Boniuk Institute
@boniukinstitute.bsky.social
The Boniuk Institute is a premier interdisciplinary research and scholarly institute at Rice University. We want to understand the conditions that lead to religious conflict, tolerance, and pluralism, and then help people apply our findings.
Today at #AARSBL25, the @boniukinstitute.bsky.social convened 20+ scholars to chart new directions in research on religious pluralism and conflict and to explore fresh possibilities for inter- and multidisciplinary collaboration. See highlights in the comments!
November 22, 2025 at 9:35 PM
Today at #AARSBL25, the @boniukinstitute.bsky.social convened 20+ scholars to chart new directions in research on religious pluralism and conflict and to explore fresh possibilities for inter- and multidisciplinary collaboration. See highlights in the comments!
Hour 3: Communicating Your Scholarship
Justine Ellis led a conversation w Terrence Johnson, Brett Krutzsch, Elizabeth R Platt, and Isaac Weiner on how orgs comm their mission & scholarship.Many walk a tightrope bt saying too much and too little in climates that feel less hospitable to academic work.
Justine Ellis led a conversation w Terrence Johnson, Brett Krutzsch, Elizabeth R Platt, and Isaac Weiner on how orgs comm their mission & scholarship.Many walk a tightrope bt saying too much and too little in climates that feel less hospitable to academic work.
November 22, 2025 at 12:16 AM
Hour 3: Communicating Your Scholarship
Justine Ellis led a conversation w Terrence Johnson, Brett Krutzsch, Elizabeth R Platt, and Isaac Weiner on how orgs comm their mission & scholarship.Many walk a tightrope bt saying too much and too little in climates that feel less hospitable to academic work.
Justine Ellis led a conversation w Terrence Johnson, Brett Krutzsch, Elizabeth R Platt, and Isaac Weiner on how orgs comm their mission & scholarship.Many walk a tightrope bt saying too much and too little in climates that feel less hospitable to academic work.
Hour 2: Breakout Sessions
Participants gathered in small groups to name pressing issues, challenges, and reasons to celebrate across the field.
Challenges:
• Need for support + community
• Limited resources
• Framing the value of the work
Participants gathered in small groups to name pressing issues, challenges, and reasons to celebrate across the field.
Challenges:
• Need for support + community
• Limited resources
• Framing the value of the work
November 22, 2025 at 12:14 AM
Hour 2: Breakout Sessions
Participants gathered in small groups to name pressing issues, challenges, and reasons to celebrate across the field.
Challenges:
• Need for support + community
• Limited resources
• Framing the value of the work
Participants gathered in small groups to name pressing issues, challenges, and reasons to celebrate across the field.
Challenges:
• Need for support + community
• Limited resources
• Framing the value of the work
Joseph Edmonds opened the wkshp w Harold Morales, Tiffany Truett, & Jonathan VanAntwerpen discussing the state of orgs working at the interx of religion & pub life. How do we promote productive narratives? What’s more effective—fear-based or hopeful messaging? what does it look like to ask for help?
November 22, 2025 at 12:13 AM
Joseph Edmonds opened the wkshp w Harold Morales, Tiffany Truett, & Jonathan VanAntwerpen discussing the state of orgs working at the interx of religion & pub life. How do we promote productive narratives? What’s more effective—fear-based or hopeful messaging? what does it look like to ask for help?
How do we lead communities in the midst of political polarization?
@bezner.bsky.social joined @boniukinstitute.bsky.social Religious & Civic Leader Gathering for a powerful conversation on leadership, service, and values beyond partisanship. Watch it youtu.be/5SvTw6nn0Bg?...
#FaithAndPublicLife
@bezner.bsky.social joined @boniukinstitute.bsky.social Religious & Civic Leader Gathering for a powerful conversation on leadership, service, and values beyond partisanship. Watch it youtu.be/5SvTw6nn0Bg?...
#FaithAndPublicLife
November 13, 2025 at 9:02 PM
How do we lead communities in the midst of political polarization?
