Current Research Projects

As far as Reformation theology is concerned, sexuality, marriage and family are fundamental forms of expression in human life; they constitute a foundation of our culture, yet the shape they will assume in practice is not necessarily predetermined and self-evident. While this field has been undergoing considerable change processes in the recent years, it nevertheless appears that the values of partnership and family have remained as relevant as ever. In addition to observing sociological nuances while conducting research into the current situation, it is essential to analyse the diversity of marriage and family in historical terms and to examine the socio-ethical and theological interpretations of marriage and family in a more precise manner than has been done to date. With regard to theological practice, the newly gained insights will be of interest for ecclesial practice in pastoral care and religious education in the classroom. The fact that there is a demand for answers in society is illustrated by the irritations and uncertainties that had been triggered following the publication of the orientation guide “Zwischen Autonomie und Angewiesenheit: Familie als verlässliche Gemeinschaft stärken” (“Between autonomy and dependence: strengthening families as dependable communities”, 2013) by the Evangelical Church in Germany. In Isolde Karle’s monographies “Da ist nicht mehr Mann noch Frau” (“There is no longer Man and Woman”) and “Liebe in der Moderne” (“Love in the modern era”), these issues are addressed, and they are to be studied in more depth.

The Institute organises symposiums and workshops that focus on interdisciplinary research into the relationship between religion and society. The questions that are of particular importance from the perspective of theological practice include: in what way can Church adapt to the ongoing individualisation and pluralisation of religion, and is society becoming increasingly secularised or is a new interest in religion emerging (“religious boom”)? To what extent does religion enable people to open their minds to plurality and to otherness in a contingency-sensitive manner? In what way can faith accept and at the same time process contingency? How can Church open up to forms and tendencies of freely roving religiosity without losing its unique signature? How can explicitly Christian practice be maintained and developed through the interaction with forms of implicit Christian practice and communication that are embedded in intermediate spaces? Not least, the following question arises with regard to the public task of the Church: how can the Church address political developments in a pluralistic society without being perceived as merely society’s moral agency? We frequently invite renowned researchers as well as executives from the corporate world in order to discuss these questions and develop long-term perspectives.

In the late-modern society, the body has increasingly become a centre of attention (“body turn”). On the one hand, people seek an intense body experience, as uncertainties with regard to identity grow; on the other hand, they strive to achieve body optimisation, which is supposed to render the body healthier, more beautiful and more “normal” in accordance with current standards. These social change processes have as yet been barely touched upon by theology. Body and body standards have remained a marginalised subject in the field of practical theology. And yet, reflecting on the question of modern conduct of life in a manner that is both sociologically sensitive and compliant with theological practice and developing strategies for addressing that question are essential for pastoral care, for educational processes and, last but not least, for sermons on lifeworld issues and emotions. It is crucial to examine the ambivalence of practices and strategies associated with the suffering and modifying of the body in a nuanced manner, to comprehend their deep existential entrenchment in (gender) identities and emotions, and to address them critically while appreciating them at the same time.

Are humans born selfish and is their awareness for other people’s needs painstakingly raised through education, culture and religion? In the recent decades, there has been an increase in the number of voices t,hat question the idea of egoism being the fundamental motivation of human behaviour, as they approach it from radically different perspectives. Striving to follow up these questions in interdisciplinary discussions, we have established a dedicated research group at RUB (in collaboration with professors Traugott Jähnichen, Norbert Ricken, Thomas Söding, and Jürgen Straub). We have already organised several symposiums addressing this subject. The most recent one (2017) focused on the question: Why do people help? In the process, it emerged that altruism does not necessary equal self-denial; rather, it is an extension of one’s self, which is aware of its fundamental connections with others and which can be experienced to be a beneficial resonance chamber. The specific conditions of such non-self-destructive commitment to others are to be analysed and described in detail in the contexts of volunteering work and in relationships within the privacy system.

In 2020, Isolde Karle published a textbook on Practical Theology. More info about the textbook

The scholarship organisation Evangelisches Studienwerk e.V. Villigst introduced a new interdisciplinary research focus titled “Dimensions of Care” in autumn 2013. In addition to the Chair, professors Micha Werner (philosophy, University of Greifswald), Anna Henkel (sociology, University of Lüneburg), and Gesa Lindemann (sociology, University of Oldenburg) apply the research focus in interdisciplinary collaborations. The project team took up their work on June 1, 2014. For more information on the PhD research focus, please do not hesitate to reach out to Isolde Karle or click here.
Each supervising professor has been assigned five grants for two years respectively for the duration of the five-year project.

On September 21/22, 2017, the 3rd annual conference on the PhD research focus took place in Villigst. Its theme was “Do not Worry – Criticism of Care”. (“Sorget nicht – Kritik der Sorge”) For the programme, click here.

On September 13/14, 2018, the 4th annual conference on the PhD research focus took place in Villigst. Its theme was "Limits of Care". ("Grenzen der Sorge")Sie stand unter dem Thema "Grenzen der Sorge". For the programme, click here.

On September 19/20, 2019, the 5th annual conference of the PhD research focus took place in Villigst. Its theme was "Care and being carefree: Limits, Environments, Requirements". ("Sorge und Sorgefreiheit: Grenzen, Atmosphären, Rahmenbedingungen") For the programme, click here.

On October 1/2, 2020, the 6th annual conference of the PhD research focus took place in Villigst. For the programme, click here.

On September 30/October 1, 2021, the 7th annual conference of the PhD research focus took place in Villigst. Its theme was "Time. Ideal types and perspectives of current references to the future" ("Zeit. Idealtypen und Perspektiven gegenwärtigen Zukunftsbezugs"). For the programme, click here.

On October 17/18, 2024, the final annual conference of the PhD research focus took place in Villigst. Its topic was "Inequality and Care" ("Ungleichheit und Sorge"). For the programme, click here.