| Individualization causes new processes of identity development (the endless search for sources of the self), both on a micro-level (individual) and on a meso-level (organisations, institutions). These processes differ from earlier processes of identity formulations: focusing less on philosophically and theologically elaborated credo s and related types of statements, and focusing more on acting, codes of conduct and other concrete issues. Even in churches there is a remarkable shift of focus, from pure theological debates about the final thruth to practical questions: how is the church to be structured, what is the role of hierarchy, is homosexuality allowed, are female priests acceptable, should the Eucharist rituals be open for members of other churches, a.s.o.. By contrast one sees secular organizations busily engaged working on their often rather abstract mission statements, their corporate culture and their organizational identity. The new societal processes of identity formulation reflect shifts in both theology and society. In theology it is the emerging recognition - be it rather slowly, at times - of the fact that the usual words and terms (including christian , tradition , belief ) in the end all evoke many different interpretations and hermeneutics, so that the communally phrased credo may not always be the ultimate remedy for dissension. Moreover, theology becomes more open for pluralism and diversity in belief. For society, meanwhile, the development is in the opposite direction: pluralism apparently is more and more experienced as a problem, if not a threat. Society is in search of a formulation of shared ideals and values that may ground a new common morality. On the meso-level of institutions and organisations this results in a strange paradox: churches start talking less about their theological truths, and secular organisation start secular discussions about values, in search of a basis for their codes of conduct. This gives rise to a cluster of research questions, of which the three main questions in this research project are: what is the contribution of religious discourse (and the religious institutions) in processes of present day identity formation?, and in connection with that: what is the role of religious institutions in processes of societal (re)formulation of morality and the systematic reflection on morality (= ethics)? through what type of processes do secular institutions (schools, non-governmental organisations, professional associations, companies, political and state institutions) arrive at their formulation of values, philosophies and ethical deliberations? |