@bezner.bsky.social joined @boniukinstitute.bsky.social Religious & Civic Leader Gathering for a powerful conversation on leadership, service, and values beyond partisanship. Watch it youtu.be/5SvTw6nn0Bg?...
#FaithAndPublicLife
@bezner.bsky.social joined @boniukinstitute.bsky.social Religious & Civic Leader Gathering for a powerful conversation on leadership, service, and values beyond partisanship. Watch it youtu.be/5SvTw6nn0Bg?...
#FaithAndPublicLife
Gen Z is leaving religion at record rates – and reshaping US politics along the way. Hear @melissadeckman.bsky.social of @prri.org on #ReligionUnmuted: religionunmuted.libsyn.com/whats-trendi...
November 3, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Gen Z is leaving religion at record rates – and reshaping US politics along the way. Hear @melissadeckman.bsky.social of @prri.org on #ReligionUnmuted: religionunmuted.libsyn.com/whats-trendi...
This week’s BI-RPLC Scholars Mtg unpacked how Americans understand antisemitism & Islamophobia. Findings indicate more agreement on what counts as Islamophobia vs antisemitism. Views often align with education, political ID, and religious attendance.
#ReligiousLiteracy #ReligionAndPublicLife
#ReligiousLiteracy #ReligionAndPublicLife
October 24, 2025 at 3:57 PM
This week’s BI-RPLC Scholars Mtg unpacked how Americans understand antisemitism & Islamophobia. Findings indicate more agreement on what counts as Islamophobia vs antisemitism. Views often align with education, political ID, and religious attendance.
#ReligiousLiteracy #ReligionAndPublicLife
#ReligiousLiteracy #ReligionAndPublicLife
📢Calling all friends, alumni, students, and colleagues! Join @boniukinstitute.bsky.social & @riceuniversity.bsky.social's Dept of Religoin for a reception at AAR in Boston. We'd love to see you!
👉 RSVP tinyurl.com/5cb5t7sf
#AARSBL25
👉 RSVP tinyurl.com/5cb5t7sf
#AARSBL25
October 24, 2025 at 3:10 PM
📢Calling all friends, alumni, students, and colleagues! Join @boniukinstitute.bsky.social & @riceuniversity.bsky.social's Dept of Religoin for a reception at AAR in Boston. We'd love to see you!
👉 RSVP tinyurl.com/5cb5t7sf
#AARSBL25
👉 RSVP tinyurl.com/5cb5t7sf
#AARSBL25
Rev. Justin Meyers of the Al Amana Centre joined this week's @boniukinstitute.bsky.social Scholars Mtg to discuss lived pluralism in Oman.
His message: real pluralism grows from quiet, everyday encounters that build empathy and mutual respect. #Pluralism #Dialogue #Peace
His message: real pluralism grows from quiet, everyday encounters that build empathy and mutual respect. #Pluralism #Dialogue #Peace
October 17, 2025 at 4:26 PM
Rev. Justin Meyers of the Al Amana Centre joined this week's @boniukinstitute.bsky.social Scholars Mtg to discuss lived pluralism in Oman.
His message: real pluralism grows from quiet, everyday encounters that build empathy and mutual respect. #Pluralism #Dialogue #Peace
His message: real pluralism grows from quiet, everyday encounters that build empathy and mutual respect. #Pluralism #Dialogue #Peace
Friends, faculty, students + alums - Join @BoniukInstitute, @RiceRELI & @RiceRPLC for a reception at #AAR2025 in Boston! Hope to see you there 👉http://bit.ly/4h6PzHf
October 13, 2025 at 4:51 PM
Friends, faculty, students + alums - Join @BoniukInstitute, @RiceRELI & @RiceRPLC for a reception at #AAR2025 in Boston! Hope to see you there 👉http://bit.ly/4h6PzHf
Is entrepreneurship a divine calling? @boniukinstitute.bsky.social postdoc @josiahtaru.bsky.social shared with our BI-RPLC scholars how Pentecostal Xians in Zimbabwe view it not just as a survival tactic, but as a divine calling that provides spiritual security, hope, and networks for business.
