Religion in Praxis Conversation Series

In this thought-provoking episode, we examine the intersection of global politics and political theology, focusing on the concept of "Security after Christendom." My guest, Professor John Heathershaw elucidates the meaning of "Christendom" and the significance of "security" in its aftermath. The discussion then proceeds to examine the contrast between the modern world’s wealth and defense capabilities and the pervasive feelings of insecurity that are experienced. My guest offers insights from Christian theology on the global sense of insecurity in a secular age and discusses why notions of a new Christendom are considered idolatrous and harmful in today’s context. In light of the rise of non-state actors and transnational movements, the discussion turns to the necessity of adapting theopolitical visions to remain relevant in shaping global politics. The ethical implications of a theopolitical approach to international relations are explored, particularly concerning humanitarian interventions and peacekeeping efforts. Lastly, we conclude by analysing the role of religion in the public sphere, especially in secular societies and speculate about the future of international relations theories incorporating religious studies without compromising their secular analytical frameworks.

How do our brains naturally predispose us towards religious beliefs? In this episode of Religion in Praxis, we dive deep into the cognitive science of religion with Professor Geertz, a leading figure in the field. We start by exploring what the cognitive science of religion entails and its importance for understanding human belief systems. From there, we examine how our brains naturally predispose us towards religious beliefs and how these beliefs align with our evolutionary brain capacities. Is atheism or secularism against our natural inclinations? Why is it easy to be religious? We also talk about the interdisciplinary nature of studying religion, considering insights from anthropology, psychology, and neuroscience. Professor Geertz shares his views on religion as an evolutionary adaptation and how it may have benefited early human societies. We also discuss the diversity of religious beliefs across cultures, discussing how evolutionary brain capacities, along with environmental and societal factors, contribute to this diversity. The episode also looks at the role of rituals, the ethical implications of attributing religious beliefs to evolutionary brain capacities, and how cognitive science can help bridge the often-contentious dialogue between science and religion. Finally, Professor Geertz shares some surprising findings from his research and offers insights into the future of the cognitive science of religion, including predictions about religious belief and practice in increasingly secular societies.

Scholars struggle to piece together the historical puzzle of Jesus' life and are faced with the task of interpreting his teachings within the cultural and political milieu of his time. In the quest to understand Jesus Christ, two distinct perspectives emerge: the "historical Jesus" and the "theological Jesus. This fascinating dichotomy presents a unique challenge: how do we reconcile the flesh and blood figure who walked the earth with the divine being revered across Christian denominations? Delving into the historical evidence, we confront miracles through the lens of historical research, questioning their place in factual analysis while exploring their theological significance. As denominations diverge in their portrayals of Christ, we witness the evolution of theological understanding, shaped not only by canonical texts but also by the insights of non-canonical works such as the Gnostic Gospels. Recent archaeological discoveries further color our understanding of the historical background of Jesus, prompting us to distinguish between the teachings directly attributed to Jesus and those developed by later followers. In a modern context marked by secularism and a plurality of religious expressions, the challenge extends to reconciling these different accounts of Jesus while exploring the contemporary relevance of his dual perspectives.

Do the long-running conflicts over territory, saints, and sacred sites that have engulfed the Eastern Orthodox churches in post-communist Eastern Europe reflect deep-seated political and national rivalries? In this episode we discuss the book by Emil Hilton Saggau, "Nationalisation of the Sacred Orthodox Historiography, Memory, and Politics in Montenegro." We ask what does "Nationalisation of the Sacred" offer regarding the theological backdrop behind ongoing conflicts within Eastern Orthodoxy? A distinguished panel, including Professors Cyril Hovorun and Katharina Kunter, joins the author in reflecting on the book's key arguments and seeks to answer how have various strands of Eastern Orthodoxy adapted to the contemporary political context, transforming history, memory, and politics to suit the needs of rival nations and churches?

