UNC Religious Studies

With the new year comes new @uncchapelhill faculty achievements! Professor Hugo Méndez’ latest book, The Epistles of John: Origins, Authorship, Purpose (Cambridge, 2026), is now out, offering a sweeping new vision of three books of th Christian Bible: 1 John, 2 John, and 3 John.

See this Instagram photo by @uncmis instagram.com/p/DSXz0ZSDWAa/…

Congratulations to RELI doctoral student Jacob Barrett for being elected Student Director of the American Academy of Religion. For anyone who doesn't already know, the AAR is the preeminent national professional organization for our field!

BOOK LAUNCH: Religion Through Food and Family in Chinese Traditions WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 24 1:00 PM –2:30 PM HST/7:00 PM –8:30 PM EDT Register at: hawaii.zoom.us/webinar/regist…

Congratulations to UNC Religious Studies professor Hugo Méndez on the publication of his new book, The Gospel of John: A New History (Oxford, 2025)! OUP site academic.oup.com/book/60236

Interested in knowing more about Judaism in the Time of Jesus? Take RELI 106 in summer session 1. It's online, asynchronous and carries FC-VALUES AND FC-PAST Gen Eds. Register today to reserve your place!

Has there ever been a more important time to understand the role of religion in American life?? Take Reli 140 this Maymester and learn how things work in just 3 weeks! The course is online & asychronous so it will work with your schedule. Register now!

See this Instagram photo by @reliunc instagram.com/p/DImPKKVuYLB/…

Barbara R. Ambros is presenting a lecture titled "Animals Absorb the Teachings through their Pores: Life Releases and Liturgical Infusion in Early Modern Japan" at the University of Virginia today.

This Wednesday, I’ll be giving the annual Christianity and Culture lecture at @reliunc. If you are in or around Chapel Hill, join us!

The Religious Studies Department and Minor in Christianity and Culture invite you to our annual Christianity and Culture lecture this Wednesday March 19th, with Dr. Candace Lukasik at 5PM in Carolina Hall 220. Dr. Lukasik will share from her book to be published this week.

“Will I See Fido in Heaven?  The Afterlife of Animals in Buddhism and Christianity” With Bart Ehrman and Barbara R. Ambros Please join us for a conversation about the religious lives of the most beloved members of our households, our pets (and other animals, too)!

Looking for an exciting class for Spring? RELI242: New Religious Movements in America examines how new religions begin, and how they work. Students will watch documentaries and study new religions online.

PhD student Jerry Grimes was presented with the Best Graduate Student Paper award at the North Carolina Religious Studies Association Annual Conference at Fayetteville State University on November 2, 2024!

Check out this great course taught by Prof. Ariel in the spring - there are still spots left!

Check out these fantastic classes that still have some spots left for Spring 2025, taught by Prof. Lam!

Alejandra Villalobos Ruiz and Berenice Hermenegildo--two students of Art History from the University of San Marcos in Lima, Peru--visited Prof. De la Cruz's class last week to speak about their research!

Another SBL panel that I am excited to host reviewing Rafael Rachel Neis's new book. #sblaar24

🎉 Congratulations to Tracey Cave for receiving the 2023-2024 Award in Management for her outstanding accomplishments in the religious studies department. Cave's colleague said she "exceeds what is expected of her in all aspects of her work." college.unc.edu/2024/11/religi… @reliunc

Last week, at the department’s annual majors/minors dinner, undergraduates heard from a panel of current PhD students about applying to graduate school and their experiences in the program. Thanks to Sierra Lawson, Carter Kurtz, Jacob Barrett, and Prof. Bayne!