Tradition – Innovation – Transformation. Research Insights and Perspectives on Public Religious Practice in Post-Digital Times

This lecture investigates public Christian religious practice in post-digital contexts through the dynamic triad of tradition, innovation, and transformation. While religion is often perceived as bound to continuity and preservation, it also contains impulses of change, expressed in the principle of semper reformanda. The presentation examines internal religious innovation processes, such as new worship styles, and external effects, where religion influences broader technological, economic, and social transformations. Digitalization intensifies these dynamics, producing hybrid forms of practice—ranging from online-offline rituals to religious influencers, chatbots, and AI-driven actors. Research on Digital Religion, strengthened during the COVID-19 period, addresses these developments with empirical and hermeneutical approaches. The University of Zurich’s research program (2021–2032) highlights emerging AI technologies, religious networking, inter- and transreligious education, and the impact of conspiracy theories. Central questions concern the negotiation of church identity in digital public spheres, the perception of crises, authentic communication, embodiment in religious rituals, and the cohesion of communities across distances. Ultimately, the lecture emphasizes the necessity of hermeneutical, life-oriented reflection on religious practice under conditions of digital disruption and cultural volatility.

THOMAS SCHLAG | University of Zurigo

Cycle of Seminars: Conservation and Transformation in Ethics and Religion

Scientific coordination: Massimo Leone, FBK-ISR

The event will be held in English.

The presentation will take place in presence in the Aula Piccola FBK while places are available and online.

Registration is mandatory by 10 October 2025 at 12 noon.