Call for Proposals

This Section encompasses both domestic and global interconnections of religion and politics, in practice and theory. In addition to receiving proposals on topics generally in the purview of this Section, this year it especially welcomes proposals that address the following themes:

• Anti-Islamic populism in the United States and Europe — making connections with regard to identity, multiculturalism, assimilation, politics, and policy
• Religion education in state schools in Mediterranean nations and/or California
• United States immigration and American religious identity
• Peace-building efforts and faith-based diplomacy in Africa
• Religion in California politics and/or public life

We are also happy to receive proposals on religion and politics in the Mediterranean, as per the AAR’s international focus for the 2011 Annual Meeting.

Mission

This Section provides a forum for scholars and professionals interested in the relationships between religion, the state, and political life, both in the United States and around the world. Our members focus on the interaction between religious and political values, movements, and commitments, and the role of religious individuals and communities in bodies politic. This focus includes attention to the ways in which religion and religious actors participate in public discourse, contribute to debates over public values and social policy, and affect — and are affected by — activity in the political sphere. We welcome members doing both normative and descriptive work from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds, including religious studies, political science, philosophy, social ethics, law (including church-state studies), history (as it relates to contemporary understandings), and theology. We seek to advance scholarly inquiry on religion and politics and we seek also to speak to broad and diverse publics about areas falling under this Section’s purview.

Anonymity of Review Process

Proposals are anonymous to Chairs and Steering Committee Members during review, but visible to Chairs prior to final acceptance or rejection.

Questions?

Erik Owens
Boston College
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Susan B. Thistlethwaite
Chicago Theological Seminary
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Method of Submission