November 1, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Susan Snider,
404-727-4725, ssnider@aarweb.org
On November 17-21, ten thousand scholars of sacred texts and various religions converge on Washington to explore hundreds of religion topics, including the ancient Near East, the Bible in public life, religions in Africa, and the role of religion in U.S. public policy. Most of the more than 600 sessions organized by the American Academy of Religion and the Society of Biblical Literature are at the Washington Convention Center. Fifteen sessions are free to the public.
Registration is required to attend other events and the 150 publisher exhibits with tens of thousands of books on religion. For more information, contact 800-575-7185.
Founded in 1909, the American Academy of Religion is the world's largest association of scholars of religion. The AAR promotes research, publishing and teaching about religion in academia. The AAR neither endorses nor rejects any religious belief or practice. The Society of Biblical Literature’s mission is to foster biblical scholarship. Founded in 1880, the SBL provides conversation partners and resources for those interested in the religions, history, literature, and culture of the ancient near eastern world. Both organizations are based at Emory University.
The following events do not require registration and are free to the public (CC=Convention Center):
Fri, 12:00pm - 5:00pm, "Biblical Manuscripts Symposium," Freer Gallery of Art, Smithsonian
Fri, 1:00pm - 4:30pm, "Young African American Men: Policy, Culture, and Faith," CC 145A
Sat, 11:45am - 1:00pm, Karen Armstrong on "Religion after September 11," CC Ballroom A
Sun, 9:00am -11:30am, "The Bible and Human Rights," CC 146B
Sun, 1:00pm - 3:30 pm, "Role of Scripture in the 2006 Elections," CC 202A
Sun, 1:00pm - 3:30 pm, "Teaching the Bible in the Public Schools," CC Ballroom C
Sun, 4:00pm - 6:45 pm, "The Intersection of Religion and Culture in the West," CC Ballroom C
Sun, 5:00pm - 7:30 pm, "The Enduring Appeal of C.S. Lewis’s Mere Christianity," CC Ballroom B
Sun, 7:00pm - 8:30 pm, "Study Bibles and the Public," CC 146A
Sun, 8:30pm-10:30 pm, "Helen Whitney & Films Ground Zero, John Paul II, Future of Faith," CC 102B
Mon, 9:00am-11:30am, "Jim Wallis and Critical Responses to his book God’s Politics," CC Ballroom A
Mon, 11:30am-1:00pm, "A Conversation with Madeleine Albright" (then book signing), CC Ballroom A
Mon, afternoon, AAR - Library of Congress Panels, Mumford Rm., Madison Bldg., Library of Congress
1:30-3:30: "Writing the Story of America’s Religious Origins," with authors Susan Jacoby, Freethinkers; Mark Noll, America’s God; Stephen Prothero, American Jesus; and Jonathan Sarna, American Judaism. Co-sponsored by the National History Center.
4:00-6:00: "Legislating International Religious Freedom," with Thomas F. Farr, former director, State Dept Office, International Religious Freedom, scholars Allen D. Hertzke, Elizabeth Prodromou, and Winnifred Fallers Sullivan. Co-sponsored by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life.
Mon, 7:00-8:30pm, "The Bible and Religion in the Movies," CC Ballroom C
# # #