such as Judith Plaskow, Mark Juergensmeyer, Wendy Doniger, Emilie Townes, Peter J. Paris, Rebecca Chopp, Elizabeth A. Clark, and Ann Taves have served as presidents of the AAR, further solidifying its reputation in the academic world.

Structure and Organization

1. Membership: The AAR is a nonprofit member association with approximately 10,000 members worldwide. The majority of these members are from the United States and Canada. The members comprise university and college professors, independent scholars, secondary teachers, clergy, seminarians, students, and interested lay-people.
2. Publications: The AAR collaborates with Oxford University Press to publish the “Journal of the American Academy of Religion.” Additionally, they have an online book review called “Reading Religion” and publish five book series through Oxford University Press. The AAR also presents awards annually to notable books in the study of religion across three categories: Analytical-Descriptive Studies, Historical Studies, and Constructive-Reflective Studies.
3. Annual Meeting: Every November, the AAR hosts its annual meeting, which is the world’s largest gathering for religious studies scholars. This meeting features over 400 events, including academic sessions, meetings, and receptions. The location of the meeting changes each year, and it serves as a significant platform for academic interaction in the field of religious studies.
4. Other Activities: On a regional level, the AAR offers various activities for its members. This includes professional development resources like research grants, career services, and scholarships. The AAR also emphasizes the importance of the critical study of religion at both institutional and national levels.
5. Leadership: The president, elected by AAR members each September, is part of the board of directors. The president assumes their role at the conclusion of each annual meeting.

Functions and Operations

The American Academy of Religion (AAR) stands as a beacon in the academic world, dedicated to the study of religious studies and related disciplines. As the world’s largest association of scholars in this field, its functions and operations are vast and multifaceted.

1. Academic Advocacy: At its core, the AAR is committed to promoting rigorous academic research and discourse on religion. It serves as a platform where scholars, teachers, and students can exchange ideas, share research findings, and contribute to the evolving understanding of religious phenomena.
2. Publications: One of the primary functions of the AAR is its publishing endeavors. In collaboration with Oxford University Press, it publishes the “Journal of the American Academy of Religion,” a revered academic journal. Additionally, the AAR oversees the publication of various book series and an online book review, ensuring that cutting-edge research is accessible to its members and the broader academic community.
3. Annual Meetings: The AAR’s annual meetings, held every November, are monumental events in the religious studies calendar. These meetings offer a plethora of academic sessions, discussions, and networking opportunities, drawing scholars from around the world.
4. Professional Development: Beyond academic discourse, the AAR is deeply invested in the professional growth of its members. It provides resources such as research grants, career services, and scholarships, supporting scholars at various stages of their careers.
5. Outreach and Advocacy: Recognizing the broader implications of religious studies, the AAR actively engages with the public, advocating for the critical study of religion at institutional and national levels. This ensures that the insights from academic religious studies inform public understanding and policy.

Controversy

Like many academic institutions, the AAR has faced its share of challenges and controversies over the years. These controversies often arise from the dynamic nature of religious studies, which intersects with various disciplines, cultures, and belief systems. Some potential areas of contention include:

1. Inclusivity and Representation: As the study of religion has evolved, there have been calls for greater inclusivity and representation of diverse religious traditions, practices, and perspectives within the AAR. This includes addressing issues related to gender, race, and cultural biases in the academic study of religion.
2. Academic Freedom: The AAR, being an academic institution, has had to navigate the delicate balance between academic freedom and respecting religious sensitivities. This can lead to debates and disagreements over the presentation and interpretation of religious texts, practices, and beliefs.
3. Public Engagement: The AAR’s commitment to engaging with the public understanding of religion can sometimes lead to conflicts with religious communities or individuals who may feel that their beliefs are being misrepresented or misunderstood.
4. Internal Governance: Like any large organization, the AAR may face internal disputes related to governance, leadership, and decision-making processes.

Impact on Ufology

The American Academy of Religion (AAR), as a leading institution in the study of religious phenomena, has played a role in shaping the academic discourse around various topics, including Ufology. Ufology, the study of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and their potential implications, intersects with religious studies in exploring the beliefs, narratives, and cultural impacts surrounding extraterrestrial encounters.

1. Legitimizing the Study: By providing a platform for scholars to discuss and present research on Ufology, the AAR has contributed to legitimizing the academic exploration of this field. This has allowed for a more nuanced understanding of how UFO beliefs intersect with religious and spiritual beliefs.
2. Interdisciplinary Approach: The AAR’s inclusive nature encourages interdisciplinary studies. Scholars from the fields of anthropology, sociology, psychology, and religious studies have come together to analyze the cultural and religious implications of UFO beliefs.
3. Public Engagement: The AAR’s commitment to engaging with the public understanding of religion means that discussions around Ufology are not just confined to academic circles. By fostering public dialogues, the AAR ensures that the broader societal implications of such beliefs are addressed.
4. Annual Meetings: The AAR’s annual meetings, which draw scholars from around the world, have occasionally featured sessions on Ufology, further integrating the study into mainstream academic discourse.

Conclusion

The American Academy of Religion (AAR) stands as the world’s premier association dedicated to the academic study of religious studies and related subjects. Founded in 1909, it has evolved over the years to reflect the diverse and dynamic nature of religious scholarship. As a nonprofit member association, the AAR serves scholars, educators, clergy, and interested individuals, boasting a membership of approximately 10,000 from around the globe. Through its publications, annual meetings, and various activities, the AAR fosters a rich environment for scholarly discourse, interdisciplinary collaboration, and public engagement. Its commitment to academic rigor, inclusivity, and public understanding underscores its pivotal role in shaping the landscape of religious studies in the modern era.