Religious Scholars Turned Mainstream Writers

November 16, 2017

Religiously linked articles make the front page of newspapers daily, and many scholars have turned to mainstream media to project a wider view to more general audiences on how religion intersects with public life.

"It's about finding the fit for your voice in this vast public square," said Serene Jones, president of the American Academy of Religion. She urges new writers to establish their voice and reach new individuals through local newspapers and smaller publications.

Charles Kimball, a minister and professor at the University of Oklahoma, tapped into the "Barnes & Noble crowd" by writing several books to fill laymen's gaps of knowledge about religion, society, and the Middle East. To him, the loudest religious voices are the ones that are heard.

Most scholars resist taking a stance on issues and avoid utilizing social media to protect their reputation and academic integrity. David Gushee, theologian turned ethicist and author, however, suggests the opposite, urging scholars to maximize the impact of their voice by embracing new digital technologies and leveraging their expertise to inform vast audiences online.

"I think a lot of faculty, a lot of members of the AAR, have the desire to speak publicly, but they don't have the experience or the support of their institutions," Jones said. "The more we can equip people to actually do it, it goes from being a political desire to a real capacity."

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