Religious Studies Scholar Exploring Sensory and Material Dimensions of Spirituality
S. Brent Plate, an associate professor of religious studies at Hamilton College, is a prolific scholar and educator specializing in the intersection of sensory experiences and spiritual life. With eleven authored or edited books to his name, Plate's work spans academic research and public engagement, contributing regularly to platforms like the Huffington Post and Religion Dispatches. He co-founded and manages the journal Material Religion: The Journal of Objects, Art, and Belief, and serves as president of both SCRIPT (Society for Comparative Research in Iconic and Performative Texts) and CrossCurrents/The Association of Religion and Intellectual Life. Plate's research, exemplified in his recent book "A History of Religion in 5 1⁄2 Objects: Bringing the Spiritual to its Senses," focuses on the material and sensory aspects of religious practices. His multifaceted career, which includes board membership of the Interfaith Coalition of Greater Utica, NY, demonstrates his commitment to bridging academic study with practical interfaith understanding and community engagement.