American Academy of Religions

[Guest guest]

Dear members,

I join in offering congratulations to Smt. Vasudha Narayanan.

Information regarding the American Academy of Religions is available from their

web-site. I was much impressed by the statement of their objectives which is

given in the section "Overview" in the web-page:

http://www.aarweb.org/about/overview.asp

"AAR members find the academic study of religion intrinsically interesting

because people often express their deepest values in forms of religious symbolic

behavior, whether in ritual settings, creedal statements, or in their ordinary

ways of living. Throughout history religion has been a vital source for some of

our greatest artistic and literary achievements. The religious imagination can

give us access to insights which could not be garnered in any other way,

insights that can play an important role in helping to foster social harmony,

especially in times of rapid social change. It is also the case that many of the

world's major conflicts have religious differences ingredient in them. Making

sense of these conflicts requires understanding the role religion plays in them

and the resources religion may bring to their resolution.

 

The study of religion is a tool for understanding and appreciating people whose

beliefs and practices often seem strange and threatening. While religious

studies helps make those who are different more familiar, it also helps us learn

more about who we are. By studying religious traditions that are near at hand,

our own world emerges more clearly and becomes more meaningful.

 

This desire for a more nuanced appreciation of others and a keener understanding

of ourselves provides part of the rationale for the AAR's development from a

small group of scholars in 1909 to its current status as the largest, most

comprehensive association dedicated to promoting the academic study of religion.

The AAR welcomes inquiry into all religious traditions, as well as all human

activities associated with religion. It is inclusive of the whole range of

methodologies and theories in the human sciences. "

 

adiyen,

M.K. Krishnaswamy