Religion and Spirituality in post-digital Resonance Spaces (Cluster B)

Cluster B examines the institutional influences, dynamics and effects of spirituality and religiosity in post-digital resonance spaces. We investigate how new technologies, current societal discourse or traditional self-images influence spiritual and religious communities. Furthermore, we ask whether these internal and external negotiation processes concerning authority, legitimacy and reputation lead to new practices, procedures, self-images and forms of visibility for religion and spirituality.

Against this background, we are pursuing three central research questions:

1. To what extent are spirituality and religion gaining visibility and expanding their reach through digital networking and new technologies?
2. How do digital disruptions and transformations affect (newly emerging) religious and spiritual communities?
3. What internal and external perceptions of religion and spirituality are negotiated in these digital resonance spaces and how are they influenced by societal discourse?

Cluster B makes an important contribution to the URPP Digital Religion(s) from a multidisciplinary perspective – with input from sociology, theology, law, religious studies and communication studies.

Digital religions are placed at the interfaces between tradition, innovation and networking, tied in with the changes influenced by digital communication technologies and societal discourse, and examined on the basis of triangulating methods and perspectives. This approach makes it possible to grasp the social relevance of digital religion(s) and spirituality and address urgent social challenges.