What are the politics of religious conversion? When does conversion become public spectacle? In this first episode of the Religionish Bookshelf, the new monthly bookclub series, we discuss Rebecca L. Davis‘ latest book Public Confessions: The Religious Conversions that Changed American Politics. Dr. Davis is the Miller Family Endowed Early Career Professor of History at…
No New Episodes Until Dissertation Writing Is Completed
When the 2020-2021 academic year began in September, I had hoped to balance dissertation writing with publishing the Religionish podcast. Well….if you follow the podcast you know that balancing act did not succeed. The last episode of Religionish was published on September 30, 2020. I apologize to everyone for not notifying listeners earlier that my…
Ep. 21 A Nation Within A Nation, Discussing Black Christianity with Marla Frederick
How does Black Christianity operate as a nation within a nation? In this scholar profile, we talk with Marla Frederick, a religion scholar and the Asa Griggs Candler Professor of Religion and Culture at Emory University. Dr. Frederick talks about her experience growing up Baptist, how she became an academic, and her research on Black…
Ep. 20 On Religious Podcasting
Three religion podcasters discuss origins, self-realization, racial justice, and spirituality.
Understanding White Supremacy
Originally published on my personal blog Sitting in the Stacks. Multitudes of guides have come out recently about white supremacy and anti-racism. These resources aim to introduce white folxs to the concept of white supremacy as a system of power in which all are complicit. Since Sitting in the Stacks originated as a book review…
Ep. 19 A Wall of Separation
In the second episode of Religionish SCOTUS watch, Ashley outlines what is meant by “separation of Church and State.” What does this have to do with the establishment clause in the Constitution? How come we see an entanglement of religion and politics? Various primary sources are mentioned in this episode. You can find links to…
Ep. 18 Spirit Check: Exhaustion
In this brief episode, Ashley reflects on exhaustion and sensory overload. How do you see exhaustion manifesting in your COVID-19 quarantine life? How are you being gentle with yourself when you’re not as productive as you’d like? Please share your spirit checks or a response to the Religionish ones. Email the show a recording or…
Ep. 17 The Democratic Race for Religion
Does the Democratic Party have a religion problem? Episode 17 explores the place of religion within the Democratic Party. When folks think of religion and politics, the Christian Right is the first thing that comes to mind. Guest Drew Proctor, a long time Democratic campaign worker, and Ashley discuss where religion fits within Democratic politics….
Ep. 16 Spirit Check: Fear
In this brief episode, Ashley reflects on the feeling of fear during social distancing. How does fear settle into our lives? How can we greet it to acknowledge its presence? How does fear tag along with the major emotions (loss and grief) of this global pandemic?
Ep. 15 Persian New Year, Nowruz
Spring means renewal and rebirth in a lot of cultures. For Persians, it represents the start of the new year. What is Nowruz and how is it celebrated? Find out in this episode of Religionish. In this episode, I speak with my friend Samira Rajabi. She is an instructor and the director of technology influenced…