The Cushwa Center's Seminar in American Religion

Heath Carter

Twice a year the University of Notre Dame’s Cushwa Center for the Study of American Catholicism hosts a Seminar in American Religion (SAR).  As many readers of this blog can testify, these are “can’t miss” events.  All faculty within striking distance of South Bend are invited to participate; there are also a limited number of spaces available for graduate students.

The Seminar kicks off on a Friday evening with cocktails and dinner, and then picks up on Saturday morning with a three-hour discussion of a major new book in the field of American religion (note: if you register sufficiently in advance, the Center will cover the cost of both dinner and accommodations; the first 20 registrants also receive a free copy of the book).  Cushwa Director Kathy Cummings has this to say: “One long-time participant recently referred to the SAR as the ‘jewel’ in Cushwa’s crown, and I couldn’t agree more.  This semi-annual event is a pleasure to host.  Since it was initiated almost 35 years ago, the Seminar has generated thoughtful discussions of some of the most important books published in American religious history.  The combination of the Friday evening gatherings and the Saturday morning discussions have fostered a terrific community among religion scholars throughout the Midwest.”
 

Sold?  The next SAR is scheduled for Friday, February 28th, and Saturday, March 1st, and will feature a discussion of Duke historian Kate Bowler‘s Blessed: A History of the American Prosperity Gospel (you can find great coverage of the book on this site here and here). Comments by yours truly, as well as Notre Dame economist David Ruccio, will kick off what promises to be a stimulating conversation.  If you are interested in attending the Blessed edition of the Seminar – or if you’d like to be included on invitations to future events – please contact the Cushwa Center as soon as possible at [email protected].