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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The dignity of work: making it a reality

In this guest blog, Tim Thorlby argues that the dignity of work is one of the most pressing issues for our generation. 17/09/2020

Dignity, Inequality, Work

What’s wrong with meritocracy?

In the first episode of Reading Our Times, Nick Spencer talks to leading philosopher Michael Sandel about the pitfalls of meritocracy. 15/09/2020

Meritocracy, Philosophy, Politics

Merit, justice and liberalism: getting to the heart of Michael Sandel

In his latest long–read, Nick Spencer unpacks the philosophy of Michael Sandel and tries to uncover the human behind the philosophy. 14/09/2020

Meritocracy, Philosophy, Politics

Introducing ‘Reading Our Times’

We are launching a new podcast ‘Reading Our Times’ exploring the books and ideas that are shaping us today. 10/09/2020

Humanity, Justice, Meritocracy, Religion

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

Events

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8 September 2020

Michael Sandel: The Tyranny of Merit

Philosopher and Harvard professor Michael Sandel delivers Theos’ annual lecture 2020.

21 July 2020

Cohesive Societies: Faith and Belief

The British Academy and Faith & Belief Forum launch new report ‘Cohesive Societies: Faith and Belief’ authored by Madeleine Pennington.

24 June 2020

Religious London Online Launch

Theos will be launching our latest report Religious London.

2 April 2020

Unbelievers: An Emotional History of Doubt

Theos will be hosting a discussion with Prof. Alec Ryrie on the role of the heart as well as the head in understanding unbelief.

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

Research

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Cohesive Societies: Faith and Belief

Madeleine Pennington

This report was externally commissioned by the Faith and Belief Forum and the British Academy and explores the different ways in which faith and belief interact with societal cohesion. (2020)

Faith, Social Cohesion

Reports Download

Religious London

The Theos Team

London is more religious than the rest of the country. This research project seeks to map and analyse this phenomenon. (2020)

Britain, Christianity, Communities, Faith, Identity, Religion

Reports Buy Download

Bridging the Gap: Economic Inequality and Church Responses in the UK

Simon Perfect

Economic inequality in the UK is shockingly high. This report explores how churches are helping tackle it, and calls on them to do more. (2020)

Church, Economy, Inequality

Reports Buy Download

Supporting Faith and Belief Student Societies: A Guide for Students’ Unions

Simon Perfect

This guide advises students’ unions on how to develop their faith and belief societies, drawing on our research into religion in universities. (2020)

Education, Freedom of Speech, Universities

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

Theos is a body that commands attention.

The Economist

In the news

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Sin city? Pious London is actually the capital of conservatism

London more religious than rest of Britain, report finds

Will there ever be another Conservative mayor of London?

Simon Perfect appears on BBC Radio Ulster

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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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.

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

The dignity of work: making it a reality

What’s wrong with meritocracy?

Merit, justice and liberalism: getting to the heart of Michael Sandel

Introducing ‘Reading Our Times’

Events

8 September 2020

Michael Sandel: The Tyranny of Merit

21 July 2020

Cohesive Societies: Faith and Belief

24 June 2020

Religious London Online Launch

2 April 2020

Unbelievers: An Emotional History of Doubt

Research

Cohesive Societies: Faith and Belief

Madeleine Pennington

Religious London

The Theos Team

Bridging the Gap: Economic Inequality and Church Responses in the UK

Simon Perfect

Supporting Faith and Belief Student Societies: A Guide for Students’ Unions

Simon Perfect

Theos is a body that commands attention.

In the news

Sin city? Pious London is actually the capital of conservatism

London more religious than rest of Britain, report finds

Will there ever be another Conservative mayor of London?

Simon Perfect appears on BBC Radio Ulster

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

What’s wrong with meritocracy?

Introducing ‘Reading Our Times’

The Sacred #73: Myriam Francois

The Sacred #72: Ed West

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.