IAHR Workshop: Study of Religion Without an Object? Global Perspectives

This workshop aims to bring together both theoretical reflections as well as specific case studies that analyse the contemporary scholarly understandings of the object of the study of religion and propose viable directions forward. What does it mean to understand something as an object of the study of religion – either in a general sense or in relation to more specific research projects? In recent decades the understanding of religion as the focus of study has become increasingly complex. Past research paradigms have been extensively criticized for their tendency to treat religion as a distinctly separate and discrete entity. These criticisms have led many to question, whether there even is or can be a clear object of study or anything concrete at all that ‘religion’ or any other abstract term could pick out. Research thus has shifted towards approaches that still look for structures, functions and other intertwined characteristics, but at the same time attempt to distance themselves from problematically reifying formulations. In other words: scholarly practice has moved towards thinking of justifiable conceptualizations as analytical terms or heuristic tools that enable the extrapolation, or highlighting of important aspects, in addition to making it possible to call attention to significant similarities, analogies, and differences. Contemporary scholars appear to look for the theoretically justifiable and empirically applicable middle ground between problematically reifying and systematically deconstructionist perspectives. In such a situation it would appear that scholars prefer to stay away from asserting the existence of any concretely defined and delimited object of study, while at the same time still looking to distinguish different interwoven combinations of characteristics, structures and processes as their particular research focus.

All of this raises a whole host of issues about how scholars of religion can justifiably conceive and formulate their object of study. One could ask what kind of a role do conceptualizations of the object of study have in the overall research process? How is the object of study understood in different currently prevalent research paradigms (relational, lived, postcolonial, cognitive, critical or other)? Or is the study of religion now indeed without an object of study? Does study of religion need a clear object of study? Are there any valuable, but thus far overlooked methodological or theoretical perspectives that could help to construe a justifiable middle ground between reification and deconstruction? Or does any past classic scholar of religion deserve a fresh look with regards to these matters? How is the general object of study conceived in empirically specific fieldwork-based, historical or other research projects? What are the criteria for determining that something is a valid analytic term in the study of religion? What does it mean to call a concept, a theory, an approach, or something else a useful heuristic?

These are but some of the questions one could raise in relation to the overall issue. The matter could be addressed by theoretical reflection on the viable paths forward, methodological reflections on conceptualizations, specific, empirical case studies deriving from fieldwork or historical sources discussing the consequences of theoretical and methodological choices, meta-level analyses of currently prevalent practices and paradigms as well as other perspectives that in one way or another deal with the issue in focus at this workshop.

All presenters will give a short presentation of their paper. Each session of 3-4 presenters will have a respondent presentation with author responses and is followed by a general discussion.

Abstract submissions are open to all interested scholars. PhD candidates and early-career scholars are particularly encouraged to apply.

Proposal Requirements

Each proposal must include:

1. A title (maximum 15 words)
2. An abstract of 250–400 words
3. The author’s academic affiliation

Also, in addition to the proposal it is necessary to submit a short (1 page max!) academic CV of the author.

• Submit by email to: [email protected]
• Proposal submission deadline: 3 April 2026.
• Full draft submission deadline (for those with an accepted proposal): 13 July 2026.

Presenters with accepted papers who have also submitted full drafts of their papers by the deadline will have their accommodation costs covered for the duration of the event.