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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Chris French on skepticism and the psychology of paranormal beliefs

Elizabeth Oldfield speaks to psychologist, writer and speaker Professor Chris French. 12/05/2021

Psychology, Science, Skepticism

Football and forgiveness: forging a new identity

Pete Whitehead reflects on the need for football clubs to seek forgiveness following recent events. 06/05/2021

Forgiveness, Sport

Grace Olmstead on rootedness, conservatism and what a consistent life ethic looks like

Elizabeth Oldfield speaks to American journalist Grace Olmstead. 05/05/2021

Communities, Family, Formation

Vulnerability and the pandemic

Hannah Rich reflects on how the last year has made her think differently about vulnerability. 28/04/2021

Coronavirus, Health, Vulnerability

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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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.

London 2021 – religion, politics and leadership – what’s the picture?

In the run–up to the mayoral election, we revisit our former research and ask if the pandemic has shifted public perceptions of religion.

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

In the news

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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

Nick Spencer appears on BBC Radio 4 Sunday

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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Chris French on skepticism and the psychology of paranormal beliefs

Elizabeth Oldfield speaks to psychologist, writer and speaker Professor Chris French. 12/05/2021

Psychology, Science, Skepticism

Grace Olmstead on rootedness, conservatism and what a consistent life ethic looks like

Elizabeth Oldfield speaks to American journalist Grace Olmstead. 05/05/2021

Communities, Family, Formation

Guvna B on toxic masculinity and not fitting into boxes

Elizabeth Oldfield speaks to rapper, hip hop artist and author Guvna B. 28/04/2021

Music, Young Adults

Suzanne Moore on rebellion, the role of a journalist and why anger is a good thing

Elizabeth Oldfield speaks to journalist Suzanne Moore. 21/04/2021

Feminism, Journalism

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

Chris French on skepticism and the psychology of paranormal beliefs

Football and forgiveness: forging a new identity

Grace Olmstead on rootedness, conservatism and what a consistent life ethic looks like

Vulnerability and the pandemic

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

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

29 April 2021

London 2021 – religion, politics and leadership – what’s the picture?

In the news

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

Nick Spencer appears on BBC Radio 4 Sunday

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

Chris French on skepticism and the psychology of paranormal beliefs

Grace Olmstead on rootedness, conservatism and what a consistent life ethic looks like

Guvna B on toxic masculinity and not fitting into boxes

Suzanne Moore on rebellion, the role of a journalist and why anger is a good thing

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.