Student Research and Pedagogy in New Religious Studies: Perils, Paradoxes, and Publication

This article addresses the issue of involving students in field research, and the potential risks as well as the rewards of this pedagogy, particularly for researchers in the field of New Religious Studies. Real life examples of some of the unexpected challenges of field research, the “risks” faced by researchers, students, as well as members of the NRMs being researched, are given, followed by a discussion of how to avoid or resolve these situations, and what lessons might be learned. In conclusion, it is argued that student involvement in the research process is important in terms of facilitating student creativity, publications and future academic interest in the field of New Religious Studies.