Research programme: Empirical-practical studies of religion and theology

Presentation of the research subject

Empirical-practical studies of religion and theology draw on experiences and practices that form the basis for understanding religiosity, world-views and theology in modern society. The subject combines various forms of research, theories and methods from the sociology and psychology of religion and practical theology, as well as research into world-views and didactics of religion. It aims to analyse, problematise and cast light on how individuals express religiosity and theology, within faith organisations and society in an era of increased religious and cultural diversity. Empirical methods for studying religious practices are used throughout the research conducted in the subject area. A central theme comprises critical and constructive development of concepts, theories and methods based on the intersection between various forms of research. It also includes collaborations between researchers, faith-based organisations, schools and society.

There are two specialisations for doctoral studies within empirical-practical studies of religion and theology. These are the sociology of religion and practical theology. Doctoral students are able to select a profile in didactics of religion for both specialisations. Doctoral students can be admitted to a psychology of religion specialisation as part of the sociology of religion.

Sociology of religion specialisation

The sociology of religion specialisation studies the interaction between religiosity, world-views and social and psychological processes at individual, group, and social levels. Focus lies on the dynamic between the ongoing secularisation, globalisation and growing religious diversity, which has led to increased visibility and debate around religion in media, society, politics and schools. The sociology of religion has its interests in tendencies in social change and religious congregations, and how factors such as class, gender, age, ethnicity and sexuality shape religious identities. The specialisation includes research within the psychology of religion concerning experiences of creating meaning, culture, life crises, spirituality, health, coping and migration.

Research projects have an empirical basis, and use quantitative and qualitative social science methods, including questionnaires, interviews, and text analysis to collect and analyse data. Work with the sociology and psychology of religion at the Faculty of Theology at Uppsala University is often in the form of Nordic and international interdisciplinary projects and collaborations with external financing.

Practical theology specialisation

Practical theology focuses on the theological interpretations of lived practices. Other Christian congregations are studied alongside the Christian majority Church, as is spirituality beyond traditional religious organisations. Studies of Islamic practices and organisations may also be included in the future.

The specialisation methodically builds upon materials generated using qualitative empirical methods, ethnography and action research. Theological interpretations may include both criticism of the Church and society, as well as constructive theological claims. Studies in practical theology delve into theological conversations in linguistic fields that are unique to the religious community, but are also academically oriented. Studies of practices include ways of learning about faith and religious traditions when such knowledge can no longer be assumed in a secular society. The specialisation has a theoretical focus on how traditions can be interpreted and changed in interaction between society and religious communities.