Dear reader,
The theme of digital religion has been chosen in order to reflect on recent developments in Europe due to the Covid-19 virus. Besides, it has been chosen to reflect on long term transformations in our society. This implies we want to catch up with recent developments that possibly might change essential features of the structures of modern religion in Europe.
Therefore, to start with, some observations are needed to flesh out the topic of digital religion. Next, these observations will be followed by a summary containing some sparks of analysis. Finally this will be followed by some questions to discuss.
Kind regards,
Matthias Smalbrugge
welcome
Foreword by Matthias Smalbrugge
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the long-term trend of the digitalisation of religion. This development may be the source of key changes, such as increasing individualism, a transformation of authority, and rising tensions. How will this affect religion in Europe?
Authority
Religious authority has become increasingly fragmented throughout Europe. This has been accelerated as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has enabled national authority to take precedence. Moreover, the digitalisation of religion has played a key role in this development by allowing individuals to take their own decisions.
Technology as a religious agent
Traditional religious agents, such as the pope and the Church of England, are increasingly making use of technology. Especially during times of COVID-19, this allows them to reach a greater audience and to connect with faithful. However, many argue that technology cannot fully replace live gatherings, and may even lead to a more individualistic approach towards religion.
Narratives
The digitalisation of religion can be approached through three key narratives: conditioned, idealistic, and pragmatic. Where the conditioned narrative sees technology as a natural solution to problems, for instance those posed by coronavirus, the idealistic narrative sees the digitalisation of religion either as a utopia or a dystopia. The pragmatic narrative, in turn, reflects how technology is simply part of life, and therefore also part of religion.
Extremes and Tensions in Covid-19 Europe
Religion plays a key role in all tensions currently dividing Europe. Where the economic divide between Northern and Southern Europe can also be classified as a divide between Protestantism and Roman Catholicism, political tensions are often nurtured by a nationalised version of religion. Moreover, some religious authorities have actively refused to abide by lockdown measures imposed by national governments.
Attendees
Who will be attending?
Prof. dr. Matthias Smalbrugge
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Faculty of Religion and Theology
Prof. dr. Vassa Kontouma
École Pratique des Hautes Études Paris
Department of Religous Sciences
Prof. dr. Valentine Zuber
École Pratique des Hautes Études Paris
Dr. Blaženka Scheuer
Lund University
Faculties of Humanities and Theologies
Prof. dr. Régine Hunziker
Université de Strasbourg
Faculty of Protestant Theology
Prof. dr. Johann Pock
Universität Wien
Faculty of Catholic Theology
Prof. ssa Raffaella Perin
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
Department of Religious Studies
Prof. dr. Torsten Meireis
Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
Faculty of Theology
Individualism v.s Collectivism
The digitalisation of religion in Europe has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, with technology allowing religious communities to stay in touch despite restrictions on gathering. However, at the same time, this digitalisation has also led to the individualised celebration of religion, for instance through personal apps and individual prayer.
