Department News

This report is adapted from an email by John E. Chadwick who is a senior communications writer at SAS. In March 2021, Joseph Williams, a professor of religion, was interviewed by the SAS Communications & Marketing about Christian nationalism in the wake of January 6. The interview was published on SAS website in March 2021. Some 18 months after the Q&A  was published on the SAS website, Williams' responses in the interview continue to make it into news stories as direct quotes on a regular basis...

From Rutgers Today: The January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol drew attention to a number of extremist movements including the Proud Boys, the Oath Keepers and followers of the QAnon conspiracy theory. The throngs of attackers also included Christian nationalists, whose ranks may overlap with the groups above but who also constitute a movement that has been growing for decades. Joseph Williams, a professor in the Department of Religion, studies American religious history, including the...

Department of Religion at Rutgers University, New Brunswick, invites applications for Visiting Research Associate. These positions do not come with financial compensation, but Visiting Research Associates will receive full library access and institutional affiliation for the duration of the appointment. Visiting Research Associates are expected to participate in the life of the department by attending departmental talks (remotely or in-person) and sharing their research through presentations...

GODS, MYTHS, AND RELIGIONS IN A SECULAR AGE (3)01:840:101:D1 This course introduces students to the academic study of religion by focusing on four major areas of inquiry: myth; religious authority; purity and sacred space; and ritual practices. We will draw on diverse source material, including Indian, Muslim, Greek, Chinese, and Christian traditions but maintain a focus on the appropriation and re-interpretation of these traditions in the modern, secular west. Sub-topics will include popular...

Religion and the Arts01:840:293(Special Topic in the Study of Religion)MW, 2:50-4:10PM (CAC) A window into the world of religion through the arts. This course will survey the ways the arts are used in religion and religion is used in the arts, with a focus on visual arts, music, dance, and drama. Instructor: Dr. Dugan McGinleyduganmcg@religion.rutgers.edu   * It is anticipated that this course will meet the AHp core requirement, pending final approval by SAS faculty.