Theos

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Understanding faith. Enriching society.

Theos stimulates the debate about the place of religion in society, challenging and changing ideas through research, commentary and events.

Feature — Science & Religion: reframing the conversation

Comment

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Christie Watson on humour, compassion and why nursing and writing belong together

Elizabeth Oldfield speaks to writer and nurse Christie Watson. 18/05/2022

Health, Suffering

Insecurity and the cost of living

Hannah Rich shares early insights from current Theos research on faith and economic insecurity. 17/05/2022

Cost of living, Economy, Faith, Poverty, Precarity

Where did religion come from (and where is it going)? In conversation with Robin Dunbar

Nick Spencer speaks to Robin Dunbar. 17/05/2022

History, Religion, Science and Religion, Society

Near the broken–hearted: Churches and mental health

For Mental Health Awareness Week, Simon Perfect explores the roles churches are playing, and could play, in supporting mental health. 13/05/2022

Coronavirus, Mental Health

Latest thoughts from the Theos team and guest contributors on current issues around religion and society.

Research

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Valuing Women: Making women visible

Kathryn Hodges

This report explores what can be learned from how Christian charities provide support to women experiencing multiple and severe disadvantage. (2022)

Charity, Mental Health, Vulnerability

Reports Buy Download

Beyond Left and Right: Finding Consensus on Economic Inequality

In this report, we contend that theology offers a different way of exploring excessive economic inequality, and can open up new avenues of consensus between political and social positions that have typically been at odds. (2021)

Church, Economy, Inequality

Reports Buy Download

Just Work: Humanising the Labour Market in a Changing World

Paul Bickley

As the relationship between work, time and place changes, this report explores how we can rediscover patterns of rest for human beings and for ecosystems. (2021)

Coronavirus, Technology, Work

Reports Buy Download

Relationships, Presence and Hope: University Chaplaincy during the COVID–19 Pandemic

Simon Perfect

Chaplains and faith advisors have been on the frontline of the pandemic. This report explores the unique contributions of university chaplains during this time. (2021)

Chaplaincy, Coronavirus, Mental Health

Reports Download

Theos researches and investigates the intersection of religion, politics and society in the contemporary world.

Theos is a body that commands attention.

The Economist

Events

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21 April 2022

The Divided Brain and the Sense of the Sacred

Iain McGilchrist will be in conversation with Nick Spencer to discuss science, religion, the brain, the sacred, and the future of humanity.

15 February 2022

Mixing religion and politics: the trial of Jesus and the idea of justice

Our series of seminars ‘How to mix religion and politics’, ends with exploring how Jesus’ trial has been interpreted.

8 February 2022

Mixing religion and politics: renewing democratic pluralism

The second in our series of ‘How to mix religion and politics’ examines the pressure on two fundamental virtues of our political system.

1 February 2022

Mixing religion and politics: rethinking the common good

Our series of seminars ‘How to mix religion and politics’, begins with exploring renewed interest in the common good.

Theos hosts public debates, discussions and lectures about religion and society.

In the news

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Christian charities help disadvantaged women feel ‘visible’, says Theos report

Too many disadvantaged women are ‘overlooked’ and ‘lost’ in the system

Christian charities’ distinctive approaches can help save lives of women facing multiple disadvantage

Iain McGilchrist and the battle over the left–brain, right–brain theory

Theos is regularly quoted in mainstream media across broadcast, print and digital.

Theos has done a huge amount to raise the level of public debate about religion. It has won respect for its high–quality research and respect for honest enquiry.

Linda Woodhead, Professor, Sociology of Religion, Lancaster University

Audio & Podcasts

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Vanessa Zoltan on radical hospitality, atheist chaplaincy and treating texts as sacred

In the final episode of this series, Elizabeth Oldfield speaks to author and podcaster Vanessa Zoltan. 26/01/2022

Antisemitism, Chaplaincy, Humanism

Rupert Read on nonviolence, the climate crisis and the power of emotions

Elizabeth Oldfield speaks to public intellectual and author Rupert Read. 19/01/2022

Climate change, Emotions

Minna Salami on feminism, racism and ‘sensuous knowledge’

Elizabeth speaks to social critic, feminist theorist and poet Minna Salami. 12/01/2022

Feminism, Knowledge, Racism

Stuart Ritchie on scepticism, and the role and reliability of science

Elizabeth Oldfield speaks to lecturer and author Dr. Stuart Ritchie. 05/01/2022

Ethics, Science

Theos produces two podcasts: The Sacred, exploring how we can have better public conversations about the things we value, despite our differences; and Reading Our Times, exploring the books and ideas that are shaping us today.

Among the most pressing political challenges of our time is to define the politics of the common good – ways of resisting the relentless commodification of our lives, our families and our communities. Theos shows us how the Christian tradition has a huge part to play in meeting that challenge.

Jon Cruddas MP