Challenges and Responsibilities for the Public Scholar of Religion

In this interview, Megan Goodwin examines the current state of public religious studies scholarship. “Public scholar” has become a buzzword in some corners of the discipline of religious studies, variously referring to scholars who share their research to a broader audience on social media platforms, in popular media outlets, or through multimedia such as podcasts and online video. As more scholars have entered these ranks, the broader field has taken notice. The American Academy of Religion even declared the 2018 presidential theme as “Religious Studies in Public: The Civic Responsibilities, Opportunities, and Risks Facing Scholars of Religion.” What challenges do public scholars of religion face? Are academic institutions prepared to support these scholars as they are exposed both to greater scrutiny from their academic peers as well as vitriolic hate from trolls online? Where is public religious studies scholarship headed in the coming years?