Digital Methodologies for the Study of Religion
25th June 2025, Coventry University
A Knowledge Exchange Symposium organised as part of the ESRC-funded Digital British Islam Project
Deadline for Abstracts: 15th May 2025
In an era characterised by rapid technological advancements—including artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and the ubiquity of social media platforms—the field of digital research methodologies for the study of religion has undergone a paradigm shift. These innovations have not only expanded the scope of inquiry but have also redefined how researchers access, analyse, and interpret vast volumes of data in digital environments. This evolution has opened unprecedented avenues for exploring religious expression, identity construction, and community dynamics on both individual and collective levels.
Despite these advancements, the field faces pressing methodological challenges that require rigorous academic scrutiny. Key issues include the epistemological foundations of integrating digital tools into research on religion, the ethical complexities of navigating privacy and consent in highly interconnected digital spaces, and the practical obstacles associated with the rapid pace of technological change, such as the need for interdisciplinary competencies and equitable access to resources. These challenges underscore the need for a critical evaluation of the methodologies that underpin this evolving field, including:
- What are digital methodologies for the study of religion? Are they a ‘thing’?
- What key methodological issues emerge from the study of religious practice in digital contexts?
- What are the epistemological justifications for employing digital methodologies for the study of religion?
- How are traditional methods transformed / modified by their use in digital contexts?
- What new methods arise?
- What ethical concerns arise?
- How can researchers navigate practical barriers such as varying IT skills, access to specialised tools, and remote project management?
This knowledge exchange symposium is part of the ESRC-funded Digital British Islam research project. Hosted by Coventry University, it will bring together scholars to critically engage with the uses, challenges, and future directions of digital methodologies for the study of religion. The event’s discussions are intended to inform the creation of an edited volume, with preliminary discussions underway with leading publishers to facilitate its development. The volume will follow-up from Cheruvallil-Contractor and Shakkour’s key volume Digital Methodologies in the Sociology of Religion published in 2013 by Bloomsbury.
Submission Guidelines: Please submit proposals that explore one or more of the questions raised above. Feel free to come up with and explore new questions, as long as they address methodological concerns that emerge from the study of religion or belief online. Proposals to include an abstract of no more than 300 words accompanied by the paper title, presenter’s name and short bio (100 words), institutional affiliation and contact information. Please submit via this form: https://forms.office.com/e/6aYnCXhNUM
Enquires: Dr Laura Jones: [email protected]
Key Dates
- Abstract Submission Deadline: 15th May 2025
- Notification of Acceptance: 30th May 2025
Registration
Further details about the registration process will be circulated and posted on the Digital British Islam website.
We look forward to your contributions and to advancing the discussion on digital methodologies for the study of religion.
Symposium Organisers
Professor Sariya Cheruvallil-Contractor, Dr Alamgir Ahmed, Professor Gary Bunt, Professor Frederic Volpi, Dr Sadek Hamid, Dr Khadijah Elshayyal, Dr Laura Jones