Jennifer Adler to lecture on religious practices and identities in Appalachia at First Presbyterian
Published 10:59 am Wednesday, February 5, 2025
- Photo Contributed/Dr. Jennifer Adler
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First Presbyterian Church of Elizabethton is sponsoring a free lecture on Feb. 15 by Dr. Jennifer Axsom Adler, titled “Beyond the Church Walls: Reimagining the Boundaries of Religion in Appalachia.” Adler is an assistant professor of history at East Tennessee State University, where she teaches courses in world religions, American religious history, religion in Appalachia, and African American religions.
According to Adler, religion in Appalachia is much more complicated than commonly recognized. “It is often imagined as predominantly Christian, with Baptists playing a particularly central role,” she asserts. “But a thorough examination of the history reveals a much more complex and diverse narrative. For church groups, this exploration could offer a fresh perspective related to their own congregations’ histories.”
The lecture is open to the public and will be conducted at the church and also streamed live from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 15. Registration is required by going to fpcelizabethton.org.
“We have invited Dr. Adler to share what she has learned about the true nature of religiosity as a defining feature of Appalachia,” says Rev. Dr. Brian Wyatt, the church’s pastor. “Anyone interested in this topic, including church leaders and lay people, is invited to join us as we examine how scholars have defined ‘Appalachian religion’ and explore both the benefits and limitations of this framework.”
Regarding the region’s natural beauty, Adler says that throughout history and in contemporary settings, the landscape has been viewed as a source of shelter, inspiration, and even divine connection. “In my talk, I will provide examples of how the natural beauty of Appalachia has shaped its religious imagination and practices.” In addition, she plans to offer a distinction between “religion in Appalachia” as opposed to what some scholars term “Appalachian religion.” The history of religion in Appalachia is far more diverse than what is often assumed, she says, with many unexpected stories deserving attention.
A native of Bloomington, Ind., Adler holds a bachelor’s degree in government from Harvard College and a master’s and doctorate in religion from Vanderbilt University. Her academic research focuses on American religious history, material culture, sacred space, ritual, and lived religious experience. Previously, she has worked with the ETSU Roan Scholars Leadership Program and served as alderwoman for the City of Kingsport.
Adler would like for attendees to leave with a deeper appreciation for the rich diversity of religious practices and identities in Appalachia, many of which challenge stereotypes and reveal a far more complex history than is often assumed. In addition, she would like to introduce the concept of “vernacular religion,” which scholars define as “religion as it is lived: as human beings encounter, understand, and interpret it.” This concept offers a valuable framework for examining the lived experience of religion in Appalachia.
To attend the workshop in person at the church or to live-stream, go to fpcelizabethton.org and complete a registration form by Feb. 13. First Presbyterian Church of Elizabethton is located at 119 West F St., Elizabethton.