Religious engineering: exploring projects of transformation from a relational perspective

bibliographic database
Line

Periodical article

Title:	Religious engineering: exploring projects of transformation from a relational perspective
Authors:	Spies, Eva Schrode, Paula
Year:	2021
Periodical:	Religion (ISSN 0048-721X)
Volume:	51
Issue:	1
Pages:	1-18
Language:	English
Geographic terms:	Africa world
Subjects:	religion development
External link:	https://doi.org/10.1080/0048721X.2020.1792053
Abstract:	This introduction presents the concept of religious engineering, offering a new perspective on a field of research which deals with the interrelations of religion and international development. The concept, we propose, allows for an analysis of a wide array of projects of transformation without presupposing religion, secularity and development as different given spheres or concepts. Following criticisms of the instrumental use of a sui generis concept of religion and a narrow definition of development, we suggest a focus on the relational, on-going constitution of development and religion through transformative practices of religious engineering. This refers to ways of working on the future shape of a society, group or individual, where the 'engineers' allude to what they understand as religious traditions and practices. At the same time, the concept accesses purposeful transformations of religious traditions and self-understandings that are spurred on by such projects of societal and/or individual improvement.