Religion Banquet - honors society inductees

The annual religion department banquet for religion majors and minors included the induction of the first members of the Alpha Kappa Delta chapter of Theta Alpha Kappa (National  Honor Society for Religious Studies and Theology).
The new ThAKers: (L to R) Keenan Parker, Paul Lattimer, Michael Good, Dr. David Aune, MacKenzie Lake, Rachel Poorman, Stephanie Rickel, Cory Smith.

Student wins best undergraduate essay from the Midwest American Academy of Religion

Religion senior, Stephanie Rickel, attended the Midwest American Academy of Religion (MAAR) annual meeting in Rock Island, Ill. April 1-3. 

Stephanie presented her paper "Liturgy, Time, and Secularism's Imitation"as part of a session devoted to undergraduate research for which she won the conference award for best undergraduate essay. 


The American Academy of Religion is the most important professional organization for the study Religion in the United States. There are regional meetings that take place throughout the year in addition to the big, nation-wide annual meeting in the Fall. "Winning this award [best undergraduate essay] is a testament to Stephanie's skill as a young theologian, careful thinker, and sophisticated writer," said Dr. Craig Hovey, her thesis advisor. "Stephanie has worked hard for over a year on a set of theological topics that led her to interact with the work of some of the most important living Christian theologians. She is particularly gifted at explaining difficult ideas and showing why they matter."

Stephanie’s paper was a condensed version of her religion major thesis of the same title. To read her prize winning thesis click here

Profs Present Papers at Conference

The religion department was well represented at the Midwest American Academy of Religion (MAAR) annual meeting in Rock Island, Ill.

Rev. Dr. Sue Dickson presented a paper titled “'Christian-Muslim Dialogue: Using Technology to Connect Students Internationally and Inter-religiously”  The paper explored the use of SKYPE or SKYPE equivalent technology to connect students from across the globe. It reviewed some of the research done in the past sixty years on the impact that technology and the media have had- and could have- on individuals and society; described the Soliya Connect Program, as one way to use media in a socially responsible way in the classroom; and evaluated the fall 2010 AU Honors Interdisciplinary Seminar which participated in the Soliya Connect Program to link students across national and religious boundaries.

Dr. Craig Hovey presented a paper titled "Is There a Christian Ethic for Emperors?" His paper was part of a panel responding to Peter Leithart's book, Defending Constantine, to which Leithart, in turn, responded. The essay is forthcoming in the Mennonite Quarterly Review

Ramadan Road Trip Program to be Held on Campus

On Tuesday, April 12, at 7 p.m. in the Hawkins-Conard Student Center Auditorium, Ashland University will host a unique program that will highlight the adventure of Aman Ali (better known for his comedic appearances on CNN, HBO, ABC News, and NPR) and Bassam Tariq as they traveled to 30 mosques in 30 states within 30 days.

Immediately following the presentation, a discussion with Ali will follow in the Eagles’ Landing of the Hawkins-Conard Student Center. This event is free and open to the public.