In this episode, the Conversation Series presents ‘Swedish Crossroads: Church, Death, and the Quest for Meaning’; a comprehensive examination of the interrelationship between death, societal norms, and spiritual beliefs within the distinct socio-cultural context of Sweden. The discussion critically analyzes the influence of Swedish secular values, particularly those stemming from Lutheran secularization, on societal perceptions of death and the grieving process. The episode also explores the role of death education in Swedish schools, examining its impact on shaping children's perceptions of mortality in a context characterized by high rates of atheism. With Dr. Jakob Wirén we examine the mechanisms through which individuals seek meaning and closure following the loss of loved ones, considering the cultural and environmental implications of practices such as natural burial. ‘Swedish Crossroads: Church, Death, and the Quest for Meaning’ also reflects on the historical significance of Swedish folklore, examining the persistence and transformation of afterlife tales and their influence on contemporary attitudes toward death. The episode critically reflects on the lessons learned from Sweden's approach to palliative care and the ethos of death with dignity. In analyzing the broader societal implications, the podcast discusses the application of "lagom" - the Swedish philosophy of balance - in the context of grief and loss. It assesses how Sweden's liberal church policies on funerals and memorials reflect evolving societal attitudes toward death amid increasing secularization. It also considers the role of Sweden's extensive welfare and social support systems in shaping individual approaches to existential questions about mortality.

In this final episode from Religion in Praxis of this year, Professor Mikhail Suslov takes us deep into an ideological moment and situation named Putinism. In a world where the interplay of ideology, religion, and national identity shapes the contours of global politics, understanding the dynamics of Putinism and the role of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) in contemporary Russia poses a fundamental challenge to European security. The questions posed in a recent interview with Professor Suslov go to the heart of these dynamics, exploring the motivations, influences, and implications of Putinism as Russia's third official ideology, and the relationship between the ROC and the state. Central to this exploration is an examination of the genesis of Putinism: is it a reactive construct, primarily a shield against perceived external threats, or is it an introspective quest for national identity and unity? This question sets the stage for a broader examination of the ideology's foundations and its resonance among the Russian populace and intellectual elite. The discussion then shifts to the significant influence of the Orthodox Church on Putinism, exploring how the Church shapes the ideology's core values and messianic narratives, as well as its impact on Russian society through various social institutions. Unlike Marxism-Leninism, Putinism lacks a clear utopian vision, raising questions about its effectiveness and appeal both domestically and internationally. This leads to an examination of Putinism's adaptability and potential evolution in response to domestic and international challenges, including its effectiveness as a cognitive prism through which the Russian population interprets its place in the world and current global dynamics. The interview also explores the inherent contradictions within Putinism that may limit its longevity or effectiveness as a guiding ideology. The potential evolution of Putinism, either toward social democracy or Orthodox fundamentalism, and its implications for Russia's domestic and foreign policies are explored as critical endpoints of this journey. ---------------------------------------------- Music for the Conversation Series is generously provided by the Shavnabada Choir. The project author and the host of the Conversation Series is Dr. Tornike Metreveli.  ---------------------------------------------- Religion and Theology is produced by Joel Kuhlin for the Center for Theology and Religious Studies. If you have comments or critique of this episode, or any other episodes of R&T, please contact us via the podcast's twitteraccount: @reloteol.

Can centuries-old religious practices adapt to unprecedented global challenges? I discuss the book with co-authors of chapters: Professor Tymofii Brik and Vasilios N. Makrides as well as PhD candidate Stefan Radojkovic. “Orthodox Christianity and the COVID-19 Pandemic” chronicles the resilience and adaptation of Orthodox communities to the pandemic. It examines how different Orthodox Christian churches responded to the health crisis, revealing insights about faith, culture, and crisis management. From Finland’s quiet churches to Greece’s vibrant communities, the book covers Orthodox practices in several countries and their parches, including Ukraine, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Cyprus, Georgia, Serbia, Russia, Finland, and Sweden. The book asks whether Orthodox Christianity is evolving in response to societal changes. It examines how ancient traditions have been reconciled with modern health challenges, and highlights the ingenuity of religious leaders in reshaping roles and congregational worship. Each chapter offers a unique narrative that reflects broader societal changes during the health emergency. “Orthodox Christianity and the COVID-19 Pandemic” will appeal not only to academic audiences, but to anyone interested in the relationship between global events and religious institutions. It delves into the often overlooked or understudied world of the Orthodox Churches. The book encourages readers to reflect and contribute to the dialogue on the evolving role of religion in the contemporary world.

