Note from the Editor

We are delighted to present the newest edition of Theosis, the annual magazine of the Center for the Study of World Religions (CSWR). We warmly invite you to explore a selection of thought-provoking and visually engaging pieces—essays, interviews, news stories, art, and photography—that have emerged from the vibrant work of our Center this past year.

Theosis embodies the spirit and commitment of the Center to make scholarly work accessible to all. It is not hidden behind paywalls or reserved solely for academic publications and conference rooms. Rather, it is presented here in a way that is inviting and compelling, reflecting our belief that the fruits of scholarship should be shared widely and creatively. Our goal is to disseminate research as it unfolds and to invite you to journey alongside our scholars—across cultures, spiritual landscapes, and historical periods. While the questions and concerns explored in these pages speak to broader human interests, Theosis represents only a snapshot of the larger collection of over 30 research essays produced by CSWR scholars and guest contributors this past year. We are proud to share the richness and diversity of the full archive and hope you will explore all the reflections available on our website.

We believe that knowledge and wisdom come in many forms and from diverse sources. Over the past year, the Center has been fortunate to host and engage with remarkable contributors—poets, writers, artists, and Indigenous community members—whose work has broadened our collective inquiry. We’ve also benefited from the extensive expertise of both scholars and practitioners, whose perspectives and community rituals complement and deepen each other. From conference anthologies and thought-provoking interviews to a field trip that took students into the forest for experiential learning, we are reaching far beyond the traditional classroom and expanding the idea of learning solely from humans to include the wisdom of our more-than-human kin—the land, the trees, and the plants.

Interspersed throughout Theosis are “special features” that highlight the stunning visual work at the core of the Center’s programming and research: These include Sarah Schorr’s powerful artwork, which was featured in our gallery space; striking visuals of the murals from the Mexican Occult Art project; photographs of sacred plants and community rituals of the Muysca community in Bogotá, Colombia; and content highlights from Peripheries, our annual literary and art journal. By bringing
these visual elements out of the margins and into the heart of our publication, we aim to emphasize their profound importance. Like the Mexican mural movements that made art part of the urban fabric, we believe that the visual arts are essential to the scholarly and spiritual fabric of our work.

We hope the spirit of the Center shines through these pages. The CSWR is, at its core, a place of academic rigor—but it is also a place of unprecedented creativity and inspiration. The Center connects, facilitates, and provides space and resources, offering a general foundation and direction.

However, it is the faculty, researchers, and scholars themselves who innovate, propose new ideas, and bring new programs to life—all of which reflect the vitality and imagination of our community. It is a privilege to witness and take part in the process as ideas take shape and flourish.

I am especially grateful to Professor Charles Stang for fostering such a unique, supportive, and collaborative environment—one that truly embodies the best of what academia can be. I also extend deep thanks to our researchers and the many collaborators, both here at the Center and beyond, as well as to our talented and dedicated team. Their contributions have been invaluable. Aaron Ullrey and Nicholas Low, the Center’s writing specialists, have elevated the quality of everything we publish. Jeffrey Blackwell has brought multiple programs to life through his writing and reporting. Ashley Borders Zigman, a Master of Liberal Arts student who worked with us on our creative content development, is responsible for much of the photography featured here, as well as the Center's videos, and digital displays. Deborah Blackwell, our communications and social media specialist, has expanded our public reach while holding our public-facing content to the highest standards. And the backbone of our operations—Bhaswar Khan, Laurie Sedgwick, and Sarah Iannotti—have been central to all our programming, residential life, and day-to-day work.

Thank you for reading and for being part of the extended CSWR community. We hope Theosis invites reflection, sparks curiosity, and connects you more deeply to the spirit of our inquiries.