ABSTRACT
How do we as scholars, communicate complex ideas about religion into the public square in a manner that is comprehensible and civil? In both politics and education, we continue to struggle with how to bring religion into the discussion in a way that is even-handed, allowing all voices to be heard from the most conservative to the most liberal—to use labels that seem increasingly unhelpful. Our work as scholars of religious studies, theology, and education has always been important to facilitating an understanding of varying religious traditions that make up the human community. In our current societal context, however, Waggoner joins many who would argue that it has never been more important in the history of our country and, indeed, the world, for us to martial our knowledge, energy, and resources in the service of the public good. This essay addresses the idea of being a public scholar of religious studies and the challenges of the milieu in which that work will take place with the hope that it will help each of us “claim our voice.”
