The next conference of the International Society for the Sociology of Religion (ISSR) will take place in Barcelona, 9-12 July, 2019.  The conference theme is: “The Politics of Religion and Spirituality”.

The deadline for paper submissions is the 16th December 2018.  Please submit your titles and abstracts at:  https://www.sisr-issr.org/en/conferences/call-for-papers

Practical information on the conference location, transports, accommodation etc. from the Local Committee can be found here: https://www.sisr-issr.org/en/conferences/conference-2019

See you in Barcelona !
Jörg Stolz, Véronique Altglas, Olivier Servais, Inger Furseth
Executive Committee ISSR

ISA’s Research Committee on the Sociology of Religion is co-sponsoring sessions at the next meeting of the International Society for the Sociology of Religion (ISSR) in Barcelona, 9-12 July, 2019.  The conference theme is: “The Politics of Religion and Spirituality”.

Papers may be presented in either English or French.  The deadline for to submit proposals is the 16th December 2018.  Please submit your titles and abstracts at:  https://www.sisr-issr.org/en/conferences/call-for-papers

Here are the joint sessions  and other sessions sponsored by ISA members:

1) Decolonizing the Sociology of Religion?

Conveners:
Jim Spickard, University of Redlands jim_spickard@redlands.edu
Marian Burchardt, University of Leipzig marian_burchardt@uni-leipzig.de

Abstract: There have been several recent claims that sociology needs to be “decolonized”. Some authors focus on the discipline’s tendency to apply Euro-American models of society to the rest of the world, whether or not those models adequately illuminate those local social patterns (Akiwowo 1988; Park 1988; Gutiérrez Rodriquez et al. 2010; Go 2016). Others focus on the structure of its intellectual production, including its valorizing of “Northern” intellectuals and institutions over the intellectuals and institutions of the “Global South” (Gareau 1988; Steinmetz 2013; Qi 2014; Connell 2018).* Others explore alternative sociologies by locating ideas from non-Western sources that increase our understanding of Western societies as well as their own (Connell 2007; Alatas 2014; Spickard 2017). All these efforts take place in the context of wider critiques of Euro-American intellectual dominance in several fields (Bulbeck 1998; Alatas 2006; Bhambra 2007; Patel 2010; Reuter and Villa 2010).

Euro-American approaches to the sociology of religion have also had their critics (Bender et al. 2013; Spickard 2017). Few of these, however, have engaged deeply with postcolonial thinking, nor with the effect that global power imbalances have on the subdiscipline’s intellectual content. Nor have most of them engaged with the concept “decolonializing” itself—a distinctly problematic term (Barker et al. 1994; Harding 1998; Young 2001; Cooper 2005; Go 2016).

This session offers participants an opportunity to join this discussion. We seek paper proposals that do one or more of the following:

1. Address the limitations of contemporary approaches to the sociology of religion in the context of global inequality and cultural difference.
2. Assess the nuances, strengths, and weaknesses of the decolonization paradigm for improving the sociology of religion.
3. Explore alternatives to standard approaches in the sociology of religion, particularly those that stem from ignored, repressed, or otherwise overlooked positions in the global field.

We welcome paper proposals that will produce a rich discussion.

2) The Politics of Religion and Spirituality in Cross Cultural Research

Convener(s):
Jualynne E. Dodson (RC-22 Member)
Michigan State University
dodsonj2@msu.edu

Abstract: In our globalized world, societies are progressively more politically active and diverse in demographic characteristics and religious practices. Sociology of Religion is challenged by these realities even as we study politics, religion and their interrelated impact in a variety of cultural situations. A fundamental question is whether research has provided systematic knowledge on humans’ socio-religious practices that is sufficiently accurate and culturally grounded to equal ‘baseline data’ for further predictive investigations. We need culturally reflective comprehensions about religion, spirituality, and socio-political issues, including their interrelatedness, to ensure the integrity of our data findings for guiding human society to more inclusive and productive goals. This is a RC-22 proposal for a thematic session on topics related to politics, religion, spirituality and cross-cultural research. The session wishes papers that share research experiences and findings from reflective studies of religion in cultures not their own. The session is open for papers but core presentations will be from work of three investigators who study organic, Africa-inspired religious traditions in Cuba’s eastern region. The three persons have agreed to present papers on: “The Political Life of Spirits: Palo Monte/Mayombe in Oriente, Cuba,” “Organic Religious Production & Shifting Political Landscapes: Cuba” and “Swearing Oaths and Prophesying Ruin: Plácido as a Prophet of the African Diaspora.” I propose to Chair the session and can present a paper if that will complete a panel. It also is possible that there could be a sufficient number of paper proposals to equal two or more panels. I am open.

3) Social Theory and Religion 2

Convener(s):
Titus HJELM, University College London, t.hjelm@ucl.ac.uk
James V. SPICKARD,(RC22 Member) University of Redlands, jim_spickard@redlands.edu

Abstract: The aim of this session is to stimulate the debate about theoretical ideas that have a bearing on sociological research on religion. Contributions are welcome from researchers applying both familiar and less familiar traditions of social theory to the study of religion.