October 6, 2025 at 7:50 PM
Is entrepreneurship a divine calling? @boniukinstitute.bsky.social postdoc @josiahtaru.bsky.social shared with our BI-RPLC scholars how Pentecostal Xians in Zimbabwe view it not just as a survival tactic, but as a divine calling that provides spiritual security, hope, and networks for business.
"Black and Hispanic Christians are often DOUBLY MARGINALIZED - racially and religiously - at work."
New #ReligionUnmuted episode with Ecklund, Daniels & Scheitle: youtu.be/k0QFYb1CU0s?...
New #ReligionUnmuted episode with Ecklund, Daniels & Scheitle: youtu.be/k0QFYb1CU0s?...
October 2, 2025 at 5:18 PM
"Black and Hispanic Christians are often DOUBLY MARGINALIZED - racially and religiously - at work."
New #ReligionUnmuted episode with Ecklund, Daniels & Scheitle: youtu.be/k0QFYb1CU0s?...
New #ReligionUnmuted episode with Ecklund, Daniels & Scheitle: youtu.be/k0QFYb1CU0s?...
Do whiter churches change how members see racial discrimination?
Providence College sociologist Brandon Martinez unpacked the data with @boniukinstitute.bsky.social Scholars and reveals how church contexts frame how we understand racial inequality.
Providence College sociologist Brandon Martinez unpacked the data with @boniukinstitute.bsky.social Scholars and reveals how church contexts frame how we understand racial inequality.
September 29, 2025 at 3:15 PM
Do whiter churches change how members see racial discrimination?
Providence College sociologist Brandon Martinez unpacked the data with @boniukinstitute.bsky.social Scholars and reveals how church contexts frame how we understand racial inequality.
Providence College sociologist Brandon Martinez unpacked the data with @boniukinstitute.bsky.social Scholars and reveals how church contexts frame how we understand racial inequality.
"People bring their religions with them to work - whether orgs want it or not." - Elaine Howard Ecklund
New #ReligionUnmuted podcast episode with Ecklund, Daniels & Scheitle
🎧Listen: youtu.be/k0QFYb1CU0s?...
#FaithAtWork
New #ReligionUnmuted podcast episode with Ecklund, Daniels & Scheitle
🎧Listen: youtu.be/k0QFYb1CU0s?...
#FaithAtWork
September 26, 2025 at 3:37 PM
"People bring their religions with them to work - whether orgs want it or not." - Elaine Howard Ecklund
New #ReligionUnmuted podcast episode with Ecklund, Daniels & Scheitle
🎧Listen: youtu.be/k0QFYb1CU0s?...
#FaithAtWork
New #ReligionUnmuted podcast episode with Ecklund, Daniels & Scheitle
🎧Listen: youtu.be/k0QFYb1CU0s?...
#FaithAtWork
@ruthbraunstein.bsky.social joined the @boniukinstitute.bsky.social-RPLC Scholars Mtg for an interesting & practical convo about the content of her book "My Tax Dollars" and the methods used to write it. A fantastic lesson in public scholarship for our BI Scholars!
September 22, 2025 at 7:34 PM
@ruthbraunstein.bsky.social joined the @boniukinstitute.bsky.social-RPLC Scholars Mtg for an interesting & practical convo about the content of her book "My Tax Dollars" and the methods used to write it. A fantastic lesson in public scholarship for our BI Scholars!
Last night our Religion & Public Life Center kicked off its Fall 2025 Religious & Civic Leader Gathering at TX Southern U. Jason Shelton joined Todd Ferguson for a conversation on The Contemporary Black Church—and how shifting demographics & faith identities shape U.S. public life.
September 9, 2025 at 6:39 PM
Last night our Religion & Public Life Center kicked off its Fall 2025 Religious & Civic Leader Gathering at TX Southern U. Jason Shelton joined Todd Ferguson for a conversation on The Contemporary Black Church—and how shifting demographics & faith identities shape U.S. public life.
