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Faith, fasting and fitness: Religion and self-optimisation.There are many examples, from prosperity gospels to yoga, of religious practice being motivated by a wish to become a better version of oneself and achieve success in life. This phenomenon seems to be finding new forms in a context of information overload and distrust in core social institutions, where some young people seek out religion or spirituality in an attempt to improve health or self-control. Is religious self-improvement merely a symptom of individualism, or could it also serve social functions such as strengthening collective identities?
To answer these and other questions, we have invited researchers who have written about the relationship between self-optimisation, self-development and religion in different countries and contexts, to talk about their findings.
Program
11.15 – Information and introductions
11.30 – Commitment and signalling through religious practice: examples from fasting, veiling, and beards
Ozan Aksoy, University of Oxford
12.15 – Lunch
13.00 – Self-optimization - a misunderstood attempt to take control of life?
Ole Jacob Madsen, University of Oslo
13:45 – No God, No Guru, Just Growth: Acem and the secularisation of salvation
Margrethe Løøv, NLA University College
14:00 - Coffee break
14:30 - Faith as an amplifier: How religiosity boosts meaning in life
Tatjana Schnell, MF Norwegian School of Theology, Religion and Society
15.15 – Closing comments and discussions
16.00 – Event ends.
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Event Venue
Gydas vei 4, 0302 Oslo, Norway, Gydas vei 4, 0363 Oslo, Norge, Oslo, Norway
Tickets
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