Short Abstract:

In this workshop, we explore religion but also doubt in such spiritual experiences in a cross-cultural perspective. Our aim is to encourage dialogue among researchers to better understand the dynamic interplay between local beliefs and global influences in the field of religion.

Long Abstract:

In this workshop, we explore the diverse expressions of religious belief and practice across cultural settings, highlighting the critical role of context in shaping spiritual experiences. By discussing contributions from various global traditions, including traditional as well as indigenous forms, Pentecostal religion, contemporary New Age movements and religious doubt, our workshop indicates how cultural, historical, and social factors inform religious practices and interpretations.

Focusing on different themes such as ritual, identity, pilgrimage and many others, this workshop encourages ethnographic approaches to uncover the dynamic interplay between local beliefs and global influences. It critiques essentialist views of religion by emphasizing the fluidity of beliefs and the ways in which individuals negotiate their spiritual identities within multicultural landscapes.

Ultimately, our workshop seeks to discuss nuanced understandings of the anthropology of religion, advocating for a cross-cultural perspective that appreciates the complexities and interconnections between different cultural settings. By engaging with these heterogeneous contributions, the workshop aims to foster greater dialogue and understanding among scholars in the field of anthropology of religion to enable future cooperation and publications within and beyond the working group.

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