ISA’s Research Committee on the Sociology of Religion is co-sponsoring sessions at the next meeting of the International Society for the Sociology of Religion (ISSR) in Barcelona, 9-12 July, 2019.  The conference theme is: “The Politics of Religion and Spirituality”.

Papers may be presented in either English or French.  The deadline for to submit proposals is the 16th December 2018.  Please submit your titles and abstracts at:  https://www.sisr-issr.org/en/conferences/call-for-papers

Here are the joint sessions  and other sessions sponsored by ISA members:

1) Decolonizing the Sociology of Religion?

Conveners:
Jim Spickard, University of Redlands jim_spickard@redlands.edu
Marian Burchardt, University of Leipzig marian_burchardt@uni-leipzig.de

Abstract: There have been several recent claims that sociology needs to be “decolonized”. Some authors focus on the discipline’s tendency to apply Euro-American models of society to the rest of the world, whether or not those models adequately illuminate those local social patterns (Akiwowo 1988; Park 1988; Gutiérrez Rodriquez et al. 2010; Go 2016). Others focus on the structure of its intellectual production, including its valorizing of “Northern” intellectuals and institutions over the intellectuals and institutions of the “Global South” (Gareau 1988; Steinmetz 2013; Qi 2014; Connell 2018).* Others explore alternative sociologies by locating ideas from non-Western sources that increase our understanding of Western societies as well as their own (Connell 2007; Alatas 2014; Spickard 2017). All these efforts take place in the context of wider critiques of Euro-American intellectual dominance in several fields (Bulbeck 1998; Alatas 2006; Bhambra 2007; Patel 2010; Reuter and Villa 2010).

Euro-American approaches to the sociology of religion have also had their critics (Bender et al. 2013; Spickard 2017). Few of these, however, have engaged deeply with postcolonial thinking, nor with the effect that global power imbalances have on the subdiscipline’s intellectual content. Nor have most of them engaged with the concept “decolonializing” itself—a distinctly problematic term (Barker et al. 1994; Harding 1998; Young 2001; Cooper 2005; Go 2016).

This session offers participants an opportunity to join this discussion. We seek paper proposals that do one or more of the following:

1. Address the limitations of contemporary approaches to the sociology of religion in the context of global inequality and cultural difference.
2. Assess the nuances, strengths, and weaknesses of the decolonization paradigm for improving the sociology of religion.
3. Explore alternatives to standard approaches in the sociology of religion, particularly those that stem from ignored, repressed, or otherwise overlooked positions in the global field.

We welcome paper proposals that will produce a rich discussion.

2) The Politics of Religion and Spirituality in Cross Cultural Research

Convener(s):
Jualynne E. Dodson (RC-22 Member)
Michigan State University
dodsonj2@msu.edu

Abstract: In our globalized world, societies are progressively more politically active and diverse in demographic characteristics and religious practices. Sociology of Religion is challenged by these realities even as we study politics, religion and their interrelated impact in a variety of cultural situations. A fundamental question is whether research has provided systematic knowledge on humans’ socio-religious practices that is sufficiently accurate and culturally grounded to equal ‘baseline data’ for further predictive investigations. We need culturally reflective comprehensions about religion, spirituality, and socio-political issues, including their interrelatedness, to ensure the integrity of our data findings for guiding human society to more inclusive and productive goals. This is a RC-22 proposal for a thematic session on topics related to politics, religion, spirituality and cross-cultural research. The session wishes papers that share research experiences and findings from reflective studies of religion in cultures not their own. The session is open for papers but core presentations will be from work of three investigators who study organic, Africa-inspired religious traditions in Cuba’s eastern region. The three persons have agreed to present papers on: “The Political Life of Spirits: Palo Monte/Mayombe in Oriente, Cuba,” “Organic Religious Production & Shifting Political Landscapes: Cuba” and “Swearing Oaths and Prophesying Ruin: Plácido as a Prophet of the African Diaspora.” I propose to Chair the session and can present a paper if that will complete a panel. It also is possible that there could be a sufficient number of paper proposals to equal two or more panels. I am open.

3) Social Theory and Religion 2

Convener(s):
Titus HJELM, University College London, t.hjelm@ucl.ac.uk
James V. SPICKARD,(RC22 Member) University of Redlands, jim_spickard@redlands.edu

Abstract: The aim of this session is to stimulate the debate about theoretical ideas that have a bearing on sociological research on religion. Contributions are welcome from researchers applying both familiar and less familiar traditions of social theory to the study of religion.

The next conference of the International Society for the Sociology of Religion (ISSR) will take place in Barcelona, 9-12 July, 2019.  The conference theme is: “The Politics of Religion and Spirituality”.