In the twenty-fourth episode of the Conversations Series, our host Tornike Metreveli is joined by Professor Oliver Scharbrodt to unpack the ethical, legal, and societal ramifications of Quran burnings in Sweden. As a nation celebrated for its commitment to free speech and multiculturalism, Sweden finds itself at the intersection of a daunting dilemma. The provocative act of Quran burning by far-right activists challenges the country's stance between upholding free speech and maintaining religious tolerance. The episode explores three central themes: the historical antecedents of religious text desecration, the motivations behind such polarizing acts within the larger European context, and the tensions between freedom of expression, religious tolerance, and societal cohesion. The episode seeks to explore how a liberal democracy reconciles its founding principles with the imperative of societal harmony. The conversation aims to illuminate the broader implications for ongoing debates about secularism, multiculturalism, and religious freedom not only in Sweden, but across Europe.

In this episode of the Conversations Series, a final discussion takes place with the renowned award-winning sociologist Professor Liah Greenfeld. With a host Tornike Metreveli, Liah Greenfeld discusses key arguments from Greenfeld's  book, "The Spirit of Capitalism." Greenfeld delves into a central question once explored by Max Weber: What truly drives sustained economic growth? Tracing the economic consciousness across nations such as England, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Japan, and the United States, Greenfeld presents a compelling case that the force behind growth-centric economies is not mere rational economic action, but the profound influence of nationalism. This insatiable quest for national prestige becomes the catalyst for economic competitiveness. Taking the U.S. as a case in point, Greenfeld illustrates how economic advancement has become almost indistinguishable from national pride. This conflation, while spurring relentless economic achievement, also creates a society of workaholics questioning their relentless pursuits and, at times, misguiding foreign policy objectives. ---------------------------------------------- Music for the Conversation Series is generously provided by the Shavnabada Choir . The project author and the host of the Conversation Series is Dr. Tornike Metreveli. ---------------------------------------------- Religion and Theology is produced by Joel Kuhlin for the Center for Theology and Religious Studies. If you have comments or critique of this episode, or any other episodes of R&T, please contact us via the podcast's twitteraccount: @reloteol.

This is the twenty-third episode of the Conversations Series, and in this second episode in the ongoing triology of conversations with the renowned award-winning sociologist Professor Liah Greenfeld, Greenfeld unravels the dark side of the American dream. We dare to question if the very essence of the ambition-driven culture, built on limitless self-fulfillment, could actually be causing a wave of mental distress. Tornike Metreveli’s second episode with the esteemed scholar in modernity and nationalism, Liah Greenfeld, provokes a compelling hypothesis. Professor Greenfeld suggests a link between the egalitarian society we cherish and the escalating rates of mental illness. By interweaving philosophy, psychology, and history, Greenfeld's audacious insights shatter conventional notions of what it means to live in the land of the free. In the conversation, we delve into the principles that modern nationalism is built upon - popular sovereignty, equality, and secularism. This paradigm celebrates the power of individuals to steer their own destinies. But with this empowerment comes the stress of constant self-evaluation, desire management, and social comparison. Taking us further into the abyss, Greenfeld traces a connection between these societal pressures and mental illnesses such as manic depression and schizophrenia. She proposes these are not just medical conditions, but dysfunctions of selfhood inflicted by the overbearing societal demands for self-realization. In this episode, prepare to be taken aback, challenged, and ultimately, enlightened. Greenfeld reveals a nuanced perspective of humanity, enriching our understanding of who we are and what we aspire to be. ---------------------------------------------- Music for the Conversation Series is generously provided by the Shavnabada Choir . The project author and the host of the Conversation Series is Dr. Tornike Metreveli. ---------------------------------------------- Religion and Theology is produced by Joel Kuhlin for the Center for Theology and Religious Studies. If you have comments or critique of this episode, or any other episodes of R&T, please contact us via the podcast's twitteraccount: @reloteol.

