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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Ryan North on kindness, comics and the appeal of superheroes

In the first episode of this new series, Elizabeth Oldfield speaks to comic book writer Ryan North. 01/12/2021

Gender, Humanity

Why is secularism failing? In conversation with Sumantra Bose

Nick Spencer talks to Prof. Sumantra Bose. 30/11/2021

Reading Our Times, Secularism

Beyond Left and Right: why theology might have the answer to inequality

In this blog, Hannah Rich introduces our latest report ‘Beyond Left and Right: Finding Consensus on Economic Inequality’. 29/11/2021

Church, Economy, Inequality

‘Englishness’: resurgent, contested – and ever–elusive?

In his latest blog, Jonathan Chaplin suggests how we should respond to contestation over the past, present and future of Englishness. 25/11/2021

Faith in Democracy, Identity

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

Research

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Beyond Left and Right: Finding Consensus on Economic Inequality

Hannah Rich

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

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

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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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.

20 July 2021

Working 9 to 5(am)?: Work and its Limits in the Post–Covid World

Marking the launch of Theos’ new report on the future of work, we will consider how we view the work in our lives – and the future of it.

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

In the news

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Nick Spencer appears on BBC Sunday Morning Live

Theos announces Chine McDonald as new Director

Medieval twittering: Simon Armitage’s enticing translation of a Middle English poem

Paul Bickley appears on BBC Radio Merseyside

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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Ryan North on kindness, comics and the appeal of superheroes

In the first episode of this new series, Elizabeth Oldfield speaks to comic book writer Ryan North. 01/12/2021

Gender, Humanity

Why is secularism failing? In conversation with Sumantra Bose

Nick Spencer talks to Prof. Sumantra Bose. 30/11/2021

Reading Our Times, Secularism

What’s underneath the trans debate? In conversation with Helen Joyce

Nick Spencer speaks to journalist and author Helen Joyce. 23/11/2021

Gender, Identity, Reading Our Times

What is “the matter with things”? In conversation with Iain McGilchrist

Nick Spencer speaks to Iain McGilchrist about materialism, truth, humanity, and God. 16/11/2021

Brain, Humanity, Reading Our Times, Truth

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