News & Publications

Benefits of Membership

When you become an AAR member, you join the largest society dedicated to the academic study of religion. You also gain a wide range of benefits that will enable you to elevate your career and grow your community.

Present at Our Annual Meetings

Present at Our Annual Meetings

Develop Your Skills and Career

Develop Your Skills and Career

Grow Your Network and Community

Grow Your Network and Community

Access Professional Resources, Discounts, and More

Access Professional Resources, Discounts, and More

Emilie Townes Photo

Emilie Townes

Martin Luther King, Jr. Professor of Religion and Black Studies, Boston University
Member since 1985

The opportunity to present papers, meet senior scholars, discover the scholars in my age cohort, forge both friendships and project partners, serve on committees, and become AAR's first Black woman president was made possible by my membership.

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Asma Afsaruddin

Herman B. Wells Endowed Professor of Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures, Indiana University at Bloomington
Member Since 1999

AAR has been a wonderful venue to present my research and learn from the work of other specialists in my field and beyond. Every annual conference provides a cornucopia of panels to attend and opportunities to network with colleagues who keep me connected with the latest trends in my field.

Wendy Mallette

Wendy Mallette

Assistant Professor of Religious Studies, University of Oklahoma
Member Since 2013

AAR has enabled me to keep up with friends and colleagues, even as we’ve moved to different institutions across the country. The support that comes from these opportunities to catch up with old friends and to meet new ones has been immensely generative for me over the years.

AAR Religion and the Arts Book Award

Recognizes new scholarly publications that make significant contributions to the study of religion and the arts.

Submission Status

Now Accepting Nominations

Submission Deadline

March 9, 2026 6:00 pm ET

APARRI 2026 Call for Proposals

As we gather in this year of unprecedented social and political challenge, we invite participants to reflect on sources of hope and struggle for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander religious communities. How have Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander scholars and religious communities grounded themselves in hope?

Submission Status

Now Accepting Applicants

Submission Deadline

March 9, 2026 11:59 pm ET

AAR Best First Book in Religious Studies

Competition for the AAR Best First Book in Religious Studies.

Submission Status

Now Accepting Nominations

Submission Deadline

March 9, 2026 6:00 pm ET

More to Explore

Opportunities Calendar

Discover grants, awards, and other upcoming opportunities for scholars of religion.

Book Reviews

Read the latest reviews published in our openly accessible book review website, Reading Religion.

Why AAR

Religious Studies Matters

Religion influences most aspects of our world and the study of religion has never been more important. AAR is committed to advocating for the academic study of religion. We support religion scholars working in many fields, and we provide resources and engagement opportunities to improve the public understanding of religion.

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