In this edition, we embark on a trilogy of discussions with the esteemed, award-winning sociologist, Professor Liah Greenfeld. Our dialogue applies theories of nationalism and modernity to understand the motivations behind the Russian invasion of Ukraine. We first dissect the underpinnings of Russia's national identity and consciousness, exploring how historical and cultural roots may fuel its aspiration to recapture territories deemed intrinsically Russian. This investigation offers a lens through which to comprehend the invasion as part of a 'Greater Russia' narrative. In the subsequent conversation, we study the impact of modernity on Russia's geopolitical power plays, interpreting the Ukrainian invasion as an expression of Russia's assertion of power in a modern global context. We juxtapose the divergent journeys Russia and Ukraine have undertaken towards nationhood. Understanding these unique pathways, moulded by historical, cultural, and institutional factors, offers valuable insight into the conflict between the two nations. Finally, in the concluding discussion, we delve into the function of elites within this geopolitical context. We explore how mutable societal norms and elite strategies in Russia craft national objectives, such as the narrative of reclaiming Ukraine.

Ignoring White House warnings, Russia's surprising invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 left the world in shock. The war, initiated by Putin, has seen an unexpected resistance from Ukrainians, the West's unity, and Russia's growing isolation.  Harvard historian Professor Serhii Plokhy provides a comprehensive analysis of the conflict's origins and its likely future impacts. Although the full-scale conflict began with the 2014 Russian seizure of the Crimean parliament, its roots lie in post-Soviet tensions and imperial collapse of earlier centuries. Plokhy points out that this new Cold War was predictable, not inevitable.    Ukraine has been central to Russia's self-conception, even as Ukrainians chart a different course. Amid nuclear proliferation, a crumbling post-Cold War international order, and rising populist nationalism, Ukraine now marks a critical divide between authoritarianism and democratic Europe. 

This is the seventeenth episode of the Religion in Praxis Conversations Series, and we here ask: "Have a group of citizens can come together to create change and challenge the status quo?" The 2013-14 Euromaidan protests in Ukraine serve as a powerful example of just that. Through in-depth ethnographic research, Emily Channell-Justice explores the concept of "self-organization" that emerged from these demonstrations and civil unrest. In her book, "Without the State," she reveals how this idea not only came out of leftist practices, but was also adopted by actors from across the political spectrum, including far-right groups. The widespread adoption of self-organization encouraged Ukrainians to rethink their expectations of the relationship between citizens and their state. In our conversation we seek to address how did the concept of "self-organization" emerge in the context of the Euromaidan protests? How did the adoption of self-organization change people's views on the relationship between citizens and their state in Ukraine? How did self-organization practices affect the political spectrum in Ukraine, including leftist, feminist, and student activists, as well as far-right groups? How has the Euromaidan experience impacted the future of self-organization in Ukraine and other countries facing similar challenges? Conversation with Emily Channel-Justice provides a unique perspective on this crucial moment in Ukraine's post-Soviet history and encourages us to think more deeply about the relationship between citizens and their state both in Ukraine and beyond. ---------------------------------------------- Music for the Conversation Series is generously provided by the Shavnabada Choir . The project author and the host of the Conversation Series is Dr. Tornike Metreveli. ---------------------------------------------- Religion and Theology is produced by Joel Kuhlin for the Center for Theology and Religious Studies. If you have comments or critique of this episode, or any other episodes of R&T, please contact us via the podcast's twitteraccount: @reloteol.

