Transformation Transdisciplinary. Publications of the KU Center for Religion, Church and Society in Transformation (ZRKG)

Since 2022, the ZRKG has been publishing the series "Transformation Transdisziplinär. Schriften des KU Zentrums Religion, Kirche, Gesellschaft im Wandel", published by Nomos Verlag Baden-Baden. The director of the ZRKG is responsible for publishing the series. The series gives members of the ZRKG, but also external scholars, the opportunity to present their interdisciplinary research results in the field of the ZRKG.

Objective of the series

The series aims to explore fundamental processes of change in ways of thinking and living, in communication, social and legal relationships, which neither individuals nor society can permanently escape. Reflecting on them as a design task requires, on the one hand, a dynamic understanding of identity, which is constituted anew in its historical, social and cultural contexts without being able to be thought of as arbitrarily constructed. At the same time, it is important to work out what is indispensable and unavailable for orientation in the present by looking back at the contents of cultural and religious traditions that have been handed down from generation to generation. The series provides a forum for cross-disciplinary research into the associated tensions between continuity and discontinuity, between persistence and transformation, between identification and the ability to differentiate, as well as the resulting conflict-ridden negotiation processes between religions, churches and the societies of which they are a part.

Inclusion of volumes in the series - criteria and procedures

The series is open to members of the ZRKG as well as to other scholars for the presentation of research results in the form of monographs and anthologies. In particular, volumes will be published in the series that result from activities with the participation of or cooperation with the ZRKG. The inclusion of publications that have been produced without connection to the ZRKG, as well as qualification publications, is possible if they are suitable. (Co-)financing of volumes from ZRKG funds is reserved for ZRKG conference volumes; (Co-)financing of individual book projects is not possible.

The decision on whether to include a volume in the series will be based on the following criteria:

thematic fit with regard to the orientation of the series and the ZRKG
Interdisciplinarity of the approach in the monograph or interdisciplinary conception of the anthology
(expected) quality and innovative potential of the research results

The head of the ZRKG, in consultation with the research field spokespersons, decides on the inclusion of a volume in the series within the framework of an internal review procedure on the basis of the above criteria. Requests for the inclusion of volumes in the series should be sent informally to the management (e-mail: zrkg(at)ku.de). Please submit the following documents:

Abstract (max. 1 page standard font TNR 12pt), if possible taking into account the above-mentioned inclusion criteria
(preliminary) table of contents of the publication
For editors or authors who are not members of the ZRKG: academic curriculum vitae with list of publications.
for qualification publications additionally: manuscript and expert opinion

Published volumes

Katharina Karl, Martin Kirschner, Joost van Loon (Hgg.): Performing Christianities. Differenzfähigkeit des Christlichen in planetarem Kontext (= Transformation Transdisziplinär 4). Baden-Baden 2024

Nomos, 433 pages, German/English, Softcover, ISBN 978-3-7560-2264-9; E-Book: ISBN 978-3-7489-4916-9

In a globalised world marked by profound crises, the shape of Christianity is changing fundamentally changing. The shift of the dynamics of Christianity to the Global South, increasing conflicts and worldwide migration movements are changing the church(es) and Christianity. Conflicts on recognition, on cultural and religious identities as well as on the normative contents of modernity are intensifying. They are sparked by differences in the practicing faith, in conflicting styles and hermeneutics, creating new alliances and polarisations. This anthology reflects on this and explores the contribution of Christianity, searching for what they have in common and what unites them in the face of the planetary crisis.

The book is freely accessible in the Nomos-e-Libary: https://www.nomos-elibrary.de/10.5771/9783748949169/performing-christianities?page=1

Alexis Fritz, Katharina Karl (Hgg.): Persönlichkeitsbildung interdisziplinär. Die Bedeutung von Anerkennung und das Spannungsverhältnis zur Professionalität (= Transformation Transdisziplinär 3). Baden-Baden 2023.

Nomos, 181 pages, paperback, ISBN 978-3-7560-0277-1, as e-book available: ISBN 978-3-7489-3165-2

Personality development and recognition processes are reciprocal and crucial in the sphere of professionalism. All three terms are essential in understanding and shaping transformation processes in contemporary society and the Church. This book aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of these terms by examining their reciprocal relationship from a philosophical, pedagogical, theological or psychological perspective. Looking at transformation and change in the triad of personality development—recognition—professionalism offers innovative impetus for reflection. Further considerations can be made in connection with concepts such as resilience, narrativity, an event or trust.

[Translate to Englisch:] Transformation Transdisziplinär Band 2

Martin Kirschner (Hg.): Europa (neu) erzählen. Inszenierungen Europas in politischer, theologischer und kulturwissenschaftlicher Perspektive (= Transformation Transdisziplinär 2). Baden-Baden 2022.

Nomos, 480 pages, paperback, ISBN 978-3-8487-8484-4

At a time of global crises, the understanding and role of Europe are being called into question. Reflecting on Europe requires reconsidering the meaning of modernity, our understanding of politics and the relation between faith and reason. Which narratives and what kind of performances constitute the public space in Europe? How can we overcome colonial and imperial logic when talking about ‘Europe’? Based on reflections on performative political theology, this volume explores ways of and names criteria for (re-)narrating Europe. Its introduction takes the war in Ukraine into account.

The book is freely accessible in the Nomos-e-Libary:

https://www.nomos-elibrary.de/10.5771/9783748928645/europa-neu-erzaehlen?hitid=00&search-click

rez. in: Theologische Revue

rez.: Johann, Christian, in: Fachzeitschrift „Außerschulische Bildung“, Arbeitskreis deutscher Bildungsstätten e.V. 4/2023 (online zugänglich)

Martin Kirschner, Isabelle Stauffer, Alexis Fritz (Hgg.): Transformationen in Zeiten religiöser und gesellschaftlicher Umbrüche. Dieselbe Welt und doch alles anders (= Transformation Transdisziplinär 1). Unter Mitarbeit von Nadin Burkhardt und Thomas Pittrof. Baden-Baden 2022.

Nomos, 424 pages, paperback, ISBN 978-3-8487-8496-7; as e-book available: ISBN 978-3-7489-2875-1

Profound crises and upheavals in a globally networked world society have become a concrete everyday experience through the Covid-19 pandemic. Against this background, this volume takes an interdisciplinary approach to the concept and concrete manifestations of such transformations, addressing aspects of mediality, language and culture, ways of thinking and living, organising categories and the understanding of history. The processing and shaping of transformation processes points to the field in which aesthetics, spirituality and politics intersect as well as to an understanding of integral education.

rez. in: Schweizerische Zeitschrift für Religions- und Kulturgeschichte,117 (2023), 401–478, DOI: 10.24894/2673-3641.00155