GTU Voices - Reflections from the 2024 Annual Meeting of the Society of Biblical Literature and the American Academy of Religion

The 2024 Annual Meeting of the Society of Biblical Literature and the American Academy of Religion (SBL/AAR) brought together thousands of scholars, students, and educators from around the world to explore the intersections of faith, culture, and academia. This gathering offered a dynamic space for critical dialogue, innovative research, and meaningful connections across diverse disciplines. In this blog post, we share reflections from students who attended the conference, highlighting the inspiring sessions, transformative conversations, and the personal insights they gained from this vibrant scholarly community. Their experiences capture the spirit of intellectual curiosity and collaboration that define this annual event.

GTU: What was your general impression of the conference?

Evan Underbrink (EU): The annual SBL/AAR conference is always a meaningful time for connecting with friends and colleagues, who by the necessities of our profession are often scattered throughout the country and world. What was a particular joy of this conference was seeing how many GTU students, faculty, and alumni were present around the conference.

Chang In Son (CIS): Overall, there are lots of things going on, especially scholars sharing and exchanging ideas. But it is way less crowded than other science or technology conferences.

Zeinab Vessal (ZV): The conference was an enriching experience that offered opportunities for professional growth, networking, and academic engagement. The diversity of topics and the caliber of scholars presenting their research were impressive. It was inspiring to see so many perspectives come together in a collaborative and vibrant atmosphere.

Mamisoa Rakotomalala (MR): This my second time to SBL/AAR, so for me it was better than my first experience. I was able to plan and focus on the sessions that are interesting for me. Otherwise, one can be overwhelmed because AAR has so many sessions and the convention center is big, plus the sites in the different hotels, it can feel overwhelming.

GTU: AAR/SBL had a number of GTU students and faculty attending; what were some great moments you can recall of connecting with GTU faculty, colleagues, or alumni at the conference?

EU: Our "guerilla reception" was packed with dear members of my cohort, alumni I had the pleasure of meeting, and faculty given the chance to connect and engage with the GTU community, away from the ubiquitous hustle and bustle of regular academic life.

CIS: Meeting with GTU alumni during the meeting was great for talking about how their education and experiences at GTU were helpful in their job search and research.

ZV: One of the most memorable moments for me was the reception hosted by GTU faculty, which celebrated the achievements of various departments and fostered meaningful connections among students, faculty, and alumni. Another highlight was Dr. Dhala’s effort to organize an innovative and informal meeting among Islamic Studies scholars. These gatherings facilitated connections, introduced scholars and their research areas to the community, and significantly broadened our academic network. Additionally, I had the opportunity to connect with the Templeton Foundation alongside Dr. Braden Molhoek and a group of GTU students. This interaction was particularly impactful, opening doors for potential collaborations and funding opportunities. Lastly, one of the most memorable moments was participating in a San Diego Museum of Art tour arranged by Dr. Dhala and coordinated with her students. During the visit, we explored the extraordinary Qazvini exhibition, curated in part by Carol Bier, who is affiliated with our school. This rare opportunity to engage with these artifacts in person was both inspiring and invaluable to my research.

MR: I really embrace the time shared with my GTU roommates (we shared an Airbnb with 5 GTU students) although we all were busy running to our respectives sessions. I also appreciated the informal gathering of GTU students and faculty attending SBL/AAR. It is always good to have the time to be together and be proud that we all are GTU!

GTU: If you gave a paper or workshop at the conference, what was the topic, and how was it received?

ZV: I presented a paper titled “Verses on ʿAlam: Qurʾānic Inscriptions on Metal Finials in Shīʿī Muslim Societies.” The paper explored the role of Qurʾānic inscriptions and invocations on ‘Alams, metal finials used in Shiʿi processions, as a manifestation of societal Qurʾān in Shīʿī society. These inscriptions, arranged in intricate decorative patterns, embody faith, theology, and Shīʿī identity, uniting historical, spiritual, and communal aspects of Islam while reflecting the eternal message of the Qurʾān and the Ahlul Bayt. The feedback I received was overwhelmingly positive. Attendees expressed interest in the interdisciplinary approach of integrating material religion, calligraphy, and cultural identity in Shiʿi studies. Following my presentation, I was honored to be invited to join the steering committee for the 2025 SBL/AAR conference in Boston. Additionally, a faculty member from a Malaysian university reached out to discuss arranging the same presentation for their institution.

MR: I presented a paper at the Practical Theology session titled, "Embodied Love for Social Transformation Through Theological Education in Sub-Saharan Africa: Feminist Practical Theology Perspectives." All the papers in that session were well received because of the diverse contexts the presenters brought. We also had constructive roundtable conversations with the attendees after the presentation. I was invited to submit a paper version of my presentation to a journal, which is exciting!

GTU: What is one key insight, paper, scholar, or book you encountered at the conference you would give a shout out?

EU: A topic that was woven throughout several papers I attended during the conference was on the current state and future of a post-Trump liberal evangelicalism. On this topic, I found the session on Dr. Leah Payne's book, God Gave Rock and Roll to You, engaging and thought-provoking. Another topic a great discussion and fascination centered on Dr. Cyril Uy II's fascinating exploration of Jazz as a theoretical framework for the study of medieval Sufism. Overall, I was delighted and academically enlivened by attending the conference, and deeply encouraged by the strong showing of GTU faculty and students, engaging thoughtfully in contemporary American theological discourse. I hope to see all of you next year in Boston!

CIS: Religion scholars are using more technology in their work, not only for data analysis or using chatbots for counseling, but also to induce hallucinations similar to the after-death experiences, simulate conflict and problem-solving solution with multi-agent AI modeling of society, using a game as a means to cultivate virtues. There are more AI, technology, or cognitive science of religion sessions than before, and there will be more in future conferences.

ZV: I would like to highlight the publications of Edinburgh University Press on Islamic themes, particularly Art, Allegory, and the Rise of Shiʿism in Iran, 1487-1565 by Dr. Chad Kia. Additionally, I would like to highlight Dr. Tehseen Thaver’s newly published book, Beyond Sectarianism: Ambiguity, Hermeneutics, and the Formations of Religious Identity in Islam, published by the University of Pennsylvania Press. I attended her book launch at the International Qur'anic Studies Association (IQSA) session and found her work to be a groundbreaking contribution to theology and Islamic studies.

MR: I would give a shout out to one session under the Women of Color Scholarship: "Teaching and Activist Unit-Let us Meet There: Black and Asian Women Making a Pedagogical Home in the Margins." It was a very practical session as the presenters created a space for all of us attendees to participate and not just listen.

The reflections shared by GTU students and faculty capture the essence of the 2024 SBL/AAR Annual Meeting as a hub of intellectual exchange and professional development. From thought-provoking sessions and impactful presentations to meaningful connections and collaborative opportunities, the conference exemplified the value of coming together as a scholarly community. It not only deepened participants' academic insights but also fostered a spirit of curiosity, collaboration, and inspiration that will undoubtedly influence their future endeavors.