This is the sixteenth episode of the Religion in Praxis Conversations Series, in which we ask: "Is religion central or irrelevant, positive or negative in world politics today?" So much political commentary and analysis focuses on these issues. But these are the wrong questions to be asking, argues Erin K. Wilson. Designed for practitioners, policymakers, and newcomers to the topic of religion and global politics, the book Religion and World Politics Connecting Theory with Practice provides a short, accessible, and practical introduction to how we can understand the place of religion in world politics in a more comprehensive, contextually relevant way. For free download of the book, use the following link. In this conversation, Erin presents a critical, intersectional framework for analysing religion and applies this to case studies of three core areas of international relations (IR) analysis: (1) conflict, violence, and security; (2) development and humanitarianism; and (3) human rights, law, and public life. These cases highlight how assumptions about what religion is and does affect policymakers, theorists, and activists. Erin demonstrates the damage that has been done through policies and programmes based on unquestioned assumptions and the possibilities and insights to be gained by incorporating the critical study of religion into research, policymaking, and practice. This episode, and the book, will be of great interest to students of global politics, IR, religion, and security studies, as well as diplomats, civil servants, policymakers, journalists, and civil society practitioners. It will also benefit IR scholars interested in developing their research to include religion, as well as scholars of religion from disciplines outside IR interested in a deeper understanding of religion and world politics. Erin K. Wilson is thankful to John Esposito's co-author Derya Iner as well as Iselin Frydelund and Susan Hayward. ---------------------------------------------- Music for the Conversation Series is generously provided by the Shavnabada Choir . The project author and the host of the Conversation Series is Dr. Tornike Metreveli. ---------------------------------------------- Religion and Theology is produced by Joel Kuhlin for the Center for Theology and Religious Studies. If you have comments or critique of this episode, or any other episodes of R&T, please contact us via the podcast's twitteraccount: @reloteol.

How did the state arise in Europe? The canonical answer is Charles Tilly’s: “war made the state and the state made war.” The starting point is the fragmentation of territorial political authority in Europe after the collapse of the Carolingian empire in 888, and the ambitions of rulers in the early modern (1500-1700) era. To expand their rule, monarchs and princes fought bitter wars with other other—and to fund this increasingly costly warfare, they extracted taxes. Domestic institutions such as state administrations, fiscal offices, and parliaments arose in response to these needs.  In these “bellecist” accounts, rulers who succeeded in building up the administrative and military apparatus of war went on to consolidate their territorial gains and ensure the survival of their states. These relentless pressures eventually meant fewer and bigger states, from as many as 500 independent states in Europe in 1500 to 30 four centuries later. In a current episode, Anna Grzymala Busse takes Charles Tilly to church, and questions each of these core pillars of the bellecist story. She shows that roots of many state institutions are found in the medieval era, not the early modern. Fragmentation was not simply a post-imperial legacy, but a sustained and deliberate policy.

Globalisation is not the enemy of nationalism; instead, Professor Malešević shows, the two forces have developed together through modern history. Malešević challenges dominant views which see nationalism as a declining social force. He explains why the recent escalations of populist nationalism throughout the world do not represent a social anomaly but are, in fact, a historical norm. By focusing on ever-increasing organisational capacity, greater ideological penetration and networks of micro-solidarity, Malešević shows how and why nationalism has become deeply grounded in the everyday life of modern human beings. The author explores the social dynamics of these grounded nationalisms via an analysis of varied contexts, from Ireland to the Balkans. His findings show that increased ideological diffusion and the rising coercive capacities of states and other organisations have enabled nationalism to expand and establish itself as the dominant operative ideology of modernity. Malešević’s main research interests include the study of war and organised violence, ethnicity, nation-states, and nationalism, empires, ideology, sociological theory and the comparative historical sociology. Music for the Conversation Series is generously provided by the Shavnabada Choir .The project author and the host of the Conversation Series is Dr. Tornike Metreveli. This episode is produced by Joel Kuhlin for the Center for Theology and Religious Studies.

