Current Writing
Religion and emotions
Religion is often identified with belief, and its emotional dimension is neglected. I am writing a book with the Danish sociologist Ole Riis entitled A Sociology of Religious Emotions which counters this imbalance. We propose a model for making sense of religious emotions which focuses on the dialectical interplays between self, society and symbolic objects. We also consider interplays between religion, emotions and power, and investigate the emotional role of religion in modern societies.
Religion and gender
I have recently completed a number of articles in which I explore how taking gender difference seriously requires us to modify some of the foundational theories in the sociology of religion, including secularization theory. I also address the question of why women are preponderant within both traditional religions (particularly the Christian churches), and new forms of spirituality. I relate women’s religious participation to changing patterns of women’s work, identity, and ‘worth’. See Recent Chapters and Articles.
Historical sociology of Christianity
I have written extensively on the development of Christianity and its transformations in modern times. My focus is on the changing relations between Christianity and society and, in particular, on the churches’ changing relations with social power.
The rise of spirituality
I am interested in the growing internal differentiation of alternative spirituality, and the divisions opening up between ‘holistic’ practices, ‘New Age’, and Paganism. I have recently carried out research on this subject in Asheville, NC, and plan to co-author an article with Helen Berger.
Religion in the public sphere
I am currently writing articles and chapters on ‘Secularism in Britain’, ‘Secular Privilege, Religious Disadvantage’ and ‘Spirituality: Public or Private?’.