Religionssosiologisk vårseminar 2026

Faith, fasting and fitness: Religion and self-optimisation.

There are many examples, from prosperity gospels to yoga, of religious practice being motivated by a wish to become a better version of oneself and achieve success in life. This phenomenon seems to be finding new forms in a context of information overload and distrust in core social institutions, where some young people seek out religion or spirituality in an attempt to improve health or self-control. Is religious self-improvement merely a symptom of individualism, or could it also serve social functions such as strengthening collective identities?

To answer these and other questions, we have invited researchers who have written about the relationship between self-optimisation, self-development and religion in different countries and contexts, to talk about their findings.

Program

11.15 – Information and introductions

11.30 – Commitment and signalling through religious practice: examples from fasting, veiling, and beards

• Ozan Aksoy, University of Oxford

12.15 – Lunch

13.00 – Self-optimization - a misunderstood attempt to take control of life?

• Ole Jacob Madsen, University of Oslo

13:45 – No God, No Guru, Just Growth: Acem and the secularisation of salvation

• Margrethe Løøv, NLA University College

14:00 - Coffee break

14:30 - Faith as an amplifier: How religiosity boosts meaning in life

• Tatjana Schnell, MF Norwegian School of Theology, Religion and Society

15.15 – Closing comments and discussions

16.00 – Event ends.