Western AAR Regional Meeting

​2026 Conference Theme: ​Religion, Technology, and Innovation
Alexander W. Marcus, Ph.D., President Elect and Program Chair

Religion is often seen as a conservative force in the face of rapidly-developing technologies. Yet, as both scholars of religion and practitioners know, religious thought and practice are necessarily in dialogue with the world and can also serve as catalysts for transformation or reference points for negotiating the intersections of tradition and innovation. Religious texts and rituals have always served as sources of meaning that anchor and frame our relationships with technological progress. And the field of Religious Studies, in turn, inevitably intersects with the pressing issues of a given era — shaped by, and at times shaping, the technological, economic, and social forces around us.

The AAR Western Region has long championed diversity in academic expression and activity, fostering a community where multiple voices, traditions, and methodologies are not only welcomed but celebrated. Our annual gathering is a testament to this legacy, providing a space for robust scholarly exchange. Our theme seeks to balance optimism about the future with a sober awareness of the ethical and spiritual challenges that innovation brings.