Religious Studies Kaleidoscope

This collective monograph offers an interdisciplinary perspective on contemporary religious studies, showcasing the research of doctoral students from the Faculty of Arts, Palacký University Olomouc. Divided into three thematic parts—religion and identity, ritual and lived religion, and media representation—the publication explores how religion shapes and is shaped by personal, social, and cultural forces. Topics include religious conversion in prison, spirituality among managers, pietistic traditions, the transformation of funeral rituals, pilgrimage practices in Poland, and the symbolic use of religion in sports and the media. The essays use a variety of methodological approaches—from phenomenology to affect theory—and reveal the complexity of religious belief and practice in both historical and contemporary contexts. This is the first significant academic output from a new generation of researchers, reflecting the dynamism of a newly accredited doctoral programme in the field of religious studies. The book represents a valuable contribution for academics, educators, and anyone interested in the changing role of religion in contemporary society.

This collective monograph offers an interdisciplinary perspective on contemporary religious studies, showcasing the research of doctoral students from the Faculty of Arts, Palacký University Olomouc. Divided into three thematic parts—religion and identity, ritual and lived religion, and media representation – the volume explores how religion shapes and is shaped by personal, social, and cultural forces. Topics include religious conversion in prison, spirituality among managers, pietistic traditions, transformation of funeral rituals, Polish pilgrimage practices, and the symbolic use of religion in sports and media. By engaging with diverse methodologies – from phenomenology to affect theory – these essays reveal the complexity of religious belief and practice in both historical and modern contexts. This is the first major academic output of a new generation of scholars, reflecting the vitality of a recently accredited PhD programme in religious studies. The book is a valuable contribution for academics, educators, and anyone interested in religion’s evolving role in contemporary society.