Department News
Department Congratulates Two Recent Hires
The Department of Religious Studies is delighted to announce that current PhD candidate Jillian Stinchcomb and recent PhD graduate Matthew Chalmers have both accepted new positions for the coming f
Prof. Butler on Religion, Politics, and Mask-Wearing
Professor Butler wrote on political rallies, religious leadership, and the moral obligation to wear a mask over at NBC Think. Here's the way her piece starts:
New Book from Alum Leah Comeau (PhD, 2013)
PhD alum Leah Comeau (2013), Associate Professor of Religion at the University of the Sciences, has a new book with Bloomsbury Press. Here's a description:
Two Religious Studies graduate students win FLAS Fellowships
Two doctoral students in Religious Studies have won Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowships for the next academic year (2020-21).
Ali Noori wins Janet Lee Stevens Award
Religious Studies doctoral student S. Ali Noori is a 2020 recipient of the Janet Lee Stevens Award.
Professor Robb at Stanford Conference "Before & Beyond Typography"
Dr. Megan Eaton Robb is speaking at a virtual conference hosted by Stanford University.
Fall 2020 - Fulfilling Undergraduate Requirements
FALL 2020 Religious Studies Courses Fulfilling Sector and Foundational Approaches
Professor Butler on "Becoming Less Racist" at the Religion News Service
Professor Butler featured as the first guest on a new series with the Religion News Service called "Becoming Less Racist: Lighting the Path to Anti-Racism." Host Simran Jeet Singh describe
Professor Thomas Interviewed at the Religious Studies Podcast
Professor Jolyon Thomas was interviewed by Brett Esaki for the Religious Studies Project Podcast.
With particular strengths in the study of Christianity, Judaism, American religions, Islam, secularism, Buddhism, and other Asian religions, the Department of Religious Studies emphasizes descriptive, historical, and theoretical approaches to the study of religion.
Faculty Bookshelf
Muslims Against the Muslim League: Critiques of the Idea of Pakistan
An anthology of essays, edited by Ali Usman Qasmi and Megan Eaton Robb, exploring Muslim criticism of the founding of Pakistan.
Song and Story in Biblical Narrative: The History of a Literary Convention in Ancient Israel
This book examines a literary form within the Bible that has slipped through the cracks of modern scholarship: the mixing of song and story in biblical narrative.
Aisha’s Cushion: Religious Art, Perception, and Practice in Islam
Media coverage of the Danish cartoon crisis and the destruction of the Buddhas of Bamiyan left Westerners with a strong impression that Islam does not countenance depiction of religious imagery.
Figures of Buddhist Modernity in Asia
This book introduces contemporary Buddhists from across Asia and from various walks of life.
The Throne Carrier of God: The Life and Thought of ‘Ala’ ad-dawla as-Simnani
This book constitutes a comprehensive investigation of the life and teachings of one of the most famous Sufis of the Iranian world.
Architects of Buddhist Leisure: Socially Disengaged Buddhism in Asia’s Museum, Monuments, and Amusement Parks
Buddhism, often described as an austere religion that condemns desire, promotes denial, and idealizes the contemplative life, actually has a thriving leisure culture in Asia.
On Wings of Diesel: Trucks, Identity, and Culture in Pakistan
Illustrated with beautiful colour photos throughout, On Wings of Diesel takes us on a journey through the fascinating world of Pakistani truck decoration.
Drawing on Tradition: Manga, Anime, and Religion in Contemporary Japan
Manga and anime (illustrated serial novels and animated films) are highly influential Japanese entertainment media that boast tremendous domestic consumption as well as worldwide distribution and a