In 1972 Adventist religion scholars agreed to meet in conjunction with the annual meetings of the American Academy of Religion (AAR) and Society of Biblical Literature (SBL). The official Adventist Biblical Research Institute (BRI) agreed to sponsor and plan these meetings. After BRI ceased their sponsorship in 1978, Adventist scholars met informally at New Orleans. AAR/SBL informed the Adventist group that it could not provide meeting rooms nor announce the meetings in its printed program unless the group officially organized and adopted a distinctive name that did not have a denominational identifier. The group officially organized in 1979, selecting the name Andrews Society for Religious Studies, and elected officers; at the New York meeting. The name Andrews referred to J. N. Andrews, who is considered to have been the first Adventist religion scholar. In 1993 the society unanimously voted to change its name to the Adventist Society for Religious Studies. This became possible when AAR/SBL lifted the restrictions on denominational names.

The Annual Meeting

ASRS meets annually in conjunction with and just prior to the annual meetings of the American Academy of Religion (AAR) and the Society of Biblical Literature (SBL). In general, the vast majority of those who attend ASRS are also members of and attend AAR and/or the Society of Biblical Literature (SBL), which is a longer event. The best accommodation deals are those made through either one of these organizations (provided you are a member).  ASRS does not have any relationship with local hotels.   As for the cost of attending the ASRS annual meting, currently the membership dues also cover the cost of registration. Please follow the link in the sidebar for more information about how to become a member. Alternatively, you can pay your dues during registration on Thursday evening of the annual meeting.   Disclaimer: The papers presented at the annual ASRS meeting do not reflect the views of the society or its members. Moreover, papers presented at academic meetings are works-in-progress intended to provide the opportunity to explore, along with other scholars, ideas that emerge from rigorous research. They are not to be shared, cited, or used for evaluative purposes without permission from the presenter.

List of Presidents