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.

Comment

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Where does language come from (and where is it going)?

Nick Spencer talks to Alexandra Aikhenvald, Foundation Director of the Language and Culture Research Centre. 22/06/2021

Identity, Language, Reading Our Times

What can cats tell us about the meaning of life?

Nick Spencer speaks to John Gray, formerly Professor of European Thought at the London School of Economics. 15/06/2021

Humanity, Philosophy, Reading Our Times

What does science tell us about race?

In this episode of Reading our Times, Nick Spencer talks to the science writer and broadcaster Angela Saini. 08/06/2021

Racism, Reading Our Times, Science

Carrie On Catholicism: How did Boris Johnson marry in the holiest Catholic Church in the UK?

Pete Whitehead explains and reflects on Boris Johnson’s recent marriage in the Catholic Church. 04/06/21

Catholicism, Conservative Party

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

Research

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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

The Church and Social Cohesion: Connecting Communities and Serving People

Madeleine Pennington

This report, commissioned by the Free Churches Group, investigates how churches in England contribute to social cohesion. (2020)

Churches, Social Cohesion

Reports Download

Growing Good; Growth, Social Action and Discipleship in the Church of England

Hannah Rich

Social action can lead to congregations growing numerically and spiritually. This report, focused on the Church of England, explores how. (2020)

Communities, Evangelism, Faith, Future of Churches, GRA:CE Project, Social Action

Reports Buy Download

Nurturing social cohesion: how–to guides for churches and policymakers

Madeleine Pennington

Theos has produced a set of practical guides for churches and policymakers offering some basic principles for engagement in this work. (2020)

Churches, Social Cohesion

Reports Buy

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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Give Us Our Ball Back 2021 – Making the Game Beautiful Again

With Euro 2021 about to kick off, and the football world still reeling from the Super League, we ask how football can serve the common good.

Science, Religion and Humanity: Who gets to say?

At this York Festival of Ideas event, Nick Spencer will explore how science and religion have, do and can relate to one another.

Why our societies are coming apart and how to put them back together

Theos will host a lunchtime conversation with Jon Yates and Dr Madeleine Pennington.

Visual communication in a digital age

Emily Downe will contribute to this Culham St Gabriel’s Trust event on why innovation matters for today’s teachers of religion and worldviews.

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

In the news

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Journey to the Edge of Reason by Stephen Budiansky — ruthless logic

I’ve lost my conversational mojo – can I relearn the art of small talk?

Who was to blame for the death of Jesus?

Jesus was a revolutionary – this is what he’d make of our anger and division this Easter

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

See all

Where does language come from (and where is it going)?

Nick Spencer talks to Alexandra Aikhenvald, Foundation Director of the Language and Culture Research Centre. 22/06/2021

Identity, Language, Reading Our Times

What can cats tell us about the meaning of life?

Nick Spencer speaks to John Gray, formerly Professor of European Thought at the London School of Economics. 15/06/2021

Humanity, Philosophy, Reading Our Times

What does science tell us about race?

In this episode of Reading our Times, Nick Spencer talks to the science writer and broadcaster Angela Saini. 08/06/2021

Racism, Reading Our Times, Science

What is the future for humanity?

Nick Spencer speaks to cosmologist, BBC Reith lecturer, and Astronomer Royal Martin Rees. 01/06/2021

Humanity, Reading Our Times, Technology

The Sacred podcast explores how we can have better public conversations about the things we value, despite our differences. It is presented by our Director, Elizabeth Oldfield. Reading Our Times explores the books and ideas that are shaping us today, and is hosted by our Senior Fellow Nick Spencer.

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

Theos

Theos

Understanding faith. Enriching society.

Comment

Where does language come from (and where is it going)?

What can cats tell us about the meaning of life?

What does science tell us about race?

Carrie On Catholicism: How did Boris Johnson marry in the holiest Catholic Church in the UK?

Research

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

Simon Perfect

The Church and Social Cohesion: Connecting Communities and Serving People

Madeleine Pennington

Growing Good; Growth, Social Action and Discipleship in the Church of England

Hannah Rich

Nurturing social cohesion: how–to guides for churches and policymakers

Madeleine Pennington

Theos is a body that commands attention.

Events

17 June 2021

Give Us Our Ball Back 2021 – Making the Game Beautiful Again

9 June 2021

Science, Religion and Humanity: Who gets to say?

3 June 2021

Why our societies are coming apart and how to put them back together

12 May 2021

Visual communication in a digital age

In the news

Journey to the Edge of Reason by Stephen Budiansky — ruthless logic

I’ve lost my conversational mojo – can I relearn the art of small talk?

Who was to blame for the death of Jesus?

Jesus was a revolutionary – this is what he’d make of our anger and division this Easter

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.

Audio & Podcasts

Where does language come from (and where is it going)?

What can cats tell us about the meaning of life?

What does science tell us about race?

What is the future for humanity?

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.