Within the sociology of religion, I am particularly interested in the transformation of religious practices in the early 21st century against the backdrop of increasing criticism of institutionalized religious organizations. A parallel interest is i
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Within the sociology of religion, I am particularly interested in the transformation of religious practices in the early 21st century against the backdrop of increasing criticism of institutionalized religious organizations. A parallel interest is in the emergence of alternative forms of religious organizing and how this relates back to leadership, theology, and dogma. Empirically I focus especially but not exclusively on American Protestant groups. To explore processes of social, organizational, and religious change theoretically, I draw from structuration theory, critical realism, neo-institutional theory, and theories of narrative identity. I hold an MA degree in English language and literature, political science, and cultural anthropology from the University of Trier in Germany and worked as a journalist and a political communication consultant before returning to academia to works towards my doctoral degree.
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