Theologically Engaged Anthropology II: Why do religious beliefs at times change very quickly and what kinds of societal impacts do these changes have?

This second phase of the work of the CTEA hoped to use theologically engaged anthropology to address particular questions of wider anthropological interest. While religious cultural change has been studied by anthropologists and illustrated by the work of theologians, there is a critical need for more research about religious change that drives sudden cultural innovations throughout society. This need can be met through a collaboration among anthropologists and theologians to discuss and debate ethnographic accounts and theories of rapid religious cultural change. Funded by the Templeton Foundation, this project formed five research working groups in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Africa. Additionally, it expanded the global community of anthropologists and theologians who use theologically engaged anthropology through two large conferences in Hong Kong and the USA, panels at academic meetings, and strategic expansion of the membership of the Center for Theologically Engaged Anthropology.

The academic output of this phase of research can be seen on our podcast, a series of video interviews, and multiple journal issues.