Courtney J. Bender

Courtney J. Bender is an Associate Professor in the Department of Religion at Columbia University. Her research examines social and cultural dimensions of contemporary American religious practices, focusing on spirituality, interreligious engagement, and nonprofit religious institutions. She holds a PhD from an unspecified institution (noted by *97 in her bio).

Her key publications include *Heaven's Kitchen* (2003), analyzing religious practices in a nonprofit organization; *The New Metaphysicals* (2010), exploring modern American spiritualities; and co-edited *After Pluralism* (2010), addressing interfaith dialogue frameworks. She co-chairs the SSRC's Spirituality, Political Engagement, and Public Life initiative funded by the Ford Foundation.

Bender's work bridges sociology, anthropology, and religious studies, emphasizing lived religion in secular contexts and pluralistic environments. Her research highlights intersections between spirituality, social justice, and public life.