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James Rowell

Associate Professor of Religion

Department

Research, Professional and Creative Activity

Published Books:

  • Making Sense of the Sacred, Fortress Press, 2021
  • Gandhi and Bin Laden: Religion at the Extremes from University Press of America, Summer-Fall 2009.
  • Articles: “Abdul Ghaffar Khan” in Journal of Political Theology (Vol. 10, No. 4, 2009) “Has Non-Violence Been Trumped?” appeared in Theology Today in July 2006, Vol. 63, No.2; and “Gandhi and Bin Laden: Polar Extremes” in The Journal of Conflict Studies, Vol. 26, No. 1, Summer 2006.
  • Presented paper on Abdul Ghaffar Khan November 2006 at AAR; previously paper 2003 AAR.
  • Member of AAR 1999-2010, 2013; public speaking, including the Glenmore Retirement Home.
  • Gandhi and Bin Laden: Religion at the Extremes from University Press of America, Summer-Fall 2009.
  • “Abdul Ghaffar Khan” in Journal of Political Theology (Vol. 10, No. 4, 2009) “Has Non-Violence Been Trumped?” appeared in Theology Today in July 2006, Vol. 63, No.2;
  • “Gandhi and Bin Laden: Polar Extremes” in The Journal of Conflict Studies, Vol. 26, No. 1, Summer 2006. 

Awards:

  • Academic Award for Excellence, Flagler College 2009-2010.

Area of Research:

  • Religion, politics and the choice of violence/non-violence.
  • Religious Realism & Religious Universalism. Religion, politics and inequality.
  • Religion and regional politics, & culture.
  • Religion, fiction and film.
  • These express some of the ranges of interests I have - though not have all been equally researched in my endeavors so far. 

Star Wars, Tolkien and Religion

Professional Profile

My interests lie at the cross-section of religion, politics and morality. I have done work on religion and violence, inequality, science and religion, and many topics of religion, politics and society. I also appreciate the connection of religion and creativity through film and fiction.

Education:

  • PhD Religious Studies
  • University of Pittsburgh MA 
  • Political Science
  • University of New Hampshire BA
  • Political Science
  • University of Massachusetts BA
  • Anthropology
  • University of Massachusetts 

Teaching and Related Service

 Classes frequently offered:

  • World Religions
  • Hinduism and India
  • Islam and Politics
  • Buddhism and Asia
  • Religion and Conflict 
  • Star Wars Tolkien & Religion
  • Smith Marx & God
  • Gandhi & Bin Laden
  • Inequality and Religion
  • Star Wars Tolkien & Religion
  • Also have taught Christian Ethics, Religion & Politics, Women & Religion.
  • God Ape & Man

Previously taught at:

  • Lafayette College
  • Curry College

More Information

Office Hours (On Campus):

  • Tuesday: 8:50 AM - 10:50 AM
  • Thursday: 8:50 AM - 10:50 AM