The deadline for paper submissions is the 16th December 2018.  Please submit your titles and abstracts at:  https://www.sisr-issr.org/en/conferences/call-for-papers

Practical information on the conference location, transports, accommodation etc. from the Local Committee can be found here: https://www.sisr-issr.org/en/conferences/conference-2019

See you in Barcelona !
Jörg Stolz, Véronique Altglas, Olivier Servais, Inger Furseth
Executive Committee ISSR

Conference: “The Faith Lives of Women and Girls: Identities, Experiences, Practices, and Beliefs

26- 27 March 2019
Queen’s Foundation, Birmingham

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

• Dr Sariya Cheruvallil-Contractor,  Centre for Trust, Peace, and Social Relations, Coventry University
• Prof. Chia Longman, Director of the Centre for Research on Culture and Gender, University of Gent
• Dr Yafa Shanneik, University of Birmingham
• Prof. Nicola Slee, Queen’s Foundation (Birmingham) and Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam

This two day conference explores the diverse faith lives, identities, experiences, practices, and beliefs of self-identifying girls and women, in their individual, community, and institutional contexts. The conference welcomes

• postgraduate
• early-career
• academic researchers
• grassroots practitioners

The conference examines gender and feminism in religions, spiritualities, and theologies. The event is grounded in qualitative and quantitative approaches and also addresses the methodological questions that arise when researchers consider contemporary female faith.

We welcome 200 – 300 word abstracts for 20 minute papers from a range of disciplines and religious and spiritual traditions, and emerging themes in non-religion. We are very open to broad range of topics and issues. Alternative formats, panel proposals, and posters are also encouraged.

The conference is committed to ensuring an inclusive environment for discussion and the dissemination of work.

Please submit your abstract as a word document and include your name, affiliation, title of paper, and email address, and send to both the following email addresses:

• Prof. Nicola Slee               sleen@queens.ac.uk
• Dr Dawn Llewellyn           d.llewellyn@chester.ac.uk

Deadline for submission: *14 December 2018*

This one-day conference brings together academics and activists to explore issues of leadership, authority and representation in British Muslim communities.  Who speaks for British Muslims?  How is authority construed, constructed and exercised in an age of mass media and the Internet?  What internal and external factors shape leadership structures and modalities of representation for British Muslims living as a minority in a culturally Christian but largely secular social context?  Where do leaders come from in a decentralised religious tradition lacking a priestly hierarchy?  How do government discourses and media representations impact upon dynamics of leadership and authority in British Muslim communities?

• Keynote Lectures by:
• Ataullah Siddiqui (Markfield Institute of Higher Education)
• Shaukat Warraich (Faith Associates)

Panel Discussion on ‘The Future Role of Imams in the UK’ with:

• Saleem Kidwai (Chair)
• Shuruq Naguib
• Atif Imtiaz
• Mufti Abdur Rahman Mangera
• Myriam Francois-Cerrah
• Imam Qari Asim

This conference has been organised in conjunction with a special issue of the international journal Religions jointly edited by Professor Sophie Gilliat-Ray and Dr Riyaz Timol.  Delegates may be invited to submit a paper for publication, subject to normal peer-review procedures, after the event.  The deadline for final paper submissions is 25 April 2019.

17^th Annual Conference of the European Association for the Study of Religions

Religions are works in progress. New ideas, doctrines and practices have appeared time and again and often spread across cultural and confessional boundaries. Some of the changes have been intentional, introduced by powerful individuals and institutions, others have emerged more spontaneously as vernacular reactions to innovations imposed from ‘above’.  Some elements in religions have persisted for centuries, some have disappeared and some reappeared in completely new forms or acquired new meanings. Similar processes can be observed around us in contemporary societies as well.

Yet, oftentimes scholars of religion have struggled with studying such constantly changing and transforming phenomena. This leads us to ask how many disruptions or interruptions can a tradition adapt or even embrace, while still maintaining its identity. At the same time studying change (or the lack thereof) arises several conceptual and methodological problems. First of all, how does one conceptualize change without implying a static research object? This is also a problem of evaluation and rhetorical power – who has the authority to claim that something is extinct or that a new tradition has been established? What is the scholar’s responsibility for the field of studies? When and to what extent do scholars have to take into account the views of insiders in reflecting upon religious traditions or in drawing boundaries between them?

Aside from ‘conventional’ religion and religiosity, considering various ‘spiritualities’ and the rise of the numbers of people with no clear religious affiliation, how does one study a phenomenon which has lost its visibility or moved into the private sphere?  Or how does one make sense of the continuities and disruptions in a world where more and more people simultaneously participate in several traditions, either religious or secular?

The conference will focus on these and related questions, examining religious traditions worldwide. In addition, it calls for reflecting upon continuities and disruptions in the history of religious studies. Our conceptual tools, theoretical frameworks, methodologies and even the category of religion have been changing. Is it necessary to strive for unity in the discipline or rather celebrate the pluralism in the study of religions? And how to depict change, so that the complicated dynamic of religious transformation is also reflected through the conceptual tools we use?

See details at https://easr2019.org/