BI Sr Scholars Marla Frederick, @tariqmodood.bsky.social, @johninazu.bsky.social have shaped the narrative on religion+civil life. Nom the '27 Senior Scholar & recognize outstanding contributions to the public understanding of religious pluralism and tolerance. lnkd.in/gZPka3Sc
September 9, 2025 at 2:47 PM
BI Sr Scholars Marla Frederick, @tariqmodood.bsky.social, @johninazu.bsky.social have shaped the narrative on religion+civil life. Nom the '27 Senior Scholar & recognize outstanding contributions to the public understanding of religious pluralism and tolerance. lnkd.in/gZPka3Sc
BI director Elaine Howard Ecklund wrapped up her week @cornelluniversity.bsky.social with the Faith and Work Accelerator convening at Chesterton House where she participated on panels about faith and academic work, sharing the research of @boniukinstitute.bsky.social with a wider academic audience!
September 8, 2025 at 2:10 PM
BI director Elaine Howard Ecklund wrapped up her week @cornelluniversity.bsky.social with the Faith and Work Accelerator convening at Chesterton House where she participated on panels about faith and academic work, sharing the research of @boniukinstitute.bsky.social with a wider academic audience!
What's the real cost of diversity initiatives? And who pays the price when they fail?
In the newest episode of #ReligionUnmuted, Oneya Okuwobi discusses these vital questions.
Tune in to hear how we can create more equitable systems. youtu.be/B1pqHhetGmA?...
In the newest episode of #ReligionUnmuted, Oneya Okuwobi discusses these vital questions.
Tune in to hear how we can create more equitable systems. youtu.be/B1pqHhetGmA?...
September 8, 2025 at 1:52 PM
What's the real cost of diversity initiatives? And who pays the price when they fail?
In the newest episode of #ReligionUnmuted, Oneya Okuwobi discusses these vital questions.
Tune in to hear how we can create more equitable systems. youtu.be/B1pqHhetGmA?...
In the newest episode of #ReligionUnmuted, Oneya Okuwobi discusses these vital questions.
Tune in to hear how we can create more equitable systems. youtu.be/B1pqHhetGmA?...
🎉 NEW EPISODE ALERT 🎉
Check out "Why Diversity Efforts Fail," the new episode of Religion Unmuted w Rachel Schneider & @oneyaokuwobi.bsky.social. Explore diversity, equity & the challenge of creating change
🎧 religionunmuted.libsyn.com/site/when-di...
Check out "Why Diversity Efforts Fail," the new episode of Religion Unmuted w Rachel Schneider & @oneyaokuwobi.bsky.social. Explore diversity, equity & the challenge of creating change
🎧 religionunmuted.libsyn.com/site/when-di...
August 29, 2025 at 2:49 PM
🎉 NEW EPISODE ALERT 🎉
Check out "Why Diversity Efforts Fail," the new episode of Religion Unmuted w Rachel Schneider & @oneyaokuwobi.bsky.social. Explore diversity, equity & the challenge of creating change
🎧 religionunmuted.libsyn.com/site/when-di...
Check out "Why Diversity Efforts Fail," the new episode of Religion Unmuted w Rachel Schneider & @oneyaokuwobi.bsky.social. Explore diversity, equity & the challenge of creating change
🎧 religionunmuted.libsyn.com/site/when-di...
So happy to be back with our @boniukinstitute.bsky.social friends! Today was our first Scholars Mtg of the fall semester, and we are excited to welcome new faces and old friends as we explore research on religion from different angles/disciplines/methods! Learn more boniuk.rice.edu/scholars-mee...
August 28, 2025 at 7:48 PM
So happy to be back with our @boniukinstitute.bsky.social friends! Today was our first Scholars Mtg of the fall semester, and we are excited to welcome new faces and old friends as we explore research on religion from different angles/disciplines/methods! Learn more boniuk.rice.edu/scholars-mee...