Reconciliation is today an established practice of peace and mediation work. While the concept of reconciliation has its religious roots in the Greek and Latin New Testament, the modern practices are also indebted to Hegel’s philosophy. To understand the meaning of reconciliation properly, an interdisciplinary perspective is needed. Professor Risto Saarinen guides us through this complex and multifaceted process. Music for the Conversation Series is generously provided by the Shavnabada Choir .The project author and the host of the Conversation Series is Dr. Tornike Metreveli. This episode was produced by Joel Kuhlin for the Center for Theology and Religious Studies. 

After 1989, the Romanian Orthodox Church was called to re-evaluate its collaboration with the repressive communist rule, as well as the fascist regime that preceded it. However, instead of honestly assessing past wrongs and giving satisfaction to victims, this re-evaluation sought to consolidate the Church’s partnership with the Romanian state and pre-eminence among religious denominations. Drawing on a number of prominent cases, the episode with Professor Lavinia Stan examines the interplay of Orthodoxy, memory and nationalism in Romania. Music for the Conversation Series is generously provided by the Shavnabada Choir .The project author and the host of the Conversation Series is Dr. Tornike Metreveli. This episode was produced by Joel Kuhlin for the Center for Theology and Religious Studies.

This is the sixth episode of the Conversation Series, with Catherine Wanner: professor of history, anthropology, and religious studies at Penn State. In this talk, Wanner conceptualizes and analyzes how “an affective atmosphere of religiosity” can be created and made politically useful. The spaces in between institutional religion and individual, ritualized behaviors as people go about their everyday lives can become sites that foster such an atmosphere. In some Orthodox Christian countries, a “place animated with prayer” is said to be filled with energy that links individuals to others and to otherworldly powers. This designation allows non-doctrinal practices, non-clerical forms of authority, and non-institutional sacred sites to develop. Orienting religious practices to such sites circumvents anticipated coercion from clergy and institutions alike, but retains the shared understandings, emotional involvement, and attachments to places these vernacular religious practices breed. In this episode, Wanner offers analyses of such sites and atmospheres in Ukraine, and reflects on the plethora of practices people have developed to tap into the energy that resides in these places to make a change in their lives. Music for the Conversation Series is generously provided by the Shavnabada Choir This episode was produced by Joel Kuhlin for the Center for Theology and Religious Studies. 

This is the fifth episode of the Conversation Series, with the theme “Studying Lived Religion: Contexts and Practices” and with the guest Nancy T. Ammermann. Although the study of lived religion has been around for over two decades, there has not been an agreed-upon definition of what it encompasses, and we have lacked a sociological theory to frame the way it is studied. Ammerman offers a definition that expands lived religion’s geographic scope and a framework of seven dimensions around which we can analyze lived religious practice. Examples from multiple traditions and disciplines show the range of methods available for such studies, offering practical tips for how to begin. Her work opens up how we understand the category of lived religion, erasing the artificial divide between what happens in congregations and other religious institutions and what happens in other settings. Professor Ammerman shows how deeply religion permeates everyday lives. In revealing the often overlooked ways that religion shapes human experience, she invites us all into new ways of seeing the world around us. Nancy T. Ammerman is one of the most influential sociologists in the study of lived religion. Her most recent research published in her edited 2006 book Everyday Religion Observing Modern Religious Lives (Oxford University Press) and her 2013 book, Sacred Stories, Spiritual Tribes Finding Religion in Everyday Life, (Oxford University Press) explored the ways religion and spirituality are part of the everyday world of work, home, health, and public life Following on that research, she has articulated an invitation to “re think religion” based on sociological theories of practice and a body of research on “lived religion”. Pulling all of this together is her book Studying Lived Religion Contexts and Practices, which will be out from NYU Press in October 2021. Along with Grace Davie, she was Coordinating Lead Author for “Religions and Social Progress Critical Assessments and Creative Partnerships” in the Report of the International Panel for Social Progress (Cambridge University Press 2018).