International Journal of Practical Theology
Volume 29 (2025) Issue 2
Call for Papers
Global Authoritarianism as a Challenge to Practical Theology
Authoritarianism is a growing threat in many parts of our world. Prominent thinkers who only a
few years ago triumphantly proclaimed “the end of history,” “the end of power,” and the global
triumph of democracy, now voice growing alarm at the rapid rise of totalitarian regimes and
sentiments internationally. Autocratic governments and actors consolidate their power and forge
alliances, often using the very tools and techniques (such as social media and community
organizing strategies) that were once thought to make participatory democracy irresistible.
For their part, faith communities have been anything but immune from this trend, as old and new
forms of religious nationalism and intolerance have been used to legitimize these developments.
How religion has contributed to the growth of authoritarianism in our time, and how it can provide
resources and strategies for combating it?
How do concepts of religious authority and unity relate to political authoritarianism? How do
religious factors interact with other dimensions such as culture, society, and technology in complex
and multifaceted dynamics? How can counter-concepts such as equality, diversity, discursivity,
tolerance of ambiguity be conceived?
We invite papers from all parts of the world and religious traditions that address global
authoritarianism as a challenge to Practical Theology.
Papers can be submitted here until August 1, 2025: https://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/ijpt
The Managing Editors: Pamela Couture, Birgit Weyel, Steve Simmons, Felix Roleder