Publications & News

We publish valuable information throughout the year in the form of digital and print publications, best practice guides and research reports from AAR working groups, and podcasts of Annual Meeting sessions. We also regularly promote the accomplishments of our highly active, diverse membership.

Featured Publications

We publish print and online publications to serve our members, foster excellence in the academic study of religion, and enhance the public understanding of religion. Featured publications include the Journal of the American Academy of Religion; five academic book series published in partnership with Oxford University Press; Reading Religion, our open book review site; and Religious Studies News, our online magazine. 

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The premier academic journal in religious studies, the Journal of the American Academy of Religion publishes top scholarly articles covering the full range of world religious traditions together with provocative studies of the methodologies by which these traditions are explored. AAR members have online access to current and archived JAAR issues through the "sign in via society site" option.

Member Access to JAAR

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Our publishing program with Oxford University Press (OUP) produces quality scholarship, including many titles that have become essential tools in the development of the field and in the training of new scholars. AAR members receive a 30-percent discount on all books from the AAR-OUP series.

AAR-OUP Book Series

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Reading Religion, our openly accessible book review website, provides up-to-date coverage of scholarly publishing in religious studies, reviewed by scholars with special interest and/or expertise in the relevant subfields. Reviews are concise, comprehensive, and timely.

Reading Religion

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Religious Studies News (RSN), our online magazine, is a platform for students and professionals involved in the teaching and scholarship of religion. RSN communicates important events of the field and examines critical issues in education, pedagogy, research, publishing, and the public understanding of religion.

Religious Studies News

Newsroom

Our newsroom captures recent developments in the field, notable member accomplishments—such as major publications, award announcements, and media mentions—as well as organizational updates and statements issued by the AAR Board of Directors. We also share action alerts from advocacy partners, including the National Humanities Alliance and American Council of Learned Societies. 

Data and Studies

As a learned society, we include data collection and analysis and trend monitoring among our primary responsibilities, especially as it affects individuals and departments. We've conducted and supported a number of studies on topics related to the academic study of religion and continue to promote relevant, timely data collection and analysis.

Guides and Best Practices

Over the years, AAR working groups have produced numerous guides for scholars—on topics such as getting published and presenting at our Annual Meeting—and developed best practice documents for working with the media, teaching about religion in K-12 schools and higher education, and evaluating digital scholarship.

AAR Journalism Awards

Nomination Deadline: April 15, 2024

We're seeking nominations for the best in-depth reporting on religion in two categories: newswriting and multimedia. 


Award Info

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