RaT-Newsletter

Dear members and friends of RaT

Amidst unfamiliar circumstances we are reaching out to you with an update on our activities. As a consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic we had to either cancel or postpone all of our spring term events. Yet, our members have continued to pursue their research and their teaching activities from home. Thus, we are happy to present an overview of our recent publications and research projects as well as our third mission activities — including reflections upon the current crisis-situation.

From our homes to yours: we wish you an enjoyable read!

Lisa Achathaler, Jakob Deibl, Marlene Deibl, Martin Eleven, Daniel Kuran, Gerhard Langer, Katharina Limacher, Magdalena Sedmak, Margareta Wetchy,

J-RAT

CALL FOR PAPERS: "From Syncretism to Hybridity: Transformations in African-derived American Religions", edited by Hans Gerald Hödl and Bettina Schmidt

Many works have been published in the wide field of research on African derived religions in the Americas. Nevertheless, seldom is the whole spectrum (South America, Caribbean, USA and “exports” to other parts of the world) covered in one volume. Thus, we want to bring together the discourse on African-American Religions (Black Hebrews, Black Muslims, Hoodoo and Voodoo in the South, amongst others) with the discussion of African-derived religions like Candomblé, Santería, Haitian Vodou and so on.

Find detailed information on our website.

FEATURED PUBLICATIONS

DISCOVER MORE PUBLICATIONS BY OUR MEMBERS

RESEARCH

NEW RESEARCH PROJECT YOUBEON

ANTHOLOGY ON "VALUES - POLITICS - RELIGION"

In April 2020, the “Interdisciplinary research study group” at the University of Vienna has started a new project based on the full Data release of the European Values Study expected for autumn 2020.

Directed by RaT-Member Regina Polak, the project aims at the publication of an anthology, focused on the interpretation of the data on the relationship between "politics and religion". The close connection between religious and political values has been demonstrated by the EVS 2010 (and other international studies such as the PEW-Research Foundation), but so far has not yet been explored systematically on a threefold level: an empirical, interdisciplinary, and international one.

THIRD MISSION ACTIVITIES

RaT members contribute to public discourse by writing in newspapers, giving statements in television and podcasts, and by publishing on our blog.

RaT-BLOG

On our blog, you will find contributions by RaT-members and affiliated scientists. Read an article from Jakob Deibl for Hölderin's 250th Birthday, Kurt Appels reflections on the practice of prayer or else Karsten Lehmanns observations from a stroll through the locked down city of Vienna.

PRESS FEATURES

Regina Polak: (Post)Corona: Future is an open space.

Right after the outbreak of the Corina-Pandemic, intellectuals such as Giorgio Agamben and Slavoj Žižek, journalists, and soothsayers, started proclaiming their various visions of the future. In her contribution for “Die Furche” , Regina Polak reminds the reader that from a theological stance the future seems to be an open space. Thus, how it will be shaped, strongly depends on ethical decisions, particularly those made in the political realm.

Irene Klissenbauer: Maria 2.0 - Women demand Equality

"Without the work of women, churches would be empty!" From this premise originated the movment of "Maria 2.0" in the German town of Munster, May 2019. A year later, Irene Klissenbauer talks on Austrian Television ORF 2 about the importance and actuality of such a movement in Austria and why the role of women in the roman-catholic church is debated so vigorously.

Kurt Appel: A manifesto for looking toward the Young 

The current crisis does not only restrict our mobility but has also put a halt on our social and cultural life. In “Settimana News”, Kurt Appel looks at the situation in Italy and reflects upon the — mainly social and cultural — costs that the crisis holds — especially for young people. He urges for a politics that shows solidarity with the young to ensure their prospects for a fulfilling life, also for the generations to come.

(POST)CORONA–BLOG: THEOCARE.NETWORK

The global pandemic has raised an intensive and creative debate in Europe and around the globe, both on an intellectual and an academic level. Thus, the department for Practical Theology of the University of Vienna has started a (Post) Corona-Blog which reflects upon current developments and debates. Several RaT-members have contributed to it so far. The blog aims at identifying the theological contributions able to transform the Corona-Crisis into a lesson for religion, society, and eduction: e-learning, developing new religious practices and rituals within Christian communities, as well as spiritual questions about suffering or transforming the concept of God during the pandemic are discussed.