
UCSIA provides a platform for the exchange of scientific findings in the field of religion, culture and society and their mutual relationships. UCSIA distinguishes the following themes.
By focusing on religion, UCSIA stays true to its roots: the Christian tradition in general and the Jesuit tradition in particular. This implies that we look at our own world with an open and positive attitude, that we are well aware of the fact that private matters must be examined in order to discern something about the ‘universal’. Solid knowledge of religions and life philosophies is essential, not only to participate in the public debate, but also to underpin our own spirituality. Another important topic for UCSIA is the interaction between life philosophies and natural science. Although man cannot be reduced to biochemistry, neurology, psychology or sociology, these disciplines help us to understand religious experiences. UCSIA strives to further explore these topics on the crossroads of natural science, morality and meaning.
Projects
UCSIA Summer School
At our annual summer school on religion, culture and society, young scholars and PhD students attend class with international experts and present their own research.
UCSIA-IJS Chair
encourages the study of Judaism's and Hebraism's history from the perspective of Jewish-Christian dialogue in order to interpret its place in the contemporary European culture.
Events
De/colonizing Theologies: Glocal Histories, Contemporary Challenges
INSeCT Twin conference
27-30 March 2023
Why shopping for our spirituality in all corners of the world can be a problem
lecture
Big Questions of Baroque Influencers
3 May 2023
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on religion and society
News
Call for Papers
Belief in Solidarity
What is the role of faith and religious inspiration in organizing solidarities? The workshop 'Belief in Solidarity' will examine this topic both in the context of contemporary superdiverse and post-secular urbanized societies, as well as in secularizing societies from the nineteenth century onwards. Confirmed keynotespeakers are Anne Birgitta Pessi and Joan Stavo-Debauge. Application deadline: 28 June 2023.
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Islamic Religious Education in Europe
How do European countries organize the education of Islam? Scholars from different academic backgrounds and from different European contexts shared their insights at the conference ‘Education of Islam – Islam in Education in Europe’ in Antwerp.Watch the keynotes...
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on religion and society