Why Public Scholarship Needs Research on Religion for Religious Leader: H. Paul Douglass Lecture, Religious Research Association

This H. Paul Douglass lecture discusses the critical importance of translating academic
research on religion for religious leaders and communities. Over two decades of experience
engaging with religious leaders has demonstrated their significant influence on
social life, with nearly half of U.S. adults attending religious services monthly. Religious
leaders shape their communities’ responses to crucial issues including environmental
concerns, racial justice, mental health, and social crises. The lecture argues that public
scholarship for religious leaders serves multiple purposes: it democratizes knowledge,
enhances academic research quality, and bridges gaps between academic and religious
communities. Key strategies for effective engagement include being reflective about
one’s positionality, creating ‘‘neutral third spaces’’ for dialogue, managing power
dynamics thoughtfully, and building authentic relationships. The benefits of such engagement
include broader research dissemination, clearer communication of findings, and
more relevant research questions. However, challenges exist, such as potential gatekeeping
by religious leaders and the need to maintain academic integrity while building
trust. The lecture concludes that despite these challenges, engaging religious leaders
with academic research enriches both scholarly work and religious communities, while
promoting more informed dialogue on pressing societal issues.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE