This website was developed by the American Academy of Religion (AAR). It was funded by a grant from the Lilly Endowment, Inc., and launched in 2004. It is best viewed using Firefox or Internet Explorer.

Founded in 1909, the AAR is the world's largest association of academics who research or teach topics related to religion.

In a world where religion plays so central a role in social, political, and economic events, as well as in the lives of communities and individuals, there is a critical need for ongoing reflection upon and understanding of religious traditions, issues, questions, and values. The Academy's mission is to promote such reflection through excellence in scholarship and teaching in the field of religion.

As a learned society and professional association of teachers and research scholars, the American Academy of Religion has about 9,000 members who teach in some 900 colleges, universities, seminaries, and schools in North America and abroad. The Academy is dedicated to furthering knowledge of religion and religious institutions in all their forms and manifestations. This is accomplished through Academy-wide and regional conferences and meetings, publications, programs, and membership services. Within a context of free inquiry and critical examination, the Academy welcomes all disciplined reflection on religion—both from within and outside of communities of belief and practice—and seeks to enhance its broad public understanding.

For further information about the AAR, please go to: www.aarweb.org

To contact us about this website, please email: admin@studyreligion.org

The original content of this website was written in 2004 by AAR member Brad Herling.

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