Academic Societies for the Study of Religion are regional, national, or international associations of academic scholars.
They are formed for the purpose of encouraging the cognitive, comparative, historical, structural, and theoretical approaches to the study of religion, and to represent scholars of religion within their geographical scope. They also serve to open and sustain communication between their members and their colleagues worldwide.
Through journals, conferences, newsletters, and interactive programs, they contribute to the development of up-and-coming academics, sustaining dialogue between leading scholars.
Academic Societies may also serve as a meeting place for members to engage, contest ideas, and to collaborate on research projects through electronic means, or otherwise.
They may also provide employment services, discounts, and other benefits to members.
Academic Societies may also offer programs for students, or to the community at large, such as grants, awards, and other projects or programs, such as conferences, symposia, or colloquia.
Members of Academic Societies for the Study of Religion come from a variety of scholarly backgrounds and professional experiences, including religious studies, the sociology of religion, political science, the history of religion, religious anthropology, and theology. Some scholars of religion are also also experimental scientists, theologians or philosophers.
Issues such as the dialogue between science and religion, attempts to find religion in science and science in religion, or to validate religious doctrines through cognitive science are not issues that are generally addressed through the Academic Societies for the Study of Religion.
Generally, these Academic Societies seek to be a forum for the critical, analytical, and cross-cultural study of religions, past and contemporary, not for confessional or apologetical concerns.
The focus of this category is on Academic Societies for the Study of Religion, while general study or research topics should be submitted to the parent category or another subcategory that might be appropriate.
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African and Diasporic Religious Studies Association
The ADRSA is an interdisciplinary consortium that supports scholarship in African and diasporic religions. Founded at Harvard in 2012, the organization encourages scholarly and community exchange, focusing on giving voices to those who are underrepresented. An introduction to the organization and its leadership is set forth, along with a calendar of events, news, and an online contact form. Contributions may be made online, and an online store offers some branded items.
https://adrsa.org/
Established in 1909, the AAR neither endorses or rejects any religious belief or practice, but serves as a professional association of teachers and research scholars, including members who teach in colleges, universities, seminaries, and schools throughout North America. Its mission, values, staff, leadership groups, and history are outlined, along with a calendar of meetings and events, membership policies, employment services, and publications.
https://www.aarweb.org/
Australian Association for the Study of Religion
AASR is a membership organization established to further the development of scholarship about religion in Australia and the surrounding Asia-Pacific region. A profile of the association and its services and benefits to members, membership policies, and the text of its constitution are displayed, along with its officers and administrative contacts, and links to other relevant online resources.
https://www.aasr.org.au/
British Association for the Study of Religions
BASR was founded in 1954 and is a member association of the International Association for the History of Religions and the European Association for the Study of Religions. Its objectives are to promote the academic study of religion through an annual conference, a general meeting, a regular BASR Bulletin, and its "Journal of the British Association for the Study of Religions." Membership is open to resident scholars in the United Kingdom. Teaching and learning resources are included.
https://basr.ac.uk/
Canadian Corporation for Studies in Religion
The consortium of Canadian societies in the various fields of religious studies and theology was founded in 1971 to publish a journal and other materials to serve the needs of member scholars, working in both the French and English languages. Its journal, books, and other publications are featured, along with its scholarship and other programs, activities, history, membership policies, and contacts.
http://ccsr.ca/
European Association for the Study of Religions
Affiliated with the International Association for the History of Religions, the objective of the EASR is the promotion of the academic study of religions through the collaboration of European scholars. Its constitution and bylaws, member associations and affiliated organizations, committees, and bursaries. Upcoming, future and past conferences are addressed, and its publications and journals are available.
http://www.easr.info/
European Association of Social Anthropologists
The EASA Religion Network is an association of anthropologists of religion who communicate through EASA’s listserve, which helps members to exchange contacts and share information about conferences and events, publications, research, jobs, and funding opportunities. Its membership benefits, policies and fees, a calendar of events, and an overview of its publications are put forth.
