New Books in Critical Theory Russell T. McCutcheon, "Critics Not Caretakers: Redescribing the Public Study of Religion" (Routledge, 2023)
Dec 29, 2025
Russell T. McCutcheon, a University research professor and former chair of Religious Studies, discusses his new book 'Critics Not Caretakers.' He emphasizes the need for scholars to approach religion as a subject for critique rather than caretaking. McCutcheon shares insights into the evolution of the field since 2001 and critiques how national contexts shape public scholarship. The conversation also delves into rethinking graduate programs, barriers to change, and the role of religious studies in promoting adaptable skills for students.
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Scholar As Cultural Critic
- The scholar's role is to critique cultural and historical practices rather than 'care' for studied traditions.
- Studying religion means historicizing social phenomena, not preserving presumed pristine meanings.
Old Debates, Ongoing Relevance
- Little has changed since the book's first edition; debates about method and caretaking persist.
- McCutcheon updated introductions to show the 1990s debates remain relevant today.
Avoid Two-Tiered Scholarship
- Affinity or resentment toward an object often skews scholarship into two tiers of treatment.
- McCutcheon argues for equitable, rigorous study regardless of a scholar's personal feelings.