https://www.easaonline.org/
Institute for the Bio-Cultural Study of Religion
Focused on non-partisan research into the scientific study of religion, IBCSR is a branch of the Center for Mind and Culture. Its history, core values, and mission are stated, along with its membership policies, obligations, and benefits, which include discounts on its monthly publication, IBCSR Research Review, and its journal, Religion, Brain & Behavior. A calendar of events, reports on past activities, and informational videos are featured.
http://www.ibcsr.org/
International Association for the Cognitive Science of Religion
Founded in 2006, the IACSR is an interdisciplinary association of scholars from a wide variety of disciplines, including the human, natural and health sciences, and social sciences, who have an interest in the academic study of religious phenomena. A profile of the organization is put forth, and its centers, associations, meetings, journals, and other resources are outlined. A private area for members is included.
http://www.iacsr.com/
International Association for the History of Religions
Promoting the research activities of all scholars, member and affiliate associations, and societies that contribute to the historical, social, and comparative study of religion, the IAHR is the primary international forum for the analytical study of religions, both past, and present. Its congresses and conferences are recognized, and its constitution and bylaws, members, and affiliated, executive committee, and calendar of events are published to the site.
http://www.iahrweb.org/
International Philosophy of Religion Association
Hosted by Charles Sturt University, the IPRA was established for the purpose of encouraging, publicizing, and circulating scholarly work in the field of philosophy of religion, and promoting ties between scholars and groups working in the field. The organization hosts an annual IPRA conference, offers member news and a calendar of events, and various member publications and journals. Announcements are posted to the site.
http://www.csu.edu.au/
Irish Society for the Academic Study of Religions
Founded in 2011, the ISASR is a member of the International Association for the History of Religions. Comprised of scholars and researchers dedicated to the academic study of religions in Ireland and internationally, the association serves as a forum for the analytical, critical, and cross-cultural study of past and current religions. Memberships, study and employment opportunities, essay competitions, and publications are highlighted.
https://isasr.wordpress.com/
New Zealand Association for the Study of Religions
A member association of the International Association for the History of Religions, the NZASR is the chief professional organization for academics and others engaged in the analytical and critical, cross-cultural study of religion in New Zealand. Its history, purpose, membership policies and benefits, and a calendar of conferences and other events are put forth, along with its publications, contacts, and links to related resources.
http://www.nzasr.ac.nz/
North American Association for the Study of Religion
Dedicated to historical, critical, and social scientific approaches to the study of religions, past and present, as well as to the critique of the theories, methods of study, and categories used in such studies and research, the NAASR was created in 1985. Its history, officers, administrative contacts, membership policies and renewals, affiliated organizations, upcoming and past conferences, and affiliated organizations are featured.
https://naasr.com/
Religion & Education Collaborative
The REC is an interdisciplinary network of educators, students, and scholars who study religion and education issues in the United States, Canada, and worldwide. The organization strives to bring the academic fields and educational arenas together to promote research and goals on religious literacy education, relationships between religion and the school, and related subjects. Membership information, a calendar of events, informational articles, and other online resources are provided.
https://www.religionanded.com/
Religious Research Association
The RRA is an association of researchers and religious professionals founded in 1951 as the Religious Research Fellowship. However, it existed before that time as a partnership between the Institute of Social and Religious Research and the Federal Council of Churches. The RRA publishes the "Review of Religious Research" four times a year, which includes articles, book reviews, and reports on research projects. Membership information, meeting schedules, and contacts are featured.
https://www.rraweb.org/
Society for the Scientific Study of Religion
Originally known as the Committee for the Social Scientific Study of Religion, the SSSR was founded at Harvard University in 1949. The interdisciplinary academic association communicates, stimulates, and promotes social scientific research into religious institutions and experiences. Announcements and schedules for its annual meeting, a calendar of other events, awards, grants, and announcements are posted to the site.
https://sssreligion.org/
